United Heroes MUSH - User contributions [en]

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2023-03-07T06:57:31Z

Kirby: Undo revision 29936 by Kirby (talk)

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{{{Description}}}</div></div>
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{{{History}}}</div></div>
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{{{Personality}}}</div></div>
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<div class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">Click to expand.<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background-color:#333;">
{{{Abilities}}}</div></div>
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{{{Skills}}}</div></div>
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{{{Resources}}}</div></div>
===Weaknesses===
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{{Character Logs}}</div></div>
===Cutscenes===
<div class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">Click to expand.<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background-color:#333;">
{{Character Logs|Cutscenes}}</div></div>
==Gallery==
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[[Category:Characters]] [[Category:{{{Theme}}}]] [[Category:{{{Chartype}}}]] [[Category:{{{Active}}}]]

14745/Smoking Buddies

2023-03-07T06:06:57Z

Kirby:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2023/03/02
|Location=Backyard, Xavier's School
|Synopsis=o
|Cast of Characters=202, 16
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''
Seventies music is an indulgance to Logan. A pair of small blue tooth speakers sit in their respctive spots in his room. Pink Floyd's "Goodbye Blue Sky," plays over them. He's staring up at the ceiling. Ocean blue eyes focused on nothing in particular while the mind wanders.

The words that could draw parallels to those that worried about bombings in WWII start to trigger a lot of memories. Fragments that flash like a film reel with large gaps between them. Logan swears he can smell the gun power of weapons, taste the fear and everything else.

Not sure if he likes where these thoughts are going, he remembers the imagery of a threat flying in the sky. This allows his mind to drift back to a few recent patrols. Jean's worried about something, a threat in the sky. Some students could be hurt, there's a larger underlying threat lingering to boot. All of it a lot to take in.

Eventually, he shakes his as if trying to throw those thoughts aside. Sitting up, he grumbles and reaches for a cigar. Another grumble follows shortly. Tere's no smoking inside.

Muttering and growling, he grabs some stick matches, the brown bomber jacket and the cowboy boots that go "Clunk!" with each step against a hard surface. They anounce his presence on solid flooring. Heading to the outside, he puts the cigar in his mouth. Cutting off the end with a claw as he walks, he'll start the prep before making it to a "Smoker's Spot" in the backyard. Once in that alittle area, he lifts a heel and runs the match against the boot's bottom. "Flick" the orange light of the match can be seen.

Right now, there's a small chill of winter and the sun is going down, but the skies are a light blue haze. Not quite dark, but far from high noon. The orange light goes to the end of the cigar where an orange cherry begins to glow.

Taking a good smoke, he just savors the cigar.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:'''
To say it's been an interesting few days would be putting things lightly. At least in Rogue's mind. She's been off flying around, maybe patroling, maybe just sight seeing, there's no one with her to really tell. She's got a lot to think about what with the news she was told a couple days ago. The...agreement? Relationship? That started the same night.

Weird.

All because she's getting better at controlling her main power. The one that kills people. With a touch. How could she ever think to be anywhere near normal with a power like that? To drain someone's power with a brush of the hand. Or their life energy with a kiss on the lips. And what happens on the days when she can't control it as well as others cause the day was just bad.

She's beginning to tell herself it's too risky. She should save a life while she still could.

Then there was a tree in the smoking area that the faculty and students (of legal age) were allowed in the back yard. She's perched there, smoking her own cigarette, when the looming shadow of Logan comes stomping over. He won't know she's there. Well, he might. He's got the nose of a fucking bloodhound. Nothing gets past him. Not nothing or no one.

It's still a bit comical to her to hook her legs on the branch she was perched on just before and roll upside down while the cigarette hangs from her mouth. "Heya Logan! Yer lookin' a bit more miserable than usual. What gives?"

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''
"Anna," Logan says before Rogue even makes it up to him. Even through the smell of cigar smoke. She smells of rain, fresh cut wood and maybe a small hint of lilac. Taking another puff of the cigar, "You seem troubled," sometimes when someone is off enough, it changes the smell slightly. Fear, depression and othr emotions can alter one's smell similarly.

Her question comes out, "Got a lot on my mind darlin'. Tryin' to clear it all n' get my head back in the game," he admits. She's one of the few people that he would be open with. It's also why Rogue isn't getting a smoking lecture. She knows the risk and one day he may say, "I warned you," but he secretly hopes that day never comes.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:'''
"You ain't the only one with a mind full of stuff to clear out, Logan.." Rogue offers this much because she's always honest with Logan. Not that she's dishonest with others, but she does tend to shell herself against others. There's a few that have earned her trust and the brute's one of them.

"I'll share mine if you share yours?" This is offered then before she rolls up to sit on the branch then, legs hanging over the side, a foot at either of Logan's shoulders. Not on them, but aside them. She takes another hit off that cigarette, "Might could help."

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''
"You first," Logan -rarely- goes first, but he will always honor the arrangement. More smoke leaves his moutha nd floats into the air. That orange cherry blazing through the creeping darkness, being a small torch-light glow for the briefest of moments. A sky blue eye looks to heras he waits to see what's eating her mind. It helps him clear his own mind before bringing things forward.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:'''
Rogue glares, but ultimately she'll take a breath and concede. It's usually the only way she can actually get Logan to open up to her unless they're half through a 24-pack and a few smokes in.

"So. I met up with someone recently. An' we really hit it off. But you know me... despite myself I'm a natural flirt. Call it the Southern Charm, I dunno... anyway. Still, he seems nice and all but..." There's a pause. Mostly so she can inhale on that cigarette again, also so she can collect her thoughts.

"We were talkin' the other night. He wants to try and make things work. And at first...I agreed but... but now I've been thinkin'. Maybe I shouldn't have. I'm gettin' better at controllin' things but what happens if I fuck up? I can't...I can't go through that again, you know?"

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''
Logan gives a small chuckle that leaves his lips. The irony is not lost on him. "Yer worried 'bout startin' somethin', n' I'm woried 'bout how I feel cuase I ain't got nothin' to start," he keeps his head clear for a moment. Trying to give an honest opinon on this one.

"Don't look here," he'll point to her head. "Talks too much. Trust this," he'll point toward her chest, obviously meaning Rogue's heart. "Ya have a good one. Trust it. Just don't be so blind to the risks, but talk at em'. He's gotta know the risks, too," he says and gives it a moment. "Or her," Logan will add because it could be anyone. "Not fair to em' if they don't know what they're gettin' into. Kinda like bein' shoved in a pool n' not knowin' out to swim. Not a good way to start things darlin'," Logan just wants her to be fair. It's just the proper thing to do.If they don't they may be destined to fail before the end of night one.

Giving Rogue some time to work out what he said. He'll take another puff of the cigar, "I like someone, but it's gonna be a one way street. It's always gonna be one way. After a while, makes ya wanna get off the road. Find somethin' worth yer time. Makes ya feel like an idiot," Logan admits, letting her into his mindset. He'll leave names out of it. However, it may not be much of a stretch to fill in the blanks.

A sigh escapes his lips and gives a bitter chuckle, "Kinda jealous of ya darlin'. I think everyone wants a connection like that at some point," he says trying to assure Rogue that it's okay to feel. It's okay to want things like that.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:'''
Rogue watches Logan for a moment, listening to all he has to say. She sometimes both envies and feels a little sorry for him. Having lived a hundred life times is hard, but to do it alone has got to be a pain in the ass.

When he's done talking at first, she'll slip out of the tree to land next to him and puts her cigarette out in the offered ashtray nearby. "What a pair we make eh? Kinda makes me wanna go, ta hell with everyone else. You and me can just...ride off into the sunset..." She laughs at herself for even saying that out loud. Her and him? It'd likely never work - for many different reasons.

Though, she does respect Logan enough that she values his opinion. And after a moment of looking off and yet still listening to Logan let out his own thoughts, she finally looks back towards him. "Wantin' a connection, gettin' and havin'...they're all different. Even if they look the same. An' this fella knows what he's gettin' into...or...I think he does. He still wants to try it...and I kinda wanna let us try..." She smirks then.

"What's yer opinion on Warren Worthington any how?"

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''
"Don't threaten me with a good time, darlin'," logan says and he ashes on the grass, not caring. He will stomp it out just to make sure there's no faires. Logan and Rogue could work, but he worries that they would be something out of convienance. If that's the case, then it's an injsutice for both of them.

He'll give a nod about "Wanting," "Getting" and "Having," being different. On paper, they're all very similar. Or at least feel that way. Experiencing them, anyone could feel the world of difference. "You don't got that luxury. Ya can't presume that they know. You gotta make sure of it. Yer powers make it that way," he really doesn't want to say that. He knows how painful a comment might be. However, Logan will add, "I gotta be upfront 'bout the age. I'm probably gonna out live em'," and that makes him sigh. It seems they're both carrying some weight thanks to their powers.

"He's the guy I gotta whack over the head if he breaks yer heart?" Logan thinks on it for a moment and stores a comment for later. "Is he?" Logan will shoot Rogue a look.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:'''
Aww, and why's that Logan?" Rogue, the ever continuous flirt, actually goes almost nose to chest (cause, you know, Logan is taller) with the man and grins as she looks up at him. "Afraid you might actually enjoy yerself too much?"

Then Logan kinda lectures her, but she doesn't back down. Well, maybe half a step back, just so talking is a bit more comfortable. Even with the control she has, she still wears her skin tight suit, though she's also got on jean shorts and a tee shirt. Gloves as well. "No I know. We've talked about it. He knows about my powers. And I've told him I have good and bad days..." Then she sees it almost click in Logan's head and she bites on her lower lip.

"I won't lie to ya Logan. I like ya too much. So. Yes. It's Warren. He's the guy you get ta whack if he breaks my heart. But I might break his first... so it may be me yer whackin..."

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''
Looking down at her, Logan just stares. Rogue should know she's not the only flirt in this conversation. "No. I ain't afraid of that. Afraid ya might like it too much, n' want to run away wit' me. Often. Then I'd break a lotta hearts cause I've stolen yers," he says with a smirk. Not backing down as he looks down to her.

They will both take a step back. A smirk pulls at the corner of his lips, "If he hurts ya. He'll my claws can be scalpels. All the money in the world won't put Humpty Dumpty back together again," he says, that protective side coming out for the briefest of moments. He doesn't mean it. Well, most of it.

Again, Rogue is not the only flirt here, but he stops himself after Rogue's last statement. "That's yer choice at the end of the day darlin'. Yer worth the effort. Just up to the right person to see it, darlin'." He sighs and looks down at her, "Hate that yer powers make ya feel like me sometimes. Not somethin' Id' wish on anyone," he admits.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:'''
"Well we won't rightly know unless either of us takes the first step ta findin' out.." Rogue quips right back to him, just because she can. Mostly because she knows it's all words. One day it may not be. For now though...

"Should I pass that along to him as a message or let him find out the hard way. On his own?" Asking this of the man who will flirt with her one moment and then become her protector the next. There's something in the back of her mind, they could work. If they really wanted to make it happen, the both of them. But that's not the conversation they're having today.

That last comment he makes has her shrugging shoulders. "I hate that you feel a certain way about your own powers. It ain't a great feelin'. That whole constant fear thing...the pain of the past...the nightmares..." She stops herself and goes through the motions to light up another cigarette. "Anyway...was that all that was on yer mind? You looked a little heavier with thoughts..."

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''
Turning and looking her directly in the eyes, with a small space between them. "Nothin' between us 'cept air and opportunity. Yer move," Logan challenges, knowing that these are words. They could lead into action, but that ball will be in her court. -Firmly-.

Turning away, "If he finds out the hard way, he's gonna go missin' fer a bit. Days, maybe weeks or months. If it drags on, it'll be on him," Logan says this, as if he's explaing why the sky is blue. Just a fact in his mind.

"Least we know how each other feels. Kinda," thre's a strange comfort in that. Ashing his cigar, he'll look back to her. Shaking his head, Logan hates that she can do that. Jean can, too. However, Rogue does it in a way where Logan will actually talk. Jean may need to coerce a little.

"Jean saw somethin' the other night. Worried some people might be hurt n' has no idea what -exactly- she saw. Whatever it was flew in the sky near the grounds. Enough to raise her fears n' she's got a good head on her shoulders. Mostly," Logan will refrain from certain slim comments. "Worried 'bout that. Worried 'bout school startin' back up. I know some of the kids fear me. That's good sometimes, but allt he time? Kinda grates on ya. Makes ya feel like an animal or a threat," yes. he is those things. However, there's more to him than that.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:'''
If Rogue wasn't so caught up in current minefields within her own mind, there's no telling what might have happened in that brief moment before Logan turns away. Yet then he turns away, and she's given a bit of reprieve, and the ball is in her court. Where it might just stay for a long while.

Fuck life can be hard!

"Too little too late. Maybe..." She might have to have a whole other conversation now. Cause she's already got this whole headspace with one guy, there's no way she's gonna try to juggle two! Not to mention, she'll be constantly competing with Logan's feelings for Jean.

And then there's that secret she knows and is sure as hell not saying a WORD about it to the man in front of her.

"Oh? ... Is anyone gonna go out and look into it? If it landed close by shouldn't we look into it?" Rogue asks this first and then Logan is on about school. "Oh, don't let that get to ya. Most the time the students warm up to you given time..." She steps in, because he's turned to her again, and a hand lifts to touch a gloved palm against his cheek. "You need to 'ave a little more faith than you often carry, Logan. It may do you a world of good."

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''
Sky blue eyes look to Rogue for a moment. "If ya didn't talk 'bout a crush, I'd do more," he says. A flirt with -some- honor. The man looks toward her for a moment.

Sighing, Logan looks back at her. "If he don't work darlin'," he shakes his head. "Must be crazy fer sayin' it. Be nice to talk to a woman that wants -me-. Not just the idea," Logan says and Rogue gets the feeling that great Jean foundation may be cracking.

"What is it?" Logan thinks Rogue is just too lost in her thoughts. He's clueless about any secrets.

"We are n' it didn't land. Floated in the air, stayed in the air," Logan admits knowing it could be anything froma drone to a Sentinel. A look shoots toward her, "How 'bout ya carry the Faith fer me n' give me good words here n' there," he looks to the gloved hand on his face.

Logan then does soemthing incredibly stupid. A hand will reach out and touch her cheek for the -briefest- of moments. He'll fight off screams and pull away quickly. Shaking his head like a current gone through it.

"Fergot my glove," he says through a strain, but she gets the feeling that maybe Logan wanted Anna to -feel- that skin. Even if it's just for a -very- fleeting moment.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:'''
Rogue lets out a soft chuckle and then shakes her head. "Lotta thoughts runnin' around up there, shugah.. I'm just tryin' to get 'em all in a row..." Is said, after a moment. After Logan makes an offer she's not sure she heard right, but then there was that added bit. Him wanting a woman that wants -him- for him.

"Well good. If there's anything I can do to help with all that, just let me know." She's obviously still an X-Men after all and that duty will come before just about anything. Green eyes find his blue ones as he looks at her once more. "Sure, Logan. I'll carry the faith for you...and you know I always put in a good word."

Then, there's that touch. It's very very brief, but even then with it being unexpected she can't help the fact that he suffers just a tiny bit for it. Her own hand gently pulls from his cheek to touch against her own where she had just felt his skin. The tingle that slightly remains melding with the feeling of having had bare skin touch her....

"You're...stupid for doing that...warn me next time..." She offers. "Cause then..." And she reaches for his hand, "trust me" is said before she lifts it and presses his hand to her cheek once more. Only this time. There's nothing. No tingle, no sensation like he's being drained. He's just...touching her skin...and feeling her slight smile. "See."

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''
"Don't blame ya. I'm got my ducks in a row after this n' it feels like I'm still herdin' em'." It does, and doesn't get easier. Sky blue eyes look back to her. "I'll keep the faith in ya. Return the favor when ya need it. It's why I want ya happy. Ya deserve it," Logan looks away to take another puff of the cigar. Just enjoying the flavor of it. Plus, it let's the world get drowned out by a favorite taste.

"Never said I was smart darlin'. That's Hank's department," Logan says feeling that buzz an tingle in his arms. Then he feels Rogues skin wihtout the sensation that usually follows. It's a pleasant surprise.

"If yer ducks in a row, just speak from the heart. Blurt it out. If I can help, I will," sometimes it just helps to vent. That includes getting thoughts figured out properly.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:'''
"I don't know anymore, Logan..." Rogue says as she lets her eyes find his, holding his gaze while he's still touching her cheek. "Warren and I...we were having fun and flirting and it was quirky and cute and it made me feel...normal...for a moment." A pause as she tries to keep her thoughts in a row. Turns her head just a bit to take a drag off her cigarette.

"But there's fear there. A lot of fear. And I have to wonder if he really, truly knows what he's getting into. I don't think he knows. Or maybe he doesn't care as much as he really should. He seems so...aloof...I dunno if I can handle that."

Her eyes shift to look back to those sky blue ones. "Then you and I talk...and it's easy. It's always been so easy. And we both know where our powers stand, where they're going. You know...all the risks...and yet...you're still here. I gotta admit, Logan...it may be a little more'n a crush I got on ya..."

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''
Logan's quiet for a little bit. Just keeping his thoughts inward and taking her words to heart. Listening to them and examining them. "Ya gotta ask yerself if ya can see yerself wit' someone like that. Gotta be sure n' listen to yerself. If ya don't think ya can handle it, maybe he's meant to be a good friend. Everyone's got limits, darlin'," Logan says feeling that lately. A lot.

Looking back toward Rogue, Logan will be honest. "It might be more than a crush, but again. Gotta be honest wit' yerself. Again. Figure out angel boy. If ya think it can't get a point, work on the next problem," he points toward himself. Ocean blue eyes flick toward her.

"Want ya to -know- what ya want. Only thing between us is air, n' opportunity," then he sees his hand. "Maybe just opportunity then." He'll start to move the hand away unless she stops him. "Tell ya somethin'. I'd only stop ya if I thought ya were in doubt," he admits honstly .It's meant to make her feel comfortable if conclusions ever form.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:'''
Rogue smiles again. "I know you would stop me if you thought I was in doubt...and I try to only do things when I'm not doubting the outcome." She takes a breath, then she takes a drag off her cigarette, flicking ashes. "Whatever happens, in whatever context...I am glad you and I are close. Truly. It's good to know that I can talk to you about anything. And that goes both ways, ya know." She offers this and then takes another deep breath.

"But yer right. One thing at a time. I gotta figure out things with Warren. Otherwise it ain't fair to him." It's here that she moves to hug Logan, but since she's all covered in clothing it's not really a bad or dangerous thing for her to do.

Still, she has to make sure of one thing. "We good?"

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''
Logan flicks some ash off of his cigar. Then he'll take another long slow inhale. Both eyes close as he savors it. Her words are not lost on him. "Me too darlin'. More than ya know," he says jsut trying to assure Rogue of his own appreciation there.

A nod comes from Logan as she hugs him. He's in agreement with her about fairness. Logan will hold back one thing, maybe she detects it, maybe she doesn't. She might know when thoughts are stored away. He won't lie about it, but Logan may not be opena bout it. Then her question comes.

Logan thinks on it and he'll whisper something to Rogue. Then he'll give her a nod. Is it an answer to the question? Confirming what he said? It's probably both.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:'''
Rogue listens, takes everything in, and then there's the hug. And the whispered words. As she pulls back, she sees the nod he gives and all she can do in the moment is smile. Words are hard, especially when they're all twisted in your head.

Finally she's able to get out, "Thanks for the talk. Don't be a stranger. But I should..get to my room..get a little shut eye." And it's here that she mashes out her cigarette once more before stepping away a bit and before he can say much more she takes off to the skies. Her rooms on the second floor, but she usually uses the roof access to get to it cause it's more fun that way.
}}

14745/Smoking Buddies

2023-03-07T05:54:52Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2023/03/02 |Location=Backyard, Xavier's School |Synopsis=o |Cast of Characters=202, 16 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' Seventies music is an indulgance to Logan. A pair of small blue tooth speakers sit in their respctive spots in his room. Pink Floyd's "Goodbye Blue Sky," plays over them. He's staring up at the ceiling. Ocean blue eyes focused on nothing in particular while the mind wanders. &..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2023/03/02
|Location=Backyard, Xavier's School
|Synopsis=o
|Cast of Characters=202, 16
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' Seventies music is an indulgance to Logan. A pair of small blue tooth speakers sit in their respctive spots in his room. Pink Floyd's "Goodbye Blue Sky," plays over them. He's staring up at the ceiling. Ocean blue eyes focused on nothing in particular while the mind wanders. The words that could draw parallels to those that worried about bombings in WWII start to trigger a lot of memories. Fragments that flash like a film reel with large gaps between them. Logan swears he can smell the gun power of weapons, taste the fear and everything else. Not sure if he likes where these thoughts are going, he remembers the imagery of a threat flying in the sky. This allows his mind to drift back to a few recent patrols. Jean's worried about something, a threat in the sky. Some students could be hurt, there's a larger underlying threat lingering to boot. All of it a lot to take in. Eventually, he shakes his as if trying to throw those thoughts aside. Sitting up, he grumbles and reaches for a cigar. Another grumble follows shortly. Tere's no smoking inside. Muttering and growling, he grabs some stick matches, the brown bomber jacket and the cowboy boots that go "Clunk!" with each step against a hard surface. They anounce his presence on solid flooring. Heading to the outside, he puts the cigar in his mouth. Cutting off the end with a claw as he walks, he'll start the prep before making it to a "Smoker's Spot" in the backyard. Once in that alittle area, he lifts a heel and runs the match against the boot's bottom. "Flick" the orange light of the match can be seen. Right now, there's a small chill of winter and the sun is going down, but the skies are a light blue haze. Not quite dark, but far from high noon. The orange light goes to the end of the cigar where an orange cherry begins to glow. Taking a good smoke, he just savors the cigar.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' To say it's been an interesting few days would be putting things lightly. At least in Rogue's mind. She's been off flying around, maybe patroling, maybe just sight seeing, there's no one with her to really tell. She's got a lot to think about what with the news she was told a couple days ago. The...agreement? Relationship? That started the same night. Weird. All because she's getting better at controlling her main power. The one that kills people. With a touch. How could she ever think to be anywhere near normal with a power like that? To drain someone's power with a brush of the hand. Or their life energy with a kiss on the lips. And what happens on the days when she can't control it as well as others cause the day was just bad. She's beginning to tell herself it's too risky. She should save a life while she still could. Then there was a tree in the smoking area that the faculty and students (of legal age) were allowed in the back yard. She's perched there, smoking her own cigarette, when the looming shadow of Logan comes stomping over. He won't know she's there. Well, he might. He's got the nose of a fucking bloodhound. Nothing gets past him. Not nothing or no one. It's still a bit comical to her to hook her legs on the branch she was perched on just before and roll upside down while the cigarette hangs from her mouth. "Heya Logan! Yer lookin' a bit more miserable than usual. What gives?"

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' "Anna," Logan says before Rogue even makes it up to him. Even through the smell of cigar smoke. She smells of rain, fresh cut wood and maybe a small hint of lilac. Taking another puff of the cigar, "You seem troubled," sometimes when someone is off enough, it changes the smell slightly. Fear, depression and othr emotions can alter one's smell similarly. Her question comes out, "Got a lot on my mind darlin'. Tryin' to clear it all n' get my head back in the game," he admits. She's one of the few people that he would be open with. It's also why Rogue isn't getting a smoking lecture. She knows the risk and one day he may say, "I warned you," but he secretly hopes that day never comes.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' "You ain't the only one with a mind full of stuff to clear out, Logan.." Rogue offers this much because she's always honest with Logan. Not that she's dishonest with others, but she does tend to shell herself against others. There's a few that have earned her trust and the brute's one of them. "I'll share mine if you share yours?" This is offered then before she rolls up to sit on the branch then, legs hanging over the side, a foot at either of Logan's shoulders. Not on them, but aside them. She takes another hit off that cigarette, "Might could help."

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' "You first," Logan -rarely- goes first, but he will always honor the arrangement. More smoke leaves his moutha nd floats into the air. That orange cherry blazing through the creeping darkness, being a small torch-light glow for the briefest of moments. A sky blue eye looks to heras he waits to see what's eating her mind. It helps him clear his own mind before bringing things forward.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue glares, but ultimately she'll take a breath and concede. It's usually the only way she can actually get Logan to open up to her unless they're half through a 24-pack and a few smokes in. "So. I met up with someone recently. An' we really hit it off. But you know me... despite myself I'm a natural flirt. Call it the Southern Charm, I dunno... anyway. Still, he seems nice and all but..." There's a pause. Mostly so she can inhale on that cigarette again, also so she can collect her thoughts. "We were talkin' the other night. He wants to try and make things work. And at first...I agreed but... but now I've been thinkin'. Maybe I shouldn't have. I'm gettin' better at controllin' things but what happens if I fuck up? I can't...I can't go through that again, you know?"

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' Logan gives a small chuckle that leaves his lips. The irony is not lost on him. "Yer worried 'bout startin' somethin', n' I'm woried 'bout how I feel cuase I ain't got nothin' to start," he keeps his head clear for a moment. Trying to give an honest opinon on this one. "Don't look here," he'll point to her head. "Talks too much. Trust this," he'll point toward her chest, obviously meaning Rogue's heart. "Ya have a good one. Trust it. Just don't be so blind to the risks, but talk at em'. He's gotta know the risks, too," he says and gives it a moment. "Or her," Logan will add because it could be anyone. "Not fair to em' if they don't know what they're gettin' into. Kinda like bein' shoved in a pool n' not knowin' out to swim. Not a good way to start things darlin'," Logan just wants her to be fair. It's just the proper thing to do.If they don't they may be destined to fail before the end of night one. Giving Rogue some time to work out what he said. He'll take another puff of the cigar, "I like someone, but it's gonna be a one way street. It's always gonna be one way. After a while, makes ya wanna get off the road. Find somethin' worth yer time. Makes ya feel like an idiot," Logan admits, letting her into his mindset. He'll leave names out of it. However, it may not be much of a stretch to fill in the blanks. A sigh escapes his lips and gives a bitter chuckle, "Kinda jealous of ya darlin'. I think everyone wants a connection like that at some point," he says trying to assure Rogue that it's okay to feel. It's okay to want things like that.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue watches Logan for a moment, listening to all he has to say. She sometimes both envies and feels a little sorry for him. Having lived a hundred life times is hard, but to do it alone has got to be a pain in the ass. When he's done talking at first, she'll slip out of the tree to land next to him and puts her cigarette out in the offered ashtray nearby. "What a pair we make eh? Kinda makes me wanna go, ta hell with everyone else. You and me can just...ride off into the sunset..." She laughs at herself for even saying that out loud. Her and him? It'd likely never work - for many different reasons. Though, she does respect Logan enough that she values his opinion. And after a moment of looking off and yet still listening to Logan let out his own thoughts, she finally looks back towards him. "Wantin' a connection, gettin' and havin'...they're all different. Even if they look the same. An' this fella knows what he's gettin' into...or...I think he does. He still wants to try it...and I kinda wanna let us try..." She smirks then. "What's yer opinion on Warren Worthington any how?"

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' "Don't threaten me with a good time, darlin'," logan says and he ashes on the grass, not caring. He will stomp it out just to make sure there's no faires. Logan and Rogue could work, but he worries that they would be something out of convienance. If that's the case, then it's an injsutice for both of them. He'll give a nod about "Wanting," "Getting" and "Having," being different. On paper, they're all very similar. Or at least feel that way. Experiencing them, anyone could feel the world of difference. "You don't got that luxury. Ya can't presume that they know. You gotta make sure of it. Yer powers make it that way," he really doesn't want to say that. He knows how painful a comment might be. However, Logan will add, "I gotta be upfront 'bout the age. I'm probably gonna out live em'," and that makes him sigh. It seems they're both carrying some weight thanks to their powers. "He's the guy I gotta whack over the head if he breaks yer heart?" Logan thinks on it for a moment and stores a comment for later. "Is he?" Logan will shoot Rogue a look.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Aww, and why's that Logan?" Rogue, the ever continuous flirt, actually goes almost nose to chest (cause, you know, Logan is taller) with the man and grins as she looks up at him. "Afraid you might actually enjoy yerself too much?" Then Logan kinda lectures her, but she doesn't back down. Well, maybe half a step back, just so talking is a bit more comfortable. Even with the control she has, she still wears her skin tight suit, though she's also got on jean shorts and a tee shirt. Gloves as well. "No I know. We've talked about it. He knows about my powers. And I've told him I have good and bad days..." Then she sees it almost click in Logan's head and she bites on her lower lip. "I won't lie to ya Logan. I like ya too much. So. Yes. It's Warren. He's the guy you get ta whack if he breaks my heart. But I might break his first... so it may be me yer whackin..."

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' Looking down at her, Logan just stares. Rogue should know she's not the only flirt in this conversation. "No. I ain't afraid of that. Afraid ya might like it too much, n' want to run away wit' me. Often. Then I'd break a lotta hearts cause I've stolen yers," he says with a smirk. Not backing down as he looks down to her. They will both take a step back. A smirk pulls at the corner of his lips, "If he hurts ya. He'll my claws can be scalpels. All the money in the world won't put Humpty Dumpty back together again," he says, that protective side coming out for the briefest of moments. He doesn't mean it. Well, most of it. Again, Rogue is not the only flirt here, but he stops himself after Rogue's last statement. "That's yer choice at the end of the day darlin'. Yer worth the effort. Just up to the right person to see it, darlin'." He sighs and looks down at her, "Hate that yer powers make ya feel like me sometimes. Not somethin' Id' wish on anyone," he admits.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' "Well we won't rightly know unless either of us takes the first step ta findin' out.." Rogue quips right back to him, just because she can. Mostly because she knows it's all words. One day it may not be. For now though... "Should I pass that along to him as a message or let him find out the hard way. On his own?" Asking this of the man who will flirt with her one moment and then become her protector the next. There's something in the back of her mind, they could work. If they really wanted to make it happen, the both of them. But that's not the conversation they're having today. That last comment he makes has her shrugging shoulders. "I hate that you feel a certain way about your own powers. It ain't a great feelin'. That whole constant fear thing...the pain of the past...the nightmares..." She stops herself and goes through the motions to light up another cigarette. "Anyway...was that all that was on yer mind? You looked a little heavier with thoughts..."

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' Turning and looking her directly in the eyes, with a small space between them. "Nothin' between us 'cept air and opportunity. Yer move," Logan challenges, knowing that these are words. They could lead into action, but that ball will be in her court. -Firmly-. Turning away, "If he finds out the hard way, he's gonna go missin' fer a bit. Days, maybe weeks or months. If it drags on, it'll be on him," Logan says this, as if he's explaing why the sky is blue. Just a fact in his mind. "Least we know how each other feels. Kinda," thre's a strange comfort in that. Ashing his cigar, he'll look back to her. Shaking his head, Logan hates that she can do that. Jean can, too. However, Rogue does it in a way where Logan will actually talk. Jean may need to coerce a little. "Jean saw somethin' the other night. Worried some people might be hurt n' has no idea what -exactly- she saw. Whatever it was flew in the sky near the grounds. Enough to raise her fears n' she's got a good head on her shoulders. Mostly," Logan will refrain from certain slim comments. "Worried 'bout that. Worried 'bout school startin' back up. I know some of the kids fear me. That's good sometimes, but allt he time? Kinda grates on ya. Makes ya feel like an animal or a threat," yes. he is those things. However, there's more to him than that.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' If Rogue wasn't so caught up in current minefields within her own mind, there's no telling what might have happened in that brief moment before Logan turns away. Yet then he turns away, and she's given a bit of reprieve, and the ball is in her court. Where it might just stay for a long while. Fuck life can be hard! "Too little too late. Maybe..." She might have to have a whole other conversation now. Cause she's already got this whole headspace with one guy, there's no way she's gonna try to juggle two! Not to mention, she'll be constantly competing with Logan's feelings for Jean. And then there's that secret she knows and is sure as hell not saying a WORD about it to the man in front of her. "Oh? ... Is anyone gonna go out and look into it? If it landed close by shouldn't we look into it?" Rogue asks this first and then Logan is on about school. "Oh, don't let that get to ya. Most the time the students warm up to you given time..." She steps in, because he's turned to her again, and a hand lifts to touch a gloved palm against his cheek. "You need to 'ave a little more faith than you often carry, Logan. It may do you a world of good."

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' Sky blue eyes look to Rogue for a moment. "If ya didn't talk 'bout a crush, I'd do more," he says. A flirt with -some- honor. The man looks toward her for a moment. Sighing, Logan looks back at her. "If he don't work darlin'," he shakes his head. "Must be crazy fer sayin' it. Be nice to talk to a woman that wants -me-. Not just the idea," Logan says and Rogue gets the feeling that great Jean foundation may be cracking. "What is it?" Logan thinks Rogue is just too lost in her thoughts. He's clueless about any secrets. "We are n' it didn't land. Floated in the air, stayed in the air," Logan admits knowing it could be anything froma drone to a Sentinel. A look shoots toward her, "How 'bout ya carry the Faith fer me n' give me good words here n' there," he looks to the gloved hand on his face. Logan then does soemthing incredibly stupid. A hand will reach out and touch her cheek for the -briefest- of moments. He'll fight off screams and pull away quickly. Shaking his head like a current gone through it. "Fergot my glove," he says through a strain, but she gets the feeling that maybe Logan wanted Anna to -feel- that skin. Even if it's just for a -very- fleeting moment.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue lets out a soft chuckle and then shakes her head. "Lotta thoughts runnin' around up there, shugah.. I'm just tryin' to get 'em all in a row..." Is said, after a moment. After Logan makes an offer she's not sure she heard right, but then there was that added bit. Him wanting a woman that wants -him- for him. "Well good. If there's anything I can do to help with all that, just let me know." She's obviously still an X-Men after all and that duty will come before just about anything. Green eyes find his blue ones as he looks at her once more. "Sure, Logan. I'll carry the faith for you...and you know I always put in a good word." Then, there's that touch. It's very very brief, but even then with it being unexpected she can't help the fact that he suffers just a tiny bit for it. Her own hand gently pulls from his cheek to touch against her own where she had just felt his skin. The tingle that slightly remains melding with the feeling of having had bare skin touch her.... "You're...stupid for doing that...warn me next time..." She offers. "Cause then..." And she reaches for his hand, "trust me" is said before she lifts it and presses his hand to her cheek once more. Only this time. There's nothing. No tingle, no sensation like he's being drained. He's just...touching her skin...and feeling her slight smile. "See."

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' "Don't blame ya. I'm got my ducks in a row after this n' it feels like I'm still herdin' em'." It does, and doesn't get easier. Sky blue eyes look back to her. "I'll keep the faith in ya. Return the favor when ya need it. It's why I want ya happy. Ya deserve it," Logan looks away to take another puff of the cigar. Just enjoying the flavor of it. Plus, it let's the world get drowned out by a favorite taste. "Never said I was smart darlin'. That's Hank's department," Logan says feeling that buzz an tingle in his arms. Then he feels Rogues skin wihtout the sensation that usually follows. It's a pleasant surprise. "If yer ducks in a row, just speak from the heart. Blurt it out. If I can help, I will," sometimes it just helps to vent. That includes getting thoughts figured out properly.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' "I don't know anymore, Logan..." Rogue says as she lets her eyes find his, holding his gaze while he's still touching her cheek. "Warren and I...we were having fun and flirting and it was quirky and cute and it made me feel...normal...for a moment." A pause as she tries to keep her thoughts in a row. Turns her head just a bit to take a drag off her cigarette. "But there's fear there. A lot of fear. And I have to wonder if he really, truly knows what he's getting into. I don't think he knows. Or maybe he doesn't care as much as he really should. He seems so...aloof...I dunno if I can handle that." Her eyes shift to look back to those sky blue ones. "Then you and I talk...and it's easy. It's always been so easy. And we both know where our powers stand, where they're going. You know...all the risks...and yet...you're still here. I gotta admit, Logan...it may be a little more'n a crush I got on ya..."

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' Logan's quiet for a little bit. Just keeping his thoughts inward and taking her words to heart. Listening to them and examining them. "Ya gotta ask yerself if ya can see yerself wit' someone like that. Gotta be sure n' listen to yerself. If ya don't think ya can handle it, maybe he's meant to be a good friend. Everyone's got limits, darlin'," Logan says feeling that lately. A lot. Looking back toward Rogue, Logan will be honest. "It might be more than a crush, but again. Gotta be honest wit' yerself. Again. Figure out angel boy. If ya think it can't get a point, work on the next problem," he points toward himself. Ocean blue eyes flick toward her. "Want ya to -know- what ya want. Only thing between us is air, n' opportunity," then he sees his hand. "Maybe just opportunity then." He'll start to move the hand away unless she stops him. "Tell ya somethin'. I'd only stop ya if I thought ya were in doubt," he admits honstly .It's meant to make her feel comfortable if conclusions ever form.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue smiles again. "I know you would stop me if you thought I was in doubt...and I try to only do things when I'm not doubting the outcome." She takes a breath, then she takes a drag off her cigarette, flicking ashes. "Whatever happens, in whatever context...I am glad you and I are close. Truly. It's good to know that I can talk to you about anything. And that goes both ways, ya know." She offers this and then takes another deep breath. "But yer right. One thing at a time. I gotta figure out things with Warren. Otherwise it ain't fair to him." It's here that she moves to hug Logan, but since she's all covered in clothing it's not really a bad or dangerous thing for her to do. Still, she has to make sure of one thing. "We good?"

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' Logan flicks some ash off of his cigar. Then he'll take another long slow inhale. Both eyes close as he savors it. Her words are not lost on him. "Me too darlin'. More than ya know," he says jsut trying to assure Rogue of his own appreciation there. A nod comes from Logan as she hugs him. He's in agreement with her about fairness. Logan will hold back one thing, maybe she detects it, maybe she doesn't. She might know when thoughts are stored away. He won't lie about it, but Logan may not be opena bout it. Then her question comes. Logan thinks on it and he'll whisper something to Rogue. Then he'll give her a nod. Is it an answer to the question? Confirming what he said? It's probably both.

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue listens, takes everything in, and then there's the hug. And the whispered words. As she pulls back, she sees the nod he gives and all she can do in the moment is smile. Words are hard, especially when they're all twisted in your head. Finally she's able to get out, "Thanks for the talk. Don't be a stranger. But I should..get to my room..get a little shut eye." And it's here that she mashes out her cigarette once more before stepping away a bit and before he can say much more she takes off to the skies. Her rooms on the second floor, but she usually uses the roof access to get to it cause it's more fun that way.
}}

14760/An (Un)Lucky Day In Mutant Town

2023-03-07T05:49:39Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2023/03/06 |Location=Bushwick (Mutant Town), Brooklyn |Synopsis=A failed search for donuts leads to Juggernaut being put on the spot and challenged to..be nice. |Cast of Characters=282, 9025, 70, 32 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:282|Juggernaut (282)}} has posed:''' On the surface, it would seem to be business as usual in Mutant Town. Businesses are active, pedestrians mill about going through their regular affairs and, whil..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2023/03/06
|Location=Bushwick (Mutant Town), Brooklyn
|Synopsis=A failed search for donuts leads to Juggernaut being put on the spot and challenged to..be nice.
|Cast of Characters=282, 9025, 70, 32
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:282|Juggernaut (282)}} has posed:''' On the surface, it would seem to be business as usual in Mutant Town. Businesses are active, pedestrians mill about going through their regular affairs and, while not exactly hopping yet given the hours, the bars and clubs have their share of people taking a late afternoon break from what's already no doubt been a less then enjoyable start to the work week. There is some tension in the air though. A slight undercurrent like a pot only just beginning to bubble. This is a mutant community and rumors of missing students in Westchester and strange lights in the sky have some who are more 'in the know' then others a little jittery and a little uncomfortable and there are always those around willing to take advantage of that. Things seem likely able to pop off at any moment. Just one of those days. Into this cauldron of bubbling trouble comes..a Certain Citizen Cain..filling the entire entry way of a liquor store with the immensity of a figure that..really has no business being as big as it is, even by the standards of some of the locales. A group of teenagers who were looking to enter find themselves dumbfounded as they stare at a tee-shirt sporting Godzilla looming over Tokyo, stretched across the gargantuan mans torso and they just stare as he ducks down and steps outside onto the sidewalks. The sheer size of the man contrasted by the very mundane act of..holding a bag of chips which he begins methodically and boredly munching on while stepping forward. His ice blue eyes hidden from sight behind shades but he scarcely pays attention to those around him as he treads forward and the sidewalk crowd moves to give him a wide berth.

:'''{{#var:9025|Alice (9025)}} has posed:''' Bushwick, better known as Mutanttown, never had no slight undercurrent of stress. At times it were purifiers that were the reason, at other times it was their political counterparts, but there were few days that the area could be considered calm. Though there most certainly were days on which the place seemed to cook. Alice of all should know. She does live there after all. Redhead she was, she might stand out in a normal crowd, but in this place... red hair was like a low visibility mark, compared to people with blue skin, a thrid arm or a total lack of eyesockets. Still... she was Mutant like most there.

:'''{{#var:70|Wanda Maximoff (70)}} has posed:''' Somedays, Wanda is torn on the morality and responsibility of flying across New York City under the influence of her chaotic magic. On one hand, it _is_ environmentally friendly, convenient, and often times allows her to get a look at the city that few others could have. On the other, it is somewhat selfish, and keeps her disconnected from people. Also, pigeons. There are pigeons. Perhaps that is penance enough to allow for a flight from the Themysciran embassy back to the Mansion. Except that Wanda has a craving for donuts. But not any donuts. Oh no, specifically from a small spot in Bushwick, which has her flight path altered. Because invoking ancient eldritch power to have reality twist and deposit a coincidental order of donuts in the Mansion kitchen is definitely a bridge too far. Besides, stopping in, smiling and chit-chatting and paying with actual cash? These small, all too human touches to the process keep her grounded. Keep reality balanced and focused. She needs them. Even if her eyebrows do perk as she descends towards the sidewalk smoothly, only to spot a shadow looming. An unmistakable shadow, because for it to be that size and not bellowing about a Puny Banner, it can only be so many people. As her boots touch down, her hands reflexively smooth her long coat, adjusting the shoulders, lips curving in a thoughtful frown. Eyes track. She can feel that uncertainty in the air. That particular stretching of probability towards trouble that always raises the hair on the back of her neck. She has a feeling reality warping or not, she's not going to be getting her donuts without incident. A shame.

:'''{{#var:32|Power Girl (32)}} has posed:''' Power Girl Unknown to the Mistress of magic, one Superhero is already at the donut shop and kinda bought them out of almost everything .. they still have some donuts but not alot.. She, on the other hand, is sitting on the roof .. well in the big O of the sign ontop of the shot with her sugary booty and humming to herself as she enjoys each one! .. " Ohh that pistachio with red bean paste is amazing " .

:'''{{#var:282|Juggernaut (282)}} has posed:''' Indeed, if you know him - Cain Marko cuts a somewhat unmistakable silhouette even when out of armor and not as big as he can be. That he's also a red head just adds to that special sort of charm but..Wanda especially can peg him for who he is and what he is. There was a past encounter but..even if that hadn't taken place the fact is that the man is essentially a perpetually erupting volcano of magical energy contained within a not so svelte figure. A mountain range on any radar or senses that target the presence of magic. As to the tension in the air and the atmosphere? It pretty much flies under his acknowledgement as does most of those present as he makes his way down the sidewalk in the general direction of the donut shop. Even among mutants present, most seem to have enough common sense to not seek to impede his approach and passage even if..fundementally he's just friggen 'huge'. Wanda's arrival does gain his notice, however, and he pops a final chip into his mouth and then crumples the bag up, swallowing it from sight into his meaty palm as he lifts an eyebrow to look her over as she touches down nearby. "Huh. No foolin'.." he rumbles before also happening to glance up and see the lounging Power Girl. "Huh." he repeats.

:'''{{#var:9025|Alice (9025)}} has posed:''' As a quite... flashy landing happens, Alice halts to eye Wanda, the head tilting some as she raises a hand for just a moment. But it gets let down before she says anything. Was... something aboil that the Scarlet Witch was appearing?

:'''{{#var:70|Wanda Maximoff (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda's own figure might not draw the same attention Cain does out of costume, but she's getting a few glances within moments of touching down. For one thing, while flying is hardly unknown around Mutant town, it's still eye-catching. And while she's not dressed in full costume, she is wearing an _awful_ lot of shades of red. A dark red turtleneck sweater against the cold under her brown leather overcoat, slightly lighter leggings disappearing into leather boots that almost match her coat. It's really only a few steps down the sidewalk that she realizes between the tension in the air, and her dramatic entrance, she's drawing a lot of attention. Oh bother. She smiles downright sheepishly, hand raising in a little finger wiggle of a wave to... well, her surroundings really. It's very regal. Almost as regal as it is sheepish and bashful. "Oh! Uhh... hello... everybody. Don't mind me! It's... I'm not here for... I mean,... I just wanted some donuts!" She gestures towards her destination only to pause and look a touch dumbfounded herself. Is that a woman sitting in the big decorative sign? With a supply of donuts? ...Did she slip up and cast some sort of reality altering hex? No. No. She'd have noticed that, surely. But this is most unusual, and her eyes glow with a faint reddish energy, her senses shifting, peering around for magical influences. Because what are the odds they're all here on circumstance? Who's ever heard of a bunch of powered individuals showing up at one spot coincidentally? Everyone, probably. But still, you never actually think it's going to happen to _you_.

:'''{{#var:32|Power Girl (32)}} has posed:''' Power Girl Isn't even paying attention to those people well, she did but they might not have noticed a super micro-second check of them before going back to her box of goodies. So she has ALOT of box's yes are they in huge stacks yes.. but she seems to be enjoying herself. "Too sweet, not my kind but I think Kara might like this " . She licks her lips. She's not looking at him, but she is keeping track of that massive guy just because something tells her that size is not all he's about.

:'''{{#var:282|Juggernaut (282)}} has posed:''' The man-behemoth seems to take it all in stride. His brow furrows and a slight grin creases his features, stretching from one side of his face to the other in an almost shark like fashion. "..Relax red." HIs rumbling brawler of a voice vibrates its way through the air towards Wanda as he draws near. A flick of his wrist and he's tossed the empty chip bag towards a trash-bin but his shaded gaze remains locked onto Wanda. "..They just ott here wantin' your autograph all celebrity like.." His deep rumble trails off as he looks over towards the menu of available donuts and it's then thathe blinks in surprise as he too takes note of the fact that..thre seems t be nothing left to buy. "Hey what the hell..who bought all the damn donuts?" His gaze is sent back upwars towards the relaxing Power Girl and he purses his lips in mild annoyance before calling out, "Hey blondie! You sharin' any of that??"

:'''{{#var:9025|Alice (9025)}} has posed:''' RED? Alice focusses Cain as he calls her artist tag, then barely misses the bin. Sighing, she moves to pick the foil to toss it away, muttering something, before figuring out that something in the shop is off. Sold out? Blondie?     Another sigh, and Alice buries her face in her hands a moment. "This really isn't my day..."

:'''{{#var:70|Wanda Maximoff (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda's eyes widen as Cain speaks. Or maybe it's because the ground shakes with his steps and it's /not/ an Earthquake... but then they widen further. Oh no, that's definitely the widening of dawning realization. She is, in fact, a celebrity. Certainly she's been occupied with Alpha Flight, but she is back in New York, and part of the Avengers. And it's not as though Tony goes walking around town. Steve might, though if he does, she doesn't know for sure. And Natasha probably just blends into crowds. Whereas she, famed Scarlet Witch, has just floated down out of the sky on fittingly scarlet energies to land on a city street. Oh. /Bother/. Wanda braces for a flood of citizens looking for autographs... only to realize she has had like _five_ selfies taken while she was processing the entire thing. She looks over to Alice, eyebrows perking up, her accented voice chiming out. "Ah, it's one of /those/ days for you as well? If nothing else, I am sure they can make more donuts! Though we may have to wait. Hope is not lost." And then she is _also_ looking up to eye Power Girl curiously. It's not often you see someone sitting in a donut sign. Or having bought a shop worth of donuts. Or being quite so... tall.

:'''{{#var:32|Power Girl (32)}} has posed:''' Power Girl Does she peeks out and point at herself in that who me? Kinda way " I asked if I could first. Nobody said it was an issue," She says this as she swallows the cruller she was munching on. But she looks over " Did you want some? " She asks, looking down at the huge man with those big blue eye's . But she gives a beaming smile and waves to wanda tough! "

:'''{{#var:282|Juggernaut (282)}} has posed:''' "C'mon..of -course- they aint gonna care, blondie. It's cash to them regardless and you think anybody else is gonna tell -you- no? Gimme a break." Cain manages to -somehow- balance bemusement with a sense of being irrate and his default levels of grouchy sterness. "..Yeah..maybe I do. Maybe they do?" He jerks a thumb to indicate Wanda and by proximity Alice. "You giving them away?" He then pauses and turns to finally look Alice over as well..taking note of her face palm and frustration with the proceedings. To this he just shrugs and lifts his shoulders helplessly, "..Eh. Worse has happened around here, right?"

:'''{{#var:9025|Alice (9025)}} has posed:''' "One of those days? Of course it's one of 'those' days. Ok, I had worse. At least there's no purple robotthing inbound aiming for genocide, the Phoenix is not going on an intergalactic rampage and for a change we're not facing an alien invasion either. It's just Mutant kids in Westchester disappearing." Alice subsumes, pinching the root of her nose. Yep, could be worse. Sentinels, Dark Phoenix, Brood invadion. "At least there's no mad person clad in red and black that cuts off their own foot only to have it grow back into a horrible looking thing within a minute, so let's call it a decently ok-ish day?" Indeed, no Deadpool in sight.

:'''{{#var:70|Wanda Maximoff (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda's eyebrows slowly rise up, bit by bit, until they are oh so very high as Alice unloads the very many ways her day could be worse... whiiiich really makes her think the poor woman has had too many days like that. She narrows her eyes slightly, finger pointing at the redhead as she murmurs dryly. "You definitely need a fresh donut. And perhaps a tea. I recommend chamomile. Or mint. They are relaxing." She glances up towards Cain as well. Just a brief little glance to see if _he_ noticed Alice's closeness to snapping. And she makes a note. Kids going missing in Westchester. The X-Men's domain for certain. But she's a mutant as well. Nothing's stopping her from dropping by to volunteer her help.

:'''{{#var:282|Juggernaut (282)}} has posed:''' "Yeah I didn't need all that.." rumble Cain in response, sounding dismissive and disinterested at first. A brutish lack of empathy from the sounds of it or...maybe that was all just a touch overwhelming. Then again, he pretty much -undrestood- all of that whereas most people would probably find that gibberish or disconnected in some way. Rather it looks like they all run in similar circles. "Sounds like you need to hit up Apartments.Com or something and get out of Mutant Town. You got all that going on around here?" Still, the fact that he doesn't try and wander off is telling and he look at Wanda thoughtfully before glancing back to Alice and the faintest hint of a frown creases his features as he asks, "..Missing kids from Westchester . Hn... Ol'Charlie forget to set a curfew or something?"

:'''{{#var:9025|Alice (9025)}} has posed:''' "I need a day in which this town is not on the verge of boiling over in a while. Or being flatened. How about some superpower giving us an event which leads to no more purifiers? A reason for this place to truely feel relieved." Alice remaks with another sigh. "People hope for the X-men, Avengers and Justice League to save the day and maybe keep casulties in check. Which is telling in the town with the highest superpower density in the USA." Shaking her head slowly, she looks to Wanda. "Nah, I need a hot coffee and the postal service to be on time once in a while. And if you really want to make me happy, tell me when will be the day of No More Purifiers." When Cain asks about the kids in westchester, she shakes the head. "Don't think so. Last I knew, Curfew was rather strict, but that's like years ago."

:'''{{#var:70|Wanda Maximoff (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda's lips press into a thin line, as Alice lists what she needs and Wanda yearns to provide it. But she knows that's a bad idea. Sweeping, wide-ranging changes to reality are unpredictable. And even something as justifiable as erasing the Purifiers from existence would likely lead terribly awry. She deflates a little and nods her head mutely. She stares deadpan at Cain for a long moment, "I believe that was a summation of a long, frequently occuring line of events, not a list of _this morning's_ events. I'm also quite sure rent is as close to reasonable here as it gets in the city. Not everyone can pick up an armored car for literal walking around money, Mr. Marko." Still, her lips return to that severe line. Something should be done about the Purifiers. Although now she has the worrying thought that their beliefs may be protected by freedom of religion, as she can't quite recall whether or not they add a religious bent to their views. Although with a name like the Purifiers, could they really resist it?

:'''{{#var:282|Juggernaut (282)}} has posed:''' So that seals it. If there was any doubt that Wanda knows who he is it's gone now and Cain merely hoods his eyes slightly at her rebuke. He glances over at Alice once more and then gives a non committal grunt while placing both of his hands on his hips. NOpe, nope. He didn't like that one bit. "Fine, fine. I'm not an idiot. I know that all didn't happen today. Fact is..life sucks and there's always a target somewhere right? Try growin' up during World War II or 'Nam or something.." He shakes his head and rubs his fingers along his jaw, scratching at the half in, half out beard he's been growing. The sound isn't unlike a dried brush dragging across concrete. The casual gesture a mild hint of the power restrained in his body. "Alright so..who're the Purifiers? Charles aint sussed them out yet?"

:'''{{#var:9025|Alice (9025)}} has posed:''' "This place is safer than other neighborhoods, Mr... Marco was it, right? You might see the odd tentacle-handed guy or pink lass, but would a sane person try to do crime in the only area of town where that can end you with a fate worse than a bullet in your chest? No. Crime rates and rent are sane here. Plus, it's *my* turf." Alice notes as she joins the deadpan stare. "Ok, you want the short or the long version? The short version is... Think of the KKK, but instead of black people they hate Mutants, and instead of crosses on lawns they burn those mutants in their homes that they can get their fingers on."

:'''{{#var:70|Wanda Maximoff (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda sighs and bobs her head, shrugging her shoulders helplessly. "That's... a very capable short version. You haven't heard of them?" She eyes Cain curiously, teeth worrying her lower lip for a moment, "You being a known... ah... unfriendly acquaintance of the X-Men, and, not within typical height range, I'd have thought they'd mistake you for a mutant long before now." There's another pause and she shrugs helplessly. "But they are cowards and cads. Villains who attack those who cannot defend themselves. So... avoiding your particular orbit does rather make sense for them."

:'''{{#var:282|Juggernaut (282)}} has posed:''' Well any pretense for pretending like he wasn't in the know is out of the window now so Cain just outright says it, Alice or no Alice: "What..cause I'm The Juggernaut? That means I run in the same circles as any ol'group of idiot stupid racists and factions there too insecure and idiotic to get along with folk who just happen to be born different then 'em? " He seems..genuinely..well..hurt isn't the right word. Insulted? "C'mon now. I don't much like idiot step-brother or his cronies but I got better associates then some glorified hate-group. Naw I wasn't paying any attention to dirt bags like that. Beneath me." To the rest he just grunts and folds his arms. His muscles creak ominously, a sound not unlike industrial leather being stretched as his tee shirt struggles against his idle movements. "I'm no mutant." he notes, "I"ve made that plain anytime. If they had enough sense to do some research on me they'd know to not take a chance. I don't pull punches on racists..."

:'''{{#var:9025|Alice (9025)}} has posed:''' "I..." Alice stammers, sighing again as she rubs her temple. "I already said, this is not my day it seems. Mister Marco, or Juggernaut if you prefer that, I can't tell you what to do, but if you really think that... maybe you could help out? I mean, not like helping the X-men or anything, but show the people around *here* that you're a good person, that *someone* cares for them being ok and free of the constant harrassment of such bad people that want to deny them their basic humanity? Just... to calm the nerves a little..."

:'''{{#var:70|Wanda Maximoff (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda frowns thoughtfully and eyes Cain even further as Alice chimes in. "She's right, you know. You should, perhaps, pull your punches the amount you do for fighting non-racist individuals. Do not kill them." She shrugs lightly and murmurs dryly, "But you could, perhaps, indicate to the next group of miscreants to take exception to my people living their lives that their presence is... not desired or tolerated. I cannot promise indulging the request will give you any sort of lenience in being prosecuted for crimes you commit." Her lips quirk in a dry smile and she peers up at Cain, "But it could not hurt."

:'''{{#var:282|Juggernaut (282)}} has posed:''' Cain Marko's lips curl into a dry look of distaste and annoyance. He doesn't like having his sense of morality put on the spot...and he dislikes being challenged even more then that. But he's also notably not simply walking away from the two women. His expression likely says enough though, along with a long heavy and weighty silence that seems to grow more dense and ominous as the seconds pass. Then: "...I aint making no promises. Sometimes things just happen and people can get hurt. Let's face it...Mutant Town is a good spot for folk to be able to lie low in or move through if they don't want to be noticed or stand out. I know a few sites here myself.." His body shifts from side to side, a sort of mild anxiousness at it all and then he finally simply concedes, "..No harm in putting a little rumor out that The Juggernaut's got a favorite spot in Mutant Town and doesn't want the place or place around it jacked up..I suppose.."
}}

14743/Can't even go shopping

2023-03-01T15:26:34Z

Kirby:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2023/03/01
|Location=Parking Lot
|Synopsis=A date for another time is made
|Cast of Characters=197, 202, 9892
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:197|Mystique (197)}} has posed:''' Mystique Smiles as she walks with logan.. she's over the moon she convinced the poster boy for the grumpy dwarf to go shopping with her.. some people would say that it was impossible or a myth.. but here she is.. even saying that she looks over " do you think I should go like this? " She shifts slowly her whole body, even her clothes shifting to make herself look like Taylor swift! " Or, " She shifts again, "Now she's Kim Kardashian." 

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' Logan isn't exactly grumpy about this, but he's not thrilled. Too many previous trips of being the chaperone turned pack mule. Logan is just expecting similar by this. "No celebrities. People are gonna want yer autograph n' be disappointed when they discover Taylor Swift don't sign the paper write," he says looking at her. "If ya wanna catch some attention pick a model from a fashion magazine. Get the looks, but none of the autograph askin'," he says and doesn't want to be swarmed by people thinking he's paid security. 

:'''{{#var:9892|Sarah Connor (9892)}} has posed:''' So here was Logan's school. By the outside it was a pretty expensive school. Something he hadn't mentioned. As it was, Logan was supposed to be in the garage, or close to it. Which made Sarah a wee bit nervous - what if the children saw her? Why did she have to find Logan *right now*? On second thought, maybe she should backtrack and try this again another day.. 

:'''{{#var:197|Mystique (197)}} has posed:''' Mystique Thinks and sighs as she walk right into the garage as she's slowly shifting " Your right ADRIANA LIMA suits me best right now right ? " She smirks showing off. Logans known her long enough to know she hates to be herself with outside or out and about.. Besides she likes to be arm caandy for somebody doing her a favor . 

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' Logan is walking with Mystique changing again. "It'll work," he says knowing there's going to be heads turning. The heavy foot falls of his boots touching the concrete echo, drawing attetnion of anyone nearby. Logan's easy to spot as he is going for a particular Motorcycle in the garage. It's a modern Indian, bike. He prefers them to Harleys, just a nostalgia thing from a life he can no longer remember. Dipping a hand into the inside pocket of his bomber jacket. He snags the keys and a scent catches his attetnion. Sniffing the air, the man starts to look around thinking someone familiar is near. 

:'''{{#var:9892|Sarah Connor (9892)}} has posed:''' There's the garage.. And there's.. Holy fuck! A ..terminator? She knew they could be anyone, but she's never experienced one who could morph into another's body quite that way. Immediately Sarah pulled out her handgun - the only weapon, other than knives, that she had brought with her from the truck. At first she didn't see Logan. And then she did. "Get away! I'm not sure, but this one is pretending to be a student.." Or close. Sarah wasn't certain how old the school ran too. As she told him, she drew closer to them. 

:'''{{#var:197|Mystique (197)}} has posed:''' Mystique Years year and years of people pulling guns on her and always having them on her.. she tends to hide them with her powers, so of course, when somebody snaps a gun.. it's like you blink, and she has one too pointed back.. even if she's using a model's face, so it doesn't seem correct. "I'm not a student I'm a teacher," she says camly. 

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' "Stop!" he says to both of them. "Sarah, this is a mutant. Her name is Mystique. She's a shapeshifter. Trust me, she don't smell like metal, gears, blood or anything' like that," well she might smell like a few things. However, Sarah didn't need to know some of Mystique's life choices. "Mystique this is Sarah. Sarah's trust worthy, but jumpy," he doesn't tell Sarah's story either because it's not his to tell. Right now, he feels odd knowing both their stories. Yet, he should be quiet bout them to the other party membrs. 

:'''{{#var:9892|Sarah Connor (9892)}} has posed:''' Still, Sarah held steady - even with a gun upon her. "Sure. A teacher. Nice try. So you've got a gun on me. 18 years of dodging your bullets.." In other words, she's not afraid. Logan spoke up at that point, saying he trusted this.. Mystique. But he did mention the lack of metal gears. Still.. "Hey Logan." She nodded with her chin, still focusing on Mystique. Though she didn't fire her gun. Yet. "This could be a new type of terminator? They're getting trickier these days." What with John almost out of high school, and ready to take up the resistance. 

:'''{{#var:197|Mystique (197)}} has posed:''' Mystique Blinks, as she looks at this girl and slowly shifts back down to her normal state ", Are your terminators blue? " She asks, putting a hand on her hip as she looks at the girl.. if Logan said she's okay she just puts her gun down.. something tells you she's doing that because she thinks she can still get you. What's more, she doesn't let go of the gun just lowers it. 

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' "Sarah. This ain't a Terminator," Logan looks at her for a moment. "It's her power. She can take the form of anyone. Shapeshifter. There's a couple about n' she's the best," yes, that is a compliment. He looks back to Mystique, "Sarah's seen some stuff. Most of it revolves around robot assassins called Terminators. They're made to look human. Perfect killin' machine. Somethin' that sneaks in, learns, kills wit' efficiency n' repeats it," he says trying to ease the tension between people. Right now, any form of social protocol is promptly tossed out. "And I've been 'round Mystique on and off today. Her scent hasn't changed much. The few changes, normal people stuff," he says just pointing that out there. 

:'''{{#var:9892|Sarah Connor (9892)}} has posed:''' No, she doesn't *think* they come in blue. But then again, if it was a new terminator, they might be blue in order to facilitate the quick morphing. But one thing they never did was put down their guns. If Sarah had a bead on them, they most certainly would fire, and come up with a tale later. If. Usually, they didn't worry about tales. Between that, and Logan's standing up for her, Sarah finally put her weapon away, muttering "If you're wrong, we both shall pay." *grumble grumble* "Mystique? Is that your name? Or should I call you something else?" See Logan? She's playing nice. 

:'''{{#var:197|Mystique (197)}} has posed:''' Mystique Chuckles " it's my Mutant name.. I gave up my human name over a hundred years ago " She shrugs as she shifts her dress to put the gun back at her thigh and putting it away.. before she shifts back into the model she has a feeling the woman is here for something. 

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' Logan sees the pair putting away the shooters. Ocean blue eyes regard them evenly. Breathing slowly, he speaks, "We were going to the mall. I know that's a lot of eyes," Sarah does hate prying eyes. "What brings ya to my doorstep, Sarah. What happened," he says to the woman, curiously. This is the first time she came to him. "What will make ya calmer?" he asks, trying to find some form of middle ground. The ground may be shaky, but it's stable. 

:'''{{#var:9892|Sarah Connor (9892)}} has posed:''' Sarah almost smiles. Well as close as she gets. "Trust me, you could be a terminator. I'm getting older." To her -everybody- could be a terminator. But she knows a pseudonym. She uses hers constantly. To the point sometimes she doesn't recognize her real name. She raises a brow at Logan. "You? Shopping?" She guffaws. "Nothing too important, just I remembered your talking about training together. And much as I hate the prospect, I have to admit, pitting myself against someone I can reasonably count on.." She almost said 'trust!'. "..makes a certain amount of sense." 

:'''{{#var:197|Mystique (197)}} has posed:''' The now tall brunette walks over and leans over to hug logan and smile " Yep he's being good I wanna try some new clothes so i can copy them and we need to get some gear for the kids to fight with " She says simply " but if you wanna spar with her you can logan I'll watch " 

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' "I end up bein' a pack mule," Logan admits. "Unless it's fer a bike, coat n' maybe some boots, I ain't browsing much," he's not complaining. However, this is abundantly clear that it's a favor for someone, out of the kindness of whatever he has for a heart or a combination. "She's a good shot, too," he gestures to Mystique. "The three of us could train," and Logan can almost hear that magic word from Sarah. "Any good army has people ya gotta trust when yer in the foxhole," the words come with a weight of experience. He does have flashes of his time in the military from the last war to end all wars. It's small bits of detail. Shattered images, but they do have an impression. 

:'''{{#var:9892|Sarah Connor (9892)}} has posed:''' Some people had gardens. Or took care of their car. Or thousands of things to spend their time on. But Sarah had one thing. Two if you counted keeping John alive. Which brings her back to the other thing.. After 18? 19? years shooting - all types of shooting: guns; rifles; grenades; military rocket launchers; to name a few.. she was probably as good as Bucky, which is nothing to sniff at. Logan though had the air of someone like Bucky. He didn't have to be proud for everyone to see him. He just was.. was. For Logan to say that Mystique was good? She must have made a impression on him. "Yeah?" She turns to Mystique. "So you are good?" 

:'''{{#var:197|Mystique (197)}} has posed:''' Mystique blinks and sighs and shrugs her shoulders " I'm as old as this one " She jerks her thumb towards logan " And I've seen just as many if not more wars than him " She says but the way she says it .. that's not a boast more like just saying a fact.. thiers a sadness a madness in her eye's.. the kid that only comes with watching horror unfold watching war happen . 

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:''' Logan would argue about his age, but he doesn't All of it stowed away for a moment. "We've had run ins before becomin' allies. I've been on the other end of those barrels," he admits. Just letting Sarah see where hs assessments come from. It's a very candid, firsthand experience. Plus, the stories Logan knows about. "Thats' why you keep tryin' to bounce back n' keep doin' what's right. It keeps ya sane n' grounded," he says trying to jsut be a shoulder for Mystique. Although, Mystique remembers everything. Logan doesn't. It makes him sad for the woman. "Least ya can do the one thing models can't. Look good while holdin' a gun n' know how to shoot it like an assassin," this is his way of trying to cheer her up. 

:'''{{#var:9892|Sarah Connor (9892)}} has posed:''' Sarah takes in Mystique's very matter of fact explanation, and she nods. "I know what it feels like." Maybe she doesn't have quite so many years, but Sarah would stack her life against Mystique's life. "Bummer, isn't it. You think you are going to live one life, and life gives you another." She shrugs. She almost laughs. "I had a few times with Bucky that almost were fights." She nods at Logan. "I hoped you would be available every now and then at the parks. Perhaps somewhere else for one on one." She lifts her chin up towards Mystique. "Bring her along if you want to. You know where." Sort of. She changes it up quite often. "And when." Geeze, she doesn't make easy plans to follow. Where. When. The only thing she has said was sometimes at the parks. 
}}

14743/Can't even go shopping

2023-03-01T15:16:16Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2023/03/01 |Location=Parking Lot |Synopsis=A date for another time is made |Cast of Characters=197, 202, 9892 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:197|Mystique (197)}} has posed:''' Mystique Smiles as she walks with logan.. she's over the moon she convinced the poster boy for the grumpy dwarf to go shopping with her.. some people would say that it was impossible or a myth.. but here she is.. even saying that she looks over " do yo..."

Form:Roleplaying Log

2023-03-01T15:15:38Z

Kirby:

<noinclude>
This is the "Roleplaying Log" form.
To create a page with this form, enter the page name below;
if a page with that name already exists, you will be sent to a form to edit that page.

{{#forminput:form=Roleplaying Log}}

</noinclude><includeonly><div id="wikiPreview" style="display: none; padding-bottom: 25px; margin-bottom: 25px; border-bottom: 1px solid #AAAAAA;"></div>
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{{{for template|Poses|label=The Log}}}
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!(See [[Log Guidelines|the log guidelines]] in case you want to see your log Marked up, or are using the output of the WIKI version of the SceneSys page.)
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| {{{field|Poses|input type=textarea|rows=10}}}
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{{{standard input|summary}}}

{{{standard input|minor edit}}} {{{standard input|watch}}}

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[[Category:Form]]

Template:CharacterNew

2023-03-01T12:37:10Z

Kirby:

{| class="toccolours" style="width: 375px; float: right; margin-left:10px; margin-right:1px; margin-bottom:10px; text-align: left" cellspacing="2"
|-
! style="background:{{{Color|#333}}}; color:{{{TextColor|#c1c1c1}}}; border: 1px ridge; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="4" | '''{{{NameOnMUSH}}}''' (Scenesys ID: '''{{{Char_id}}}''')
|-
! colspan="4" align="center" | <img src="{{{Img}}}" width="300">
|-
! style="background:{{{Color|#333}}}; color:{{{TextColor|#c1c1c1}}}; border: 1px ridge; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="4" | '''Quote'''
|-
! colspan="4" align="center" style="color: #F8F8FF;" | {{{Quote}}}
|-
! style="background:{{{Color|#333}}}; color:{{{TextColor|#c1c1c1}}}; border: 1px ridge; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="4" | '''Profile'''
|-
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left" | Full Name:
! colspan="3" style="color: #C0C0C0; font-weight:normal;" | {{{FullName}}}
|-
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left" | Gender:
! colspan="3" style="color: #C0C0C0; font-weight:normal;" | {{{Gender}}}
|-
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left" | Species:
! colspan="3" style="color: #C0C0C0; font-weight:normal;" | {{{Species}}}
|-
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left" | Theme:
! colspan="3" style="color: #C0C0C0; font-weight:normal;" | [[{{{Theme}}}]] ({{{Chartype}}})
|-
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left" | Occupation:
! colspan="3" style="color: #C0C0C0; font-weight:normal;" | {{{Occupation}}}
|-
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left" | Citizenship:
! colspan="3" style="color: #C0C0C0; font-weight:normal;" | {{{Citizenship}}}
|-
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left" | Residence:
! colspan="3" style="color: #C0C0C0; font-weight:normal;" | {{{Residence}}}
|-
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left" | Education:
! colspan="3" style="color: #C0C0C0; font-weight:normal;" | {{{Education}}}
|-
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left" | Status:
! colspan="3" style="color: #C0C0C0; font-weight:normal;" | [[Status::{{{Active}}}]]
|-
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left" | Groups:
! colspan="3" style="color: #C0C0C0; font-weight:normal;" | {{{Groups}}}
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! style="background:{{{Color|#333}}}; color:{{{TextColor|#c1c1c1}}}; border: 1px ridge; font-size: 110%;" align="center" colspan="4" | '''Other Information'''
|-
! style="color: #F8F8FF; width: 80px; text-align:left; font-size:80%;" | Apparent Age:
! style="color: #C0C0C0; width: 107px; text-align:left; border-right:1px solid; font-weight:normal; font-size:80%;" | {{{PAge}}}
! style="color: #F8F8FF; width: 80px; text-align:left; font-size:80%;" | Actual Age:
! style="color: #C0C0C0; width: 107px; text-align:left; font-weight:normal; font-size:80%;" | {{{AAge}}}
|-
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left; font-size:80%;" | Date of Birth
! style="color: #C0C0C0; text-align:left; border-right:1px solid; font-weight:normal; font-size:80%;" | {{{DOB}}}
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left; font-size:80%;" | Actor:
! style="color: #C0C0C0; text-align:left; font-weight:normal; font-size:80%;" | {{{Actor|}}}
|-
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left; font-size:80%;" | Height:
! style="color: #C0C0C0; text-align:left; border-right:1px solid; font-weight:normal; font-size:80%;" | {{{Height}}}
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left; font-size:80%;" | Weight:
! style="color: #C0C0C0; text-align:left; font-weight:normal; font-size:80%;" | {{{Weight}}}
|-
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left; font-size:80%;" | Hair Color:
! style="color: #C0C0C0; text-align:left; border-right:1px solid; font-weight:normal; font-size:80%;" | {{{Hair}}}
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left; font-size:80%;" | Eye Color:
! style="color: #C0C0C0; text-align:left; font-weight:normal; font-size:80%;" | {{{Eyes}}}
|-
! style="color: #F8F8FF; text-align:left; font-size:80%;" | Theme Song:
! colspan="3" style="color: #C0C0C0; font-weight:normal; font-size:80%;" | {{{Song}}}
|}
{{#vardefine: charid | {{{Char_id}}}}} {{#set:Char_id={{{Char_id}}}}}
==Profile==
{{{Profile}}}
==Sheet==
===Description===
<div class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">Click to expand.<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background-color:#333;">
{{{Description}}}</div></div>
===History===
<div class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">Click to expand.<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background-color:#333;">
{{{History}}}</div></div>
===Personality===
<div class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">Click to expand.<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background-color:#333;">
{{{Personality}}}</div></div>
===Abilities===
<div class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">Click to expand.<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background-color:#333;">
{{{Abilities}}}</div></div>
===Skills===
<div class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">Click to expand.<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background-color:#333;">
{{{Skills}}}</div></div>
===Resources===
<div class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">Click to expand.<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background-color:#333;">
{{{Resources}}}</div></div>
===Weaknesses===
<div class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">Click to expand.<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background-color:#333;">
{{{Weaknesses}}}</div></div>
==Logs==
<div class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">Click to expand.<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background-color:#333;">
{{Character Logs}}</div></div>
===Cutscenes===
<div class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">Click to expand.<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background-color:#333;">
{{Character Logs|Cutscenes}}</div></div>
==Gallery==
<div class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">Click to expand.<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background-color:#333;">
{{{Gallery}}}</div></div>

[[Category:Characters]] [[Category:{{{Theme}}}]] [[Category:{{{Chartype}}}]] [[Category:{{{Active}}}]]

11169/I Don't Think This Is Our Regular Blend

2020-03-09T05:28:35Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/03/09 |Location=Steve's Room, Avengers Mansion |Synopsis=Clint and Steve discuss Skye's search for her mother, and also the quality of the Ave..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/03/09
|Location=Steve's Room, Avengers Mansion
|Synopsis=Clint and Steve discuss Skye's search for her mother, and also the quality of the Avenger's coffee.
|Cast of Characters=112,137
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' Steve is just back from the kitchen, his coffee mug in hand. He's lost in his thoughts about a SHIELD mission that did not go as expected. Reaching his room he swings the door open and passes inside, but leaves the door wide open. He wouldn't mind a distraction today. Steve takes a sip of the coffee finally. He pauses and peers at it, then brings it nearer to his nose to take a gentle sniff of it. Another sip. His phone beeps though and he walks over to pick it up. A little shake of his head is given as he unlocks the device. "Kind of miss envelopes and stationary," he comments to himself as he checks to see what the message is. 

:'''{{#var:137|Clint Barton (137)}} has posed:''' Clint had just wrapped up his shift in the monitor room and grabbing a cup of joe to keep him awake for the drive back to Greenwich, he takes a long pull from his mug and frowns at it too. "Weird," he says before looking up at Steve. He smiles at the man's comments about the march of technology grinning. "We could text you in morse code if it'd make you feel any better." 

:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' Steve glances up and over to Barton. "It just might," he says with a warm grin for the man. He reaches over to greet Clint with a firm handshake if accepted. "Is it just me or is the coffee different than normal?" Steve asks, glancing down at the cup in his other hand. He gives a soft scoff then as he says, "Wow, tells me how the times have changed though. Used to be, coffee was coffee. There was good, and bad, but that was about it for the varieties." Steve looks at his phone again and then puts it away. "Nothing that needs to be dealt with now," he says of the message. "So, how have you been? It's been a while since we've crossed paths, Clint. Anything interesting?" 

:'''{{#var:137|Clint Barton (137)}} has posed:''' Clint grins, slightly at Cap's response as he grabs a piece of wall and leans against it, glancing down at the cup. "Not sure? Definitely not our usual," he says. "Who's turn was it to get more?" Not that they didn't have staff but it was one of those things they did, team building he guessed. "And yeah, hell, it was just coffee at the circus too, served black, or with too much sugar," he says. "Been out of it for the most part, domesticated, but I think Skye's got a lead on the search for her mother, if you know about that? Weird story." 

:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' Whether the coffee is their normal or not, it's still coffee. Steve takes a long sip of it and moves over to find a chair arm to sit down on as he looks to Clint. "No, actually I don't think I've heard much about that," he says of Skye's family search. "Did they lose touch with each other, or something more than that?" Steve asks, keeping the question general enough it can be answered without Clint needing to dive into details if it isn't appropriate to share them. "I'm just getting back into the swing of things after a little time away as well," he comments. "I think I needed it to be honest. I've been focused on SHIELD matters quite a bit lately. I think I might need to turn my attention back around here more." 

:'''{{#var:137|Clint Barton (137)}} has posed:''' True, coffee is coffee and Clint just finished a double shift. He smiles wryly at Steve's question about Skye's family situation... "It's complicated. She's part of some sort of secret society of metas that get their powers from crystals. Skye's one too, Skye thought she was dead like forever until last year, now she's been following these clues to find her, some she thinks mer mom left" he says and shakes his head. "You'd think she'd just reach out right?" As for Caps plans, Clint nods, "Yeah, me too, SHIELD, home, need to get back here and do some good," a beat while he takes a sip of coffee. "Besides, Jan sort of threatened me if I didn't come back." 

:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' Steve crosses his arms as he listens, his seat on the chair arm and his posture suggesting relaxation, while his build and height never really seem to make it feel like he isn't ready for something to happen. His head inclines to the side slightly at the mention of powers from crystals. "Yes, if she wanted to be found you'd think she wouldn't have to leave clues. Unless there's some reason she can't communicate openly," Steve says thoughtfully. He takes another sip of his coffee and then gives a wry smile. "Hell hath no fury like Janet van Dyne," he says, his tone revealing his obvious fondness. "I'd say you chose wisely then, Clint," he says with a warmer grin. Steve glances towards the door of the room. "We haven't talked in awhile, not since before I was away," he comments. It's said more to himself, but there's perhaps a small, troubled note to be caught as well. 

:'''{{#var:137|Clint Barton (137)}} has posed:''' "Could be, but my read was she was in charge of her little group," Clint says, before considering, "Though I guess that could mean she's got to be a certain way to keep her people's loyalty," he ponders. "I hate when answers only make more questions." "Oh, definitely made the right choice, Jan's the scariest one in the group, hands down. Tiny, but fierce," he says with a grin, one that fades with the change of Steve's tone. "We've both known Jan a long time, Steve, she's," he gives a mirthless 'heh' "Flighty, but, she'll come back to you man. Just give her a bit of time." 

:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' Steve's head gives a few little nods, the blue eyes troubled. "And if she can't be open with her own daughter, what might it say about her people then," Steve says, completing the thought. "It doesn't sound like an admirable situation to be in, either way. If the two of you need any help, you know you only have to ask," Steve tells Clint, reaching over to give a companionable clasp on his shoulder before letting go. Steve rises from where he's perched himself, taking another sip of the coffee. "She is fierce," he says as if thinking of a memory, and his grin turning into something of wry warmth before he looks back up and over to Clint. "I can't quite decide on the coffee. Not bad. But I think I prefer the old roast," he says. "Maybe we could hire Nat to swap it out without anyone being wiser? Unless it was her turn and this is Russian coffee?" 

:'''{{#var:137|Clint Barton (137)}} has posed:''' "Right?" Clint says, before looking around and saying, "Between you, me and the wall, she's seems like a total bi-" right this was Cap. "Bad person," he finishes with an apologetic smile. "She is at that," Clint agrees before taking another sip. "It's growing on me a bit, but then you've tried the beer I like, so not the best judge of these things." A shrug. "Naw, it'd be stronger, thicker, the sort of thing that'd get you through a Siberian winter or Stalingrad," he grins. "Probably some sort of genetically enhanced coffee bean thing of Tony's or Bruces, so we can definitely get Nat to swap it out." 

:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' Cap finishes off his cup. "Glad we have you secretive you types about for the /important/ missions like this," Steve tells Clint with a warm smile. "Alright, I should probably go read up on some reports and see what all I've been missing around here. That, and my cup is empty," he says of his coffee mug. Steve heads over for the door. "Well if you two could use my help, just say the word," Steve offers. "Everyone should get a chance to be with their parents whenever they can," he says in a knowing tone, one touched with the emotions you might suspect as he remembers his own parents. "And tell Skye hello for me as well," he says before heading for the door. 

:'''{{#var:137|Clint Barton (137)}} has posed:''' Clint nods and finishes down his own cup, "We do our best," he says on behalf of the secretive types. "Yeah, and I need to be getting home," Clint says as he gives Steve a nod, "Good chat though." Though Clint lingers when Steve calls back from the door, "Will do, Cap, and thanks. I'll tell her you said hello." Then like Cap the archer goes on about his business. 
}}

11106/Safety Of The Waldorf

2020-02-22T02:22:24Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/02/22 |Location=Waldorf Astoria hotel room, NYC |Synopsis=Oliver and Vanessa discuss her situation and the threats made against her. |Cast of..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/02/22
|Location=Waldorf Astoria hotel room, NYC
|Synopsis=Oliver and Vanessa discuss her situation and the threats made against her.
|Cast of Characters=8143,181
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Oliver's return to the hotel room he'd placed Vanessa in for safety from Yu Phun's men, brought about a release of the emotions both had kept inside about the other. Now Vanessa is reclining in Oliver's arms. Accepting this isn't a dream, she smiles and brushes her fingers along his arm. "Thank you for coming for me," she tells him. "I really didn't know that I was going to make it through that... the situation. The lawyer they'd given me, I swear I knew more about the legal system than him," she says with a soft sigh. She has her back resting on Oliver's chest, lying back with his legs to either side of her. She turns her head to look towards Oliver. "So... all those things I wanted to know about you that I didn't ask before. Should I ask? Or... maybe just let things keep being revealed on their own? Oliver Just-Queen." 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Oliver feels relaxed now, propped up on one elbow and feeling Vanessa's warmth, one arm wrapped across her to keep the woman loosely against him. Her voice makes him smile and he looks down to her. "That's how it normally is. The system doesn't protect those that can't afford it." that's part of why he exists as Green Arrow, though not that he goes there. Though it may sound as an odd thing for someone as rich as him to say. Curious. A sigh escapes him, comfortable with her presence, "So I do what I can but .., your case was different." very different. He brushes fingertips up across the woman's hair. "You can make all the questions you want of me, Vanessa. But no more Just-Queen." a brief chuckle escaping his lips. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa grins gently and she leans her head back against Oliver's shoulder near where it meets his neck. An arm reaches back behind her, gently looping about him to caress her fingers through the back of his hair. "So the men who came to my apartment... you said you wanted to take me where? To Starling City? Do you think we'll be safe away from them there?" she asks. Vanessa turns her head a bit. "I don't want to put you in any danger. Though I guess you've got security and all," she says, already realizing it's probably foolish of her to even worry about matters. Vanessa turns a little more on her side to make it easier to see his face. "I didn't think I was going to see you again," she says softly. She looks down, a little timid smile coming to her face. "I couldn't stop thinking about you just the same. I felt... silly for it. That it was just a night. Dancing and talking. And... I'm supposed to be a grown woman who knows better." 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' That leaning makes it so Oliver's head tilts to meet Vanessa's, resting against her and closing his eyes when she starts to run her fingers through his hair. His chest heaves up and down slowly. Relaxed. A man without any worry or thought but Vanessa tonight. She does make a good question though. "Safe. I can't be certain. I know those men have a presence in Starling as well. But leaving you here would be worse." he muses quietly, no other sound in the room but their voices now. "I have a few tricks up my sleeve, and I have been working to make sure those people are gone for good from Starling." But he doesn't appear ready to tell her about Green Arrow just yet. When she turns he brushes a thumb over her cheek. "It was the same for me. I can be ..., very focused on my work. Which is why I left that night. When I returned it had already closed. But my thoughts were always going back to you." when she says she would had known better he mmms, "Did you feel you don't have a right to be happy?" 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa moves her head gently into Oliver's touch, closing her eyes as he caresses over the soft skin of her cheek. "I knew I should have stayed longer. Stayed until they closed, then walked Sally home," Vanessa replies of the diner that night. She looks up into his eyes as he asks her about her right to be happy. "I suppose, well, I hadn't thought of it that way. But maybe. I'd have just said, the world hasn't seemed to want to throw a lot of happiness my way. But I try to make the best of it. Just, sometimes hope can kill you if put too much stock in it. At least, that's been my experience. Vanessa turns her head to brush a gentle kiss against Oliver's thumb where it's caressing her. "I'd rather be with you. Safe, or not safe," she tells him. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "Other times hope is the only thing that keeps us moving." The way Oliver says that is as if he has had intimate experience with it. Perhaps on that island where he was stranded but then again his story isn't that known out of Starling. "I don't believe I'd be the same anymore without it." the hand that was caressing her face turns and moves up to wrap around her softer one. "I will do my best to make sure it's safe rather than not." Though he can't help but smile when she says that. That she'd want to be with him no matter what. Considering his night activities it may just turn unsafe sooner than later. It does make him wonder if he is not being selfish, if he should not have her go to a secluded place, a foreign country. Italy comes to mind, and then visiting it with her... His mind seems to wander a bit, gaze briefly unfocused but then his grin deepens and he asks. "Tell me something about yourself, Vanessa. What do you want me to know about you?" 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa turns more towards Oliver as he takes her hand, and after a moment she shift, moving to sit facing him, kneeling on the bed between his legs. The fingers of one hand wrap about his, while the other hand goes to ruffle through her dark hair. She repeats, "What do I want you to know about me?" She gives a soft smile that seems a little rueful. "I'm guessing you probably already know a bit, from the legal case? If you do, and you're not dissuaded from... from this," she says, glancing about the hotel room where they have been together. "I guess you can probably handle the rest then? I've not made what one would call, good life choices. And, it's left some baggage on me. But I'll try not to bring too much of that with me. I'm actually a little paranoid about being safe." She lets out a sigh. "You'll see soon enough. Me and locks are old friends. And I have trouble sleeping sometimes for it. Movies will help knock me out. I have slept a lot on my couch for needing the TV to help knock me out." 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' When Vanessa sits up on the bed in front of him he turns so as to face her, one arm behind his head and his blue eyes up and watching her, the other hand squeezing about hers, relaxed, at 'home' with Vanessa. "Dissuaded?" He doesn't laugh, instead he bringing himself up to sit, "On the contrary. The past is the past. I am more interested on how we will face the future." but he stays silent until the end after, waiting for her to finish, "I remember the locks back at your place. You will find I am very fond of having good security too." and if she eventually finds the Cave she may discover how much he thinks about security. That place is a safe. "Movies.., is that where your love from the old classics came from?" But he can relate, he has had his trouble sleeping ever since coming from that island. Some nights worse than others ... Now that he is finally sitting he brings her close to him, arms wrapping about her. 
}}

11061/State's Witness Comes With It's Own Problems

2020-02-15T01:33:05Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/02/13 |Location=New Lots NYC and Manhattan, NYC |Synopsis=Oliver's legal help gets Vanessa a deal to turn state's witness. But Yu Phun's men p..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/02/13
|Location=New Lots NYC and Manhattan, NYC
|Synopsis=Oliver's legal help gets Vanessa a deal to turn state's witness. But Yu Phun's men pressure her to not testify.
|Cast of Characters=8143,181
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Being back in her apartment felt good. It was the first time since Vanessa Carlysle been arrested at the penthouse of drug dealer Yu Phun, that she had been home. Vanessa closes the door and locks each of the series of four locks. Then unlocks and re-locks each of them one-by-one to satisfy herself they were secured. The public defender had done nothing to inspire confidence. It took her correcting him twice for him to get her name right. From the start he was mainly interesting in what kind of plea bargain he could get. Her protestation she was innocent got a bit of a surprised look from him before launching back into the benefits of pleading out. The arrival of a new lawyer had come as a surprise. Let alone one who is both celebrity and superhero. Vanessa had jumped to approve the change in representation when she found out some charity was funding it. It had proven a good choice. A meeting with the D.A. had yielded an offer to drop all charges in exchange for her testimony. Which Vanessa had accepted. "Try to stay out of such things," she murmurs to herself as she heads for the bathroom, anxious for a shower that isn't taken in a tiled communal room. The last thing she wants it to get on any criminal's bad side. But there's not much she can do. Vanessa heads into the bathroom and takes a long, hot shower before finally emerging, getting dressed, and starting to try to make sense of her life again. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Oliver has been staying in New York for the time being even if his business errands are at an end. Rotschild Electronics merging is close to completion, a success but not one that he can fully celebrate. He has been worried. Worried about the threat to Starling still being a problem, worried about a certain woman that has been caught in the middle of all this. So it is without surprise that he has been following how events unfold closely. Speaking with Jennifer had been a success, and perhaps she had figured him out for Green Arrow. He wouldn't expect less from her, and maybe not a problem as maybe he will need her help in the future. One never knows. With the agreement to keep them appraised on the details of the case being accepted means Horton has news for him. Oliver arrives at the office, "Horton, good evening. I am told you had news?" his expression shows calm, even if inside he is eager to know what has transpired. Making sense of her life may have to go to the back burner in the meantime though. A knock is heard on the door that she has locked a while ago. A slow, constant knock, then a wait. Doesn't sound like the typical knock of any of the neighbors that can sometimes come over. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Horton looks up. "Mr. Queen. Oh yes, I have some things for you. Sent them along to you but your assistant, what is his last name? Well, Ellis anyway, he said to make printouts for you," Horton says, sliding an binder over to Oliver and opening it up. "So the good news is, she agreed to testify in exchange for all charges being dropped. And has been released," Horton says. He flips through looking for a page, though Oliver will spot one that includes Vanessa Carlysle's personal information including an address and cell phone number, before the page is moved past. "She just needs to show up and testify. Sounds like they tossed her a packet of the drugs as she walked in, likely to get her fingerprints on them. The fact that the other drugs bear no prints, nor does the case itself, was a suspicious fact that suggests they wiped down everything but the one they tossed to her. So it seems she probably is indeed innocent," Horton says. There might be the impression he didn't think she was until finding that out. Meanwhile, Vanessa hears the knock on the door. She's wearing shorts and a faded Cleveland Browns t-shirt. She feels a bit of tension as she moves over to a cabinet and pulls out a small pistol. Her revolver she had with her in her purse was confiscated by the police. Registered, but still being held as evidence. With her backup she walks over to the door, keeping the gun down at her side as she peeks through the peephole. "Yes? Who is it?" she calls through the door. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Printouts, of course. That name being mentioned makes Oliver tsk. Ellis can be a blessing sometimes but others..., just such a stickler to the rules. It takes in a breath and smiles faintly. "Ellis, yes." Oliver takes the binder, blue gaze roaming over it in a glance. He is not exactly reading it in detail, but more paying attention to what Horton says. He replies. "So it was too doubtful of an accusation that they decided to use her as a witness. Of course this also means the true culprits won't be too interested that she testifies." this last part almost like he is speaking to himself. His eyes do take note of her address though, even if the contact number goes too fast for him. Not exactly too far from here. "Has she been released without any kind of police protection?" he questions Horton, tapping a finger to the table in thought. While Vanessa is getting the gun the knock comes again. A lazy, rhytmical knock. Eery? Maybe. Through the peephole two men are noticeable, one wearing a beanie hat, leather jacket, crooked nose and a scar. Perhaps a boxer in years past? He is the one talking. "Vanesssa?" the way he says the name is not in a friendly manner. "Finally we get to talk. How was your stay with the boys in blue?" Next to him is a young asian man, smiling while the other talks. He seems amused. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa's body tenses as she sees the unfamiliar men. And worse when she hears them. She swallows and considers edging the gun's safety off. But her training with the firearm is enough that she just confirms its location in case she has to change it quickly. "Who are you?" she calls again, leaning lightly against the door and her eye to the peephole. Neither of the men look familiar to her. But then if they are from Yu Phun he probably wouldn't send men she could identify, none of the guards he had at the penthouse that night. "What do you want?" she calls again, though she can already guess the answer. Back at the lawyer's office, Horton nods his head to Oliver at the question about her being used as a witness. "Yes, I understand she was rather well-spoken and confident. The kind of witness you want on your side of the case, not the other," he says. Horton leans a bit forward towards and says softly, "Bit of a looker too from what I saw of her. That never hurts, right?" he says with a bit of a grin. The grin fades after a moment as the young beanpole of a lawyer seems to consider whether he should have said that. "Um, right, so... no, case like this, they wouldn't assign any protection. Not unless there was a definite threat." 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' No, they certainly don't resemble any of the guards Yu Phun had that night. But it doesn't mean they aren't scary in their own manner. One with their silence, the other with the malicious smile offered when he hears the voice so close to the door. He most likely figures Vanessa may be looking through the peephole, looking directly at it and showing mismatched teeth in what he attempts to pass along as a 'smile'. "We are here looking for your welfare." his voice oozing out. "Making sure you do the right move. You know what I am talking about.." A pause, he will let her answer, a large fingertip grazing over the door and then over the peephole. Poor Horton is probably losing points on the promotion he has been craving for, but ah well, noone's perfect. Oliver looks at him directly after he speaks. "We are talking about someone who may be in danger. It was your job to make sure that the judge understood there could be a definite threat to her wellbeing." perhaps not exactly his fault, but Oliver needs to vent nonetheless. Fine, he will handle things in his own way. But this also means he will have to go and meet her. Though is that a bad thing? He has been wanting to do so for a while. In fact, it has been a prominent issue on his mind as of late. "Keep me posted on further developments, Horton." He turns, starting to walk out and down to his car. Time to go to a certain NYC neighborhood. Being night means he probably won't get too much traffic. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Horton gets a sheepish look. "I'm sorry, Mr. Queen. I messed that one up..." he says. His mind fumbles about for an answer. "Maybe... or... well that would take a continuance and a few weeks," he says, looking away from Oliver and lost in his legal thoughts as Oliver goes to do something about it. Horton turns back. "Oh, maybe..." he says before trailing off and realizing he's speaking to an empty office. "Sir?" Back at the low-end, rent-controlled apartment in the run down neighborhood of New Lots, Vanessa is definitely creeped out by the man. Somehow the little Asian is the one that gets to her the most. Though as the man runs his finger along the door by the peephole, she can't stop herself from slightly recoiling as if it were here that the man was touching. "Look I didn't want anything to do with this," she says through the door, her voice taking on a note of desperation. If she doesn't testify, the deal is off and she'll go on trial for the felony drug possession. Though the effective lawyer said they could likely beat the charge, there was always a chance of getting some jury who wanted to be tough on the war of drugs rather than worry about justice. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Weeks! If Oliver was just a suit he may take that answer, blindly believe in legal justice. But he has been around enough to know that doesn't work all the time. That's why he exists, his Green Arrow persona. She-Hulk mentioned vigilantes being in the pursuit of vengeance, but that's not entirely true. They also protect others when the system fails. He slams the door on his SUV close and starts driving. No Diggle today, all by himself. The asian is often on the outskirts of that peephole, just part of his profile showing and only from time to time. His smile is malicious, intent. Someone that knows Yu Phun? Most likely, maybe even a subordinate. And if they do well here..., going up in the organization. It's all he wants, to work with the mistress. And if he has to threaten or worse to some woman? He will do that without hesitation. The boxer's voice is heard again, "But you diiiid, Vanessaaa." the man likes drawing out his voice. "Noone gets released so fast if they didn't sing. And we hate singers, don't we?" a look to the asian man, then another light knock on the door. "Do we need to make you stop singing?" Ding. That's the sound of the elevator that comes up to Vanessa's floor. Oliver is inside it. He opens the elevator door and begins stepping out. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa's thoughts race through her head. Imagining after just being released, what would happen if she ends up in an altercation she actually has to use her gun. "They realized they didn't have anything on me," she lies. She presses herself partially up against the door, hand on the thick wood as she looks back through the peephole. The little Asian man is giving her the creeps. It's not his race. Just that expression on his face. The other one she knows would work her over. But he looks like he's savoring an opportunity to do... Vanessa doesn't even want to speculate what. She pushes back from the door to get away from him, no longer able to see. "Just leave me alone, please," she says. She swallows. She could go to April's after they leave. April's away on assignment but Vanessa's got a key and- "Sweety," the boxer's voice comes through the door. "We're gonna talk. Wherever. Here. Over at the hotshit journalist's place where you stay. That's the good thing, people around here? They talk," he says, leaving Vanessa's makeshift plans in ruins. The farm? Would they know about it? But she doesn't even know how to get there. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "And where it comes to talkin' about a sweet little thing like you? Well, they sing..!" Then an harsh of a laugh, more of rasp really the man most likely having gotten a few too many punches when he was an active boxer. And now here he is, being a thug to some drug dealers. But it's short lived. A voice is heard. "Good evening." A distinct difference from the accent the other man bears, certainly not a New Yorker. "Is there a problem here?" Oliver has his shoulders squared, in a suit but his build is visible, that of a man that knows a thing or two if needed. It's not as if the small asian is too daunted. He frowns, starting to turn but -- A tap from the boxer. "Hey, they ain't payin' me enough for this, I am sure she got the message." then another tap on the door. "See you later, Vanesssaa.." the man begins to walk away along with the asian. Oliver steps aside, watching them through a stern, icy gaze. He says nothing but doesn't lower his guard. Good thing that they didn't attack him though! He is just a business man, he could had been in danger! The two men get into the elevator and close the door, leaving Ollie alone on Vanessa's floor. He waits until they are gone. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa is backed away from the door, which makes it a little tougher to hear. Oliver's words are too muffled to make out as he's further away. So she only hears a bit of what the thug says, and then his departing words. She waits, hearing the little chime of the elevator. Slowly she creeps back forward to the door and peeps through the peephole, trying to look to either side but not seeing the remaining man where he's still nearer to the elevator. "God I didn't think they were going to leave," she says, checking the safety on the gun again to make sure it won't fire. Vanessa's hand shakes badly as the rush of adrenaline is leaving her. She turns to the door, slowly unlocking each lock. The two deadbolts. The chain. The one on the door handle. It must sound like a bank making ready to open the vault before the door finally cracks open and Vanessa's head slowly peeks out. She finally spots the man out there. Vanessa's jaw drops open and she straightens from where she was crouched a bit to peek out. Stepping halfway into the doorway, she gapes at the man. "Oliver?" she says slowly, voice carrying her sense of disbelief at seeing the man from the diner that she danced with. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Oliver has been watching the elevator, making sure they are gone. But in a way he knows thugs, aware that they are done for tonight. Their aim was terror, and from what he heard when he was getting here..., they probably achieved that. It makes him grit his teeth in near-anger. Maybe he should-- He listens to the locks beginning to open. Turning he faces the door, his hands resting to his sides. He stays in the middle of the corridor for now, not wanting to scare Vanessa when she eventually opens the door. His blue gaze is on her face when she peeks out, watching her expression and posture. His first words aren't a greeting, or anything superfluous. A question that shows his worry instead. "Are you well?" a gesture towards her, "I should had been here sooner." He doesn't ask to come in, not right after what just went down. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' The trembling that had taken her hand before coming out comes back and full force. Vanessa's body gives a few small shakes and then she's running forward to Oliver, throwing her arms around him and hugging him about as tightly as she can. Assuming he hugs her back, for those first few seconds she just lets the feeling of having him there fill her. Eventually she says a bit breathless. "Oliver Just. I think I named you true," she tells says. It will take a few more seconds for her to let go. Maybe let go is not the correct term. Loosen up. Enough to lean back and look at him. She rubs the back of a hand across one of her eyes. "I'm well. Now. I just... what are you... how did you..." she says. She finally seems to decide remaining in the hallway is unwise. The men could come back. And she has a gun in hand. Last thing she needs is some visitor freaking out. "Come inside," she says, taking Oliver's hand and leading him into the apartment if he's willing to come. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' For a moment there is that ..., is there a gun in her hand? And she runs towards him. But his instinct tells him he is in no danger, not from her. His arms curl about Vanessa's form when it reaches him, squeezing her to him before relaxing and letting her be there for as long as she wishes. Oliver's own demeanor, so grim after what he just witnessed seems to ease up a notch. "Not exactly true." He says of the name Oliver Just, his chest letting out a slow exhale. He allows his hand to be taken and begins to walk inside her apartment. "But if anything you deserve an explanation out of me." his voice is solemn, apologetic perhaps. Yet also determined in keeping this woman protected. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa Carlysle closes the door and locks each of the locks. It is almost a physical strain, after having been in the danger, not to unlock and relock them, but she is conscious of Oliver standing there. She glances down at the gun though and moves over to put it in a drawer. "Sorry, about..." she says, nodding towards the drawer. Vanessa turns back to Oliver, her arms lifting so her hands can give her face a little scrub as if to help clear her head. After that's done, she just looks over at him. "Oliver," she says softly. Her eyes dart about him. Over his face and down to his torso and back up again. Like she's confirming it's really him. Vanessa gives a soft clearing of her throat. "Yes. That would probably be a good place to start," she tells him. "Whiskey? I'm having whiskey," she adds, walking over to a cabinet and pulling out a bottle of cheap whiskey. She gets out two glasses, Oliver will have to be fast to stop her from pouring him one. Though he has more time as her hand starts trembling hard enough she's going to spill it if she tries to pour like that. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Oliver hasn't stayed put. Once they are inside, and Vanessa busies herself with the locks, the man is already striding towards a window. He stops in the shadow of it and looks outside, his jaw set and he watching the street. "It won't take long for them to be back." yes, he noticed the look on the asian's face. It was the look of a man that wouldn't be satisfied until the work was done. But he doesn't go into a verbal explanation of why so as to not panic Vanessa even further. She seems already scared enough as it is. His blue gaze turns back to her once he hears his name, taking a step away from the window. "How long would you take to pack a few things to leave for a while?" And that's Ollie, always thinking in practical terms. He takes a moment to have a glance around the apartment but then Vanessa goes for the whiskey.... He steps over to her, a calloused hand resting atop hers when it starts trembling, steadying it. He won't stop her from having a whiskey, even if he won't have one himself. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' The man's hand over hers steadies Vanessa enough she can pour. She doesn't totally overdo it, but it's a healthy sized glass. She pours both and then sets the bottle down uncapped. The young woman looks up at Oliver, those sloe, dark eyes that had gazed up at him while dancing to the diner's jukebox are full of questions. But also other emotions that take precedence. "A few minutes," she tells Oliver, picking up her glass and taking three swallows from it before setting it back down. She refocuses on Oliver for a moment, and a hand reaches over to rest on the outer curve of his shoulder. It's not unlike where her hand was when the dance first began that night. "You came back," she murmurs, and then moves away towards the other room. "I'll throw a bag together," she tells him. She already has one overnight bag that is always ready to go. But she will want more than that. Vanessa heads into the bedroom, moving quickly, but with that same sway she had the last time Oliver had seen her, leaving to head to the restroom. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' This isn't the type of man to look away when a woman looks at him so, Ollie's blue eyes settled on her dark ones. He tries for a faint smile now, a reassuring one, or at least he hopes so. But being again in her presence means there are other emotions that surface as well, other than his protective nature. "It took me a bit to find my way." He admits in a solemn manner, the hand on his shoulder almost like a silent invitation for their dance to continue, as if it had never stopped. Focus, Oliver! When Vanessa moves away to the bedroom to start putting on the bag together he looks at her and ...., okkkk, maybe he will have that drink now. He picks up the glass of whiskey that had been poured for him, taking a long drink from it. And now he takes a moment to look around her apartment while waiting. "I have been following what happened up at that penthouse a few nights back.." he starts to explain. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' The apartment looks a little nicer than the building did on the way in. The security gate at the door was working, but not too hard for Oliver to get past. Inside, the elevator had an out of order sign that was itself aged enough to suggest it hasn't been working in a long time. The stairwell up to Vanessa's third floor apartment had two lights burned out, making footing a little uncertain in those places. A couple of holes could be seen in the hallway walls, and the flooring in some places had the carpet and padding beneath pulled out completely leaving just bare floor exposed. However, Vanessa's apartment looks freshly painted, and there aren't any holes in the wall or other signs of such problems. Vanessa's voice calls from the bedroom. "Well. I'm glad you did." There are sounds of rustling in there, and then Vanessa emerges to head into the bathroom, bare feet padding softly, long legs left bare by the shorts traversing the short distance in just a step or two. She has a bag in hand and goes in, just emptying the medicine cabinet and other things into the bag with sweeps of her hand. "I'll just be another minute or two. Throw on something warm," she says, coming back out of the bathroom. Her eyes sweep over Oliver in far more than a glance, enough to slow her for a moment before she returns into the bedroom to pack more things. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Cheap whiskey. Ufff, it had been a while since Oliver had it. But appropriate for tonight. He drains his glass and puts it away, exhaling softly. It was sloppy of him. He normally has a plan, but he had not considered retaliation, so focused he was in having her out. This also means he will have to improvise, but that is something he can do well. While Vanessa does her thing on the bedroom Oliver brings out his phone, typing on it. Waldorf-Astoria. He has part of a floor booked for him and his people. It will be easy enough to get another room. And it means he will be close in case anything happens, along with his security team. His eyes stray up when Vanessa comes walking out and over to the bathroom, trying to mainly stay in her face than roaming. No matter how hard that might be. "We will go to the Waldorf-Astoria. I have booked a room." a pause, "Now, as I was saying, I followed what happened one could say very closely. This matter is of an interest to me." but he leaves it vague enough. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa comes out with two bags over a shoulder, and an old beat up suitcase on rollers that wobble like they are trying to visibly complain to the world of the strain they have been put through. "The Waldorf," Vanessa says, taking the news in stride but there are also the subtle signs it made an impression on her. Vanessa looks over to the whiskey, still some in her glass, but doesn't make a move for it. She walks over, weighed down a bit by the bags but handling them well enough. Her eyes take in the sight of Oliver again. "Ok," she says, nodding and an expression of gratitude showing for Oliver. She seems to consider his mentioning the matter is of interest to him, but it doesn't take long before there are notes that she's pleased to hear this. She doesn't delve into the details. At least not yet. "Shall we get out of here before they return?" she says. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' And details don't really seem to matter now. Oliver steps over to help in sharing the burden of the bags, or at least of that suitcase. "May I?" he asks in that polite manner of his, waiting for her to hand over the bags to him. He won't mind if all are delivered to him, he is sturdy enough to handle it. He will then walk to the door, pausing to take a look out of the peephole just to make sure there isn't a surprise waiting outside. "Let's go." He wears a suit, with all the look of a business man but this whole situation doesn't seem to be disturbing him too much, almost as if he was used to danger already. As if there were more layers to him than just being another suit. "Lovely home. Hopefully you will be able to return soon, once this matter is settled." again that reassuring, firm tone. And perhaps some caring to it, however subtle it may be. When the door is opened he will lead the way downstairs, towards his SUV. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa's eyes stay on Oliver's face even as she passes the unruly suitcase over. It is a gamble whether it's better to roll it or carry it at any given moment. The woman follows along behind Oliver, though as he is checking the door she's slipping the gun from the drawer and into one of the bags over her shoulder. She follows along then with a quick step. Vanessa added a pair of warm leggings and a sweatshirt. She moves to catch up, closing the door and locking it, though the way she looks at it before leaving, she probably expects it will be broken into by the time she returns. "Thanks. A friend paid for a contractor to fix the holes in the wall and paint it," she comments to Oliver as she gives up on her apartment and follows him down the dimly lit stairs. "Watch your step. The rats tend to scurry and can get underfoot if you're not careful," she tells him. Soon they are down and out of the building and over to his car. Vanessa loads up her bags and then will climb in. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Smart. Oliver fully expects her to carry the gun given the situation. In fact he is still considering on how to exactly explain it without exposing him being the vigilante that broke into her room. But well, his justice fund does take care of such matters, even if it's horribly convenient that they chose -exactly- her case. No matter. He doesn't miss a beat, or a step, at the mention of rats, continuing on at a quick, firm pace down the stairs. As the building is left behind they soon reach an SUV, windows darkened. He opens the trunk, placing the suitcase inside and waits for her to put the bags in before moving to the driver's seat. "This wasn't exactly how I imagined meeting you again." he says, perhaps trying to clear the tension in the air a bit. Stepping inside though whatever he was going to say next is interrupted by an incoming call. "Oliver, where are you? I noticed you renting another room at our floor?" "Hello, John. You are on speaker. I am with Ms. Carlysle." He says calmly. "The room is for her." Some silence for a time and then, "Very well. I will have security reinforced. Let me know if anything else is needed." the call gets terminated. He then says to Vanessa. "John Diggle. He is my right-hand man. A bit zealous at times, but I can't fault him." He drives through the streets, aimed towards the Waldorf. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa waits for Oliver to get into the car, eyes following him. "I'll have to ask later how you were imagining that, then," she comments in an everyday tone. She looks away finally, not wanting to let on how much she'd been imagining seeing him again. Even if expecting it would never happen. Up until being arrested. That rather pulled her focus from other thoughts. Vanessa fastens her seatbelt as they pull out. She glance towards the phone briefly as Oliver has the conversation with John Diggle. "It sounds like he's a capable person," she says with a small nod. She seems to be taking all of it quite well. Oliver's sudden reappearance out of the blue. That she's being whisked away from her home, and the threat that awaits her there. "So, you probably want to know what those guys were doing at my door," she says, not seeming to realize he has any idea of what has been happening to her. She looks away so he doesn't easily see her reluctance to tell that tale. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Which is a rather good question. How did he imagine meeting her again? That leaves him musing on it, lips pressed to a thin line that to some may seem almost like a brooding frown. Yes, he has those sometime! It also makes him drive in silence for a time longer, focused on the driving, making sure they aren't followed. Maybe he is a professional, one of those bodyguard types. At least he seems a natural. "More than capable." The tone genuine, and some actually real affection when he speaks of the man. Clearly a bond that has been going for a while now. But then he is looking at her from time to time, the way she takes this is a bit of a surprise to him, he was expecting near panic, but instead she seems calm. He seems to appreciate that, sharing a smile at her. "I have read the file. I am aware, Vanessa." And yet there isn't any hint of judgement on his tone about it, his focus appearing to be her safety and well-being. "The Queen Justice Fund was quite accomodating to my request." And then they are reaching the Waldorf. He stops the car near the entrance, a valet running over and when he is opening the door says. "Mr. Queen. Welcome back. May I take your car?" 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa watches the city pass by as the expensive SUV covers the distance from the meanest parts of New York, to the nicest. The engine could be said to purr, but honestly it is insulated enough against the road noise that that might be an overstatement. Leaving Vanessa to contemplate the passing buildings, though in reality her thoughts are more with the vehicle's driver. One of Vanessa's eyebrows goes up slightly at the mention of the file, not seeming to follow until the charity that paid for her lawyer is mentioned. Before she can ask though, Oliver has pulled up to the hotel famed for it's opulence. Her own door is opened by a second valet, and Vanessa is just giving him a smile when she hears how Oliver is greeted. She climbs out of the SUV, nodding to the valet as he unloads the two bags and the suitcase and loads them onto a little baggage cart. Vanessa walks around the front of the car to rejoin Oliver. She doesn't say anything about his name. Not yet. Just looks to him and is ready to follow him into the hotel. Her simple leggings and sweatshirt not exactly the standard of attire the place usually attracts. Though the young woman from New Lots has a poise and posture that somehow, one could imagine she belonged just the same. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' The second valet takes note of that clothing, even if no comment is made. He is paid well enough not to and if anything they are top-notch professionals at this place. He moves the cart ahead of both Oliver and Vanessa while they begin their way into the hotel, Oliver delivering his car keys to the first valet. "Thank you, Francis." a first name is always a nice touch and really, it seems as if he is the considering type. Though in truth, valets always know the best gossip. It's good to connect. They walk past the lobby, not stopped at all besides a nod from a man by the counter and then they enter the elevators. Quite the contrast to the building they were at just a while back. Oliver stays silent enough for now, or at least until they have company. And they have that lovely elevator music to keep them entertained. But at last they reach their floor, not the top one but close enough. When they step out there are a couple of security men nearby, watching both Oliver and Vanessa, Oliver nodding to them, "A guest, treat her as if it was me you were tending to." And then they finally reach a door. He swipes an electronic card over the lock, it opening and he gestures. "After you." certainly she will have her own set of questions. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa glances around the hotel's interior, never having seen it before other than in the occasional movie. She can't help but think of the last time she had to tell one of the other girls with her head in the clouds that Pretty Woman is just a movie. She glances over to Oliver during the elevator ride up. As the door chimes and opens, she comments, "Working elevator. Nice addition," towards him with a faint smile before she walks out, glancing at the security men and giving each a small nod before following Oliver to the room. Once he holds the door for her, she walks inside, looking around the room's gorgeous decor. Though it doesn't hold Vanessa's attention for long. She turns back to face Oliver. "Oliver Just. White Knight. Getting warmer," she repeats their exchange from their conversation in the diner. "Not a knight but a Queen, then?" she asks him. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' It's only when the door closes behind him that Oliver allows himself to relax, or at least from the threat that was lingering on them. Because now the questions will come. Complications. But he would have to face them sooner or later, if he had any hope of meeting the woman again. He takes the bags and suitcase from the cart, busying himself with that while he considers what to say. "We never got to the end of that dance. It had not been my intention to hide my name." he says, "But yes, Oliver Queen. The one from Starling City." But then a faint smile coming to his lips. "Though I can't say that Oliver Just doesn't sound fine, if perhaps a touch pretencious." Then a look around the room, perhaps checking if everything is up to standard. "This was very short notice, you will have to let me know if anything isn't of your liking in the room." 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa walks over a little closer but still stopping a short distance from the man who disappeared on her that night. Left while she was in the restroom. Only to show back up suddenly during her moment of crisis. "And the lawyer," she says softly, to herself, realizing he was the one who got her out. Vanessa looks back up to Oliver and nods slowly. She looks around the luxurious room and says, "I think I can manage. Thank you, Oliver Queen," she tells him. She finally walks over to him, and leans up to brush a soft kiss to his cheek before turning to settle her bags into the room. 
}}

11020/Somebody Touched Me

2020-02-08T08:56:39Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/02/08 |Location=Medical, Avengers Mansion |Synopsis=Steve is visited by Wade in medbay. |Cast of Characters=106,112 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Po..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/02/08
|Location=Medical, Avengers Mansion
|Synopsis=Steve is visited by Wade in medbay.
|Cast of Characters=106,112
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:106|Deadpool (106)}} has posed:''' "You know, Stevie, I think sometimes I really don't get the full HERO EXPERIENCE," Wade sighs into Steve's ear. "I don't lay in medical and have people visiting me. It seems like it's a really big part of the whole thing. That, and like ... hanging out in a kitchen with a cup 'o joe and talking about the last baddie we fought. Or meeting random heroes in a bar. I mean, I can do that, but I /don't/. That's on me. That's a Wade Preference." Pause for breath. "But back to the experience of it all. I was thinking maybe I could lay here anyway even if I'm not hurt. Just for the experience. You'll share, right? Also, whatever disease you have, I can't catch it. If you are aching for human contact, I am able to oh-bliiiiige." Wade is RIGHT THERE in the bed too. Because personal space? Or maybe it's just that it was the best seat in the house. Best not to question how he got under the covers. Might have something to do with letting Wade do a scene set. Sorry not sorry. 

:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' It's right about when Wade is waxing philosophical about being unable to catch whatever space-flu Steve is basically over when the Captain comes to a groggy state of wakefulness. Someone definitely heard about how he was found sleeping in Tony's visitor-chair in the inventor's own medbay room AND the cheeseburgers and fries. And someone doped the Captain up good 'for his own good'. And that somebody might have been Dr. Pym. Thaaaaaanks, Dr. Pym. However Wade got under the covers, it's probably pretty warm with the amount of heat Steve puts off. He's already kicked his feet free of the blankets as it stands. Squinting, he turns his head to find Wade there and stares for a long two seconds. "...Wade, why are you...why are you here?" A hand drag down his own face and he tries to sit upright, still woozy from the drugs. "'s'too warm, you gotta move. Can you sit inna chair, please?" 

:'''{{#var:106|Deadpool (106)}} has posed:''' "A minute ago you were asking for snuggles. I'm more prone to listen to the Steve from that time instead of the Steve from now, just out of my own preferences, but if you really insist..." Wade's wearing his mask. Along with everything else. That is probably MORE comforting than if Wade had actually stripped down. "You have a fever maybe. Or the opposite of a fever. If you're hot, you're cold, right? So you should be warmed. I'm really not sure which thing it means," Wade grouses, lost in his own confusion now. He attempts to put the back of his hand to Steve's forehead, though, which probably won't work with a glove on. 

:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' "...wuz asking for snuggles?" Steve mumbles this even as he tries to push down a layering of the blankets. He's still wearing the blue terry-robe Janet brought him a day or two back, so the blanketing (along with Wade's own body heat) is more than sufficient to have him truly feeling as if he might be sporting a fever. He frowns at the feeling of Wade's gloved knuckles brushing at his head and reaches up to try and push at it ham-handedly. "'m fine, Wade, thank you, jus' too warm. Go sit inna chair, please," the super-soldier repeats even as he blearily looks around for his cup of water off to one side on the table. Given the Captain hasn't had a haircut since he arrived back on Earth, he's got quite the bedhead going on at the moment. At least Janet had the foresight to shave off his beard -- that was itchy. 

:'''{{#var:106|Deadpool (106)}} has posed:''' "On second thought, I might have hallucinated that. Or it was me that asked. Probably door number two," Wade says, but then begins to climb over Steve (Still under the covers) to maneuver his way across his body towards the OPPOSITE side of the bed. This is a shortcut. Hopefully no knee will hit anything uncomfortable. It may happen. It probably isn't on purpose, this is just awkward. "I realize I could have gone around, by way of climbing onto the ceiling," Wade says, pausing partway over. He then continues on to the opposite side and then climbs off, fully, rolling neatly over the rail and to his feet on the floor. He stands smoothly, standing up, and looks down at Steve. There's a sudden moment of weird threat, as the heavily armed mercenary standing over someone ill on a sickbed is generally not a particularly safe situation. 

:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' Mission: Acquire Water is temporarily abandoned. "Wade -- Wade, watch -- no, your knee -- " Everything ends up safer than expected and Steve blows a sigh of relief. An unsteady stretch down to awkwardly flick the blankets back over his cold toes completes with a flump back onto the mounding of pillows again. Then, realizing there's a shadow motionless crossing his blanketed thighs, the Captain glances over at the Merc. "You kin sit 'f'you want, Wade, no need t'be standing," he mumbles and flaps a hand towards the visitor's chair still pulled up fairly nearby to the cot. "I dunno who did this t'me, but I dun appreciate it. The...the drugs, I mean." 

:'''{{#var:106|Deadpool (106)}} has posed:''' "Wasn't me," Wade cheerfully says, which entirely breaks the moment of eerie lurking. Wade nods a little and then snares the chair, pulling it towards him. ... only to see the naked toesies. Wade reaches out to pull the blanket and overly tuck in Steve's feetsies. "But if you want some, we can DO it. I'm really good at sticking people with needles," Wade continues, chatty, but not aggressively so. He then splunks down in his chair. "So. Why did you leave me, exactly? Into the portal? Our friendship does not easily bridge dimensional rifts." 

:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' "'ppreciate that, Wade," says Steve of his toes being thoroughly covered against cold now. He shakes his head with a mild unsteadiness further echoed in his reach for the water glass. He snags it and it makes it to his lips with no splashes down his front -- little wins, little wins. "N'thanks, dun'need more drugs. Got 'nuff in me right now." The quiet tone is rank with irritation, but he's still woozy enough not to get up to full dander. Still, Steve looks over at Wade with surprise clear on his face. "Din't leave you, Wade, portal took me." His free palm spreads across his own chest. "Believe me, I wasn't planning onna sudden vacation on th'other side of the galaxy." His true-blues shine with eloquent honesty even if he almost spills his glass in a random lack of attention in holding it. "An...alien...bounty hun'er? Soldier. No, what're they calling her inna Triskelion...?" Steve frowns down at his water glass like it might have answers. "'nyways, she did it, 'nd Janet's gonna stick cicadas inna cell walls. 's'my idea," he lets on with a woozy half-smile at Wade, proud as sin. 

:'''{{#var:106|Deadpool (106)}} has posed:''' "I would like to visit her too. With a lot of stabbing," Wade suggests helpfully. "I am not /entirely/ heroic and am very good at the stabbing, and you can look the other way, and...." Some of that Steve actually is torturing the person sinks in. "You are literally torturing someone?" Wade just takes that in like a wave of the ocean hitting him. "Really? LIke actually you are intentionally and deliberately harming someone in your jail thing?" Wade taps one finger to his mouth. "Like, I don't know how to feel about this. You were so pure and heroic. But you are not actually. I truly am torn between being pleased you are not REALLY a hero to being sort of sad at the loss of innocence for you. And me. In the ideal." 

:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' "No, 's'not torture," Steve says with a grumpy wrinkle of his nose and a scowl. "Janet din't do it yet, probably won'do it at all. 'nd what you're seeing is me being human," he continues petulantly, " -- because 'm not just stars 'nd spangles 'nd the shield. 'm Steve Rogers 'nd once, th'Howling Commandos feared my poker skills because y'know why, Wade? Y'know why?" This apparently requires a forefinger pointed at Wade because it's Very Serious Business. "Because I fleeced 'em blind. 'm human. I use the latrine 'nd sleep 'nd cuss jus'like ev'ybody else does. Now, 'm also Cap'n 'merica, I get this, 'nd that's a big pair of boots t'fill, but inna end? 'm me. Can't be nothing but me. 'nd me, we get annoyed sometimes 'nd -- I -- I get annoyed sometimes when som'ody thinks 's'a good idea to just drop inna party //uninvited// 'nd try to go on about taking an Infin'ty Stone 'nd threatening my people! 'nd nobody threatens my people." And so there, apparently, for all he flumps back into the pillows with a HUFF. 

:'''{{#var:106|Deadpool (106)}} has posed:''' Wade taps a finger against his cheek, and then moves to investigate Steve's drug set up. "You have had ENOUGH, my friend," Wade says with a patpat of palm onto one of steve's hands that formerly was flailing. Wade diverts, though, to see about adjusting the IV machine to stop administering crazy juice: attempting to disengage whatever it is. "I know crazy. I have a stamp card. You don't wanna stamp card," Wade says kindly, before plunking back down. "I didn't know you pooped," Wade adds. 

:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' "I don't wanna stamp card," Steve echoes in bleary agreement. If he takes any notice of Wade saving him from further drugging by playing with the machine, it's not obvious on his features or in his reaction. If anything, he slumps back more into the pillows. A sigh blown raspberries through his lips before he looks over at Wade from considering the ceiling tiles. "Everybody poops, Wade. Also, did you come in through the ceiling again? I 'member the last time you visited, you crawled inna space between the floors. I said something about...a knife? No, was a 'knoife'." And Steve Rogers //giggles//. 

:'''{{#var:106|Deadpool (106)}} has posed:''' Wade looks at the machine. Then at Steve. And switches it back on subtly. Wade then sits back down, perched on the front edge of the chair's seat, and sets his elbows on the bed, chin resting on them. "I remember nothing about it. But it does sound like me. Wall-crawling madness. But I'm not Spider-man. But I can understand the confusion. I'm like. I dunno. Similar in colors. Without the blue. Or the webs. Or the morality." Wade flutters his fingers on his chin and cheeks some, and then adjusts as if stroking an invisible beard. "Wanna play scrabble?" 

:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' "That game where each turn takes longer'n heart surgery?" Steve is apparently not too drugged up to avoid quipping. "Sure, Wade, did you bring the game? I dunno if it's in one of the cupboards or...wait, no, there's not gonna be board games in this room, what'm'I thinking?" He rubs at the side of his face again before he peers at the counters lining the far side of the room. "Dunno where to find Scrabble, Wade, sorry." The rest of the water disappears in a slug-back from the glass and he manages to return the container to the bedside table without it clattering away to the floor. 

:'''{{#var:106|Deadpool (106)}} has posed:''' "Okay! I'll find it. Or something like it. Or we can play OPERATION," Wade ensures. "If I scream then you know you've hit the 'sides'," Wade prattles, gesturing to himself with a knife Steve probably didn't witness him drawing. Wade hops up, though, and dashes off into the hallway. With a lovely accompanyment of 'INTRUDER' and flashing lights and things, and a similarly resultant scream. Somebody touched the sides. 
}}

11006/A Fantastic Coffee

2020-02-07T03:58:50Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/02/07 |Location=Four Freedoms Plaza - Ground Floor |Synopsis=Sightseeing at Four Freedoms Plaza, Vi runs into Flash Thompson who is in the mid..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/02/07
|Location=Four Freedoms Plaza - Ground Floor
|Synopsis=Sightseeing at Four Freedoms Plaza, Vi runs into Flash Thompson who is in the midst of dealing with his past
|Cast of Characters=9453,9031
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:9453|Eugene Thompson (9453)}} has posed:'''     The series of buildings and storefronts that make up the Four Freedoms Plaza are all interconnected. Some above ground, with walk ways and pass throughs. And some below ground with the subway stop there and the small businesses that all grant their small portion to the hum of activity in that area. During most parts of the day it's a hustle and a bustle, with people moving hither and yon. And portions of the larger buildings having prominence in some ways.     Like how the coffee shop in the lobby of the Freedom Grand Hotel is partially enclosed to grant an illusion of privacy to the patrons within its walls. And yet it has elaborate mirrored windows and a glass ceiling that lends some ethereal aspect to it as well. For now, however, the aesthetics are lost on at least one of the customers in there.     Eugene Thompson, Flash to his friends, has been nursing the same cup of coffee for the last hour seated at his table in the wheeled chair. His back is to the wall. Perhaps out of habit. And he has on the surface of the tray in front of him his cellphone that sits there and seems almost to be taunting him with the number that's keyed in...     But the red phone button to complete the call seems to taunt him. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi wanders around the lobby of this part of Four Freedoms Plaza. She's wearing a pair of jeans and a light grey sweatshirt with a jacket overtop. At the moment, someone might be able to recognize the sweatshirt bearing the SHIELD logo if seeing a sliver of it would click, though most people probably wouldn't. The nineteen year old has a pamphlet in hand from the New York Bureau of Tourism. She pulls it open and glances at a map, her face looking a little perplexed for a moment, then closing it back up. Vi looks around some more and then spots the coffee shop. The teen heads over into it, moving to the counter. "A cup of..." she says and then pauses as she's looking at the board behind the clerk. Vi's brow furrows a little bit. "Fan... fantaystic.... no, fan... tastic. Coffee? Is that like regular coffee?" she asks the clerk. He's a bored 22 year old and he says, "Yeah. You know. Fantastic Four. Fantastic Coffee." Vi looks at him a little blankly. "Ok, but I just want one of them," she says. He rolls his eyes like she's made a joke, and goes to get her the coffee, passing it to her. Vi goes and adds cream and sugar. Lots of cream. Then moves to find a table, sitting down at one a spot near Eugene and opening back up the pamphlet. 

:'''{{#var:9453|Eugene Thompson (9453)}} has posed:'''     She's settling in, getting her coffee just the right way she wants and for all that effort the blond guy one table over doesn't notice. At least not right away. Instead he's sitting there with one hand now beside the phone, that miracle of modern communication gently nudged a few times left and right, causing it to spin a quarter turn with each touch. His jaw tightens, extends, tendons working as if something really didn't sit well with him.     And if one were to be watching they might even get some hint of insight into where he must be with whatever inner monologue must be going through his thoughts. It's all in the expression on his handsome features. The way his eyebrows lift, the way his head tilts, as if arguing and convincing himself.     And then he hits that button. The phone is lifted to his ear and he takes a deep breath as it rings, exhales slooowly, then when it goes to message he talks in a tone that likely wouldn't carry beyond the next table or so.     "Hey, I'm trying to reach Peter Parker? Sorry if this is the wrong number. But this is." There's a pause then. And one might get the impression that he'd just freeze. Stop. Give up on the message.     "This is Eugene. Thompson. Flash? From, you know. Back in the day. Right? Hey Peter. I know, I know. You're probably thinking to yourself, what the heck does Flash want? And yeah I totally don't blame you for..."     Another pause, "For feeling however you feel. I wouldn't presume though to like, think you feel a particular way. But hey. Man. How are you?"     Then there's a warning beep letting him know to hurry it up.     "But oh, right. I would like a chance to. Talk? If you. If you wouldn't. Entirely hate the idea? So ok. My number is... well. You probably have it now. Right?"     <BEEP> 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi takes a tentative sip of the coffee as if to avoid burning her mouth. Given that she removes the lid again and stirs it and blows on it a little, it seems the test sip was a good idea. The petite brunette rests an elbow on the table on her head on her hand as she studies the map. Her lips move as she has a look of concentration on her face. The map seems to hold her interest at first, but then as Eugene Thompson finally places his phone call, the young woman perks up a little bit. Vi glances over, a bit furtively at first. When it seems like Eugene is focused on his call enough, she looks over a little more openly. A curious expression of some sort comes to her face as Eugene's call goes on. Vi keeps watching Eugene as he talks. It's quite possible he might catch sight of her perusal before she's had time to look away. 

:'''{{#var:9453|Eugene Thompson (9453)}} has posed:'''     For Flash the world was compressed into just the phone and him. And nostalgia. Or perhaps merely memory. With the call now dead it's tossed back onto the tabletop with a click and a clatter, leaving it there on the tray that had likely been there when he arrived. His blue eyes keep on it for a time...     And then he looks up and there's a Vi looking back at him. His eyebrows contort in that slight way when a person wars with a variety of comments, only for it to settle on something at the least polite as the muscles of his features slip into a smile.     "Hey." He lifts a hand, fingers flaring a bit. Then he sniffs sharply as if clearing his nose. Looks at the phone, then back at her. "Old friend."     A beat.     "Sorta." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi sees her eavesdropping was noticed before she can look away. She manages to suppress the small frown that results as she realizes just how accepting she's gotten about being noticed by people. Her old skills are not second-nature like they used to be. There's a moment's wonder whether that's a bad thing. The brunette teen gives Flash a gentle looking smile. "Sorry, I didn't mean to..." she says, giving a little wave of her fingers towards his phone rather than finishing the sentence. "So not sure if it's your friend's number or not?" she asks. "Or, someone that the parting didn't go very well?" she asks. If she knows that it's a nosy question, it doesn't seem to reveal any embarrassment in her expression as Vi asks. She picks up her coffee again, taking another sip now it's had time for a bit of the hottest contents to evaporate out and cool it off. She glances down at the cup. "Hrm. Just tastes like coffee, not Fantastic Coffee," she comments loud enough he can hear. 

:'''{{#var:9453|Eugene Thompson (9453)}} has posed:'''     There is a certain freedom that comes along with... anonymity, or rather not knowing a person. Nor likely seeing them ever again. In the city people can live on the same block and rarely ever see each other. Perhaps that has some part to do with why he looks across the way at Vi and actually finds himself considering answering openly.     But then he seems resigned about the idea and answers, "All of the above?" Since he might be entirely wrong. On multiple fronts.     He looks to the side at the people around them, and there are some to be sure. But two of them have their heads down in their laptops, another is looking at his phone, and the last has ear buds in and seems to be listening to some music. So there, amongst several other people, they may well be somewhat alone-ish.     "So you know that goofy stuff they make you do when you've screwed things up and you have to 'make amends' right?" He uncurls a hand and waves it to the side, as if that was enough of an answer. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi tries to figure out what goofy stuff and making amends Eugene might be talking about. She gives a nod of her head and lies, "Yeah. So, doing that I guess?" Vi is a pretty good liar. She takes a sip of her coffee, maybe working out some of it. "So, it'll feel better after you talk to him? That's the idea at least?" she asks. Vi turns her chair just a bit more to face Eugene. She unzips her jacket now she's been inside for awhile and is suitably warmed by the heating and the coffee. The SHIELD logo is pretty visible, but one would probably be hard-pressed to think she's actually affiliated with them given her age. "How likely are you to get in touch with him do you think? And...I guess it means a lot to you, if you're going through it?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:9453|Eugene Thompson (9453)}} has posed:'''     "Ehn," Flash replies, a little too abruptly. But then he seems to bite the corner of his lip as if chastising himself. He shifts his weight to the other hip, adjusting his seat and frowning a little. It's only then that he notices the cold cup of coffee in front of him and picks it up to take a sip before he elaborates.     "It's not so much about making yourself feel better." There's a pause, just a heartbeat's length, before he adds. "At least that's my interpretation of it."     His wheel chair creaks a little as he turns it to face Vi a little more, "Unpopular opinion time. I'm not a big fan of the twelve step thing as written. The whole surrendering yourself as powerless to a higher being blah-de-blah. That smacks of weakness and not taking responsibility for being an..."     He looks away, then back. "For being a jerk." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi listens to Flash, her attention mostly focused on him. Her eyes do roam whenever there is something to draw them. A new customer coming in, a woman with two kids in tow, a boy and girl, the girl in a Fantastic Four costume shirt and the boy's T-shirt with a cartoon likeness of The Thing on it. Vi looks back to Flash as the newcomers head over so the mother can get herself a cup of heaven, while the kids talk to each other excitedly. Vi pulls a little notepad out of an inside jacket pocket, pulling a mechanical pencil clipped to it and then writing something in the pad. If Flash looks over, he can probably read she wrote, "12 step thing". Above it is a little list of things, some crossed out, others not. Right above the new entry is "Doors that move in circles" and above that is "people wanting to clean your shoes". She finishes writing, her penmanship not the best, and glances back to Flash. "So, it's for your friend... Peter? Rather than being about you?" Vi asks. 

:'''{{#var:9453|Eugene Thompson (9453)}} has posed:'''     "Sort of?" Eugene pushes a hand through his hair and the sleeve rides up a little, a military tat briefly visible as he rubs at the back of his neck thoughtfully. Then, instead of elaborating, he looks over at the woman and the children, than at Vi... then the general crowd.     He takes a deep breath and gestures her over, "Might as well sit at the table if you want to hear the whole head shrinking craziness." He likely does notice the notepad, but doesn't mention it for now.     So he leans back, chair creaking as he pulls on the small lever and shifts it back and to the side, opening up his small alcove for company. "It's sort of for him, sort of for me. But not how people usually think they think it is." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi rises from her chair, sticking the notepad and pencil back into her pocket and grabbing her coffee and the pamphlet. It appears to be a list of places in New York worth sightseeing. She slides her chair back in and moves over to take a seat at Eugene's table. "I'm Vi," she offers, the name rhyming with 'sigh'. After a moment the girl extends a hand once she's set things down. After any introductions, Vi nods slowly. "So you're apologizing kind of. And... that probably would make you feel better in the long run if you feel like you need to apologize?" she asks, the words turning to a question near the end. She glances at his wheelchair. "I know someone else who has one of these. His has a... motor thing in it," she comments. "Does that have anything to do with what you're going through?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:9453|Eugene Thompson (9453)}} has posed:'''     "Most people call me Flash, or Eugene." Eugene accepts her hand and gives it a small shake then waves her over to the seat next to him. He then adds with a wry half-smile, "Or Gene. Usually one of those works."     That said he turns back and nods at her first question, about the apology thing. Then he gives a small 'heh' as he murmurs in reply, "Yah, they asked if I wanted one with a motor but I figure I should, you know. Exercise." For a moment he looks down at the chrome metal and the padded arm rest, lightly tapping it, then he shifts his attention back to her.     "Anyways,"     "So yeah, the apology. Making amends. Surrendering responsibility. I don't think that's what it's all about." His voice lowers a little as he leans forward, resting his elbows on the table.     "I owe this guy, because when I was a bit younger than I am now, I was a real..." He shakes his head and flares his hands again, as if not wanting to murmur the proper word in mixed company. "Just a grade A jerk. But it's not about me making myself feel better. Because really I don't deserve to feel better. It's more... giving him his chance to tell me to my face what he thinks and to be right and know that I know he's right. For him maybe he doesn't even care, maybe he's already forgotten me. But if he hasn't, then good. Maybe he can get something positive from that."     He grabs his coffee again, "Me? Well. Maybe I'll be able to look back to talking to him and feel fucking ashamed as I should. Right? Maybe that'll help me be a better person down the line."     Then he seems to realize he just cursed and frowns then adds, "Sorry." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi's head tilts a little bit. "Nothing to be sorry towards me," she tells Eugene with a little shrug. She gives a small nod of her head then as if this is all making a little more sense to her. Maybe it's a bit weird to her, the notion. But it also might kind of makes sense. The young woman hesitates a moment, looking thoughtful. The mother of two gets her coffee and guides the two kids to a table, setting down a lemon bar in front of both of them. "So we'll get a picture out front for Daddy, and you can pose like the Fantastic Four and be superheros." Vi hrms quietly. "Oh, they are heroes," she says, to herself, but easily loud enough that Eugene can hear the words. Her English is softly accented, perhaps a bit of Eastern European, perhaps also a bit of British English mixed in. It's a very subtle accent though. Vi refocuses on Eugene, looking thoughtful again before seeming to come to a decision. "The person you called. Peter? Peter Parker was it? Is he about your age? And dark brown hair?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:9453|Eugene Thompson (9453)}} has posed:'''     As she murmurs that particular name, the blonde with the blue eyes looks at her from across the table with his forehead furrowing in consternation. He lifts a hand, pointing a finger in her direction as one eye scrunches up, wary and suspicious. He continues to point at her, the finger bouncing a little as if to emphasize the point then he finally speaks, "You know him."     He shakes his head and lifts his eyes toward the ceiling as if requesting help from the almighty. Then Flash looks back to her and says, "Look. Just... don't repeat what I've said. Or give me like a week or so head start. This is sorta like that whole... Quantum thing?"     Those blue eyes shift to the side as he tries to dig into his memory for the name of whatever it is that he's describing. Naturally he fails to come up with it. "The thing where if you're observing something that you change it by doing that?" His tone of voice lifts up at the end there.     "Anyways, don't tell him." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi pulls out her notepad and flips it open, writing in it, "that hole kwantum thing where you chang something". She closes it up and puts it away before saying, "I've met him, I don't know him real well. I won't say anything if you don't want me to. I'm good about that. Staying quiet I mean," she tells him. "Talking is what gets people into trouble I think. I was hesitating whether to say anything at all. Though I kind of felt like... you opened up to me. So, I should maybe repay that trust. The name was what made me look over," she tells Flash. Vi brushes some hair back, tucking it behind an ear. She mostly lets her hair hang free, and it's a little windblown from being out on the streets on her way here. She gives Eugene a little smile and a nod. "So, no worries. If nothing else, well I don't know if you have a good phone number for him. I don't know his phone number either, actually," she says thoughtfully. After a moment she takes out the notepad, tearing out a page and scribbling down a number. Though she has to think for a moment to remember it. "Here's my number though. If the one you have doesn't work, I could try to get word. But, I'm not saying anything unless you ask me to," she assures him, sliding the paper over to Flash. 

:'''{{#var:9453|Eugene Thompson (9453)}} has posed:'''     "Ah, see, now this won't work." Flash says, "Us getting to know each other I mean." Though he does accept the number and gives it a glance, then looks back up at her. His lip twists as a myriad of thoughts flit through his mind and each one seems to subtly shift the gleam of amusement in his eyes.     "Only reason I confided in you was because you were a stranger." He touches his cup of coffee for a moment, then takes it in hand. "Safety in anonymity, freedom in expression. If we get to know each other then voila, all of a sudden you have insight into things and an edge on me that's not entirely fair."     "But..." The paper is folded up with the number intact. He pockets it and then adds with a faint smile, "I'll keep it in mind?" 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi gets an expression somewhat curious and puzzled, the dark brown eyes looking over to him. "Why would knowing something about you not be fair?" she asks. "When you get to know other people... don't you... get to know other people?" she asks, not having planned it to come out like that. But it's what sounds right to her. "Believe me, my life is probably more messed up than yours," she tells him. "Not that... I'm sorry. That may have come across bad?" she says, Vi looking at Eugene and not sure if it did or not. "I don't mean what you're going through isn't something serious. I just mean... if there's anyone in this city who isn't going to judge? It's me." The teen gives a little shrug of her shoulders and then takes a sip of her coffee, the cup almost empty. "I'm sorry I surprised you, though." 

:'''{{#var:9453|Eugene Thompson (9453)}} has posed:'''     "Well," Flash straightens up a little and for a moment he winces slightly, reaching down to massage at his thigh, frowning faintly. But it's a quick spasm and gone, leaving him to resume speaking to her with that same easy-going way of his. "If I knew we were going to get to know each other, instead of just a one off meeting, then I probably wouldn't have been quite so forthcoming since a confession on being a right shit to another human being doesn't really endear you to people. Right?"     A deep breath is taken as he chews on his lower lip a little longer. Then he nods a few times, sparing a look after that mother and her children, something she had said perhaps registering then. He shakes his head and looks back toward Vi. "See if I expected we'd get to know each other, I'd hide my more troubling bits, and keep them hidden until like we'd hung out three or four more times at least."     That's the moment, of course, when his smirk returns. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi considers that for a moments. "Right, so that's the part that isn't fair, then," she says with a slow nod. She sets her cup down on the table, the paper cup making that little hollow thunk that confirms it is empty. She purses her lips a moment in though, a hand moving to scratch at her cheek. "I grew up somewhere terrible. Oppressive. I had never heard of New York. Or the United States. I've only been here for a few months. I'm learning to read, and do math. And learning about the world. Which is... I'd have never believed it was like this if anyone had told me," she says, Vi's voice soft, and her tone serious. She swallows and clears her throat. "And I'm going around seeing sights in New York today. But I should probably get back. If you want, you can call me. It doesn't have to be about the other thing. It could just be to talk to me if you wanted," she says, rising from her chair and pulling her jacket on over the SHIELD sweatshirt. Probably not a real common thing to see, that. Not exactly a tourist sort of purchase. 

:'''{{#var:9453|Eugene Thompson (9453)}} has posed:'''     He may not make mention of it, but Flash likely notices. His blue eyes lift and lower, giving her a once over but perhaps not in a way some might assume. He nods slowly in time with her words then straightens up a little as well. As she tells him about her upbringing and her only now becoming familiar with matters in this part of the world he says two heartfelt words.     "That sucks."     She starts to gather her things and he nods, "Be sure to go see the Natural History museum." For an instant his eyes seem to slip past her, looking beyond her shoulder, then back to her gaze. As if he felt he needed to defend himself, or his opinion perhaps... he adds, "Dinosaurs, and all."     When she begins to depart he lifts a hand, "Goodbye, Vi." 
}}

10999/A New York Evening Like Any Other

2020-02-06T23:33:04Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/02/06 |Location=Atop a New York high-rise |Synopsis=Kitty and Peter meet for a skyscraper-top dinner and discuss patrolling together. |Cast of..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/02/06
|Location=Atop a New York high-rise
|Synopsis=Kitty and Peter meet for a skyscraper-top dinner and discuss patrolling together.
|Cast of Characters=296,4
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty had gotten back from the school and taken Jester for a run and a game of fetch. Back home again, she showered, then texted, figuring Peter was probably out on patrol. > I've got a couple of subs. Meet you up on top of the Ajax Building on Fifth? She pulled on her coat then, giving Jester a pet and opening the window for Lockheed after turning on his image inducer. Looking like a big raven, he flew out, while Kitty closed and locked the window then headed out via the door. Lest the super see her phasing out through the wall. She headed down the streets toward the aforementioned building, checking her phone for replies. If Peter was busy, she had an errand to run that way. But if he replied, then she can head into the building and on up the stairs and phase through the door to the roof. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' It wasn't necessarily a slow day, but it was kind of trickling activity. Spidey had broken a mugging and stopped a car chase, but really nothing the police couldn't have handled. Mostly just breaking up the humdrumity of the day while Kitty was at work. The text caught him in mid-swing and he fishes the phone out of his waist to check it while firing a line to curl out into a kip up arial fling. One handed replying: > Meet you there, hope your day was more exciting than mine. Changing directions mid swing, the phone is tucked away and both wrists used to expediate his travel time. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty checks her phone and grins. "If my day is more exciting than yours Peter, that usually means an alien has shown up," she comments to herself with a laugh as she turns into the building. It's a run up the stairs rather than the escalator. She's not getting as much time in the Danger Room as she used to, so needs the extra cardio. She phases through the door out onto the roof and walks over to the big Ajax sign up top. She's got a bag in hand, and a pair of bottles of juice. "Any friendly neighborhood boyfriends out here?" she calls out softly as she heads over to a good spot to sit and enjoy the view. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Spidey swings over the edge of the roof and lands against the side of the stairwell a half count after Kitty calls out on whether there's any friendly neighborhood boyfriends, "Is that like a night walker with benefits? Services with bug clean up duty?" Wait a minute, Spider-Man is based on a bug.... Slow blink. "So, is that a sandwich in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?" Turning enough to lean backwards against the brick wall. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty looks up as she hears the voice. The brunette breaks out into a big smile, her cheeks and nose rosy from the cold weather. Little clouds of condensation come out with her words into the cool evening air. "I sure hope I get benefits. You have any idea how many stairs that was?" she asks. Kitty glances at Spidey's webs. "Well, probably not," she says with a laugh, then moving over to Spider-Man to give him a long hug where he's leaning against the wall. "Got your favorite," she tells him before letting go and digging into the bag. "So, I really hope my day wasn't more exciting than yours. Too much paperwork and fighting with a new server at work. Catch any bad guys and make me proud?" she asks with a smile as she passes the sandwich over, and one of the fruit juices. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "There's a ''couple'' benefits... one or two." Spidey says with an obvious grin beneath his mask, resting his arms on his up lift knees, leaning way down with his feet up at right angles so his thighs are horizontal. "oooo..." Reaching out for the bag with a playful ''gimme gimme'' motion of his palm. Digging around to find his sub. "Eh, wasn't many tonight... broke up two incidents, just four arrests. Kind of a slow afternoon." He muses with a shrug, half rolling his mask up so it's just above the bridge of his nose. "Did you make that server your bitch? You did didn't you? You know you did... made it scream uncle in a bad way." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty pauses to glance up at Peter with one eyebrow canted up at an angle as if in a serious expression. "You bet I did. Now she's purring away computing orbital trajectories like she was intended," Kitty says. She grins and reaches up to brush her fingers over the back of Spider-Man's mask, and down the back of his neck before moving away to hop up and take a seat on the edge of the roof to look out over the city. "You know, the whole mobility thing is something I envy you. I've got Lockheed for help there but it's just not quite the same thing. No offense, Lockheed," Kitty says, glancing up at the dragon appearing as a raven sitting on the Ajax sign. She pulls a bit of meat out of her sandwich and tosses it up to him. "Thinking I might see about getting out of the satellite division and into something else at Stark. Need to hit up Tony some time," she says. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Pete smirks at Kitty expanding upon exactly how she smashed the system, "That'a girl." Reaching out to lightly thumb pinch her chin without any real pressure behind it. When she moves over to the edge of the building, he goes with. Stepping off the wall and dropping down to dangle his feet over the side with his sandwich half unwrapped betwen his slightly parted knees. "Yeah." Chewing, swallowing, taking another small bite. "It's nice... blessing and a curse really. The infinite power of being punctual without any of the natural inclinations to be on time." Grinning sideway, leaning towards her to bump shoulders. "I envy you having a dragon to fly you around.. I mean, think about that statement huh?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty takes a bite of her sandwich as she listens to Peter. She breaks out in soft laughter and flashes a loving gaze up towards Lockheed. He flaps his raven-looking wings in appreciation too. "Oh yeah. I don't think I ever take him for granted," she says of the little dragon with a smile. She looks back to Peter and returns the shoulder bump. "He's saved my bacon, which I technically probably don't have for the whole, Jewish thing, more times than I can count," she says with a grin. "Do you ever wish you had a side kick? Maybe like... oh... I don't know. Kid named Daddy Long Legs maybe? Real spindly legs but a tiny body. Good at kicking and things like that?" she asks, face split into a teasing grin. "Though I have the feeling I'm Lockheed's sidekick not the other way around," she says, glancing at the disguised dragon. Lockheed has the kindness to wait until she's looked back to the great view of the city before giving Peter a decidedly big nod. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "I thought Miles would be my sidekick." Peter admits after another bite, staring out over New York as the sun begins to roll down over the horizon far off towards the pier. "But Kid Arachnid is such a bogus name... What the heck is it with the Spider fam coming up with these crazy, if absurdly accurate, code names? Ghost Spider... Spider'Man', Kid Arachnid.. Silk..." He snorts derisively and glances up at Lockheed, then another loving glance towards Kitty. Though it's hard to tell from behind his mask, even half pulled up as it is. "I mean, aren't /you/ my side kick? I guess it's politically correct to say partner in a post Trump Administration world... That or I'm the side-kick.. which makes me almost a C-list bench warmer if you're Lockheeds." Another glance up at the Dragon. "Put me in coach, I'm warmed up!" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty laughs warmly and leans over to shoulder bump against Peter while she eats her sandwich. "How old were you when you when you came up with the name? And... what was your first costume like? I had a period where I went through a LOT of them," Kitty says with a soft laugh. "Was 14 when the Professor came to recruit me. Emma did too, for a different school," Kitty says, her mouth getting a look of distaste. Peter's heard about this before, understands how hard it has been for her to forgive Emma Frost. "I'd probably be your sidekick. You're the Avenger. I'm the one no one has ever heard of. If I'm doing it right, at least," she tells Spider-Man, giving him another little shoulder bump. "People don't take to many mutant heroes. Wanda and Pietro are a bit of a rare thing." 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "Good lord... Uh..." Peter grins at the shoulder bump and tilts his head back to stare up at the sky, thinking through the ages to when he first came up with the name, "Fifteen? Sixteen maybe.." AND his first costume, he laughs out loud at that. "A hoodie. A red hoodie, blue sweat pants and tennis shoes... I had these crazy goggles that got all buggy eyed." Wiggling his hands up near his face in a round motion like someone focusing binoculars. "I was fifteen and didn't have a whole lot of money to throw around... nevermind having exactly zero sewing talent." Once again munching happily at the sandwich previously laid upon his thighs used as a table. Mmming quietly with a slow nod, "Yeah, you're better at subtl than I am. I use to think I could be a sneaky hero, but that flew right out the window the first time I cracked Wise during a combat adventure." Combat Adventure sounds so much more exciting than a fist fight. "I was scared shitless... I'd never been in a fight in my life... So I started talking crap to make me feel less anxious about it. Had the mugger so angry he was throwing these lobbing punches." Pantomiming throwing a wild, lopping punch that has no chance of hitting someone as quick and agile as Spider-Man. "That's when I realized my true super power." Glancing purposefully at Kitty. "Trash talk." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Warm laughter spills out of Kitty. "You have a marvelously clever tongue, I'll give you that," Kitty tells Peter. There's a little puff of smoke from the raven that is Lockheed. Kitty glances over and then blushes. "I didn't mean like that! What, I get that from you now!?" she says to Lockheed, throwing a piece of her sandwich at him, but he just eats it. Kitty shakes her head. "Been hanging around you too much, Spider-Man," she tells him. "My first time through the Danger Room? Not kidding... I closed my eyes because I was afraid of... well, anything and everything that might happen. Just phased and walked right through it all, smashing walls and pits and adversaries. Right out the wall on the other side of the room. Everyone up in the control room was practically rolling they were laughing so hard. I guess the Professor spent a lot of time worrying about what would be appropriate for my first time through." She smiles and eats more of her sandwich. "So I should probably costume up this week and go on patrol with you. Get me a little of that neighborhood feel. What do you think?" 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Peter would probably blush, but Spider-Mans don't blush. He smirks at Kitty's turn of contextual phrasing and mentally fistbumps Lockheed for calling her on it. He cannot do this, he is engaged to her (SORT OF OKAY), that would be relationship suicide and he is not a stupid man. "I don't believe that for one second. You know Kung Fu and ninjitsu... I've seent it." Said mostly jokingly, leaning towards her with a little turn so that his feet run along the railing he's seated on with his back against her shoulders and his head angled backwards so he's in the way of her eating, since he's a pest. A damned menace, just like JJJ says. "Sounds like a good idea to me. We can stick to Queens, keep it small and simple for our fist co-patrol. Bust up a few drug labs... me, you, and Lockheed, against the abberant underbelly of New Yorks criminal element. Seedy dark corners..." Sagenods, still in the way. "There will be dramatic verbage thrown about loosely for the sake of the live studeo audiance.. there will be laughs and cries.. there will definitely be heroic posing and an emotional.. but tasteful... kiss.." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty laughs and shoos at Peter like he were a fly as he tries to get between her and the remains of her sandwich. "Oh, tasteful kiss. Ok. I mean, I suppose it has to be friendly neighborhood doesn't it?" she asks. "There were times I didn't even wear a mask. Kind of miss those days," she comments to him. She often has a simple domino mask about her eyes with her current costume. Unless they are off-planet or in another dimension at least. "Ok, so some neighborhood cleanup it is. I'll hack the cameras around the area and see if we can't get an idea of where to head out of the chute," she suggests. Because that's a fun Thursday night for Kitty Pryde. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Spidey is not so easily swat as the common place house spider! He is a Neighborhood spider, they are more rugged and presistant than their home based counterparts. So he remains in her way for several more minutes before daring to sit up and turn to dangle feet over the side of the ledge. "I can't imagine going without a helmet. I've only ever done so twice... both of them with you...." His eyes ''squint'', but he's grinning good naturedly, "You're clearly a bad influence on me." Nudging towards her so their shoulders bump, but not leaning back away afterwards. "I should have done a lot more camera hacking and a lot less showboating when I was getting started... I might not be on the cover of every edition of the Daily Bugle getting blamed for everything from Galavanting around with nerdowells to World Hunger." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty reaches a hand up to hold the back of Spider-Man's head steady so she can press a kiss to his mask above his mouth. Not quite as satisfying, but it needed to be done before she says, "I loved you so much for risking that, your identity, against those Sentinels," she says of the attack during the Michael Jackson flash mob. Which if one thinks about it, is an extremely likely spot for a Sentinel attack. "Though I'd probably rather you'd not risked it. You already have enough Jameson problems as it is, let alone if he knew who you were," she tells Spider-Man. "And, oh crap, this means I'm going to be a ne'er-do-well now too, aren't I? I should probably get another costume together for it," she says. And her eyes sparkle. The chance to put ANOTHER costume design together!? Not much one can do to trump that besides tell Kitty she gets to use Janet van Dyne's design computer to do it. "Oh! I could see if I can use Janet's design computer to make it!" she exclaims. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Peter steals the kiss away like a thief in the night, pleasantly grinning over at her with a sheepish shrug, "What was I gonna do? Let those giant, reprogrammed VHS players hurt you and my friends?" He snort waves dismissivley of /that/ idea. "I'd sooner face Jameson' wrath... besides, that was like..." Thinking on it.. "Dude, we'd only been on ONE date..." The eyes go wide. "God I was such a doofus for you." Grinning all the same. Munching his sandwich while Kitty plans her new costume with promise of Van Dyne involvement. "Just try not to clash my color scheme huh? I've already got Gwen out here looking way more awesome than me with her white and pink hoodie costume... I can't keep getting upstaged by the women in my life." Yes he can. Stupid man. Stupid stupid man. Sucking bits of mayo from his thumb once he takes the last few bites of his sammish. "So.. I was thinking we'd lay on the couch and binge watch Supernatural tonight? I'm gonna do one more loop around the city, but then I'm calling it an early night and headed home." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty finishes off her sandwich once Spider-Man stops serving as such an effective goalie of her sandwich-eating hole. "She'll probably want to design it which, like I'd say no? But, yeah, going to have to call her. Even if she's not free.. and if Steve's back from outer space we may not see EITHER of them for a week or two... even if she's not free I'll work something up. If nothing else could grab an old costume for now,' she says. Kitty finishes off her sandwich and stuffs the wrappers back in the bag to be disposed of later. "Supernatural it is," she agrees. "Already took Jester for a run. Man he's getting big. So we can loaf around while I set Baxter to hacking the cameras," she tells him. "Baxter... what I'm naming my latest hacking system. Maybe. I have no idea what it stands for yet, I just like the name. Needs to be an acronym though. Roll that around in your head while you're patrolling?" The young woman hops up to her feet, as fearless about the long fall as Spider-Man is. She leans over to give him another quick kiss. "Don't go start being safe or anything," she tells him with a smile before hopping down onto the roof and heading for the door down into the building. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "Janet still gives me the fears in my tummy tum tum.." Peter says to Kitty as she confers with herself on the particulars of getting a new costume set into working service. Pushing up easily on his palms, legs swinging effortlessly beneath him with all the grace of a man possessed an endless strength and uncalculatable agility. Standing with his palms in the small of his back to pop it with a series of quick cracks. He's almost twenty seven! That's retirement years for most heroes. After Kitty steals a kiss, he does as well. Capstoning their dinner time meet up with a grin as he pulls his mask back down over the bottom portion of his face. "Two hours tops. No bullet wounds to stitch up or nothin'." He assures her with a little hop, which is a pretty big hop for most normal people, that puts him out over the void of the city street below. Turning easily to face her in the suspension of air, as he descends as if in slow motion... Gravity is not ill effect by his powers or nothing, he's just being dramatic. As he disappears beneath the ledge, there's a *THWIP* of his webshooter and a line attaches to the building across from where they were perched. Pulling him across the falling momentum into a quick swing that builds speed for another *THWIP* of both extended wrists to yank him into a diving tumble towards traffic. Time to press the flash a little and hob nob with the plebs. ''HEY SPIDEY!'' "Hello citizens of New York!" Waving as he sails past, snapping off some thumbs up and one swinging high five as he comes barrelling over the roofs of evening comuters, both vehicular and pedestrial. "No, I'm just like all of you, only web swingier! I put my pants on one leg at a time!" 
}}

10975/Dumpling Meet Up

2020-02-04T05:28:59Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/02/04 |Location=Hot Dumpling Restaurant, China Basin |Synopsis=Carrie, Dick, Damian and Stephanie gather at their favorite dumpling place. Dam..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/02/04
|Location=Hot Dumpling Restaurant, China Basin
|Synopsis=Carrie, Dick, Damian and Stephanie gather at their favorite dumpling place. Damian likes it hot. Dick is a food thief.
|Cast of Characters=1134,1747,49,973
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' It was a simple enough invitation. A picture of the "Hot Dumpling" sign at the little restaurant that the members of Batman's entourage know so well. A place of many late night gatherings and reminiscing for the group. Also a time so people when know to arrive. Stephanie Brown arrives a little early. She's carrying a motorcycle helmet which means she rode her old bike rather than the nice car that was a birthday present from Bruce. She's still so careful with that about where she leaves it, she probably braved the cold rather than risk a scratch in Chinatown. Or, you know, stolen hubcaps. Stephanie stakes out their usual table and waves over to the woman. "Order of Crab Rangoon for appetizers? I'm hungry," she tells the woman, flashing her a bright smile. "Oh, and a Coke please?" The Chinese woman nods and gets to work on the food as Stephanie worms her way out of her coat, hanging it on her chair behind her. 

:'''{{#var:1747|Carrie Kelley (1747)}} has posed:''' The sign alone was indeed enough to lure out those individuals who found this place to be worthy of visiting numerous times. Really, by now the lot of them were regulars here, though Jason always had been. He was the one who found the place back when he used to kick around on the streets as a kid. Carrie was rather fond of it too for her own reasons, so an invitation to stop by was always welcome. Lacking a motorcycle of her own she just opts to drive the newer Toyota that Bruce had insisted she have for reasons of not looking as if she were a bum in her old, ancient car. It wasn't the 'other' car. It did the job though. Ducking through the door with her own coat bundled around her she pauses to stamp her feet on the mat at the entrance while looking toward their 'usual' table. "Hey Steph," she greets easily as she moves further in to claim a seat herself. "It's cold out. Definitely going to need some bao and dumplings. Maybe some soup tonight, too," she reasons. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' It is something of a longer hike for Dick these days, having returned to Bludhaven, spending more time there these past couple of weeks. Traffic is always... iffy at this time, and even setting out early is no guarantee of an on time arrival. It's enough to make one want to take advantage of those extra special resources that exist in their unique worlds. But while teleportation portals or Bat-plances might be handy, they're not always practical. So he settles for his car -- the Nightbird body removed for something a little more blend-inny -- and arriving a few minutes late. He can't always make these sorts of get-togethers of course. None of them actually can fully commit to that. Of course, if anyone could understand that fact it would be the others who are invited. They really do live in their own little world within the much larger one, don't they? Still, he strolls in only five minutes or so late, again, having little difficulty in picking out those he's come to meet despite the bustling business this place seems to do. "Sorry I'm late," he notes with a grin as he sidles up to the table. "Though not so late that I missed the first round I see. So I guess I could argue that I, in fact, timed it perfectly. Once again," he adds with a wink before sliding into his spot at the table. 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      Damian didn't respond, only grabbing the car that was made available to him on nights like tonight. Much to Alfred's insistence, Damian was given every now and again a night off, to socialize and make friends. It wasn't a worthwhile venture if you'd ask Damian.   Still, the chauffeur dropped Damian off with little fanfare, the black car staying close by to pick him up after the fact.   He dressed in a green button-down, and a black tie, with a black cashmere coat on to appear like the cold actually bothered him. "Wan shang hao." He greets the older lady that was obviously the matriarch of this restaurant. She was always there, and always manning the front.   After a brief exchange with her in Mandarin, Damian is shown where the rest of their party was. After taking off his coat, and draping it behind the chair, he took his seat. "What the hell is a Crab Rangoon?" is the very first thing to escape his lips at the table. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown flashes a grin as people arrive. "No one is late at all," she confirms, sliding the plate of fried up crab and cream cheese towards them to get one to warm up with. "Soup sounds fantastic tonight," Stephanie confirms. "Not the best night for the bike, but not as bad as it has been anyway." She flashes Damian a grin. "You cleanup so spiffy," she says, her tone and expression a mix of warmth and teasing. "You should have switched to suits long ago. Of course your suit is worth more than my entire apartment's contents." She motions towards the crispy fried treat. "Just cream cheese, crab, some other seasonings, wrapped up and fried," she tells him. "Only appetizer I knew." Stephanie looks down the menu quickly to pick out her dumplings to order. "So Dick, glad you made it to this part of town. Sorry it's such a drive for you. How is everything else going?" 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' Making room for the latest of their party to arrive, Dick flashes a grin to the spiffily dressed young man, certainly a great deal more immaculately dressed then the jeans and sweater that he himself bothered with. He does retrieve one of the menus to at least give it a once over -- it's not as if they haven't visited this place enough to generally know what they're likely to have when they stop in. But every once in awhile there is a surprise. Like for instance, Crab Rangoon. Dipping his head behind the menu for a moment to hide his expression at the outburst over the change to the normal routine, the dark-haired young man murmurs, "Hey, sometimes a change is good. Give it a try ," he suggests mildly, lowering that menu just enough to peek over the edge and see just how well that suggestion is received. For his part, Dick waves aside Staphanie's apology. "Are you kidding? It's nice to have an excuse to get out of town for a few hours. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to be back a little more consistently and not having to make that commute all the time definitely won't break my heart. But this is a good reason to visit. Keeps me from getting restless," he notes wryly. "And you? Your exame finished off strong I hope?" 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      Damian's ego is certainly stroked when Stephanie pays him a compliment. "It was basically a requirement. It is hard enough to have executives respect me when I was filling in for Father without looking like...a teenager."   Damian's face turns towards Dick as he talks, almost diving behind the menu as well. "Tell that to Lady Zhang at the front." Of course, the subject of their exchange was the unusual order. "I didn't even know what it was until I got here." Of course, she'd get then whatever they wanted, she just noted the unusual request from this particular group.   Once that's over, Damian retreats into his own menu, looking for something in particular. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown eats one of the appetizers and then orders pork dumplings. She is also dressed simply, jeans and a multi-striped sweater, mostly light and dark blues with a few black and purples thrown in there, and a turtleneck underneath. She at least thought ahead before the early February motorcycle ride. Stephanie gives a commiserating sigh to Damian. "I can imagine. Your father offered me a job at the company but... I don't even know what I want to major in let alone work at," she says. The 21 year old's blue eyes look over to Dick. "Decent. Passed everything. Mostly B's. One A. One C+. Don't tell Barbara that last part," she says. She slides the menu aside while Damian is digging into his. "I might be looking for some help with Chemistry next semester," she says. Stephanie has turned to Dick before for chemistry help. Though that was when her mixing of the formula for the flash bang pellets wasn't working as it should. A more practical application than Chemistry 103. "If there's a tutor in Bludhaven available, I could probably bring wings with the textbook," she says. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' "It doesn't pay for us to get too predictable. Where's the fun in that?" Dick teases gently, stealing one of the appetizers for himself, sampling it with a small nod of approval. But will that be enough to have it make the cut for their next visit? That remains to be seen. "Working for Bruce isn't all bad. Though, admittedly, having to deal with any of the upper executives is less than fun for the most part. With some exceptions," he conceeds. He doesn't mind the dressing up part so much -- hey, costumes are a pretty core part of his existence whether they are immaculately tailored or designed to help him survive a gunshot -- but the pretenstion? Pass. "You should try to get more involved with the Foundation work. Much more rewarding." Glancing back towards Stephanie he grins and winks once more, drawing the imaginary zipper across his lips. "My lips are sealed. But if you think she doesn't already know if she wants to know..." he points out, letting his words trail off. There's no keeping secrets from some people afterall. "Mmmmmm, Wings. That's pretty tempting there. I mean, I dropped out before I finished first year Chem, but I think I have enough hands on, practical experience to make up for it." 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      Damian peers at the menu and suddenly his eyes go wide. "Yesss. Szechuan hot pot. Extra spicy."   Once Damian lowers his menu, he returns to the conversation. "I enjoy the part I play in the foundation. With the animal charities." Of course he would say that, he would protect nearly any animal that was around. Plus the local fauna around the Manor all had names. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie gives a warm laugh to Dick as he speaks about the environment at Wayne Enterprises. "Ok, there it is," she says, wagging a finger at him and grinning. "With some exceptions," she quotes Dick. "Out with it. What's her name? Redhead I'm guessing. You have a thing for redheads," Stephanie teases. She gets another bite of the appetizer, tearing it gently in half to get two bite-sized pieces. "I think I'll enjoy college while I can. You're only this age once after all," she says. Well, unless you go into a Lazarus Pit and then you're that age for a long longer than once. "Speaking of, is the foundation doing anything special coming up? That auction seemed like a very cool thing. A lot of money for that stuff too," she says, shaking her head and grinning about some of the celebrity things auctioned off at it. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' Having apparently decided what he will have, Dick sets aside his menu for the moment, reaching for that glass of water nearby, idly drawing a pattern with his thumb through the perspiration that beads the glass. His fellow Robin gets a ry smile and a shake of his head at his enthusiasm for the spicy entree. "You'd think that you would get enough excitement in life without wanting to go around setting fires on your tongue and in your stomach," he teases mildly. "And yes you're right. Some of those animal charities are very rewarding to work with," he agrees. It's probably a minor miracle that the Manor isn't overrun with animals of all sorts. He suspects that Alfred has put his foot down. Perhaps threatened to cut off the chocolate chip cookie supply. Mmmmm, chocolate chip cookies. Turning back to Steph, the dark haired young man feigns shock at the accusation, holding a hand up to his chest. "I can't believe you'd suggest such a thing. Like I am incapable of resisting an attractive redhead," he says with mock-indignation though his eyes glint merrily. "But no, I was more thinking about Lucius, actually," he notes with a smile. He does nod however at the mention of events. "It's not quite as full a slate over the next couple of months, but once we hit spring they have some really nice ones planned." 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      "Do not insult the hot pot. It's delicious." Plus, with the things he has had to eat in the past...this is nothing. "Excitement has little to do with it. the chili flavor is excellent."   Yup, Damian had animals, batcow, Abbadon...no dog, yet. "I haven't heard much from the Foundation since I stepped in at Wayne Enterprises. That should be corrected soon now that he is back in the chairman's seat." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie takes a sip of her coke as she listens to the two Waynes. "Glad to have him back on his feet fully," she comments with a smile. "So are you continuing on helping at the company then?" Stephanie asks Damian. "I'm sure there's a lot of places they can use the help." Stephanie leans back in her chair, glancing over at the men playing mahjong. One of them clearly wins a game from his grin and the groan from the other player, and Chinese is exchanged so rapid fire that Stephanie probably couldn't follow it even if she spoke the language, which she definitely didn't. She calls over to the man though, "Are you going to let him win one sometime?" she asks with a small grin, recognizing the men as those they've bantered with in the past. Stephanie looks back to the table as the food is served up. "oh this smells divine. I should have got a second order to take home,' she says as she breaks open a dumpling to help let the insides cool enough she can eat it without burning her mouth. "I think Damian's mouth is made of metal, with some of the hot stuff he eats," she tells Dick. "Or maybe his mother squirted some of Victor Fries's stuff in there when he was a baby and he's still trying to warm it back up." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' They are hardly the only regulars who drop in here so it is no surprise to find familiar faces amongst the patrons. The place is certainly popular. And with good reason. There definitely is nowhere like it back in Bludhaven, which, of course, gives him just one more reason to pop by now and then. "You could probably do worse as far as a late afternoon activity goes. I mean, most of the interns are college aged but I don't think that's exactly an issue for you," he says with a nod towards Damian. It is, afterall, hard to imagine him deciding to pick up a sport or the like. "Put in your order now. It'll be ready by the time we're done. That's the only flaw in coming here instead of getting delivery. No leftovers," Dick agrees with a grin, not hesitating to dig into the food as it is delivered to the table. He also does not hesitate to steal liberally from Stephanie and Damian's selections either. Hey, he was born in a circus. It's an excellent excuse for any number of displays of lack of manners. "That," he says with a frim nod, gesturing towards the blonde with one of his chiopsticks. "That is exactly how it works. A+ Ms. Brown. Go to the head of the class..." he agrees slyly. 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      Damian turns to ask for the hot pot as he wanted, looking to the waitress with a smile. "An internship...seems a little low rent considering I saved the company from taking a nose dive after Father was injured." He says with a sigh. "Too smart for school, not sophomoric enough for an internship."   "Yes, made of metal. Able to eat chicken bones and the like. And drink lava." Damian kids, picking up a dumpling with his chopsticks like it was nothing and stuffing it in his mouth. "So good." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown doesn't do nearly as well with the chopsticks. She picks up the dumpling she broke open. Then drops it. Picks it up. Drops it again. Dick reaches over to pilfer it and she gasps, trying to use the chopsticks to give the back of his fingers a gentle whack. She goes back for another dumpling, finally managing to get a bite of it. "Mmm mmm mmm. sho gewd," she says while still chewing, though covering her mouth with her hand at least. "So good," she repeats after swallowing it. "Could I get a second order to go? Of the pork?" she asks the woman. Thankfully it's a small enough place it isn't like you have to get up to place an order. "Damian is a charm for ordering Asian though," she says. "He steered me well at that new place by campus. Except for the little hot things that sent me running to stick my mouth under the kitchen faucet," she says. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' "Fair," Dick retorts with a grin for Damian. "I was thinking more of the social aspects. Not to mention that you know the top of the business, but there is something to be said to have a feel for all levels. The view might be nice from the top of the mountain, but it gets a little hard to make out all those trees waaaaaay down there at the base," he points out. "I don't think the challenge for you would be to find a way to excel at the top. It might be a little harder to blend in while in the middle. And hiding in the shadows, or the back of the copier room doesn't count," he pronounces glibly. Yes, Dick is a ruthless thief when it comes to dumplings. And many other kinds of food too. No one's perfect. "Mmmmm, pilferred food is the best kind of food," he says smugly, leaning in to lick the food stain off the back of his hand where her chopstick connected. "See, that was your rookie mistake. Water just spreads the spice heat. You need to go for the milk," he says with a knowing nod. 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      "Mmm, pass the hot oil, please." Damian asks, eventually spooning it over his food, bits of fried chilis and garlic glistening over the dumpling wrappers. To which he places one in his mouth and shows no signs of discomfort.   To all those who tempt to take from Damian's plate, the spice is intense, but not unbearable. A solid 4/5. "You May be right. But if I were to participate in social activity, I don't think it would be genuine coming from people who know I am Damian Wayne. They'd be mired by wanting to get the job after their internships are over." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown passes over the hot oil to Damian and then she waggles her chopsticks at Nightwing. "And that's your rookie mistake. Thinking any milk in my fridge can be approached in anything less than a full hazmat suit," she counters before taking another bite. "Mmmm." She swallows and dabs a napkin at her lips. "I thought we were taking a stand on the other side of that whole pilfering thing? I mean if not, probably that Penguin guy has a killer dental plan," she says, making sure she keeps it light hearted enough it doesn't sound like anything other than random banter. Stephanie continues eating, making her way through steadily. Keeping a suspicious eye on Dick, while watching for moment she can add extra hot oil to Damian's plate while he's not watching. Eventually she leans back in her chair, plate empty. "Glad you both made it," she says, for the moment thinking very consciously about how nice it is to be part of the family. The woman brings her to go order over. "Thank you," she tells her paying for it. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' "Some of them definitely would," Dick conceeds without hesitation. The business world can be a ruthless place and internships at Wayne Enterprises are fiercely coveted. Especially if they lead to permanent positions. "But a couple of them might surprise you." What a surprise. Dick would push the good in people point of view. "Just so long as you find something that suits you. Wait too long and you might find something assigned to you," he notes. "The no stealing thing doesn't apply to food," Dick insists glibly. "Sorry... it doesn't apply to food when amongst friends and family. Perhaps even casual acquaintances if what is available is particularly tempting," he insists with a resolute nod. Perhaps someday he will fully flesh out the 'Rules According to Grayson'. No doubt they will all hold their breath in anticipation. Finishing up with what is in front of him, the dark-haired young man eyes what remains before the others but evidently decides he has had enough. Instead he pulls out his wallet and leaves enough on the table to cover the bill for the group. "Thanks for the invite. One of these days maybe I'll find something passably edible out in Bludhaven and be able to play host," he suggests with a smirk, rising from the table. "I will catch you both again soon," he says with one last grin as he fetches his coat and rises to his feet. Given that this is Gotham, that could be as soon as a couple of hours if the night does not go well. It would hardly be the first time. 
}}

10972/A SuperHero Needs A Good Costume

2020-02-04T03:20:15Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/02/03 |Location=Little Costume Shop, Flatbush |Synopsis=Jamie takes Vi to Alice's shop to get a cloak for Vi's nighttime flights. |Cast of Cha..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/02/03
|Location=Little Costume Shop, Flatbush
|Synopsis=Jamie takes Vi to Alice's shop to get a cloak for Vi's nighttime flights.
|Cast of Characters=9025,1245,9031
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:9025|Alice (9025)}} has posed:''' Just one short block and two corners away from Mutanttown into Flatbush is the door to The Little Costume Shop, directly next to a chinese drycleaning service. It has big lettering on the window, a neon sign tells it is open most of the day. Some costumes stock the window. Cowboys next to native americans, an Imperial Stormtrooper seeming to fire his blaster from the left while the right had an Enclave Advanced Power Armor with a gatling laser. Typical costumes one might say, the materials mostly synthetic for it was easier to be dry cleaned. On the door, a sign promotes the name again and its offer of costumes for rent and sale as well as custom makes. When entering the rather small appearing storefront a random movie theme rings instead of a bell. The short walls are lined with posters and photos of the costumes while the back wall carrys props in that are clearly AAA-movie grade, protected by the counter with a shelf on the outer side holding dozens of folders full of costume catalogues. A door leads further into the back, marked with Workshop and Employees only. 

:'''{{#var:1245|Jamie Madrox (1245)}} has posed:''' His ears are still ringjng. Not that he would ever openly admit it. When things explode, it's his responsibility as a male of the superhuman community to stand with his back to it and not flinch. You know why that doesn't work? Because explosions are LOUD. There's not enough Xanax in the world to dull a persons reaction from a fiery detonation enough that they don't even -blink-. With the help of a couple rows of human shields, Jamie survived by the skin of his teeth. His attire? Not so much. Luck him, he has that exact same outfit in the closet. About twenty of them. Vi? Not so much. With ears softly shrieking into the back of his thoughts, Jamie Madrox navigates the ice cold New York streets with one place on his mind. Where does a young mutant go when they need to make a fashion statement? The Little Costume Shop. Old, low settled black Caddy parked out front, Jamie Madrox opens that near vault thick car door and finishes the last drag off his cigarette, back tk the cutting winds and tiny orange embers snatched away from his smoke to dance briefly in the breeze. "Naaaaah, this is a must. You -could- make your own, sure. That always works out great. You've seen pictures of Spider-Man when he first started? It's tragic. Trust me." A warm smile to match his faded black eye and the stitches on his swollen cheekbone, Jamie winks. "C'mon. Alice has a knack for this. So I've been told." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' However Vi's power works, even her hair seemed to survive being in the fiery explosion. If not at the heart, at least within the worst of its radius. Her clothes on the other hand, barely left her decent by the time she'd sailed out of Nitro's explosion to check on Jamie, and his Duplicate who had played bait, and nearly paid the price for it. Now she's showered and cleaned up. In jeans and her SHIELD sweatshirt that is a favorite garment. "Glad I wasn't wearing the sweatshirt," she comments to Jamie. She gives a sigh. "The boots from Lara are ruined too. I mean, they are still nicer than anything I ever dreamed of wearing in Echo. Just, people here would stare." Vi watches out the car window during the drive before adding, "Not that I'd have worn them in echo. People would have noticed." She doesn't talk too much about that unless Jamie asks now, but it still comes up from time to time. As they reach the destination, Vi undoes her seat belt, the short nineteen year old hopping out of the car. She locks and closes the door then walks around to the sidewalk. "So I've seen a picture of what the staff at the school wear. It's kind of... tight fitting," she comments with a wrinkled nose. She pushes on the door, holding it open for Jamie. "How's the eye?" she asks, looking at him as they walk in. 

:'''{{#var:9025|Alice (9025)}} has posed:''' When the door opens for Jamie, it is some kind of drums that come from the speaker over a synthetic instrument. Something almost windpipey. The Rain Man theme. At first sight, the front of the shop seems deserted, but then the back door opens and a redhead pops out, looking to the door. Blouse in light red, a knee long skirt and boots that go up under it from some synthetic leather make the outfit, but there's a sticker on the left side reading 'Hello, my name is Alice'. "Welcome to the shop. First timers, hm? Looking for something specific to borrow or rent?" she asks, not sure if those were the ones that had called for some time or not. 

:'''{{#var:1245|Jamie Madrox (1245)}} has posed:''' Ever impressed by Vi's durability and tenacity, Madrox is faintly grumpy about the lumps he'd taken. She comes out of a blast looking wind tussled and... admittedly intense. Jamie? Lots of yelling and flailing. Wasn't the first time he's been blown up, probably won't be the last. Though he's getting better about not looking back at the detonation. It's just so damn hard! Nitro being a living, foul mouthed special case? He'd give himself some slack. Some. "As much as I bag on SHIELD, I will admit that they have some -amazing- quality when it comes to brand merchandise. That sweatshirt is so soft, it makes me question if kittens are even that great anymore." Jamie half jokes. Always been more of a dog person anyway. They like him more. So he returns the favor. "Somebody would have stolen those boots back at Echo." A brow arches and Jamie smirks a tad bit. "They would have tried, that is." Echo Camp is not a subject Jamie prods at often. Painful memories that they are. "Yeah. Charles is a fan of aerodynamics and youthful athleticism." Jamie jests with a straight face and not a hint of humor. Deadpan delivery as he flicks his cigarette away before walkibg inside where it's warm and well lit. "Ahhhhh, just fine. Headache is gone. Once I re-absorb some of the guys, I'll be better off." As the door swings shit behind them, Jamie Madrox drapes his forearm across Vi's shoulder. A bright smile in greeting. A little blood between his teeth still. "Jamie and Vi. We call earlier. Alice, right?" He asks with a curiously arched brow. That brings a wince of pain at the flex of stitches. "First timers. Be gentle, yeah?" 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi's scoff about the boots being stolen at Echo was very soft. As was the, "You have no idea," that followed. But her attention is on the shop instead then. As Alice comes out, Vi flashes a warm smile her way, before the brunette goes back to looking around. "It's a very nice sweatshirt," Vi agrees. One of the few items of clothing she has that wasn't bought second hand, and very soft indeed. She leans in against Jamie's side as they go further into the shop. "Yes, I haven't ever shopped, like this before," Vi says, her tone turning curious as she looks at a Stormtrooper helmet, her head tilting to the side. Soon her expression turns as curious as her tone. "People dress like this?" she asks, glancing to Jamie. "Somewhere special, or... I haven't seen anything like it in New York." Or, apparently, in Star Wars. 

:'''{{#var:9025|Alice (9025)}} has posed:''' "Ah, so you were the one who called? Well, you said you wanted something custom. For what kind of thing? I mean, there's lots of conventions out there. Like, Anime and Manga ones or Wrestling or Reenactors or the local Imperial Stormtrooper Section... Gimmie a hint what you're looking for that isn't illegal and I am happy to try to accomodate you." Alice banters, reachign up to grab a Stormtrooper helmet from the shelf behind the counter to spin it around and put it down onto the counter. "Yea, people dress up as everything. Movies, History, these japanese picture stories and animation films..." A moment she seems to search the wall, then pull a dagger from it that only a fan would know belongs to the Studio Ghibli anime Mononoke Hime. "Mostly they do for conventions and gettogethers with others of their type. Like, there's the 72nd NYSVI. They drive to Gettysburg every year to shoot powder blanks at the southerners." 

:'''{{#var:1245|Jamie Madrox (1245)}} has posed:''' That scoff, Jamie struggled to suppress his triumphant smirk. Oh, the unspoken 'duh, Madrox' in there made his night. The edge of sharpening humor growing all the more dangerous. Having to clear his throat and retrain his thoughts to the task at hand, Jamie Madrox gives the diminutive young woman at his side a playful jostle. She's made of -much- sterner stuff than Jamie here. "It -is-. Still says SHIELD on it though. Is what it is." He says with a shrug before lifting that arm off her shoulder. Approaching the counter, Jamie casts a hard to ignore image with ease. The battered overcoat. The bruises and stitches. The M tattood into his face. He's memorable to say the least. "Once walked into a decidedly sketchy movie theater in Red Hook on Star Wars night. Never wanna see a Jawa as long as I live." As he nears Alice, Jamie is clearly looking the place over. An eye for security. Cameras. Locks. Exits. Casing the joint even though he has no intent on breaking in. "I'm the one who called. We're looking for something a little more durable. Iconic. You know... something you talk about privately without camera footage so you can really lean into that plausible deniability." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi leans her head in against the side of Jamie's chest. Comfortable letting him do the talking, as usual. One might wager if she could stop that from happening anyway, as she likes to jokes to some of his Duplicates so he remembers the joke later when he reabsorbs them. Most of them laugh. Vi gets a look of comprehension after hearing Alice. "Oh... it's a movie thing. Make believe, for the camera," she says, nodding. She peers at the stormtrooper helmet again, expression still curious. No doubt Jamie will get asked later what kind of weird movie it's from. "I lost my coat," Vi says, leaving it to be misinterpreted she could have misplaced it. Instead of having it blown half off of her body and the rest left burning. "Or, cloak? It had a hood I liked a lot. Dark and kind of loose fitting," she says. Vi finally detaches from Jamie to move about the shop a little more, looking at costumes. 

:'''{{#var:9025|Alice (9025)}} has posed:''' "If you don't like the Jawas, try a Tusken. I'm rather proud about the mold I made for them." Alice tells to Jamie, nodding a little. There are no cameras, but the window and door are new after some cop had shot at gangers a week or so ago. The bullet holes in the wall are patched up. 5.7x28 mm, judging by the ballistics. "Well, I legally can't condone vigilantism..." Alice breaks them in a little, before continuing. "But there's a growing community of LARPers that kinda model after some of these vigilantes. It was something custom, right? Any ideas?" She listens as Vi speaks about her coat or cloak. "That's something belonging to your persona in that LARP? I mean, the coat thing? You can look at the folders here for more ideas, if you want." 

:'''{{#var:1245|Jamie Madrox (1245)}} has posed:''' Oh, does he talk. Jamie Madrox has a knack for filling silence with... him. His own brand of rambling that some find comforting like white noise and others swear was weaponized annoyance. He sometimes fears it's contagious. A small peck of a kiss to the top of Vi's head is given before Jamie leans his hip to the counter. The patched wall? Very noted. Arms crossed now over his chest, that form fitting emerald grren shirt bringing out the color of his already yellow and bruise green blackened eye. "Nope. Can't condone vigilantism. No matter how fun and expressive it may be." Jamie says with a wry smirk. Watching Vi browse as he keeps his spot at the counter. Brow arching again, the corner of his lips tense as pain flares. He'll remember the injury eventually. Honest. "Yeah. High intensity LARPing. Her cloak thing. Hood was kinda deep. Looking for a light but sturdy material. Leather's probably too heavy, you think?" 

:'''{{#var:1245|Jamie Madrox (1245)}} has posed:''' A mask catching his eye, Jamie pushes away from the counter with a grunt and finds himself lifting something very similar to the mask design of Spidey and Spawn. Can't beat a classic. "How do people see in these things?" Looking over shoulder to Vi, he gives an upnof before holding the mask next to his head. "Nice, yeah? Hey... ever think of weighting the ends of the cloak? Little pouches? Metal storage." He says before looking back into the empty eye shields of the mask. "I could rock this." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi wanders through the different displays, occasionally stopping to touch something to feel a fabric, or something that looks like metal but might be painted form or plastic or who knows what else. Vi glances up and over to Jamie at the question. "Yes. LARPing," Vi confirms with a nod of her head. "Maybe two. Assuming it gets as warm in the summer as people have said? One of each. Both... yes, sturdy material is a good word," she agrees with Jamie. Vi looks back at the one of the racks. She gives a small laugh and giggle of delight. She holds up a costume in front of herself as she looks to Jamie. "Bet you've never seen something like this before," she tells him. Slave Princess Leia outfit. She really needs to see those movies. Vi replaces it and moves along, stopping where work that isn't finished is set out. She runs her fingers over some of the fabric that has been cut into strips but are still attached at the top. "I kind of liked how it billowed in the wind," she comments to Jamie of weighing it down. Then a thought. "What about... the hood and all, but, the back cut into strips like this so they could fly about. When it's windy," she says. Not that she flies. 

:'''{{#var:9025|Alice (9025)}} has posed:''' "I don't like working with real leather. It ages when it gets wet, by getting stiff. I much prefer stuff like Neoprene, though if you want something light and sturdy Aramid or carbon fibers might work. It's not cheap though, and it doesn't like being cut." Alice bables as she reaches for a material binder, loops ov material mounted to each page to allow getting a feel for it. "Oh, the trick is that there is no light emitting from your eyes, so a dark tinted plastic lens appears back from the outside and only like shades from the inside. And no, you can't rock that one. You're not Gene Simmons." Alice chuckles a little as she puts that memorabilia back, wiping the fingerprints off quickly. As Vi is about to enter the workshop, Alice is after her to stop her, but a little late. "That's off limits, sorry. OSHA and such. That's... That's not at all some kind of cloak, that's a weaving grid. Mind coming to the front? I can make some sketches there... And I have samples." 

:'''{{#var:1245|Jamie Madrox (1245)}} has posed:''' The mask in hand reminding him too much of the old containment suit he used to wear, Jamie makes a face of distaste. He can almost feel the sweat and cramped pinch in the shoulders. "Definitely two. Brilliant. A summer set? Somebody get Batman on the phone. See if he thought of this yet or just hates himself that much." Hanging the mask back up, Jamie turns his head to look over shoulder when Vi calls for his attention. Brows lift. A smile slashes across his features before he can hide it behind a loose fist and a laugh. "Nope. That's wild. Lord of the Rings?" He asks with the lilt of a bemused teasing tone. Once Vi hangs the costume back up, Jamie finds himself 'accidentally' gravitating toward it. Whistling a Stones tune softly, Jamie plucks it off the rack along with a rather thick looking vest. "No idea what Aramid is. I do know that my card won't mind if it's expensive though." Browsing some more, Jamie rounds another rack of colorful and outlandish attire. "I could totally rock that." Jamie mutters in argument before speaking up more clearly, throwing in a polite smile while he's at it. "Shades, eh? That makes sense. Sounds dangerous but makes sense." When Alice is quick to guide Vi away from that door, Jamie can't help but immediately wonder what was behind it. Oh god, now he IS thinking about breaking in! Quickly averting his thoughts, Jamie chimed in as he snatches a green feather boa down from a hook. "I liked the flowy part. Really set you outta the crowd... yeah, the pouches would screw up the billowing and whatnot. Smaaaart." He says from inside the safe confines of his reinforced and hidden weaponry weighted overcoat. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi turns back before she enters the off-limits area. "Sorry," she tells Alice. "Though I should get another, regular coat too," she says, more thinking aloud than meant to be a comment. She wanders back over nearer to Jamie. "Batman. Is that... the Bats from the bank?" she asks, furrowing her brow a little bit as she casts her memory back to the events in Gotham. She's still learning her superheroes, obviously. Vi looks at some of the fabric, touching the samples. She glances to Jamie at the mention of cost, still having little head for money. "It's ok then?" she asks of the price, giving a little nod as he pulls the card out. She knows what that means. "These are all really nice," Vi says to Alice. "I honestly never imagined someone being so creative as all of this. I'm glad we came in here," she tells the other woman with a warm smile. 

:'''{{#var:9025|Alice (9025)}} has posed:''' "If you had that Batman's number, I am sure the FBI might want it." Alice states flatly to Jamie, tempted to reitterate her notion that vigilantism was still technically illegal. She eyes him as he rummages through the few costumes out, most of them are actually stored in the back and cellar, only availeable by asking for them from the huge catalogue. "Kevlar is a brand of Aramid fibers. You know, like in bullet resistant vest. Somewhat stretchy, doesn't like being cut. Mind putting the Episode 6 Tatooine-Leia outfit back? It won't fit you, Jamie." "I can give you a quote if I know what you want. I mean, there is quite a lot one could do. Let's start with the basics of your Persona... How does she handle problems? Run, Shoot, Cast spells, Fight? Just point to the materials and colors you like, I can see what I can do then." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi remembers the katana as well. Sometimes at night when dreaming. Not the good kind of dreams. "Really, just want it to be a hooded cloak. Two of them. And, strips. Maybe even, add extra, twice as many as the cloak would make by itself? In front too so it actually does conceal when just standing still?" Vi says, suddenly struck by a creative burst. She moves over to Jamie as he gets the Jordi LaForge visor. "Black. Or at least really dark. And a deep hood but maybe it could be folded back partway, depending on if I want my face scene or if I need to see to either side?" she asks, glancing back to Jamie to see his thoughts. Vi stops in front of a costume, the coloring that of Rogue. She gets a slight smile and then moves on. "How did you get into into doing this?" She asks Alice. 

:'''{{#var:1245|Jamie Madrox (1245)}} has posed:''' Back amidst the racks and stacks, Jamie loudly tsk-tsks when Vi appologizes. Grinnibg all too amusedly now as he snoops about for whatever catches his eye. He's working an angle. He isn't sure which but he knows his own patterns. "Always trying to see behind the curtain. Probably a wizard back there. This city is -lousy- with wizards." At Vi's question, Jamie snap-points enthusiastically. "Yes! I mean, no but close. Those were Robins. Smaller. Less intense." Jamie pauses then. Remembering Damian holding a katana to his throat. "But not by much." Alice calling him out on his decidedly ill fitting choice of costumes, it's Jamie's turn to scoff now. "Alice, summer is coming and if I don't motivate myself, who will? Bikini season shows no mercy." Not putting the costume back, Jamie instead drapes a red sequined half cape over his arm and increasing collection. "If I had Batmans number, I'd be doing a -lot- more with it. So many cat facts. So many." As the two women start delving deeper into the choices and options, Jamie joins them. A replica Jordi Laforge visor on his face. Where did he even get that?! "Ohhhhh. I like this. Build A Bear but way, way better." 

:'''{{#var:9025|Alice (9025)}} has posed:''' Alice puts the pencil to the paper, scribbling first a rough sketch of a Vi's stature, then adding the details she speaks about. A cowel and then the free hanging strips as some sort of cloak. "What below? I mean, what befits the persona?" She asks, sending a headshake to Jamie as he just can't hold is fingers still. "I know, that's wonderland but mind not touching everything? Those are the returned costumes of the day after the dry cleaner closed and you don't know what they used them from. They might have created really creative 'fan' videos with them." she scolds him a little before returning to Vi. "The job? I needed cash in High school. Now I do it for a living. Liking that My Hero Academia thing? Wouldn't have thought't you'd like Froppy..." 

:'''{{#var:1245|Jamie Madrox (1245)}} has posed:''' What a night that was. Bullets, katanas, robbers and Robins. It's no wonder that Jamie needs so many of himself out there in the city at any given time. Playing the odds just trying to make a buck. Or unframe himself for various crimes. That's a word, right? Right. "I do love the hood part. Jealous a bit but I'm a big boy. I can handle it. Probably. Definitely." He pauses, pouts his bottom lip out and shrugs. "Maybe." With his armful of gathered garments, some a little more gamey smelling than others, Jamie scoffs. Scoffs! At Alice's defense of the attire. "What? No way. People don't do that. Not with rental clothes you don't have to clean yourself. Naaaaah. Not believing that." Dark brown eyes dart between Vi and Alice. Back and forth through the exchange before Jamie puts his foot in his mouth. "My Hero Academia? I thought you frowned upon vigilantism. Vigilanteeee-ism?" 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi turns back from the costume towards Alice. "Oh, I was just going to wear, you know. Clothes." It might be clear to Jamie that she's still not really thinking of herself as a vigilante. Even with going to a school that hosts a team of superheroes, and having run into several of late, the older teen is just thinking practically about something to wear when she goes out at night. And she does love going out at night. Frequently slipping away to fly about the skyscrapers when people won't see her as easily. Vi turns back to Jamie. "What about you? Are you getting something too?" she asks him, eyeing the clothing he has so many duplicate outfits of in the closet. Someday she'll ask if he bought them or just duplicates himself and has them strip before re-absorbing them. 

:'''{{#var:9025|Alice (9025)}} has posed:''' "You wouldn't believe what I saw that Tusken raider mask over there in. I recognize my work, and that was clearly an M-Rated video of a Tusken and Episode 6-Leia. All the fake blood..." Alice notes, note exactly joking. "That's why they hang there for dry cleaning. My Hero Academia is a silly comic. Batman? That's a vigilantee, can't condone or sell that. Might crash the front door to get me to stop. Anime on the other hand is just a licensing problem." Alice nods to Vi at the cloth notion, scribbling some more before taking out a calculator to get them a quote. She thinks not entirely silent as she hammers the device with a finger. "Ok... let's see... That's about... yards of this... Then this... and that... the work hours..." Finally she writes down a number under the sketch, turning it to Jamie and Vi to read. Not cheap. Not overly expensive either. Not unstable molecules though. 

:'''{{#var:1245|Jamie Madrox (1245)}} has posed:''' When Vi states her plan on street clothes under the intricate cloak, Jamie nodded in absolute agreement. Go figure. It's pretty much his MO as well. Can't beat comfort. "Easier to slip back into a crowd too. You know, for LARP purposes." He says with a wry smirk. Can't be helped, dancing about the subject has entertained him immensely. Eyebrows knitting low and close, Jamie frowns when Alice describes in just enough detail to get his overactive imagination going. Lip curled into a weak sneer, Jamie opens his arms and deposits the pile atop... whatever was nearby. "Well. There goes my plans. No sense in being a copycat now." With arms now free, Jamie jams both hands into the pockets of his slacks. "Probably another shower is what I'ma get now that I hugged Tusken Raider sweat all over myself." Jamie says with a dour tone to match his frown. Tilting his head aside, Jamie looks to the sketch and the work order summary. Scrutinizing it intently before finally chiming in. "Flame retardant would be nice. You know. Because of fireballs and candles or whatever." Licking hus lips, Jamie eyes the work a moment longer before giving a nod of acceptance and offering Alice his hand. Complete with Tusken Raider cooties. "Got a deal. No copies kept after completion. Right?" 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi wanders back over to the counter, happy to lapse back into silence. She does hear the figure, which may not be a lot to Jamie, or at least too much. Though to the girl who has only bought clothing at secondhand and thrift stores, it is a bit of an eye opener. She doesn't say anything though as Jamie goes to pay for it. Some of those social niceties, that, "Oh no you can't spend that much," just to be nice and give them a chance, when really you hoped they'll spend it? Kind of lost on her. Different social structure where she's from. She does drift to Jamie's side and rests her head against the corner of his shoulder as he takes care of matters. "Thank you," she tells him, smiling up to the man. Vi looks back to Alice. "Looking forward to seeing the finished thing." 
}}

10272/Taking Turns Paying for Food, That's What People Do

2020-02-03T22:51:57Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2019/12/01 |Location=Katz's Deli, Lower East Side |Synopsis=Vi treats Clint and Captain America as a thank you for their help when she first came t..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/01
|Location=Katz's Deli, Lower East Side
|Synopsis=Vi treats Clint and Captain America as a thank you for their help when she first came to America
|Cast of Characters=9031,137,112
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi had not made very many phone calls so far. So she'd sat there rehearsing what she was going to say when she'd called Clint. A simple invitation to lunch. Katz's Deli. She had it written down like a script, a combination of letters and little drawings that would remind her. The call had gone far better than she'd worried, and plans were made to meet up at Katz's. Vi arrives in an Uber arranged by a friend. She's wearing jeans and a t-shirt, with a heavier winter jacket overtop, and gloves. Her hair is left loose. She stands over near the door, stamping her boots against the cold as she watches people go in and out, keeping an eye out for Clint. A Sunday on Thanksgiving weekend might not have been the best choice of timing. The place is /busy/ today. 

:'''{{#var:137|Clint Barton (137)}} has posed:''' The call had gone very well, Clint could tell Vi was nevous about it so he made it easy on her and really with Skye out of town on the mission to find her mom, he could use the company. So at a little past the appointed hour Clint Barton climbs out of a cab in front of Katz's Deli, the archer is super subtle with his wardrobe choice, a black motorcycle racing jacket with purple highlights and a knit cap with an H on it. (Reference:, minus the quivver: https://i.imgur.com/ehCBTOo.png) Spotting Vi, he lifts his hand in a wave, "Heya," he greets. "Thanks for the invite, been in New York for years but I've still only seen this place in 'When Harry Met Sally'," he says with a grin. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi's head swings from side to side, as she waits, and it only takes her a moment to spot Clint's approach. The petite nineteen year old's face lights up as she spots him. She lifts a hand to wave back as he approaches her. "I'm glad you could make it," she tells him. "People take turns providing food for people they like," she adds. "And you and Miss May had me for dinner, and I wanted you to know I appreciated it." Vi tells him, giving him that sort of smile that people get when they feel they are doing something nice for someone else. Vi motions to the door and says, "There's been a lot of people going in and out." She'll pass inside the door if Clint is coming. That's when the sounds and smells of the place hit her. Loud, loud, loud. People are crammed into the tables and talking to each other, voices raised to be heard. The cooks behind the counters are calling to each other and to customers. And on the TV, the Cowboys are in town visiting the Giants which makes for occasional groans or cheers going up. But even more than the sounds, for Vi, are the smells. Delicious savory smells of roasted meats and fresh baked buns are enough to make her mouth salivate. The sheer bustle of it has her hesitating a moment, trying to make out where they are supposed to go, or what they are supposed to do. There are signs to give those directions, but reading still requires a conscious act by Vi, and right now she's a little overwhelmed by all the sensory input. Thank goodness she wasn't burning her tin to heighten her senses, at the moment. 

:'''{{#var:137|Clint Barton (137)}} has posed:''' There's a grin for Vi's explanation for the dinner invite, "That's right, and thank you for the invite, it's appreciated," he says stepping out of the way as a couple leaves the restaurant, the smell of the food wofting out with them. Clint follows Vi inside, taking in the crowds and noise, he grins it reminded him of the bustle of the circus. His scan of the place is interupted by a little girl tugging on the leather of his coat. "A-are you Hawkeye?" she asks, her parents giving apologetic smiles from their table. Clint ducks down to the girl's level, "Yes I am," he says. "What's your name?" "Sarah," the girl answers. "Well Sarah, this is my friend Vi and we're about to have lunch, would you like a picture?" She nods, holding out her father's phone, Clint nods giving the parents a little nod and smile, as if to say it's cool. "Sure thing," he says to Sarah, before looking to Vi and asking. "You want in on this?" he asks taking the phone from Sarah and setting it up for a selfie. 

:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' A lull between the crowds (visitors from out of town/state/country to the city) and between errands has the Captain dropping by the Deli. He intends to get, well, a little bit of everything to go -- he'll stash food at the Triskelion and like as not share some with Barnes for the sake of nostalgia. Because rations...nobody misses those. As such, he's a broad-shouldered presence in the front door suddenly, slipping in on a short gust of colder air. His scarf is a plain thing, brown and white striped, tucked into his black motorcycle jacket. Jeans and combat boots complete the look. He lifts his shoulders up just a touch against a shiver -- brisk for riding the bike today -- and notes the familiar man fiddling with the cell phone. Sidling at a distance into Clint's peripheral vision, he then lifts a hand in silent greeting, wearing a small smile. He recognizes a selfie when he sees one. Vi is given a nod of greeting as well; he remembers the initial rescue well. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' The approach of the little girl gets a soft smile from Vi. Younger kids seem to put her at ease far more than the rest of the multitude of New Yorkers in numbers that she can scarce believe. "Hello Sarah. Happy Thanksgiving," Vi tells the girl, shining the smile over to her. The mention of Hawkeye gets a curious look from Vi, but she doesn't ask. And the offer of getting in on the picture yields a quick, double handed wave off from Vi. "Oh, no, I'm no one you want in your picture," she says, giving Sarah a little grin as she does. Vi moves just a bit out of the way, which is when she spots Steve Rogers come in. It takes her just a second to recognize him, and was it nod for the overt nod, he might have made it past her without Vi noticing. But she does, smiling quickly and giving him a little wave back. Vi has filled out a little bit, she was overly thin when Steve first encountered her, but now she looks much more appropriate for a girl of her admittedly small build and short height. "Hello, it's nice to see you again. We were just going to have lunch. Would you like to join us?" Vi asks. 

:'''{{#var:137|Clint Barton (137)}} has posed:''' "Happy Thanksgiving," Sarah offers to Vi. Clint catches sight of Steve in his peripherals and he grins, "Well today's you're lucky day, Sarah," he tells the girl. He looks up at Steve nodding at him, "That guy there is Captain America," he explains and when she looks up to see him Sarah's eyes go wide, she didn't see him before and now that she has she doesn't need to be told who Steve is. "Hey Cap you want in on this?" Clint asks guessing the answer. "And no dice, Vi, you're in this picture now come on down here with the rest of us," he says even as he beckons Sarah to stand next to where he crouches and let the others join him. 

:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' Steve's smile shifts into good-natured knowing, his lips hooking up a little higher on one side. He didn't think he stood half a chance at getting out of the selfie opportunity as is, even if he's not overtly obvious in the crowd. A few steps bring him over to join the ground, hands now hooked on his coat pockets by his thumbs. "Can't stay for long, unfortuantely, but needed some air 'nd some good food," the man explains to Vi. He gives young Sarah a far kinder smile, something more good-ol'-boy-next-door. "It's nice to meet you. I hope you had a good holiday. I'll step into the selfie real quick, if you don't mind." He gets down at a comfortable height on the other side of Sarah, so she's framed by the two Avengers, and beckons to Vi. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi isn't used to taking pictures, but she moves over to join them with Clint and Steve gesture for her to join them. She steals peaks at the two men to see what they are doing in the picture and then tries to emulate them. Crouching down a bit too, though not having to go nearly as far. Seeing smiles, Vi puts one on her face too. Sarah's parents are just beaming, and her mother pulls out her phone and videotapes the selfie being captured. Mother and father look at each other, and they each wrap an arm around the other. This moment is going to be part of family lore after this, no doubt. A groan goes up from the crowd as the Giants fumble and the Cowboys recover. "Ya buncha bums!" one guy yells at the TV mounted up near the ceiling. Vi glances over in surprise, and that's probably the expression that gets captured on her face in the selfie. 

:'''{{#var:137|Clint Barton (137)}} has posed:''' Clint looks up as Cap says he won't be staying long, "Getting a salami to send your boy in the army?" he asks with a grin. It had been a popular campaign put on by the Deli during the war, and there was a neon sign with the slogan behind the counter. Clint makes a face though as he says, "Jeeze, they must not have inuendo back in the day, huh?" he jokes, hoping it goes over Sarah's head. As for the selfie, yep, Vi gets to have that face saved forever. Clint is a pro at this by this point, and grins and points at Sarah trying to make her the star of the shot. Then when it's over he gives Sarah a smile and shakes hands with her parents, before rejoining the lunch line. "Go ahead of us Steve if you're just picking something up," he tells Cap handing him one of the lunch tickets and another to Vi, explaining to the girl. "So, way I hear it you go around to the stations you want to try, give them the ticket, they write down what you got, and then you bring it to the register there," he says pointing it out. "Pretty simple." 

:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' Quietly, the Captain replies to Clint, "Heard some back when that'd put you in a corner with your ears on fire, Barton." He smiles almost secretively regardless as to not draw further attention to their discussion. Must spare the youngins. He's certain to also briefly greet Sarah's parents after the selfie is complete -- he dimpled in the shot, content to do so given the sheer sparkling joy it appears to have brought Sarah -- and does take up position in front of them, given he's simply passing through. "Yep. Pick whatever you want," he tacks on to the end of Clint's explanation as to the process of the Deli. He's already working at his collection of food-to-go, ignoring any whispers and stares with the grace of long-practiced patience. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi gives Clint a grateful smile as he explains how the system works. "The kitchen at the school we usually just go get what we want. Or it's set out where we can put it on plates ourselves. No ration cards at all," she tells him. Vi just smiles to the parents and gives them a soft wave. The mother takes some video of Vi too. No doubt they'll be going through pictures of Avengers later trying to figure out if she's in there. It will be a long search! Vi nods to Steve as he adds to the explanation. "I was told the hot pastrami was 'to die for' and I should definitely give that a try while I'm here," she tells them. Vi glances back to Steve and says, "I'd like to pay for this, if I could?" She pulls out a stack of bills which are not really crumbled so much as a little wadded up. "It would be a way to say thank you for... the day I came ashore," she says. 

:'''{{#var:137|Clint Barton (137)}} has posed:''' Clint laughs softly at Cap's retort. "I bet," he says, keeping things low key, so as not to corrupt the youth of America. As they get about the business of picking out food, Clint asks Cap, "How have things been?" he says. "Per usual I haven't been able to stop by the mansion as often as I'd like." "Well, not exactly ration cards, they're just writing down how much you owe them," he says or well Cap will owe them since it sounds like he's taking care of Vi's bill. Or not as Vi seems to press the issue. He leaves the matter of paying to them and speaks to the pastrami, "So I hear," he says with a grin. "Anyhow go ahead and grab what you like." 

:'''{{#var:112|Steve Rogers (112)}} has posed:''' "Keep the money for now," Steve politely defers as to the offer for Vi to pay. "This'll be a large bill to pay, 'nd I'd rather see to it being all on my account. Part of it's technically a job purchase anyways, so accounting'll want to tabulate. Another time," he promises with a nod to seal the deal. As he's gathering foodstuffs, he glances to Clint. "Things've been quiet at the mansion so far, which is sure to change any day now. Holidays don't mean much to anyone wanting to cause a scuffle. I'll be sure to appraise you if anything crops up on the radar." A quick glance at his phone from his pocket and the Captain winces. "Traffic must've been bad on the way in. Gotta double-time, folks, sorry to say it. I'll see you both soon enough." With that, he's quick to finish out the pile on his tray and rush it to the register. Food bagged and gathered, there he goes, lifting a hand in final departure at Clint and Vi. Maybe he can be quick enough that it'll all still be warm by the time he gets back to his desk! 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' The brunette girl accepts the money back, looking at it for a moment before putting it away in her pocket. "Then I will have pay for it another time," she announces to the men, smiling to them both. Vi does indeed order the hot pastrami. After that she's not quite sure. "A pickle. And the bag of potato chips," she says, recognizing those easily enough. When she's asked for her drink order, she asks what they have. The man points to the machine, Vi looking at the labels on all of the different flavors. "Could you just read them to me?" she asks a little sheepishly after her lips move trying to sound a few out. The man scowls a bit, in typical New Yorker fashion, but does so. She stops him when he gets to lemonade, which goes on her ticket. Vi moves to the side then, waiting for Clint and letting him pick a table for them. The Giants forced a punt and are nearing the end zone, so the mood in the room is turning more positive. 

:'''{{#var:137|Clint Barton (137)}} has posed:''' "Sounds fair," Clint says of the paying arragements and bidding Steve farewell before he gets his food. He gets a couple of their hotdogs, some chips, and a diet coke. "Take it easy pal," Clint says about the reading. "Just read the girl the drinks," he warns about that scowl giving Vi a shrug. "It's New York, bickering and snark is city's hobby." He flashes her a grin then and when they have their food he peers around for the 'I'll have what she's having table' but with things being this crowded it is taken and there's likely three or four other tables eyeing the chance to switch to it, but he does find them a table by the window giving them a view of the street as they eat. Catching the action on the TV Clint can't help but rib the Giants fans a little, "Hey isn't there a Packers game on right now?" he calls out chuckling to himself as he and his team of choice are booed. "Anyhow, welcome to New York, it doesn't get much more New York than around here." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi follows close behind Clint with her tray of food. "I'm starting to realize what it is like, yes," she comments to him as they reach the table he's picked out and she takes a seat on one side. "Someone said going to the mall on Friday was part of Thanksgiving. So we went. But people were behaving like a food shipment had just arrived after no rations for a week. Maybe worse," she says, shaking her head. "I found a quite corner. Two men fought over a toy animal. I thought they were going to tear it apart tugging on it, but then one paid the other to let him have it," she says. Vi leans down to smell her sandwich. "Oh, that smells so good!" she says of it. She gets a napkin and carefully unfolds it, then sets it in her lap. After she glances over at Clint's napkin, as if to watch what he does with it to see if she got it right. The socialization simulations originally made for X-23 are apparently getting more use. 

:'''{{#var:137|Clint Barton (137)}} has posed:''' Pulling a face at the idea of Vi going out on Black Firday, he says, "Yeeeah, that's Black Friday, when all the stores put on sales that are /supposed/ to be way cheaper than normal, people sort of go nuts about it, like the ration thing, same general motivation, the sense if they don't act now they'll miss out on something they want. Just Black Friday is a lot more stupid. He 'hehs' about the bear. "Yeah, that happens too. We're coming up on Christmas and a lot of people get really wrapped up in finding the perfect gift for people. Which is nice on paper, but in reality it's mostly about getting the rarest and most expensive thing." Clint is about to tuck into a hotdog before he notices the look at his napkin. "Oh right," he says putting down the hotdog and unfolding the napkin on his lap. 
}}

10933/Penthouse Raid

2020-02-02T22:43:48Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/01/30 |Location=Fred's Diner - Mutant Town |Synopsis=Green Arrow gets info from an NYC drug dealer who supplies Starling. Vanessa Carlysle get..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/01/30
|Location=Fred's Diner - Mutant Town
|Synopsis=Green Arrow gets info from an NYC drug dealer who supplies Starling. Vanessa Carlysle gets caught up in the ensuing police arrest.
|Cast of Characters=8143,181
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Days had passed since Vanessa had met the man named Oliver at the diner. Oliver Just, the only name she knew him as. Yet he'd stayed in her thoughts a surprising amount. Which doesn't always help when one has the occupation that Vanessa Carlysle does. Tonight she'd fielded a call from an escort service that she was listed with. She did not get much work through them, but when she did it tended to be higher paying affairs. And with rent coming due, such a job was going to be a boon. The elevator of the apartment high rise had let her out into the penthouse. A guard in a jacket waited at the elevator, the strap of an under the shoulder holster visible as the jacket hung open. He'd frisked Vanessa, and taken her revolver that she'd brought in her purse, the woman having told him about it before he got to searching. Not a problem, he put it aside and sent her on forward with another member of security. It looked like there were at least a half-dozen to Vanessa, and those just the ones she saw. She arrived in the main living area where Yu Phun was waiting for her. One of his men had commented how he was sure they'd have a good time, and had tossed a small brick of drugs at her. Vanessa had caught it, smiling and making some disarming comment indicating if anyone needed drugs then she wasn't doing her job right. If it came down to having use some she would for the job. But it wasn't something she wanted to do. That had been two and a half hours earlier. Now, Vanessa is in the bathroom, having showered and cleaned, then moving to the mirror to reapply makeup. "He wasn't too bad at least," she says to her reflection softly. "I've been talking to myself in the mirror a lot lately. I hope you keep this all secret," she tells her reflection. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' It took a few days for Oliver to be prepared. Lots of stalking to do on the comings and goings of those particular members. One of them caught his attention of course, Yu Phun, already healed up from the arrow he was shot with a while back. Though Oliver still hopes it pains him from time to time. He does hate drug dealers.. But finally the night came. In fact he was eager for it, a change from all the business he has been conducting since he arrived in New York. Finally doing some good work. Diggle stayed as support by the van, info on police activity, or reinforcements that could come to the penthouse. His eyes in the sky so to say. "I have made my way inside, going up." He is already dressed as the Green Arrow, sneaking into the place, moving through those corridors that are seldom used or reserved to staff. He does like looking over the schematics of a building before going in. Always be prepared. That's how you survive in a super-powered world. He steps into the service elevator and punches on the top number. Time to go up to the penthouse. Arrows get checked, knives, bow. All seems ready. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Within the bathroom Vanessa works on her makeup, and pauses to send a text to the woman running the escort service. Just a simple hello it sounds like, but the choice of words let her know that everything is ok. "Going smoothly," Vanessa comments to herself. The various guards had been on alert after Yu Phun was shot with the arrow during his trip to Starling to meet with those he supplies his product to. Though back home in New York, and now safe within the penthouse, they are not nearly as cautious as they had been nearer to the incident. One walks patrol near the service elevator. Two more patrol along the outside of the roof. One sits beside the main elevator. Another is just around the corner from Yu Phun, able to hear if anything goes wrong. The other men are mostly lounging, eating dinner or watching a basketball game on TV. The Knicks are home against the Bulls tonight. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' There is that 'Ding' which announces that the service elevator has reached the top floor. How weird, there was no request for room service. Ah well, sometimes parties can get wild ... It makes the guard that was on patrol to be curious though. A pause and then a step in, the automatic rifle primed. Noone inside? Maybe some prankster sending the --- Oliver may be getting older, but he can still hold himself up to the ceiling, like a bird of prey! Ready to pounce. He does just that when the guard steps in, hitting the guard with a knee against the side of his head that makes him stagger down. A kick and then another punch finishes the job. Silent enough. He glances out of the elevator. So far so good... Then it's time to make his way further in. He wants Yu Phun, that man has escaped him from Starling, he will interrogate him tonight, oh yes he will. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa applies some lip gloss. Each man is different in what he prefers, and Vanessa makes an educated guess about the Chinese man in the other room. "He actually has been pretty decent," she says to herself in the mirror. She glances around the swanky decor of the bathroom. "Certainly better than... some others," she says, giving a little shiver and shake of her head as she remembers a certain venture capitalist. Thank goodness for that Frost woman who came to pay him in an unexpected visit that night. Speaking of unexpected visitors, the other guards haven't noticed the arrival of one. One man walking perimeter yawns and mutters to himself, "Going to need some coffee." At least Yu Phun doesn't require him to walk outside at this time of year. The glass windows around the outside edges meant to give great views of the cityscape allow him to see outside decently enough, and the walkways there are well lit. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' The guard is dragged aside, just around a corner so as to not get noticed with a cursory glance. But then it's time to move on. Oliver moves quietly, stealthily has he has learned all those years in the island, fighting to survive, evading predators in which many were human... It brings him to a corner that is just beyond the well lit walkway. That will be hard to traverse... But he waits until the man is walking back, with his back to him. Just enough for him to rush forward. A hit on the back of a knee with his bow, the man drops down on that knee and then Oliver wraps one arm about his neck, aiming to make him sleep. Sloppy perhaps as he cried out in pain before he could get a hold of him. He's just fading out to sleep when the other guard patrolling comes around the corner, alerted by the noise.. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa finishes up her touchup and stows everything back in her purse. One last check in the mirror of her appearance. Vanessa brings to her face the smile that years ago had to be forced, but now she can summon and remove without a second thought. Bright and warm to where few would ever doubt any sincerity in it. Few but Vanessa. She walks out to rejoin Yu Phun, moving to take a seat near him on the couch, though not quite right at his side. He's lounging in a robe, the remote in one hand and a tablet in another. He sets the tablet aside as if so Vanessa will not see what it says. "You were a good choice tonight. What was your name again?" Vanessa answers, "Vanessa," having always used her real name, but never her last name. That's when the guard spots Green Arrow and gives a cry, "Intruder!" he calls out as he pulls out a gun, aiming at the man who is choking out the other guard. He fires once, twice, the sound of the gunshot sending the rest of the penthouse into a flurry of motion. Vanessa freezes, while Yu Phun gets up and heads for a drawer, digging for a weapons of his own. Meanwhile, the other guards move, some going to converge on the cry, others moving to protect Yu Phun. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. So much time getting this guy down. He would had done it so much faster a few years back, but then again it's not as if his focus has been fully on the game. Struggles, trying to keep his team together. And then Felicity leaving.. Focus! He frowns, a dodge to one side, then the other. The knocked-out guard is tossed to one side, out of commission (and also out of the way of the bullets), the Arrow making use of his own athleticism to get out of the way of those shots. Of course that his armor helps, as one of the bullets grazes his armor but barely something he feels. He takes but a moment to get an arrow on his bow, no time aiming and shooting. Just the normal type that pierces. And piercing it does indeed, going through a shoulder on the guard and him being tossed back. He moves in quick before the man recovers, kicking him on the face to get him out and then moves at a pace, careful. "Diggle, guards were alerted. Keep me posted on the police." He speaks to his mic. One goon is at the door. Shots are heard outside, then a thud. Another one neutralized. Then it's Oliver's steps that are heard approaching the room leading to Yu Phun's penthouse, ominous. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Diggle's voice comes through Green Arrow's comms. "Roger that." As Green Arrow moves through the penthouse that he's studied the layout of, he approaches a spot that the guards will surely be making a stand. The entrance to the main living area is as wide as four doors, not giving as much cover as they might want, but no doubt there are guards behind the wall on each side. The take turns peeking out, looking for signs of the intruder, their own handguns drawn. Yu Phun finds a pistol while Vanessa is standing wide-eyed. After the pair of gunshots she moves to duck down behind the couch, but Yu Phun strides over to her and pull her up by her upper arm. "Oh no, you're staying here," he says, holding her like a shield with his gun on her as he watches. He's back in a far corner, won't be quite visible until Green Arrow enters the room, which the two guards are currently covering. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Fighting in the dark. A lesson he is glad he learned very fast when in that island. An arrow is shot to where he believes the guards are, but not the normal type of arrow, a smoking one. It fills the corridor, just enough that they do not have vision to Arrow when he approaches at a run. He listens to movements, relying on his senses other than sight to guide him and find the guards. He collides with one, shoulder to chest to toss him back. A stray shot that misses him and then he hits him with the end of his bow. Hard enough to shoot the breath out of him. Then he ducks an attack from the other that approached, it goes wide, the smoke still keeping him mostly out. A scuffle continues for a bit longer, it heard from within the room, punch, kicks but then a final thud. Silence. Some smoke is visible coming into the room through the sides of the door but it's slowly starting to dissipate. One hand holds the handle, a test on the door. Locked. That's fine. He kicks it and the figure of the Green Arrow starts coming out of the smoke, shoulders squared, vengeful. Looking for a particular man. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' The radio crackles as Diggle's voice comes over it. "Call to 911 of gunshots at your location. Police are responding. But you have a little while before the nearest units get there. will keep you updated." The guards are down and Yu Phun is nervous as can be. He remembers the arrow that had to be removed from his body. His gun hand is shaking a bit as Green Arrow moves out of the smoke like an apparition come to life. "You! You stay back!" he says, his English only slightly accented. "You try anything and the girl gets it!" Yu Phun says, motioning towards the woman he's using as a human shield. That shield is the woman from the diner. Vanessa. She's dressed to kill. A slinky black dress with cutouts for her cleavage and along both sides. Hair and makeup done to make her even more beautiful than the night Green Arrow met her. She's smaller than Yu Phun who tops her by quite a few inches. Enough room to take a shot though there's always the chance something goes wrong. Vanessa says to Yu Phun as he holds her, "Hiding behind me? Really? I actually was thinking complimentary things about you earlier." 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Gloved hand is gripping hard on his bow, eager to have another shot at Yu Phun. The man has been evading him for a while now. And in the meantime his city suffers. The hood turns here and there on the room. His attention is all on Yu Phun, his blue eyes appearing to burn with the intensity of his stare but then ..., he notes the girl. That's a surprise. It throws him back to a few nights back, a diner, a dance. But that was Oliver, not Green Arrow, he has a mission now. Yet he can't help to look at Vanessa. "What..." His voice is heard, altered by the modulator on his suit but then he stops himself. Wouldn't do to show he knows the girl, to any of them. He takes note of the room, then finally says to Yu Phun. "You can't escape, Yu Phun. Police is already on the way. But give me something and perhaps you won't go to jail with another arrow in you." yes, seems like they have some history already. Still, he is looking for an opportunity, ready, though not wanting to risk Vanessa's safety without being sure he can take a clean shot. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Yu Phun waves the gun towards Vanessa. "You're nothing but a two-bit vigilante. One who broke into my home and committed assault. Who do you think is going to go to jail?" the Chinese man says towards Green Arrow with a definite sneer in his voice to match the one on his face. Vanessa seems relatively calm despite what is going on. There's a moment she meets Green Arrows eyes. Then looks to the gun and then back to Green Arrow's eyes and down her body. Down towards her hand which extends three fingers. Two fingers. One finger. Vanessa simultaneously pushes on Yu Phun's arm with the gun, ducks her head to try to get it out of the line of fire, and stomps on his foot with her heel, causing Yu Phun to cry out in pain, distracted during those first split seconds. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' There is that hood in the way, and the mask, but those eyes do seem blue, striking blue actually when they meet with Vanessa's, the man not seeming to react when called some two-bit vigilante. It's sort of true, specially when he hangs out with the likes of Green Lantern and Superman..., when he was still alive. "Are you saying you don't have drugs up here with you? Enough to distribute all around New York?" But his eyes are now down on Vanessa's hand. He seems to understand what she means with it, shown by the way his hand moves just so, imperceptible unless one would be looking for it. The hit and then the duck is just what he was looking for. An opportunity. One that he takes for when it comes to archery and he gets into that zen mode there isn't a target he misses. The arrow is shot almost instantly, his body a flurry of motion, certainly not supernatural but fast and again Yu Phun gets skewered, on the other shoulder this time. It's just not his day. He starts moving forward, just in case he still tries anything, aiming to get the gun out of his reach. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Yu Phun cries out as the arrow hits his shoulder and he drops the gun. Vanessa elbows him hard in the family jewels, causing her assailant to sag forward over the back of a couch as she moves away from him. Vanessa takes a moment to straighten her hair and then looks towards Green Arrow as he moves forward and takes the villain in hand. "He's got a brick of drugs in silver metal shell case somewhere but I didn't see where they took it to. Somewhere in that room," she says, motioning towards a door. "And he was looking at his tablet. Had a map with a bunch of colored areas and dots, though I think he locked it," she says, motioning to the tablet that he'd set down when Vanessa came back into the room. Yu Phun is groaning. "I don't know... know which of you is worse. Bitch." Vanessa stares at him. "You put a gun to my head!" Diggle comes over the radio. "Police units are nearing the building. You probably have about five minutes." 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Ufff, the family jewels. There is just that sympathetic look from Arrow when poor Phun gets hit there. It's that guy thing of solidarity. But it only lasts the split of a second. He moves forth, first sliding the gun away with a foot and bringing out zip manacles from a pocket. A nod is given to Vanessa, still a touch surprised at the way she handled herself, and more surprised that he'd meed her here of all places. But the world sometimes works like that ... "Are you well, miss? Police is nearing the building. You should be fine." He ties Yu Phun's hands without much mercy, just to make sure he won't try anything and will peacefully await for the police. And then a look for that tablet. He picks it up. "How about you unlock it, Yu? Or I may leave you alone with the lady here for how long the police will take to get up to the penthouse." It's a serious threat. Who knows what Vanessa may do to the man?! And one he may just go ahead with. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa takes off the shoe that went into his foot. The heel is an impressive one. Pointed enough to not be very pleasant slammed into a body part. "I don't have to use my elbow, you know," she tells Yu Phun, Vanessa waggles the heel in front of his face while the Chinese man is still covering his groin from the pain of said elbow. "You don't know who you're dealing with. She'll come for you," Yu Phun says to Green Arrow through his grimace. Though after a moment he reaches over and unlocks the tablet. Revealing a map which is distribution within a section of New York City. But it's just the first document. Diggles voice comes over comms. "They are in the building on their way up to the penthouse in both the main and service elevators. Time to go." 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' That usual dour expression turns a touch amused when Vanessa threatens Phun with the shoe. Even if only for a bit because he then leans over to the chinese man. "But I want her to come for me." this said with that tone of someone that is issuing a challenge. Seems like whoever 'she' is it's becoming personal. "But thank you for your help with the tablet." then he straightens up. A pause when he listens to Diggle. "Copy that." then his eyes settle on Vanessa, "Police is almost here. Just tell them what happened and it should be fine." he knows a bit about laws, she shouldn't be in too much trouble if she isn't involved with these dealers. Or at least that's what he thinks. And to him she will be safer here than going out with him. "And I am sorry." The way he says it ..., it's almost as if he's telling her sorry for something more than what just happened here, and the danger in which he brought her into. But then he is walking to the door, leaving out through the fading smoke. Time to go inspect this tablet. Yu Phun should go to prison for a good while. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa back away from the Chinese man then as the Green Arrow deals with him and. She gives a little nod to the vigilante hero, her expression falling just slightly as if at the thought of dealing with the police on the matter. The young woman looks over to Green Arrow more fully as he offers the apologetic words. Her sloe, brown eyes look over into the blue eyes hidden behind his facial obscuring costume. "You managed to keep the guy with a gun at my head from shooting me. That he'd put it there in the first place, I think is on him," she tells Green Arrow, giving a shrug and then giving him the kind of smile that might absolve him of any worry he had. Well, if that worry was related to things like tonight that she knows about. There's the sound of the main elevator chiming. "New York Police! We're entering, announce yourself!" Vanessa glances over to Green Arrow as she slips her shoe back on and then holds her hands up into the air. "I'm in here! I'm unarmed! The armed men are unconscious as far as I know but I'm not positive!" she calls out. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' The vigilante's gaze stays on the girl for a few moments later. Assessing her. But she should be fine, at least she did just fine handling Phun. Gaze strays to the fallen chinese man for a second and then it's time to go. He makes his way to one of the windows, one hand slipping it open and then he slides one leg over? Is he ..., going to jump? No parachute! But no, he produces one arrow from his quiver, differently shaped from his normal ones, and shoots towards a nearby building, an uncoiling rope following behind it. Rappel line! And then he disappears from sight.. The police comes in just a few moments later, guns in hand as they take in the room, the unconscious people outside and then approach, "What happened in here?" the young officer asks, looking from Vanessa to Yu Phun, then back. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Diggle comes on over the comms. "I take that whizzing noise to mean you're out of there? I managed to tap into a microphone on a computer in the house. Will play what it picks up for you." There is nothing to be heard at first, but then the sounds of police barking orders to put hands in the air and don't move. Vanessa's voice can be heard faintly saying, "I'm not moving. I'm not armed. These men had guns and were firing them." More orders are barked and it's pretty clear that Vanessa is getting handcuffed from some of them. Yu Phun can be heard, "This is my penthouse. A robber with a bow came in here and shot me in the shoulder and left me like this. I think the woman is with them!" The noises get muffled for a little bit after that, police talking to each other, calling from places in the apartment as they search the place, clearing it one room at a time. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' The rappel line brings him across to the other building and then it's time to climb back down the outer windows, in the meantime he listening to what is going on. A small frown as he listens in to the events. Didn't exactly go according to what he had thought. He finally reaches the ground. "This didn't go as I expected. Vanessa wasn't with them." he says to Diggle, starting to walk to the rendezvous point. "We will need to follow this." Vanessa? Seems like he knows the girl that was up there! The police start going around the place, searching it swiftly. One calls out with a whistle. "Holy...., jackpot. This certainly doesn't look like sugar..." one seems to have found the drug stash. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Yu Phun's voice can be heard about 20 seconds later. "I have not seen that before. Is it something she brought here?" he asks. There's a sound like maybe someone gasped and then a policeman can be heard, "Easy miss, let's not add assault." "She did assault me!" Yu Phun's accented voice adds. "I tell you, she was working with him. I don't know how much he may have stole. You should release me, I am the victim here!" The policeman says, "You can tell your story downtown. Alright, lets get them out of here, take them down to booking. And call in the squad to go over the place. This must be $100k worth of drugs. PLENTY of probably cause." Diggle's voice comes over the comms. "Vanessa? I don't recall that name in the info we had on his operations. Sounds like they caught him with enough to send him away though." 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "Someone I met here in New York some days ago. I was very surprised to find her up there." Oliver says, his voice reflecting the frown on his face now. He takes a corner towards a darker street, the van where Diggle is not too far now. "I am going to keep a close look on this regardless. I want to make sure that Yu Phun goes down." Arrow speaks into the comms, "Who do we know here in the legal side of things?" he exhales softly. If this was in Starling it might be a lot simpler to follow-up. In New York ..., not as much influence.., or contacts. But he will manage. He finds himself worried as to what may come to happen to Vanessa. He did say she would be fine with the police. The police start leading everyone down, time to get booked and onto a cell for the night. Yu Phun is already lining up in his mind all the lawyers that he can call up for this. Yes, he may just get away with it. He was expecting Green Arrow to come down someday, that menace and ..., "Hey, careful with the arm. I was shot there." he grumbles to the officer bringing him down. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Diggle's hesitation before answering is already foreshadowing of the answer. "We really don't have a lot in the way of people tagged into the legal side there. You have a local firm doing some work on that acquisition if I remember right, but don't know that you want that connection made to your business dealings and this. Would be the kind of trail of breadcrumbs someone else could take note of." A few more seconds. "Hmm. Well, there's plenty of law firms of course. Not like crime avoids New York. Don't really see any I can think of a connection with. Well, ok not really a connection, but there's that firm that deals with superheroes. The one that She-Hulk is at. I'd imagine that might be a place you could get a little extra discretion from at the least." 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "No, getting directly involved with one of Oliver's firms would just bring us problems, as we know." And he reaches the van, opening the door and stepping inside. Oliver finally takes note on the pain on his side, still having caught a bullet on his armor. Doesn't mean it won't hurt. He sighs, starting to unstrap out of his armor. "Let's go." "She-Hulk? That may work, it won't be a secret I was up there, considering how Yu Phun was spouting out about being shot. I can set it up through one of my funds and have her be the front. Working with superheroes I imagine she is very discreet." 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Diggle nods to Green Arrow. "Sounds like a plan. You're going to tell me if she's everything they say. I mean, if you get to see the green version," he adds with a laugh. He puts the van in gear and pulls out into traffic... The cop puts the car into gear and pulls out into traffic. Vanessa Carlysle sits in the back seat, hands cuffed behind herself. This isn't her first time in a police car. But she knows this time it's different. She leans over against the window, forehead resting on the glass as the car navigates the city streets. "When we get you to the station and get you booked you can call someone. You know the drill," he tells her, the cop making assumptions based on her attire probably, rather than from personal familiarity. Vanessa doesn't respond, just thinks of those she could call. None of the girls around her would be much help. There's April. But she had an assignment, said she'd like be incommunicado. Which mean, public defender. "There's no on to call," Vanessa answers quietly, resting her head against the back of the seat and closing her eyes. It was going to be a long night. 
}}

10409/Alpha Kappa Rho Rho Rho Your Boat

2020-02-02T21:19:45Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2019/12/12 |Location=Fraternity Row, Gotham University |Synopsis=Jason Todd and Stephanie attend a Christmas party at a fraternity at Gotham U |Cas..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/12
|Location=Fraternity Row, Gotham University
|Synopsis=Jason Todd and Stephanie attend a Christmas party at a fraternity at Gotham U
|Cast of Characters=1134,68
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The first few days after the trip to Canada had gone about how one would expect. School and patrols needed to be done, and connecting with the rest of the family including a movie night. There was also settling into other, good chances in their lives. Earlier today Stephanie had reached out with a text to Jason. Such exchanges had become pretty frequent of late. Stephanie>> Francisco said there's a party on fraternity row. Alpha Kappa Rho, somewhere his old roommate is pledging so he's got invites. They usually have some good dance music and I've always wanted to see the inside of the place. Feel like going? Stephanie actually was able to see the fraternity house from her apartment window. A big stately building, with columns out front and rows of rooms. She wasn't sure what tonight's party would hold, but there were tales of them going so far as making a temporary swimming pool of the entire basement at one party. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason had been busy on his return to Gotham scoping out Blackgate prison, and trying to figure out how to get at Akahara and get the bounty off his and Steph's heads. So far there'd been no takers, but that's mostly when Jason wasn't checking out Blackgate (or getting dumplings or going to the movies) he was paying visits to the biggest names that might take the contract and 'discouraging' them from taking it up. Steph might have brightened Jason's life, but it hadn't softened him any at least when it came to work. He'd just thrown one such potential hit man through a third story window when his phone buzzed, he routed pulled it out with one hand, while his other one stuffed items from the potential hitman's arsenal into the bag he wore over his shoulder. Reading the message he smiles under the helmet. Jason >> Sure. But if I need a toga, I'm fresh out. All his college experience came from movies after all. He puts the last of the small arms into the bag, then lifts the guy's .50 cal sniper rifle, examining it closely. He one hand texts another message: Jason >> Will be there in about an hour, just got to drop some toys off at the cave and get changed. Then putting the rifle over his shoulder, he wanders out of the hitman's place to get ready for a party. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie exchanges a few texts with other friends, asking about the party, and then sweeps over to her bedroom to check her closet for something to wear. "Christmas themed. Of course. I mean, I wasn't really expecting Independence Day, was I?" she comments to herself aloud. Ok, she actually hadn't considered it was probably a Christmas theme, but she should have. Stephanie>> It's a Christmas theme so, red and white toga? Regular clothes are fine. I've got... ah, nothing. Ugly Christmas sweater? Friend down the hall has a red dress I'll see if I can borrow. Meet you down on the corner of Elm and 5th and we can walk over? Stephanie looks over her poorly stocked closet again. Many of her clothes from thrift stores, some of them maintained by her own sewing. A hand goes to her back pocket, resting on it and feeling the folded envelope within as her thoughts drift. "Worry about the dress," she says, shaking her head and hurrying back across the room in her socks, sliding across the wood floor to the door and then opening it and heading out into the hallway. "Aw, who spilled a soda and didn't clean it up!?" 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason drives back to the cave, leaving his 'toys' in the car as he hurries into his living quarters to change into something party appropriate, firing back a quick text as he does: Jason >> Don't tempt me. A few minutes later he's dressed in jeans, a grey hoodie, a black leather jacket and matching black combat boots. Oh so festive, right? So on the way to the sky rail he stops by the dollar store for cheap santa hat worn at a jaunty angle. A little while later he decends the steps of the station at Elm and 5th with his hands in his pocket, shouldering a long with a pack of other Gotham U students who'd gotten off at the stop. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The thought of stopping to pick up a Santa hat was apparently contagious, as when Jason spots Stephanie she's got one on as well. She's wearing a stout jacket versus the Gotham winter, but as she sees Jason, she lets it slip from her shoulders and leans back against a light pole to let him see her dress. Red fabric that nearly matches her Santa hat in color, clings nicely to her stomach and hips, and melds over the curves of her upper body with a low neckline that shows cleavage. The hem is just above mid-thigh, with slits on either side that go up past the top of her thigh to part way up her hip. https://i.imgur.com/OeM01Be.png Stephanie's smile for Jason is a very warm one that leaves no doubt on how happy she is to see him. She slips her jacket back on before the cold can get to her, and moves over to greet him with a quick peck. "Thanks for coming. This will be so much more fun with you here," she tells him. Stephanie slips her hand into the crook of his arm and motions to the stately columned building. "It's that one there. I know, one of their other members, plus Francisco's friend. Decent enough. Not really the movie stereotype, but I don't make it to a lot of these parties. They have a quite reputation she tells him as they start walking towards the fraternity house. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason's brows rise above a spreading grin and Steph let's the jacket slip from her shoulders to show off the dress for him. "Wow," he says as he joins her, returning that little kiss and holding her close for a moment before letting go and looking down at his ensamble. "I think I'm under dressed," he says. (image: https://i.pinimg.com/236x/65/82/40/658240bcfd2b27c694fc7467b5b4f4eb.jpg) "But at least our hats match," he offers cheerily as Steph takes his arm and they head towards to the frat house. "Figured," he says of which one it was, there were plenty of people to be seen through the windows and plenty of bass could be heard thrumming from inside. "Yeah, what's Mr. Decent's name?" he asks trying to get the lay of the land as they walked up the steps. "And anyone I should watch out for?" 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie is more than happy to linger in the hug, resting her head against Jason's shoulder as they embrace. "I like you just the way you are," she tells him, lips pulling back in a bright smile and giving his chest a little pat as they part and she takes his arm. Stephanie laughs warmly about the hats. "They do," she agrees as they head up towards the building. The outside if covered in Christmas lights, and there's music playing that the lights are synchronized to as they change. Of course the fraternities are all trying to one-up each other in that regard. Stephanie walks up the steps with Jason, "Rick is the guy I know, and Francisco's friend is named Jim. He may be working the party, bartending or something seeing as he's a pledge," she says. The step inside and it's like stepping into a movie set. The decorations are fabulous, putting the ski lodge to shame if only for their sheer number. The entire ceiling two stories above is strewn with lights. There are decorations everywhere and music is playing from a DJ. There's a room with dancing and rooms where people are mingling, doing keg stands, and every other thing you might expect at such a party. Some people are in street clothes, but a lot dressed up. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason nods taking in the names as though he was preparing for a mission rather than a party, marking Rick, Jim and Francisco off as potential friendlies in his head. Then he steps into the din, and his eyes widen at the noise and crowds. "Wow they really went all out," he says looking around at all the decor, booze, and expensive DJ kit around the frat house's many rooms. Another quartet of guys roll in behind Jason and Steph, and Jason lifts Steph out of the way before she's stampeded, smirking as a couple of them check out Steph in her dress, he would comment but the music was making it hard to talk. He leans close to her ear, "Let's go get something to drink," he says loud enough to be heard over the music. "Gonna need it with this many people around. Maybe we'll find your friends on the way." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie slips off her coat, some of the pledges there to take them and even give out coat check slips to make sure people get the right ones back. She gives a thrilled laugh as he lifts her, leaning back against him and leaving no doubt in the minds of the men who came in behind them that she's definitely with Jason. "Drink sounds like a great idea," she says. It looks like there is beer, of course, as well as a few mixed drinks, some of them hot toddies and the like for those who just came in from the cold. "Yep, we'll bump into them eventually," she says, slipping her hand into Jason's and letting him lead. Steps lead down into a room on the other side of the double main staircase in the foyer. There's half the room that has people dancing, with strobes and Christmas lighting on them, images of snowflakes, snowmen, and Christmas trees formed by small spotlights that move back and forth over the crowd. The other side of the room has a long bar where drinks are being handed out. Once in the door with the invites that Stephanie had, and their hands stamped, the drinks are free. "Did you see Fransisco well enough to recognize him?" asks the shorter young woman who can't see through the crowd as well. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason keeps his coat on, mostly because he's got his usual supply of shuriken and other weapons hidden away there, not something he wanted to fall into the hands of stressed out pledges. After lifting Steph, Jason wraps his arms around her waist and kisses her cheek but he's not worried about those guys, that's all for him. Spotting the bar and leading the way through the dancers, Jason says, "Big latino guy, right?" he asks her recalling the man's face in profile and at a distance from down by the elevators. "Don't have the clearest picture, you might need to find some high ground and point him out," he says before adding. "/After/ we get some drinks." Soon though they've wound their way through the dancers without incident except for one drunk girl who tried to attach herself to Jason, before being ushered off to a couch by the white and black haired man, and Jason waves to the guy tending bar, "Yo, a beer and a..." he looks to Steph for what she wants. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie keeps a hand on Jason as they move through the crowd, giving a faint grin when Jason takes care of the girl hitting on him. "I'm totally going to be like that," she promises him. "Hitting on you I mean," she clarifies with a playful laugh, though the girl with not a lot of dating experience can't manage the joke without the faint start of a blush. Or maybe that's just the red, Christmasy lighting. "I'll take one of those," she says of a hot toddy. The fraternity brother behind the bar gets them their drinks. "Do you have any idea where Rick is? Samoan Rick. Or Jim, the pledge?" The guy, wearing a shirt that is a Christmas version of his fraternity logo glances around. "Rick's over there, stairs just above the dance floor," he says. Stephanie turns to follow his gaze. "Oh, there's Francisco with him too," she says, motioning to Jason and pointing them out. The fraternity brother bartender says, "And if Jim had a hand in you being here, I'll be sure to give him a positive mark in his pledge book," he says with a wink, though he looks to Jason to give a nod. Silently saying he's flirting to flatter the young woman, not trying to hit on her when he can tell they are together. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason laughs, "And here I thought you meant sloppy drunk," he says of Steph's remarks. Not likely, they were in Gotham and basically on-call 24/7. "But I like the hitting on me thing better," he remarks with a smile and giving her hand a squeeze before they hit the bar. Following Steph's gaze, Jason picks out Francisco and what must be Samoan Rick. "Damn you know some really big guys," Jason remarks of the pair. "Someone should send those two down the sewers to deal with that Croc guy, they'll have him beat no problem." Jason says playing it like he's never met the scaly man living under Gotham's streets because of course Jason Todd never has. Jason is completely unfazed by the compliments thrown Steph's way, as he smiles and says, "Give him two," he tells the frat brother about Jim with a grin giving the man an upnod to tell him it's all cool. Jason was of the school that didn't sweat other guys appreciating his girl, besides, if he had to keep them away from her, was she really his girl? When the brother brings them their drinks Jason nods in the direction of the pair of giants on the stairs and says, "So should we go over?" he asks. "I really want to see if they've got the goose that lays the golden egg," Jason says riffing off giants and Jack and the Beanstalk. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie takes the drink with a grin for the bartender and one for Jason as he encourages Jim's rewarding. "Thank you," she tells him as she takes a sip and gives a soft, "Ooo. Might have to amend that 'not sloppy drunk' part," she jokes. "Yes, let's go join them. Would like to introduce you," she tells Jason. She lets him lead the way though. Big and nicely burly does better clearing a path through the party crowd than does Stephanie. She's getting a few looks for the dress but it's a friendly crowd, if a celebratory one. Nothing over the line. Francisco spots Stephanie peeking out from behind Jason as they get near and waving her hand towards him. "Steph, you made it," he says, sounding like it's a pleasant surprise she took him up on the social outing. "And wow, great dress," he says. Samoan Rick nods in agreement. Francisco smiles to Jason and says, "Nice to meet you, Francisco," he says, offering his hand. Stephanie rests a hand on Jason's shoulder, sort of hanging lightly against his side. "This is Jason," she offers. "A good friend of mine," she adds, though the look she gives Jason as she says it, the smile she has, gives the impression it's a bit more than her words indicated. "Yeah, great to meet you," Francisco says to Jason, smiling at the news. "And I'm Rick," Samoan Rick says, offering his hand once Jason and Francisco are done. "How do you know each other, class together? Steph, did you ever pick a major?" 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason happily plays the icebreaker carving a path through the jubulant crowd towards Steph's friends on the stairs. When they reach them, Jason gives the pair an upnod until Steph's made introductions and he holds out a hand to shake Francisco's hand and then Rick's. Once that's done he puts an arm around Steph's waist to add to the evidence that she was more than 'just one of the guys' to him. "You'll have to ask her about her major, and me, I don't go to school," he says, the last a little defiantly, "But Steph and I met through her friend Barbara if you've met her." It was easier to blame things on Babs than drop Bruce Wayne into the conversation. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie seems quite contented to lean against Jason enclosed by the loop of his arm, her head lightly resting against him with her festive Santa hat that matches his own. "I haven't. I think the things that would be the most fun, probably would be tough to find a job in. And the things that would be best suited for a job make me want to go to sleep," she says with a soft chuckle and rueful shrug of her shoulders. Francisco and Rick give little shakes of their heads about knowing Barbara, with Rick saying, "Don't think I know her, but glad you could make the party. Good group of guys here," says the Samoan of his fraternity brothers. Stephanie says, voice a little prideful, "Jason has a security firm, evaluations and that sort of thing, not the night watchman sort." Francisco smiles and tells Jason, "Sounds pretty impressive." Stephanie takes a sip of her drink and looks about the crowd. It's just about four steps up from the large room with the dancing and the bar, up to the level of the main foyer. The group is standing beneath the grand double staircase essentially. It also gives them a nice view of the crowd. People are dancing to some Christmas style club music with a DJ putting down an extra beat overtop. The ceiling is hung with tinsel and decorations, and mistletoe has been strategically placed in a spots, especially the corners where couples occasionally wander over to make use of the yuletide tradition. A girl over on the dance floor is waving over to Stephanie. "Oh, there's Christie. She was in Philolosphy with me last year. Mind if I go say hi?" she asks Jason. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' "See, this is why I went with trade school," Jason says. "I like what I do and it was fun to learn." Of course his 'trade school' was run by Batman, with advanced courses bankrolled by Talia al Ghul so it's not really the same thing. "She's fun, don't think she's much of the party type though," Jason says of Barbara before nodding about the brothers. "Yeah, your guy at the bar was pretty solid. You guys both members?" he asks Rick and Francisco. When Stephanie excuses herself to go speak with Christine, Jason kisses her cheek. "Have fun, I'll be here," he tells her and then settles back to take a drink of his beer. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The kiss to her cheek may be just a small, warm thing, but it brings out such a smile from Stephanie. Her hand touches to Jason's about her hip, resting fingers on his before she departs then, that touch of fingers the last thing to separate from him. The smile and touch are small things, but Francisco and Rick glance to each other, obviously having noticed them, and each getting a small smile communicated between them. As Stephanie picks her way over to her friend, Francisco shakes his head and says, "Nah, I'm a GDI. God Damned Independent," he says, the age old college joke of fraternity letters for those not in one. Rick gives a chuckle and tells Jason, "If you guys like can give you a tour of the house. I'm not sure if Steph has seen most of it before. There's a game room downstairs. Nice view up on the second floor balcony that looks over the front lawn," he says. "Have you spent much time on campus? From around here in Gotham?" he asks Jason. Stephanie is greeted with a hug by her friend, the two taking turns leaning into the other's ear to yell to be heard over the music. At one point Stephanie points over towards the trio of men, Christine looking over and grinning at the sight of Jason before pulling Stephanie back close to shout into her ear. Meanwhile, Rick motions towards a really thin guy with brown hair and freckles. He's carrying a couple of boxes that look like they probably hold bottles of booze, probably to the bar, though he sets his course towards Jason, Francisco and Rick first. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason gives Steph a grin at that touch and then lets her slip away as he sips his beer. There's a touch of bewilderment at the college in jokes, but Jason's good at playing along and quickly covers that to nod and chuckle about Francisco's independent status. "Word, brother," he says holding out a fist for the man to bump. "Not much of a joiner myself, ask my family." "And sure, tour sounds good, hell of place you and your brothers have here Rick, like straight out of a movie, figured I was going to need a toga before I got let in the door. And me? Yeah, I'm Gotham born and raised, East Park Side represent!" he says claiming Crime Alley as his old stomping grounds though with enough irony for the boys to know he didn't wasn't gang banging along with his secuirty gig. "But no, haven't been around the campus much, always looked nice though." Catching sight of Freckles with the boxes he smiles, "Guessing that's Jim?" he asks. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Francisco returns the fist dap with a grin. Rick laughs and replies, "It really is a pretty great place. And there was even a movie that filmed here at our house back in the 1990s. It's popular on the playlist around here as you can guess." The Samoan, broad across the chest but not really squat like the stereotype, laughs about the toga. "Yeah, a lot of people don't know what to expect. The whole frat stereotype is hard to combat. There are definitely some that inspire it. But AKR never really felt like those to me. Only reason I joined. And it's been a great experience," he says. They glance over and nod with grins. "Yep, that's Jim," Francisco confirms. It really only takes a glance at Jim's spindly body to think he's probably not the best coordinated. And he stumbles as if to confirm this on the way over. When he speaks he also has one of those higher pitched, raspy voices like his voice change during puberty never quite completed. Jim stops, the box of bottles hanging from his arms. "Hey guys," he says. "Damn, saw you had a hot blond in a Santa dress with you, figured I'd come over and get an introduction," he says to Rick and Francisco, not seeming to realize Jason is with them. Rick motions over towards where Stephanie and Christine are still talking. "Stephanie Brown. The blonde? It's Stephanie." This causes Jim to do a bit of a doubletake and look over. "Never seen her dress anything like that before," he says, not just surprised by the dress, but obviously not having ever considered she might look like that in it. Francisco clears his throat. "This is Jason, Steph's date tonight. Jason, Jim is the one pulling his foot out of his mouth." Jim starts and says, "Oh, sorry man. Hey, glad you two came out. She never really makes stuff like this." He tries to juggle the box to free up a hand, but it's too heavy for him to have in one hand and he finally sets it down to offer Jason a hand. Stephanie and Christine are starting to make their way back through the crowd towards the boys. In the other direction, towards the front door, a stunning brunette comes in, dressed in a way that stands out just the right amount in this sort of crowd. Expensive, fashionable, revealing, yet not quite crossing any of those lines towards being too much. She has the kind of body for walking with a sway, and that walk turns a few heads as she also spots the group of men at the top of the couple of steps and heads their way. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' "Yeah?" Jason asks. "You got to let me know which one I'll definitely check it out," Jason says of the movie featuring the frathouse. "Always fun to see stuff filmed in Gotham, doesn't happen that often except for horror or noir movies." Gotham had that sort of vibe, plus New York sucked up all the movie bucks. "Yep," Jason confirms, "That's Steph," he says to Jim with a grin that tells him he's not taking any offense and he shakes the hand when it's offered and claps the guy on the shoulder. "How much longer do you have until they figure out if you're a full brother or not?" he asks with a nod towards the boxes. Though like the rest of them his eyes go to the brunette parading through the party, hey he was still a guy, he glances to the others, "Her name isn't Jordanna is it?" Jason asks. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Jim looks relieved at Jason's response. "Nice to meet you," he says to Jason in his slightly off-key voice that sounds like there's probably not octave he could effectively sing in. "Middle of January, two weeks after we get back from break. I can't wait!" he says of when he'll become a full member. The clap on the shoulder gets a smile too. There's probably the sense he's not very high in social standing with most of his peers. All three of the other young men's attention is indeed drawn towards the brunette's approach. Rick nudges Francisco at Jason's question as to the college girl's identity. "See? Infamous, I tell you," he comments as if this is part of a previous conversation. Francisco gives a wry shake of his head but nods to Jason, "Yes that is. Jordanna Spence," he tells Jason. And the aforementioned lady reaches the boys. Rick gets a nod and Francisco a smile that would be called coy if it didn't have enough smolder in it to render that adjective inappropriate. Jim? Ignored. "It looks like another successful party, Rick," Jordanna says, getting a nod and smile back from Rick, the young woman the kind of who draws the attention of most in the group as soon as she joins them. She looks over to Jason, eyes taking him in with a speculative look. "New brother I haven't met, Rick?" she asks about Jason. Stephanie and Christine, having to make their way through the crowd, are still en route. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' "Not long then man, chin up, you'll make it," Jason says remembering how it felt those first six months with Bruce training to be Robin and waiting for the day he could put on the uniform and be part of the team. He doubted Jim was going through anything half so grueling as what Bruce had put Jason through. Jason notes that last name, he'd run her through the Batcomputer later, no real reason beyond Bat nosyiness. Though when the woman in question arrives Jason plays it cool, not looking her way taking a long swig of his beer and when she asks about him, he looks over like this was the first time he noticed her. "Me? Nah, just here with my date," he says with a shrug, keeping track of Stephanie's approach out of the corner of his eye to guage how long it'd be until she joins them before he fixes his full attention on Jordanna, offering her a smirk as he extends her hand. "Jason Todd." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The other men let Jason answer Jordanna's question, and as he introduces himself, Jordanna's attention falls on Jason primarily. She has vivid eyes that one could spend awhile counting the colors of, and the kind of face that a plastic surgeon might show as an ideal. There might or might not have been that kind of work done there, but if so it was work well-done. She doesn't shake his hand so much as slip her fingers into his, and bringing her other hand over to rest her fingertips along the back of his hand. "Very nice to meet you," she tells him. "I thought Alpha Kappa Rho had snapped up most of the handsome men on campus," she says to Jason warmly. Rick glances to Francisco, the latter's expression suggesting he's used to her doing this. Stephanie and Christine walk up the steps together. Christine has mousy brown hair, a short and slender thing, with glasses. Overall a pretty girl. She's gone ugly Christmas sweater tonight, as have a few others. Stephanie's eyes go to Jason and Jordanna, the latter holding his hand rather than shaking it. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason eases into the grip on his hand like he was used to such attention. As a matter of fact he was, and maybe a week or so ago he might not have been playing at being interested, tonight though this was definitely a game. Catching Stephanie's arrival he continues with the set up. "Guessed they missed one," he says before adding with a wink, "Though it looks like they did invite the prettiest girl..." he lets that linger before he slips his hand from Jordanna's and slides over to Steph, hooking her chin to tilt her head up to him. "And here she is now," he says before leaning down to kiss Stephanie slowly and passionately infront of everyone. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The sight that greeted Stephanie as she and Christine emerged from the crowd starts to finally register, like her brain had just outright rejected the image and refused to accept it as anything real. She's just starting to react about the time that Jason remove his hand from the beautiful Jordanna's grip, and moves to meet Stephanie instead. She sinks into his arms as they go around her, head tilting back to turn her face towards his as Jason gives her the kind of sound kissing that every woman should get to experience at least once. Stephanie's toes curl and her arms slide up around his shoulders. Her curves, usually more hidden in her casual attire, are shown well by the dress as she presses her body in against Jason's during the kiss. When it finally breaks, she's left with a delighted giggle, and she has to straighten her Santa hat. The others just stand and watch, the eyes of the boys most all going a little wide. Jordanna's eyes? They narrow instead, and her hands go on her hips as she watches Jason thoroughly kissing Stephanie in a way that leaves Christine just grinning. Stephanie finally remembers anyone else is there. "Um, Christine. This is him. Jason. I mean, Christine this is Jason. Jason, my friend CHristine," she says, her brain trying to restart after that awesome kiss. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason grins into that kiss and holds Steph tight through it all and when it's over he grins down at her resting his head on hers for a moment as he greets, "Heya beautiful," he says before stepping back a bit but leaving an arm around Steph's middle, he extends his free hand to Christine. "Hey, I'm Jason," he greets her. "Nice to meet you." No look is given to Jordanna but Jason is watching her expression out of the corner of his eye a smirk on his lips. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Christine grins and shakes Jason's hand. "Really nice to meet you. You're as handsome as she was telling me, which is saying something!" she says cheekily. Christine has a very likeable way about her, but also seems like a bit of a wallflower from her body language. As the fledgling couple part after the kiss, Jim clears his throat and says in his raspy voice, "Hey Steph. That's a great dress. Glad you made the party." Stephanie smiles to Jim. "Thanks Jim, the place looks great," She says while leaning against Jason like not trusting her balance yet after that amazing kiss. Jordanna peers at the dress speculatively. "That /is/ a great dress," she agrees. "Who did you borrow it from?" she asks. Stephanie clears her throat uncertainly. "Someone on my floor, she-" Jordanna cuts her off with a smirk and a short laugh. "Figured so. No way a poor girl like you would have that in your wardrobe," she says. Stephanie's cheeks color a bit as Jordanna turns away. "Francisco, I need a drink," she says, taking his hand and pulling him away and down the stairs towards the bar. He goes along, glancing back towards Samoan Rick and the others with a shrug of his shoulders. Stephanie looks back to Jason. "So, feel like taking a girl dancing? There's even some mistletoe out there I think," she tells him, cheeks still red, but a smile back on her face. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason snorts at the compliment, "Thanks," he says to Christine with a smile. Steph might tell he's not that used to compliments, or at least the sincere type with no ulterior motives attached but he hides it well enough for the others. "Like the sweater," he says with a nod to the girl's traditional ugly Christmas sweater. When Jordanna cuts down Steph, Jason's hand loosens at Steph's waist as he starts to step forward before he checks himself. This was not the sort of crowd where you could knock someone on their ass without the cops being called. Jason just smiles instead, "You should be careful, say that to the wrong girl and daddy will need to buy you another nose." Then he lets her and Francisco go, giving the guy a shrug, like, hey, you do you man... "Sure," Jason says about the dancing. "Though, Rick, don't want to leave you all alone here man, but think you could spring Jim here to take Christine to the dance floor? You can put his ass back to work after," he gives Jim a wink. "Unless you want to do it and let Jim take those boxes over to the bar, and get us all a drink," 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Rick grins and says to Jim, "Why don't you get the box over to the bar and then come join us?" He looks around to see if this sounds good to everyone. Christine nods her agreement, and Rick offers him her hand as they both introduce themselves. Apparently she's someone Steph knows from class then, not part of this group of friends already. Stephanie's arm goes about Jason's waist, hand gently patting his side after the comment to Jordanna. "Thanks. But, not worth it," she says with a sigh. She rests her head against Jason's shoulder, a soft smile at how he stood up for her. When everyone is ready, the dance floor awaits! Jim will rejoin them soon enough. The lights flash overhead and the music has a nice sultry beat that people could dance in groups or as couples to. Stephanie moves to dance close with Jason, facing him and leaning close, her head against his shoulder and mouth moving near to his ear. "There was something I wanted to mention. That happened the other day, after we got back," she tells Jason. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason gives a shrug and finishes his beer. "Sounds good," he says casually of the arragements, though all he mostly cared about was getting out on the floor with Stephanie. "Probably not, last thing I need is to have to explain to Bruce why I laid out Bitchy Rich at a college party," Jason allows. "Should really invite her to a party down East Park Side, if she tries that shit there she'll get cut." Then with a cleansing breath he lets it go, focusing on the dancing, and what Steph has to say. "Oh?" Jason asks her, more of his attention going her way. "What happened?" 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie dances close, one of her arms resting along Jason's shoulder, fingers light on the back of his neck. She glances over at her friends. Rick is one of those dancers who makes up with sheer enjoyment what he lacks in skill. Christine is just... cute. Cute looking, cute dancing. She could have a neon sign above her head blinking "Cute". Jim rejoins them and smiles, happy to have a break from playing party gopher. Stephanie softly brushes her cheek against Jason's, nuzzling for a moment. "Nothing bad. I was at the manor. Checking on Bruce. His recovery and everything. He and Diana went to the Greek islands. I have a feeling she's going to be a good influence on him," Stephanie tells Jason. They dance a few more seconds and then she says, "So, Bruce decided to give me a Christmas present early. I sort of was trying to keep out of my head that I am going to have ask him at some point if he's ok with me dating his son. Dreading it a little bit. And... yeah, well the present," she says, letting out a breath. Stephane clears her throat a little. "He wants to make me part of the Wayne Trust," she says softly. It's a small, simple sentence. But that would have such profound implications on the girl too poor to own the beautiful Christmas dress he has on. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason spares a glance for Rick and Christine, 'hehing' softly and smiling faintly. His arms are low wrapped around Steph's narrow waist, his fingers sliding along the fabric of her dress. The nuzzling against his face gets his attention back on Steph and he says, "Yeah? Did she kidnap him? Not like Bruce to go on vacation." He says of the impromptu trip with a bit of a smile. "And I guess, still weird though, Bruce dating someone, like the sun rising at dusk." He snorts about her worries about telling Bruce. "He let you be part of the family, he cares way more about that than who I date," he says even before he knows about the Trust. "He'll probably give us both a speech about not making out when we're supposed to be and being careful that our relationship doesn't get in the way of things and we'll be fine. Oh and the ironic talk about using protection from the guy who knocked up his assassin girlfriend. Man, I wish I knew about Damian when Bruce first gave me that talk I'd have laughed so hard." That last bit of news though gets an "Oh," out of Jason. "You going to take it?" he asks her his expression hard to read. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The arms wrapped around Stephanie could be magic in the way they can cause so much of what is going on around her to fade out. The music is still going on, and people are dancing. Jim is making Rick look like he's been on Dancing With The Stars by comparison, while Christine just seems amused with them both, and casts little approving glances towards Stephanie and Jason. Stephanie nestles close, her fingers on the back of his neck just softly brushing. She gives a few soft chuckles at Jason's comments. "Well, he was speaking from experience then I guess," she tells him, a little amused. But after she shares the big news, Steph doesn't answer anything for awhile, foreshadowing her eventual answer of, "I don't know. I just don't know," she says, shaking her head. The young woman draws a slow breath as if hoping it will be a cleansing one. "You have any idea how many times I wished I was rich? And now it's there in my grasp... it doesn't feel right to me," she tells him, shaking her head. "It's probably stupid. Being as much a part of the family as I am has meant SO much to me. It's what I've wanted. I should be... ecstatic. Shouldn't I?" she says. "I ended up crying. Not because of the money, but just... that I figured he'd accept me. Us, I mean," she tells Jason. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' All the dancing hijinks of the other three is missed right now with Stephanie in Jason's arms. Right now they were all that mattered. "Heh. True I guess," Jason says of Bruce's lecture. "I know how you feel," Jason says when Steph comes clean with her feelings. "I never really thought much about it when I was working with Bruce, it had just been one more form I signed when he adopted me, never really spent much money, I was fifteen and in love with the job, I really didn't do much else..." He frowns, "But after, when I came back, I didn't sign back on again, for different reasons, didn't want to be dependent on his money to live, to do the work, figured if I signed I was on his leash for good. I know that's likely not your issue with it, but anyhow just saying I get not wanting it, despite growing up the way we did." He brushes her lips with his, "And of course he accepts you," Jason says. "He signed off on you being..." he doesn't say it here, but he means Batgirl. "That's way more important than the money to him." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The blond college student's confliction is easy to sense as her head moves back enough her blue eyes can focus on Jason. Her fingers move from Jason's neck to his cheek as he gives Stephanie new insights into himself. She gives a tiny nod, "Not the same issue," she says, but softly so it's not like she's focused on that part. "But you understand the... I feel like I must be crazy for feeling this way about it," she agrees. And she can't go this long without some sort of smile, and gives the one that sometimes seems to signify she's going to make it and go on no matter how surreal something seems. The kiss means everything to her. Helps Stephanie push the other thoughts aside just for a moment. Gives her more clarity when their lips part after Stephanie returns the kiss just as tenderly. "I know it's dumb. None of this would have happened if he didn't trust me. I just..." she says, shaking her head and trailing off rather than letting herself voice the conclusion she might reach. Stephanie clears her throat. "I mean, I could be a dress like this. Probably even too. I never really focused on the amount, but it would probably cover it," she says, giving Jason one of her little goofy grins. "You're more important to me than any money," she says quietly. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' "Nah, I get it," Jason says. "We've been poor all our lives, it's hard to suddenly believe holy shit I've got all this money, and not have it throw you off. Look at Carrie, she got a six figure job, a cave and a penthouse and she's still struggling to process it all. Got to imagine it's the same for you, we've all had to struggle for everything we've got, so suddenly having it all handed to us doesn't seem real. Plus you and I come from homes where gifts can't be trusted, they've always got strings." Well at least Jason's home was like that, but he was willing to bet Steph's Dad was that sort of asshole too. Jason smiles after the tender kiss, nodding about the dress, "Knowing Bruce, more like a dozen of those dresses, or more," he says. "And shame about the dress being borrowed," he says before he leans in to whisper in her ear. Though her words about Jason and money get their own nod and a kiss to follow it, "I know, you're more important to me too." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The music keeps flowing, fueling the dancer's bodies as they let the beat and the energy of the music infuse them. The DJ is doing a great job of finding versions of Christmas songs that work with the beat he lays down overtop of them. Stephanie sways in time with Jason, a soft smile growing at the mention of Carrie. "Yeah. She really deserves it though," Stephanie says, obviously pleased to see all of that happening for Carrie. "Bruce offered me a job at Wayne Enterprises too. I really don't know what I'd do there though. And if I did, I'd never finish school. It's tough enough staying above water on my classes with everything else that takes up time," she says. Like punching Joker. Oh she'd love to punch Joker. She lets out a soft laugh. "Probably a dozen," she agrees as Jason amends her earlier figure. She looks up into his eyes, smiling and then leaning her head towards his whisper. She looks back to him after and gets such a pleased, beautiful grin. "I'll find something else for that. I -promise-," she assures him, laughing. Stephanie leans into the kiss, her lips warm and soft against his own. After, she's content to just look up into his eyes for awhile. "Thank you, by the way. For Jordanna," she says. "That... was quite the kiss, too." 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' "You deserve it too," Jason assures Steph with a smile. "Really." Though he nods for the time constraints involved with working for Wayne enterprises and going to school. "Better to make your own way," he agrees. He grins at Steph's promise and nods, "You're welcome," he says about Jordanna, "And the kiss was pretty great for me too." 
}}

10858/Some Small Diner In Some Big City

2020-01-29T00:05:43Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/01/24 |Location=Fred's Diner - Mutant Town |Synopsis=In NYC investigating a drug source impacting Starling, Oliver Queen stops at a diner and..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/01/24
|Location=Fred's Diner - Mutant Town
|Synopsis=In NYC investigating a drug source impacting Starling, Oliver Queen stops at a diner and meets Vanessa Carlysle. Try the blueberry pie.
|Cast of Characters=181,8143
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' It all lined-up. Another trip to New York in order to secure the business with Rothchild Electronics just when they got more info on a lead here in New York about China White. A supplier? Still to be looked into. So it was a good opportunity to mix business with ..., business? Seems the trend for Oliver after Christmas came and went, with all the consequences afterwards. Of course that he wasn't expecting a surprise gala dinner to celebrate the deal coming through. Another party was the last thing he wished for, but duty meant he had to be there. Shaking hands, doing the helloes, all the things that bring him back to another gala dinner that was had recently. During Christmas. But Oliver has some stealth game. He eventually escaped the party, without even Diggle along with him, just himself to wander somewhat aimlessly through town. It brings him to this particular neighborhood. And ..., there's a diner? Well, it's no Mac's. But then again there's only one of those. But he ventures close nonetheless, perhaps too well-dressed for the place, dark suit pants, button up white shirt and a vest, even if the top buttons are more casually open. A warm jacket is about his form, to fight the New York cold. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' This late there aren't many inside the diner. There's an old wino sleeping it off in the corner, his cup of coffee long gone cold as it sits half-consumed in front of him. A pair of college aged kids depart, talking about where is still open to go partying. Along one counter a young woman is sitting. Vanessa Carlysle's jacket hangs over the back of her chair. She's wearing a skirt and dark stockings with platform heels. A dark blouse that is cut to good effect adorns her upper body. The waitress working the counter is over talking to her as Oliver comes inside. "Blueberry's always been one of my favorites too, though for ala mode it has to be apple, and hot," the waitress says as she fills Vanessa's coffee cup, then takes away an empty plate. A man can be seen back in the kitchen, not much cooking needed at the moment so he's cleaning from the looks of it. The waitress spots Oliver and waves him inside. "Take a seat, I'll be right with you," she says as she goes over to a case that displays slices of pie, getting a slice of blueberry. Vanessa glances over at the new arrival for a few moments. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Yes, there is a tie as well, but not on his neck anymore, instead wrapped around one hand. He can hate those sometimes, and tonight it's one of those nights.. Those blue eyes of his roam the place, that instinct to check a new place just before stepping in. Seems peaceful enough, and certainly no Mac's as he imagined but ..., it will do. He lets the door close behind him. Expensive shoes bring him close to the counter, perhaps he now just truly understanding how out of place he may be in here. But nothing he can do about it now. A brief, rather polite smile is given to both the young woman sitting nearby and then to the waitress. "Thank you." maybe just the faintest traces of an accent. He may not be a New Yorker. Then his eyes go over toe pies in display. "Mmmm, these look delicious. Any you'd suggest?" he asks, beginning to shrug himself out of his jacket. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' If the tuxedo seems out of place, the waitress at least doesn't comment on it. Nor does Vanessa. Her eyes meet Oliver's as he gives her the polite smile, and she returns a somewhat warm one back to him. The waitress brings the blueberry pie back, setting it down before the brunette young woman and receiving a smile and a soft, "Thank you," from Vanessa. The waitress, her nametag identifying her as Sally, turns back to Oliver as Vanessa puts her napkin in her lap and picks up her fork. "The blueberry is my favorite. The cherry is good too," Vanessa says. Sally repeats her comment, "Apple's good with ice cream," she tells Oliver. "Want coffee or something else as well?" she asks. Vanessa uses her fork to get just the very end of the blueberry pie. Just a small bite, eaten as she eyes Oliver a little more. The rest of the counter is empty, and she makes a gesture beside her as if to let him know he's welcome to sit nearby. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Finally the damnable jacket is out of the way, the tie being stuffed into one of it's pockets and then he hanging it on a chair near the counter. The one right next to Vanessa, because apparently he was invited to sit next to the young woman, "Well, it's as they say. When in New York.., be a New Yorker. I will have the blueberry, with some icecream on the side. And a coffee as well." he takes in the waitresses' name and gives her one of his warm smiles. "Thank you, Sally." Then he opens a few more buttons of his vest before settling down on the chair, letting out an exhale that shows what was properly a long day, and night. He allows his eyes to finally take more note of the young woman, taking in the lines of her face, "Thank you for letting me have this seat. Place's crowded tonight." a weak jest, but ah well..., can't have everything. His smile remains as he glances around, "But truth be told, was needing a place like this tonight I think." The button shirt is tight enough that some of his physique can be visible underneath, somewhat at odds with what seems to be a business man that most likely spends his time in meetings. But then again, looks can be deceiving. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Despite the down and out feel of the diner, and even her own attire, the young woman sitting beside Oliver has a certain elegance to her. A poise and confidence as if she'd be well-suited to any environment including the kind of dinner Oliver just left. Vanessa's sloe eyes glance over to meet Oliver's directly. "More company is welcome," she tells him, giving Oliver a smile before her eyes leave his and give him a short but overt looking over. Though it seems his tuxedo was the focus of her attention as she says, "So I'm guessing either she left you at the altar, or you left her. I'm kind of hoping that she left you. Not that I want you to go through those emotions. But if you left her, there might be a not-to-be father in law and a couple of brothers coming through the door with shotguns soon. And you /are/ sitting next to me," Vanessa tells Oliver with a teasing smile. "Good choice on the blueberry, too," she tells him as Sally brings his pie and ice cream over, and fills up his coffee cup. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Oliver is the type that can read someone's poise without much of a trouble. Too many business meetings in the years since he has returned from the island, and he certainly takes note on how the woman seems different than what he'd expect to find here. A kindred soul perhaps, or at least that's his perception at a first glance. Yet after that first look over his eyes stay on the woman's, blue on brown, the type of man that finds eye contact a natural state. His smile never falters but ..., when those words are spoken about being left at the altar there is just a brief shift on his eyes, for the split of a second. "No, nothing of the sort." and when he laughs that look is gone, back to normal. Some story untold there. "The real story is more boring than that. Business, then followed by a business dinner. But some days it just feels as if it all is suffocating you, you know?" The pie is brought and he looks up to Sally. "Thank you, it looks great." he picks up his fork. "And what is your story? A break from your normal routine?" He is most likely assuming that, like him, she normally doesn't come to these places often. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa keeps eye contact with Oliver while he answers. Her reply is a warm grin to him. "So no buckshot in my back, and no broken heart for you. I suppose that's a win all the way around then," she tells him before going back for another bite of pie. Another small one, and once taken she obviously savors the flavor before swallowing it, as if drawing as much enjoyment from each bite as can be had. "Mmm, nope, this is at least not unusual routine," she says, eyes coming back to Oliver. "Amen that," Sally says as she passes by with wet rag destined to wipe down the far end of the counter. "She's about my only worthwhile company some nights," Sally says. "Hey, what about me?" the cook's voice comes from the back. Sally glances that way. "I stand by my words," she says saucily before moving on. Vanessa's smile breaks out wider and she gives a soft, warm chuckle at the interplay between the two. "I'm not always out this way, but it's a nice place to stop and warm up and get a bite," she tells Oliver. "So, business went well? Delicious food? Tell me about it?" she says, resting her elbow on the counter and head on her hand as she looks to Oliver, intending to be a rapt audience if he goes into the kind of food served where he had to wear a tux. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "Everyone has a Mac's. That's what he gets from the interaction between Sally and Vanessa, an instant grin coming to his expression as it makes him remember his favorite spot for a good burger. Not that the first bite on that blueberry isn't good. In fact tasting better than what he has been having all night. Gourmet they say, but sometimes you just like the more genuine food. He chews on the pie, mixing it with some icecream, "Well, you do know your pies." he says in clear approval of the choice. "Yes, you are safe for now. But it's quiet enough that we'd hear them coming a mile away, and they'd need to get real close to land those buckshots." because everyone needs a lesson on shotguns, apparently! He looks to Sally and then back, chuckling as well at that interplay between cook and waitress, "Let me guess, they are married?" this he asks in a low tone to Vanessa. They seem the type at least! "We all got our spots, don't we?" He comments, resting his elbow on the counter as well, continuing to look at Vanessa. The question makes him shake his head. "I think the last thing you want to hear from me is how my business went, isn't it? And to be honest, I am mostly looking to take my mind off of it. Yet I can tell you I tasted nothing as good as the pie here. I will have to mark it as a place of interest here in New York." 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa gives a soft gasp and looks to see if Sally or the cook heard. She moves her head from her hand so she can lean over closer to Oliver. "Oh god, I don't know which of them would complain louder if they heard you. Though, and don't tell either of them I said so, but I've always thought she and Mel both had something for the other, but were both too cranky to do anything about it," she confides in quietly spoken words. Vanessa sits back up straighter after the lean towards Oliver, her posture better than most of the people who probably frequent the diner. "They do have excellent pie," she agrees with Oliver back in a normal tone and volume of voice. "And the fried chicken is pretty good too. Reminds me of the neighbor lady's where I grew up," she tells Oliver. Vanessa's eyes are back meeting the blue of Oliver's. Her expression has been a smile so far, smaller or larger as appropriate for the moment. "So you are visiting New York then? Where are you in from?" she inquires before going for another small bite of blueberry pie, that she again savors. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' There is that inevitable lean forward to meet Vanessa's whispered words. He listens, some amusement lighting his blue eyes but the expression he gives her is one that will take that 'secret' to the grave. No more talk about Sally and Mel being together. Until the wedding. He straightens up on his seat as well, continuing to eat through his pie, along with some pauses for the coffee. His manners look rather impeccable even if he seems to blend in well in an attempt to downplay it. Yet Vanessa most likely would notice such. "Just pie and coffee will be enough for a first time though. Can't get all the good food on the first run afterall." The question about visiting New York brings a nods from him, "I have been here often, but yes. Visiting. Unsure on how long I will be staying this time though, depends on the business." a moment for him to bite down on some more pie, "Starling city. It's my hometown." his smile growing fonder at the mention of it. Clearly he has quite the liking for that place. "Have you ever been there?" 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa savors another bite of her pie as she listens to Oliver. "Starling City? That's... ok, geography outside of where I've lived is not my best subject. Somewhere in western Canada, right?" she asks, clearly having heard of it before, but not able to just point to it on a map. She gives Oliver a little shake of her head then, though her earlier comment already gave answer as to her having visited. "I have never been out of these united states," she tells him. "Though there are a lot of places I'd love to see. Italy. Just about anywhere in Italy, I imagine, I'd love. All the old buildings. Or even just the little sleepy villages. Sit around with a bottle of wine and look down a mountainside," Vanessa says, adding a bit of a dreamy sigh as she imagines it in her head. "By the way, Vanessa," she says, offering her hand over to Oliver. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "Yes, in Canada." Oliver replies with a nod, not going as far as detailing exactly where. Even if he is the type to know the exact coordinates, distances to nearby cities, etc etc. Stop being such a Starling fanboy Oliver! "If there is one thing we have in common though, is the cold winters." he looking out to the window. "But at least it isn't snowing tonight." "I haven't been there either." Oliver confesses, smiling as he listens to her going through what she imagines it'd be alike. "But you do make it an enticing prospect for a trip. Maybe one day we will be able to visit. There's a lot of the world out there worth seeing." he says, even if his eyes now only seem to rest on Vanessa, pleased with their talk. "Oliver." He refrains from saying his last name. No need for such formalities afterall. His hand moves to rest on Vanessa's, the callousness of his skin felt and he shakes the woman's hand. "Good to meet you." 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa's hand is fairly soft by comparison. She probably moisturizes, no doubt. She shakes Oliver's hand back as she smiles back to him, letting the touch linger just a bit before finally pulling her hand back. "Very nice to meet you as well," she tells him. Vanessa leans back then just a bit to give Oliver an open glance up and down. "So what is it with Oliver's, that they always seem to have a last name that is itself some other thing word, not just a surname. I mean, all the famous Oliver's are that way," Vanessa says, picking up her fork again. "Oliver 'Twist'. Oliver 'Stone'," she adds before getting a bite of pie. "Oliver 'Queen'," Sally adds as she walks past, having wiped down one part of the counter, and now going to the other far end. Vanessa nods her head, and neither she nor Sally seeming to show any more reaction to the name Oliver Queen than they did the literary character or the director. Nothing to show they have any idea the new name is even more topical. "Exactly. Oliver Queen. You're probably like... Oliver Toaster? No no... you're solid like a toaster, but that's not right either," Vanessa says, looking Oliver over again. "Don't tell me, I'll get it," she says. She glances down at the jukebox. "Sally, is the jukebox working again?" When she hears it is, Vanessa rises to stroll over to it. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' No, no moisturizer for Oliver. And again, the roughness of that hand just doesn't seem to mesh with that elegant, businessman type that he appears to be. Some mystery. He keeps the eyes on hers when their hands shake before returning to a more proper seating position, now in the final stages of the pie and icecream. Time flies it seems.., specially with good company. "What you are telling me is that Oliver is a common enough name." And then..., damn it, Sally! But they don't seem to associate him with that name. Sometimes he forgets he is not in Starling, where everyone just knows his face. In New York at least he can be anonymous, at least for a while. He makes no effort to actually tell Sally he is that 'Queen', instead he laughs when Vanessa says he looks like a Toaster, making him shake his head. "No, missed on that one. But good try. And thank you..., I think?" he then asks, "How many tries should I give you though?" he questions. When Vanessa gets up to walk to the jukebox he gets finished with his coffee, watching the woman's posture, and the rest of her body. He isn't the type to stare, of course, but he is a man, and he certainly enjoys the lines on Vanessa. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' The rather fit and pleasantly curved young woman has a walk that most would probably agree was enjoyable to watch, without seeming to overt. She makes it to the jukebox before answering Oliver's question about how many guesses, turning back over her shoulder to give him a brief glance over before bringing her eyes back to meet his. "I suppose that depends on if you'd want to keep me around guessing," she tells him, her eyes finally slipping down from his in that seems demure, at contrast with the bit of obvious flirtation in her tone. Vanessa rests a forearm against the top of the machine as she leans over to look at the selection for a little bit. She scans her phone to transfer some money to the machine and then makes a selection. The song You and Me by Lifehouse starts playing. Vanessa peeks back over her shoulder glancing at Oliver as if to judge his reaction, then turns back, tapping the controls to enter a few more songs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzJikUFVxes 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "I set myself up for that one, didn't I?" The flirtatious tone isn't lost on him, the man watching Vanessa in a thoughtful manner, not oggling but perhaps being reminded of something, or someone else.. But his eyes stay on her brown ones when she looks over her shoulder to him. He doesn't show surprise at Vanessa's forwardness, at least outwardly but also doesn't seem the type to refuse a silent invitation to dance as that seems what's happening now. He slides himself out of his seat, finishing to unbutton the rest of his vest to take it out and place it atop the jacket. Walking across the room doesn't take him long, no hesitation both on his motions or expression. Certainly not the type of man to be coy or sitting in wait. He smiles and says in a lower tone. "Perhaps until the songs are over." he suggests about the name guessing, offering one hand to the woman in invitation. Tonight it seems he is adamant in relaxing from what life has been setting on his path as of late. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa turns as Oliver rises from his chair, the young woman leaning back against the jukebox, her smile growing just a little bit as she's approached. Her tongue touches her lips as he moves over and reaches out for her hand, and the smile is complete. She slips her hand into his, moving nearer and the other hand coming to rest along his shoulder near his neck, her forearm resting along the length of broad shoulder. Vanessa looks at Oliver and gives a warm little laugh. "Glad that I went for the jumbo package then," she says of the jukebox's playlist. Vanessa doesn't seem to mind having Oliver in her personal space, or being in his, as she moves to dance close enough to him he can feel her lightly against him. Sally looks down, smiling and then leaving the counter to wipe down later, heading into the back. Leaving them the rest of the diner. The music playing. And a drunk sleeping in a corner. Vanessa glances over at the man and says, "That's Jed. I'll warn he might try to cut in if he wakes up," she says as she looks up into Oliver's blue eyes, her own with a soft, merry twinkle. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Sure enough that he knows how to dance. Formally even? At least in the way his hand slides down and around Vanessa's waist, the other keeping the woman's hand around his. But while they are indeed close, and one could dare say very much into each other's personal space, there is no inappropriate touching from Oliver. Too much of a gentleman for such. It's not exactly a fast song, so he moves slow, alongside Vanessa, "So we will be here till morning?" not that by his expression he'd seem to mind. And who could blame him? The mention of Jed makes him grin, a look spared the man's way. "That is fine, I will just have to tell him that I am already taken. Hopefully he won't take offense." His eyes settle on those twinkling ones, close enough to be drawn towards them, but no more than that. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa's grin at Oliver's quip involving Jed shows a little flash of white teeth. She seems pleased with Oliver's quick wit. "Can't really blame him if he's drawn to broad shoulders," Vanessa tells Oliver, pulling her eyes from his for a moment to glance at the shoulder supporting her arm. Her arm and hand drift a little bit with a sense of appreciation for where they rest. Deep brown eyes again looks back to Oliver's. "I don't know the playlist runs that long, but there's always the opportunity to add more," she tells him. "Hmm. I need to keep guessing on your name, I think. Something solid. Yet, not commonplace," she says, her eyes moving from Oliver's eyes to take in the rest of his face thoughtfully. "Like a mountain. Oliver Mount?" she asks. They have the place to themselves, apart from Jed's barely audible snoring. Vanessa doesn't seem to mind dancing close at all. She's wearing perfume tonight, subtle enough Oliver might have missed it sitting beside her, or only just caught it. Though up close now it's more noticeable. The young woman moves with an easy grace, letting Oliver lead her in the slowly turned circles. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' The snoring seems to give just that authentic feeling to the place. It's not something that Oliver seems to mind, just dancing out here in some diner with a beautiful woman without a thought to the tomorrow. Clearly not something he does often, or at all, "Who isn't?" he notes the look straying to his shoulder, then the feeling of those soft fingertips but that brings no comment out of him but a simple deepening of his smile. "Mount? That's far from the real one." He says, shaking his head briefly. He adjusts his pacing to Vanessa's, though it's not as if she needs much adjusting with the easy grace she bears, he leading in a slow manner, bodies moving in unison. His chest heaves up briefly when he notes that scent, the following exhale showing he is pleased with it. "Sometimes surnames can just be complicated though. We can actually go without them." He notes, perhaps not exactly willing for her to find out who he is. At least not just yet. Though it's also a clue to who he might be. "You are a very good dancer. I do wonder what you do. You have a certain grace to you." 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' The soft notes of the song continue to spill from the jukebox, as if they could transform the humble diner into something more. Or maybe its her dance partner that accomplishes that. The easy way he dances her about, and how Oliver keeps bringing smiles to Vanessa's face. "Alright, just-Oliver," Vanessa concedes as her first guess goes far astray. "I suppose I'll have to find some other reason for you to want to stay around then," she tells him, giving a little joking bat of her lashes towards him. "I was just thinking the same about you, the dancing part," she tells him. And though there isn't really space between them, she relaxes in against him more fully. Trusting him to lead her and guide her, and enjoying how it feels to have the gentle intimacy with Oliver. "What's the thing I should put on resumes? Forward customer facing sales position?" she muses quietly. "I have done a bit of dancing though. Glad that it seems to have paid off to some degree," she tells him. "Now you didn't want to talk about your business. So I'll have to ask about something else. What's one of your favorite hobbies?" 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "Mmm, or Oliver Just. That was actually warmer." Oliver jokes about it, continuing with that easy smile to his lips. The songs go by and he moves with her to the rhythm, easy enough that he barely has to think about it anymore, simply moving by instinct with the woman, as if they knew where each other's steps are leading towards, Oliver finding an easy cumplicity with Vanessa. "The music seems to be doing the trick so far. For me to stay." He states, even fully aware of the body against him. The hand around her waist grips her a touch more firmly as he notices her giving him the lead. But there's still that distance, nothing inappropriate. He knows his limits well. "Formal dancing? Or just naturally inclined to it?" it makes him curious. But then it comes the question about his hobbies. Well, that's not something he is questioned directly about too often. It shows in the way that he gives a brief pause before answering. "Hiking, exploring. I have a deep liking to the place I live at." he says, "And I always like discovering new places, there's always somewhere I haven't been. It can be a very beautiful place to be at." but he then asking. "What about yours? What do you like doing when you are not dancing out with a Just-Oliver and protecting him from Jed the drunk?" 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Vanessa seems to feel it too. The man a stranger, yet dancing with him is like being drawn into a warm embrace that she's known all of her life. Or no. Not known. Sought? Whichever, his switch on the name brings a bright grin from Vanessa. "I like it. Oliver Just. It's very noble. Like a white knight, seeing that all is fair and just in the land," she teases him, her eyes meeting his own. Vanessa gives a tiny shrug at the question about the dancing. "Just inclined to it I guess. Something you could do on most any night, just as long as you had some music," she tells him. "Or, without music. If you don't mind people sort of staring," she adds with soft laugh. "Interesting. The sights in New York are a little different from those in Canada, I bet," she tells him. "Less public urination there I suspect. Unless you count the wildlife," she adds, wrinkling her nose suitably at her own joke. "Good question. My own hobbies. I suppose I'm pretty lame. I like watching movies a lot. Not just new stuff, but the kind that the little $3 cinemas have, old things you haven't seen in forever, or never seen for that matter." She glances over towards Jed, who is still sleeping off the bottle he managed to get his hands on. "Still out. Which is good. I'm rather enjoying this dance," she tells Oliver, looking back up to meet his gaze. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "Noble? If only." But it's getting her close enough to the name 'Queen'! Ah, well. Oliver does smile when she calls him a white knight, "White knights are a dying breed these days." A few songs have gone down by now. Not that Oliver is keeping count, his focus being on the woman that just seems to share her warmth so well. His arm wraps further about Vanessa's waist, keeping her close, and showing he is fine with the proximity. Sometimes there is just that click between two people. "Starling isn't -too- different from New York, from what I have seen. There is that saying, the grass is always greener on the other side. But to be honest they have the same kind of problems, and much of the same beauty. Though I have yet to explore New York." He lifts a brow up at the mention of cinemas, "The classics? I never have time for that anymore. Any that you'd suggest for someone trying to pick up lost time?" "I feel safe that you will keep me protected. My white knight tonight then? It's only fair since we are on your town." The flow of their dance continues, he barely with eyes for anything.., or anyone else. Certainly not for Jed! 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' With Vanessa's professional past, she is not unfamiliar with being in the arms of a stranger. However there is something different as Oliver's arms wrap about her in the dance. That sense of strength that makes her feel warm and protected, yet a gentleness that she senses from him. She finds herself dropping some of walls inside, the ones that by now would raise up instinctively to shelter her real emotions from what she's experiencing. "I suppose I go to that stereotype that things are mainly big open wilderness, when it's a big city like any other," Vanessa tells him. "Oh, so many good, old movies. North By Northwest? Or, ever see Danny Kaye in The Court Jester? Sophia Loren in Man of La Mancha if you like musicals. Or around Halloween they'll have old Bella Lugosi and all sorts of old black and white horror movies," she tells him. Vanessa looks up to Oliver. "Me as the white knight? I could certanly try, but that seems more of an Oliver Just sort of thing," she tells him warmly. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Oliver gets a glimpse of that. The way she moves closer, close to him in that dance, the need he finds in the woman and his own sense of protection rises. The arm slides further about Vanessa's waist and then the one holding her hand brings it to rest on his shoulder. That hand goes down to join the other and he smiles in that intense manner of his, watching her face. "I fear my lack of knowledge on classics can only be solved by going to one of those cinemas one of these days. I have seen none of those movies." Because ..., a life of being a playboy while younger and then all those ..., difficulties in the island... The day only has 24 hours! Then a nod towards Jed, "I meant my white knight against your friend over there." he seems very loose now, content perhaps, a respite of all the problems in his life as of late. He is somewhat surprised though in the manner this woman can make him so relaxed, many of his own 'walls' lowered. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' The song changes within the quiet diner. A few piano notes to introduce the ageless voice of Elvis Presley singing Can't Help Falling In Love, the slow song providing the sound to guide the dancer's slow movements within each other's arms. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSOZoaMaOzs) After Oliver brings her hand over to his shoulder, Vanessa slides it slowly over that brawny surface, eyes drifting over to see the shapes of the muscles beneath his tuxedo's dress shirt even as she feels them. Her soft, dark eyes lift back up to Oliver's. Those safeguards of hers that would normally hide her feelings is down, her eyes showing just how much this moment is meaning to her. Dancing with a stranger, but one that she's feeling a connection with that she's not used to seeing. Perhaps it is knowing how much her eyes have shown that brings her head in against Oliver's shoulder, cheek nestling there and her face just brushing his neck. "I'll be as much your white knight as I can," she tells him, face safely hidden to hide her expression as she tries to make sense of the moment. Her arms about his shoulders tighten just a little bit though, as if not wishing to lose the moment to her thoughts. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Oliver takes in a deep breath. It is a song he has danced to in the past, one that always worked for him in those young, careless years of his. But none of that is in his mind right now, only the brunette nestled against his arms. He watches her like he'd be watching something precious, a woman in all senses of that word. His blue eyes look gentle but yet with a spark to them, a care for Vanessa showing. In that way that Vanessa protects her own feelings by diverting her head away and resting it against him it also makes Oliver more vulnerable, or open. The beating of his heart felt up against her, audible and perhaps just a shade faster than what would be the norm. At least for such a slow dance they are practicing, moving as one. He says nothing right now, for he feels nothing he'd say would make the moment better, just dancing like this with someone he has just met seems all he needs. Those solid hands continue their gentle lead, keeping about Vanessa's waist as if they'd never want to let go. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' The song plays out, and gives way to another. No words are needed during the next song. Or the one after that. Finally Vanessa lifts her head to where she and Oliver can look at each other. Again her eyes are windows to her feelings, and an uncharacteristic demure look down is given for a moment before she looks back up to Oliver. "I think I'm going to go and... freshen up is the polite term I believe?" she of her need to use the ladies room. Vanessa adds a soft smile, and her fingers lightly brush along the back of his shoulder, reaching the back of Oliver's neck. "I'll pry Jed off when I come back if I need to," she tells him, that soft smile growing brilliant as she adds a little zestful laughter. When she moves to let go of Oliver there's a slowness to it as if reluctant to leave. But she does if he allows her, letting go and moving slowly towards the open hallway that leads back to where the restrooms are. A glance back over her shoulder at Oliver as she does. Sal and Mel are still somewhere in back. Not visible through the opening back to the kitchen. Maybe arguing in the freezer over what needs to be ordered. Or expressing those pent up feelings for each other? Nah, probably not. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Maybe Sal and Mel got inspired with the dance they were witnessing earlier and decided it was their time too or ..., perhaps hell froze over. That might be more likely. Oliver seems to be awake from a dream when Vanessa dislodges herself from him, having to blink once to return to this room, this place, Jed, everything. Then Vanessa. He looks down to her with a smile and his arms reluctantly let her part. "Of course. Do you want anything to drink?" he takes a few steps back closer to the counter even as his eyes never leave the departing Vanessa, meeting her gaze when she looks over her shoulder. "I will be here." Or will he? When Vanessa is out of sight he lets out a soft exhale, hands running through his face and then his head. This was very unexpected. But he finds himself smiling. He walks to the counter. "Sally, could I get a couple of beers?" But then a call. That snaps him out of it when he notices the number. Diggle? He answers it. "John? I don't need you to come get me-" But Diggle cuts him out. He got a lead on someone. That same Yu Phun that has been eluding them from Starling has been spotted. That gets him into his Green Arrow mindset, a frown. Those drug dealers have been attacking his city. He only remains enough time to leave money to pay for both his and Vanessa's food and then he is out the door. "Meet me on the corner of 24th street." He says to Diggle over the phone, now walking at a quick pace. Meanwhile Jed awoke from his slumber at the talk Oliver was having, looking around groggily. "Did I hear beer?" 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' Not long later, Vanessa ends up at the mirror in the ladies room. Having washed her hands, she gets a little makeup from her purse to do the smallest bits of touch up. "Vanessa, what are you doing girl?" she asks her reflection. "You warn the other girls not to let things get to their real emotions." Vanessa's hand moves down to press at her stomach and the butterflies there. "But then this isn't work," she reminds herself. She glances towards the door, her thoughts on the person she thinks is waiting out there in the diner. "Who knows, maybe you get to have something good for a change," she tells herself while putting her makeup back in the purse. One last glance, a little turn to see how she looks from behind, and then she heads out. "So, Oliver Just..." she says, glancing around and seeing an empty room, the jukebox gone quiet as her list of songs have finished. Jed is back to snoring by now when no beer was forthcoming. Vanessa walks forward calling softly, "Oliver?" and looking about. But unless he went in back, there isn't really anywhere to go. And his tuxedo jacket is gone as well. She walks over to the glass door to look out through it. "Where's the fella?" Sally asks as she returns from the kitchen. Vanessa stands quietly for a few seconds before giving a visible shrug of her shoulders. "Had to go," she answers, forcing her voice to a just slightly cheery tone as she turns back to Sally, walking back to finish her pie. Meanwhile, blocks away, a small caravan of vehicles, a dark SUV and two sedans, are heading across town. Passing near to 24th street, they make a turn towards a better part of town after having recently left areas more frequented by the drug trade. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "Yes, the only thing left of Oliver's presence in the room is the money on the counter for the food. And perhaps the broken dream of something better. He had hoped to have some time off, to take his mind out of things but ..., there is no rest from being who he is. He cannot deny his nature. When his own SUV turns the corner and Diggle opens the passenger door he hops inside, tossing the jacket to the backseat. "So it's Yu Phun. A convoy of cars?" He confirms the talk they were having over the phone. There is just that rumpled look to his shirt, no tie on. A bit of a hazy look to his eyes. Whatever was he doing before Diggle called? Quite the mystery! "Good job with the tracker. Let's see where it leads." Oliver looks up to John and smiles faintly to his right hand man. His most trusted friend. 

:'''{{#var:8143|Vanessa Carlysle (8143)}} has posed:''' John Diggle nods to Oliver. The tall black man has the car's seat pushed most all the way back to make room for his long legs. He stomps on the gas pedal to pull the car back out onto the road and catch up to where the caravan of cars is. "Not quite sure where he came from, but he was leaving that area of town my old army buddy gave the tip was moving the same kind of drugs," Diggle says, nodding to Oliver. Diggle slows down as he gets closer to the path the other cars were taking, and after a bit they are spotted up ahead. After that it is a slow chase. Hanging back far enough to not be spotted. The cars do make two attempts to lose or spot tails, but Diggle handles them readily enough. Eventually the cars pull into a garage beneath a tall apartment building. Diggle says, "I'll head to the other side, see where lights come on." He leaves the car where Oliver can watch two sides of the building, and John goes to watch the far two sides. Though the lights that come on? They are on the penthouse. After waiting long enough, Diggle returns and climbs in. "So, you good with heights some night?" he asks glancing up towards the building top. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "Good job, John." Oliver says when he explains the source of how they got to this discovery. He serves as co-pilot tonight, looking through his phone at the zones they go through, and then to the penthouse they approach. A frown when he notes those lights up on the penthouse. "You know what I bless myself every night after having become the Green Arrow? Not being afraid of heights..." but he lets out a grin. "Lets hit it tomorrow." It's time to go home, regroup, make sure his gear is all ready. He will be expecting tough opposition. Still, there's just that feeling that he is missing something important right now. Something he may regret in the future. 
}}

10878/Yo!

2020-01-26T07:00:01Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/01/26 |Location=Stephanie Brown's Apartment, South Point |Synopsis=Stephanie and Damian try a new Asian restaurant, and the young Wayne asks a..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/01/26
|Location=Stephanie Brown's Apartment, South Point
|Synopsis=Stephanie and Damian try a new Asian restaurant, and the young Wayne asks about Stephanie and the Wayne Trust
|Cast of Characters=1134,973
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie had won the gift certificate to the new Asian eatery in a charity raffle at school. Not a fancy one by any means, but something that had opened up near Gotham University, counting on the appetites of students and the tendency of some that age to really hone in on unusual cuisine. When Stephanie got to the restaurant, she saw the menu, in both English and the native language of the eatery's owner. Even the English translations weren't doing her very much good. So Stephanie had pulled out her phone and snapped a legible picture of the menu, and then of her gift certificate. > Half is yours if you come help me pick some good stuff for take out. The text and pictures are sent off to Damian's phone. 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      Damian had been out and about. Soon after the text was received, a notice that it had been looked at was automatically sent.   After a short while, the notice that a message was being composed followed. "Deal." After a scant tan minutes later, Damian Wayne stepped out of the chauffeured car, decked out in a black on black getup, a sweater and pants combo, with black and white basketball shoes. It was a compromise with Alfred on how a young teenager should look. If it was always up to Damian, he would be in a three piece all the time in public, barring when he needed to be Robin.   "You have placed your faith in the right person, Brown." He says in a reassuring, yet almost condescending tone. Damian always had that kind of tone though. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie is in normal college student attire. Blue jeans, a dark grey sweatshirt whose logo isn't visible beneath the medium jacket she's wearing. A pair of gloves are set on the counter near her where she's checking out the menu. The blond looks up, a warm grin spreading across her lips as she sees the youngest Wayne. "Hey there," she says. "I figured I needed an expert," she says, holding up the menu. The English translations are still words that most people would struggle to pronounce. It's by design probably to make it feel more authentic and get students to try different things just to see what they are. She passes the menu over to Damian. "Was kind of in the mood for chicken. Though, pork would be good too. Maybe some peas or... something spicy. Or sweet. Really, if you let me talk long enough I'll describe everything on the menu," she tells him with a grin. She passes over the gift certificate so he can see the amount. Enough to feed six. There should be plenty of left overs then. "Do me proud?" she asks with that warm, cheeky grin. 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      Damian grasps the menu gently, looking over the characters, and cantering his head just a little. "Wow..."   He flips through pages, looking up and down. He looks to the lady behind the counter, and starts talking in an unfamiliar language. The two converse a bit, back and fourth. At first, one could pick out a Bruce Wayne, and Damian nodding, holding his hand to his chest, and following with 'Damian'. Apparently she recognized him from the TV.   The conversation continues, and Damian closes the menu, and hands over the gift certificate with a bow of his head and upper body.   "It's a Hmong place. Different but similar to many things you've had before, I think." He comments to Stephanie. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie moves over near to Damian's side as he's talking to the woman. Steph gives her a bright smile and imitates Damian's bow at the end. "Thank you," she adds to them with a smile, and getting back a, "You welcome!" in very broken sounding English, but energetic just the same. The woman seems quite happy to have had Damian conversing in her own language. Stephanie grins over to Damian. "Oh, excellent. So what all did you get us?" she asks the cooks begins preparing the order. The smells in the place are marvelous already. Stephanie picks up her gloves and moves to the side so the next customers can get to the counter. "And how long did it take you to pick up each of these languages? Were you learning them all when you were real young, like as a child? Or did you have to learn them along the way as you were a little older?" 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      "I was young. It's imperative to blend in with the local populace. And since I am...of mixed heritage, I can blend in with many folks of Asian descent." True, add a little dirt and some different clothes, Damian could pass for a street urchin easily. "Young children can learn languages easier than adults." He said with a shrug.   Damian had never opened up much about his younger life to anyone other than Bruce. But at least this was more of a less graphic part of his history. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie leans casually against the end of the counter where the finished orders are brought over. One leg crossed over the other, she says, "You know, sort of sounds like we had the same life. Except, you know. The different languages. The swords. Bows. Training. Travel," Stephanie says, pausing as she starts to run out of stuff. "By which I mean, raised by our mothers I guess," she adds with a little wry grin and a shrug. The food arrives, all wrapped in a pair of plastic bags tied at the top. Stephanie grabs and offers the other to Damian. It's cold out but thankfully this place is just down a block and a half from her apartment building that is itself across the street from campus. Stephanie dons her gloves and sees if Damian is ready to head out. "We hoofing it, or want to take your car?" she asks as she steps into the brisk Gotham winter evening. 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      Damian's left hand grasps the food parcels, while the other grabs at his phone. "Whichever." He says, offering to call his car.   "Yes, mother had me study a lot. Only the best for the heir to the League." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' "We can walk," Stephanie decides then, hurrying her step to keep the trip through the cold short. "Pretty much was on my own for studying," she says as their feet cover the cold and sometimes icy sidewalk quickly. "Which means of course, I didn't do as much as I should. Mom was usually working extra shifts. Dad was usually looking out from between bars. And when he wasn't... he was usually working on how to get back there," she says with a shake of her head of her Cluemaster father. They reach the apartment building and she unlocks a security door so they can go inside. Then up the elevator to the top floor and down the hallway to her apartment. She unlocks the door as someone down the hall sticks their heads out. "Is it good?" the girl asks. Stephanie grins, "Will let you know, and bring over some leftovers," the blond says before heading inside. "What do you want to drink? Juice? There's grape. And orange. Also soda. Or filtered tap water." She doesn't have a very expensive of fancy place. Bottled water? Luxury. 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      "I studied enough for both of us." Damian comments, looking around and finding a place to sit. "Water is fine." He comments, opening the bag and arranging the food boxes. "Why haven't you filed the papers?" He asks, without any warning. And out of the blue. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie goes to get two glasses, and she's just filling them from a container in the refrigerator when Damian asks the question. The blond pauses for a moment, looking over at him, and then refocusing on the glasses. They are filled and the water put back in the fridge as she brings the glasses over. After offering one, Stephanie leans back against one of the kitchen counters, sipping the water. "I just haven't been able to make up my mind," says the girl who has lived in poverty most of her life. She has a shiny purple 1965 Shelby Cobra remake, courtesy of Bruce. Other than that, most of her possessions are pretty meager. She works for Tim, acquiring superhero memorabilia from auctions part-time. "It's ah... kind of life-changing. And... I just don't know," she says, rubbing a hand through her hair. "Talked with Jason a little and... he's probably the one person who understood what I was feeling," she says. 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      Damian rolled his eyes. "That's it? You don't file paperwork that allows you to become a part of the trust, because it's life changing money? You either do or you don't. but if you keep on playing this game, someone's gonna snatch up that percentage." Not that Damian was going to, nor his brothers. But he didn't understand the concept of holding off on this decision. To him, it was part of his birthright.   Damian detour a number of noodle dishes, with chicken and vegetables, some with beef, and some with just veggies. All with that lovely breath of the wok flavor. "Todd? He changes his opinion more than I change underwear." Yes, yes, seems the young Wayne is starting to understand American idioms. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie moves over to get herself a portion of the food as well. A little bit of everything to give it all a try. "It's just... kind of hard to explain," Stephanie says. "And, well, Jason's reasons are different than mine, but he still kind of gets it I think," she says of the older brother who has mainly refused to accept the family money so far. "You grow up without and, well, you see what life is like for people who have. And yeah, maybe you want that. But then, things are different too. Maybe they're better. Maybe they're just different. I see how you all have to be careful, or how you get your pictures snapped. And I don't know that it would ever be like that for me? But would I want it if it was?" she tells him. "I'm really not doing a good job of explaining," she says with a sigh, then trying some noodles with beef and vegetables. "Oh, so good," she says. 
}}

10711/In Search Of A Belle

2020-01-25T03:11:16Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/01/12 |Location=War Room - X-Men Base |Synopsis=Rogue returns from outer space while the other X-men are still searching for her. |Cast of Cha..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/01/12
|Location=War Room - X-Men Base
|Synopsis=Rogue returns from outer space while the other X-men are still searching for her.
|Cast of Characters=296,182,278,16
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty has helped gather what data they could on the attack on New Years that resulted in Tony Stark, Captain America, Rogue and Captain Marvel being displaced by portals. Hopefully displaced. The portal that a piano was only partially in was torn in half, much like one of Blink's portals does to something. Though the science is more of Hank McCoy's area, Kitty has been providing computer support, crunching whatever sensor data she was able to obtain from JARVIS. So far, all four are still missing, the men through one portal, the two ladies through another. Kitty has been at it all night. She's currently sitting in a chair, wearing sweats and a sweatshirt she's turned inside out, probably to hide a coffee stain on the other side rather than taking the time to go change. She gets up and trods over to the coffee pot. "Empty. Why didn't I make another pot?" she asks herself as she starts to do so. Lockheed is lying nearby on a console, just watching her through troubled eyes. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' "Because you probably have a million things going on at once, and apparently haven't had a shower." Warren responds as he stand in the doorway for a moment. He's dressed down, which for him includes a t-shirt that costs as much as Kitty's whole ensemble, and a pair of expensive sweat pants, and don't ask about the athletic shoes. "You were at the party longer than I was." he admits to her as he moves to the side, tucking his hands in his pockets as his wings fold behind him to be unobtrusive. "Terri and I ended up on crowd control duty." What, he was on a date. Teachers can do that, shut up. 

:'''{{#var:278|Roberto Da Costa (278)}} has posed:''' Roberto is aware the Avengers went missing. Hell, most of the world is aware. There is a lot of concern in certain circles some of the super-team enemies would take advantage of the situation. It is a good moment to invest in Insurance Companies. Avengers missing, including Rogue, which makes it an X-Men concern too. So Roberto has been asking around since she got to the school earlier this afternoon. Which brings him down here, to the War Room. "Hey Kitty," he greets, "and... hello, Warren," he adds at spotting the winged mutant. "Do we have anything on Rogue? I am told you are on the case." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde gets the new pot of coffee started and looks up as Warren comes in. "I don't smell bad," she counters. Then does a surreptitious sniff at herself. "Too bad," she amends before giving him a tired smile of greeting. Really she doesn't, but it's pretty obvious she's been without a shower today. "There was a lot that needed controlling," Kitty tells Warren with a sigh. Her own arrival at the party was to see a stream of people fleeing in panic. Kitty slouches to lean back against the table beside the coffee maker, apparently ready to wait there until the device has done its job and prepared her a new cup. "Roberto," she adds to greet him as he comes in. "Nothing yet. Trying to get a lead on the other end of a closed portal is like... ah... I don't know. Trying to predict where the other end of a strand of spaghetti is in a bowl of it the size of New York?" She shakes her head. "Some of the physics is... Hank stuff. Or Forge. Tony, you get the gist." Kitty removes the band holding her pony tail to ruffle her fingers through it to try to help refresh herself, before re-securing her hair. "How are you both doing?" she asks. "I've not had a chance to check in like I'd have liked. Love having you both back here." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' "I get the feeling that there's not enough marinara in the universe for a bowl of spaghetti like this, Kitty." Warren responds and reaches up to scratch at his shoulder in thought. "What do we know about the person that did the teleporting?" he asks Kitty curiously. "If we know what race they were, we can determine what planets they may have and it could help with finding out where they went?" He's grasping at straws, but that seems to be all they have at the moment. 

:'''{{#var:278|Roberto Da Costa (278)}} has posed:''' Roberto shakes his head. Since the Avengers got taken, he is quite sure all the big brains are in the case. "You will figure out something. It might be a good idea to ask Alpha Flight and other extra-planetary contacts, of course." As for her question. "I am well. Juggling responsibilities with private life, not enough sleep. But usually happy times. I come visit here when I can. Which is not as often as I want. But you know," he shrugs. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Mmm. But with some cheese sticks to dip in the marinara," Kitty says, her lack of food that goes with her lack of shower showing through in where her thoughts end up. Kitty glances at the coffee pot. Still brewing, so she answers Warren with, "Mikonia was what she called herself. Came here seeking some stone. Spoke about melting the planet if she didn't get it, which would seem to make her extra-terrestrial that she thinks of us as a planet and not a country or city." "Black armor, blue silk. Technological aspect. Blue portals, kind of like Blink's but for the color," Kitty adds. "Red skin, and an oddly shaped jaw, and a ridge of spines," she says, motioning to where the spines were. "And armed with a rifle of some sort with different settings. I didn't recognize a species," she says. "Hank and I've been focusing on the tech part trying to trace the portals somehow by what Stark Tower's sensors picked up." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' "Stone? Diamond district was 20 blocks west." Warren comments with a smirk. "I wasn't much of a help that night, not sure what I can do to help here. Me and outer space.." his voice trails off, a memory of the last time he was in space washing over him. And for a moment, his skin pales, almost allowing that blue palor. But he recovers and snaps back to, frowning. "No type of alien I know of." 

:'''{{#var:278|Roberto Da Costa (278)}} has posed:''' Roberto shakes his head again. The description of the alien doesn't sound familiar. But his own experiences in space have been limited and accidental. "Have you contacted the Starjammers?" Is all he can offer. "Do we know why did this alien take the Avengers anyway? Maybe they had a 'stone' of some kind they had retrieved recently in one of their missions." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty finally is able to fill up her coffee cup. She adds two cream and a sugar before trudging back to retake her seat. "Yeah, my last trip wasn't for the best either," Kitty comments to Warren. The tale of the group that went to the Moon to investigate a crashed Cybertronian ship from the 50s is well known enough. They barely were rescued before their air ran out, when solar flares disrupted Blink's ability to portal them back. Kitty gives a little shake of her head after she's settled back into her seat then. "I don't think it was her intent. Just a combat tactic. She had four portals to hide behind. Used one to get in the way of the piano Rogue threw at her," Kitty explains. She motions with her hands to show something in motion. "She laid Tony out, and Cap was protecting him. And she whooshed one of the portals and it shot across the room towards them so they went through it. Then the piano throw, and doing the same to Rogue and Carol," Kitty says. "So it was portaling them away from the battle, not really a kidnapping. She wanted this stone whatever it was. If she does just want a nice diamond though, I'm sending her to you two. Together you can probably give her the Hope Diamond, right?" 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' Glancing aside to give Roberto a wry grin, Warren comments. "I think someone here has diamond envy. Boyfriend not find a big enough rock?" he asks in a teasing manner to Kitty before he listens to the recap of the story. "She wanted to get them out of the way. To make it easier to find this stone she was talking about. That could mean that it's in the Tower's vaults?" he shrugs his shoulders. "Or she's off her rocker crazy and came to the wrong place." 

:'''{{#var:278|Roberto Da Costa (278)}} has posed:''' Roberto smirks, "if she was threating to melt the planet, diamonds is not what she is going to get from me," more likely another flying piano. "I am quite sure the remaining Avengers would have checked it out, but it might be worth a shot to ask them. Them of the other guests in the party. Perhaps one of them has an alien stone." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty gives a wry chuckle and wads up some paper to throw at Warren's head. "I'm plenty happy with Peter's jewels," she says, adding a stuck out tongue towards Worthington for good measure. "I don't know that she knows where this stone was. Tony was... ah, Tony. So she attacked. It's possible it's something in Stark Tower, but nothing I've heard of anyway. Tony either didn't know what it was, or was playing dumb. Either a possibility. Though, if it was something they had, I'd hope Pepper and JARVIS would enlist some security, from the other Avengers. Or even, us," Kitty muses quietly. The young woman holds her coffee in both hands, savoring it like another woman might said diamond. She takes a sip and sighs, then types for a few seconds to start up the next simulation trying to decipher something from the energy signatures of the portals. "I'll try to make sure they are running that angle down," she says. "On the good side, if they survived the trip, Rogue is at least with Carol. I mean, she can't take Rogue into space, but at least she could go get help, Carol could, and return for her. If they are both free that is." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' Catching the paper ball out of the air. "What you do with Peter's jewels is none of my business." He lobs the piece of paper over towards the trash can then sobers in thought. "So. We have an alien that took out the big three on the Avengers, and one of our hardest hitters." Sticking his hands in his pockets, he frowns, casting a look over towards Robert. "My play would be to be setting up for an invasion. After all, with Superman gone, and the heart and soul of the Avengers just removed, we're looking pretty thin and vulnerable at the moment." 

:'''{{#var:278|Roberto Da Costa (278)}} has posed:''' "I really didn't need to know about Parker stones," snarks Roberto. Warren's words make him lose the smirk, though. But then he shakes his head slowly. "But then she wouldn't have portaled them away by accident. Of course maybe it just looked accidental." And Superman got killed in a fight with Batman. Probably not an alien. "We should really ask Alpha Flight for more intel. Carol is one of them, after all." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' "We're assuming it's accidental. I'm not ready to buy into it." Warren's always been a doubter, even more so since everything that happened to him. Though he nods at the mention of Alpha Flight. "Them and SHIELD. Aren't they supposed to be the whole 'we know everything' organization?" he asks with a shake of his head. "Time to put their mouth where our tax dollars go into." 

:'''{{#var:278|Roberto Da Costa (278)}} has posed:''' Roberto wasn't there, so he has no firm idea. But if Kitty said it looked accidental, he leans towards accepting the assessment. There isn't much he can do to help the investigation, since he is not tech-wizard or has any unique contacts the X-Men don't share. "I suppose I can't do much from my corner. But keep me up to date, please," he says to Kitty. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde gives the two men collectively a nod of her head. "I don't think she had any clue who she was facing. Thought, why appearing where she did, is a good question. Could just be it being a high tech center she went there thinking she'd get more results than... I don't know. Montana? But, could be she was trying to weaken us, indeed. Oh, she mentioned something about the "armies of Titan" having sent her," Kitty says. "Though, nothing unusual showing up about the moon by that name, though it wouldn't hurt to get someone capable to go have a look see." Kitty pauses a moment and then says, "So, um, Superman? His body wasn't in his tomb. It's being held by some spy organization, maybe trying to clone him or... well, you two can guess the kind of advancements someone might try to get out of a Kryptonian body. Anyway, the Justice League were tied up in dealing with that," she says. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' "So he pulled a Jeanie, huh." Warren gives a little grunt. Sore spot? Oh yes, yes indeed. Frowning to himself, he pulls his hands out of his pockets to fold over his chest. "What can we do, Kitty?" he asks her, getting to the point. "Because right now it sounds like a whole lot of nothing. You need to pool resources to throw money at something, that's one thing, but this sounds like an exercise in futility." He's feeling useless and it shows, he's never been one to hide his thoughts on things. 

:'''{{#var:278|Roberto Da Costa (278)}} has posed:''' Roberto gets himself a cup of coffee, adds a spoonful of sugar. "Not a problem we can just toss money to make it vanish," he comments. "I suppose we are in the waiting wagon, Warren. If you need help for a Rogue-rescue team, give me a call," he offers, heading out with his coffee cup. 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue had arrived back at the gate to the mansion. She'd told Carol to drop her off near by in Breakstone Forest before Carol would fly the yacht they'd stolen up to Alpha Flight's station and throw the prisoner they had into a cell up there. Using her access codes, she made her way through the mansion and down to the base. Wearing a bodysuit of dark blue with crimson red, form fit to specifically her size with some strange space technology, and a light EVA space helmet held in her right hand, Rogue wanders the hallways of the X-Men base, on her way to her locker down here to stow the suit and get a change of clothes. She's run in to nobody as of yet... not even upstairs. "Zombie apocalypse..." She mutters to herself. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde does a two-handed shrug towards Warren at the question about Superman. "I don't know if he's alive. His body was taken, and a sophisticated fake grown and put in its place. And they figured out who is responsible, but... I don't know his fate," she says. "It's possible, yeah." Kitty glances towards one of the monitors, looking to see if the latest simulation trying to trace where the portal ended up has finished. Lockheed suddenly jumps to his feet though, flapping his wings in what could only be called an excited manner, and he darts out the war. Soon Rogue has all the purple space dragon she could hope for, excitedly flying around her and landing on her shoulder. Kitty rises to see what caused the reaction from the empathic dragon, leaving her coffee cup behind though only with a regretful look towards it. As if to say, I love you, coffee cup, and I will return for you. She heads over towards the door and looks out, spotting a familiar face if not the attire. "ROGUE!" Kitty says, rushing out to her. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' "Sorry, Kitty, don't mean to ruffle your feathers. Just this stuff sometimes..." he waves his hand around the lab and frowns. "It's just all too much sometimes." Warren admits. "I nearly ruined a date with Theresa cause we got to talking about how evil our uncles were and I totally forgot her alcohol problem." he sighs. He was about to say more, when they're suddenly interrupted by Lockheed's dancing, and then darting off. Then Kitty's dashing off and yelling Rogue. But she isn't dressed like Rogue was. If anything, she's in a suit similar to the thing that ported her, and he's immediately shifting into his blue skinned, metal-winged, much more angrier form. "KITTY DON'T!" he yells at her as his wings move to spread out and fill the hall. "She might not be Rogue!" 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' The suit is definitely not Rogue's usual affair, nor is it even her usual colors. But her hair is tied up into a bun on the back of her head and her white bangs are loose on the sides of her face, so it definitely looks like her! When Lockheed's wings draw her attention, Rogue turns around to see the dragon come up on her, her eyes go wide and she starts to laugh as he finds a place to land on her shoulder. So by the time Kitty and Warren come around the corner they find her with her non-helmet-holding hand up stroking the side of Lockheed's neck and rubbing her face against the side of the Dragon's own, sharing affections with the little purple fella who doesn't suffer the wrath of touching her skin like you 'normies' do. When Rogue realizes Kitty and Warren are there, she opens her eyes and smiles at them, then waves the helmet at them. "Heya, folks." She states at them. "Made it back! I don't even know what day it is! But ya'll don't look fifty years olde'ah." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty'd given a curious smile at the mention of the date with Theresa. Though that's a question that will have to wait for another day as she follows Lockheed out. Kitty is about to join Lockheed in the excited welcoming back, when Warren puts himself between them and takes on a more cautious approach. Kitty slows her joy for the moment, realizing it's probably safest. "Rogue, what happened? How'd you make it back?" she asks, eyeing the outfit. She doesn't look like she thinks it isn't Rogue, but she gives in to Warren's caution just the same. Wouldn't put it past Mystique to try to sneak in with such a ruse, after all. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' When Lockheed shows that he trusts that Rogue is Rogue, Warren's wings relax, but he's yet to shift back to his normal Angel form. "How'd you get back here?" he asks her as he watches warily, the neurotoxic wings at the ready, just in case. He realizes he just echoed Kitty though, so he goes quiet. 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue gives another little finger scritch to the underside of Lockhee's chin before she looks to Kitty and Warren's mutual questions. She knows they have every right to be wary of her. Mystique has impersonated her before, likely more times than Rogue cares to even know... "We stole a ship." She says, then pauses and corrects herself, foreshadowing her explanation with a big smile. "Charmed a ship out of a... well t'be honest, I'm not really sure WHAT that thing was. But he said he had a lotta wives, and one'of'em was a real bitch. So he gave her pride'n'joy yacht t'us just t'spite her. How about that?" She glances down at herself and then puts her free hand on one of her hips and the helmet against her other and does a little pose. "Turns out I fit right inta her stuff too. For the most part... Which makes sense, cause that - whatever he was - seemed a bit 'ya know' toward me. A little 'eager' if ya get my drift." She glances over at Lockheed and gives him a quick peck on the side of his cheek then looks back at them. "Think fast!" Rogue then uses both her hands to toss the space helmet to Kitty. "I recorded some'a the trip on this. Our return t'Earth is all inside'a that thing's memory banks. We had t'do this thing where we skipped around star systems, chargin' the jump drive thing? Took daaays. But hell, the ship had a jacuzzi and was /stocked/ with food. So it was nice!" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde catches the helmet and looks from Rogue to Warren for a moment. "Seriously. Who else could get sent across the galaxy and get more action from an alien than-" Kitty says, but trails off rather than finish the thought. Lockheed returns the loving, nuzzling against the woman who either he is quite fond of, or just is glad to have his primary source of cheesy poofs returns. Probably some of each, though mostly the former. Kitty checks to make sure Warren's ok with the answer. "Glad to have you back. We've been trying to track where the portals could have ended up. But... well, I'm not even going to try to explain the physics because I was pushing to keep up," she says, shaking her head. She looks down at the helmet. "I'll get it loaded up," she says of the recorder. Of course it'll go on an isolated system at first, the ace hacker always security conscious. "So Carol's ok. Did you see Tony and Cap? They had a portal move over them too," she says. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' Warren finally stands down, shifting back to his normal form as he relaxes his posture. "Hell of a way to start a new year. You didn't even get a kiss." he says with a smirk as he folds his arms over his chest. With Kitty handling most of the questioning, and information gathering, he's going to be quiet for the moment. 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue watches Warren shift back and she offers him a slight grin. "Story'a my life." She says in a super dramatic way. "Guess I've had some memorable ones though, huh?" there's a bigger grin shown to the man then before her eyes trace back over to Kitty. She tips her chin toward the techie girl in a nod. "Carol and I were it where we were. No sign'a Cap or Tony... they ain't back yet, I take it?" She draws in a breath then. "Hell, if they end up on a planet like us, they might be in more trouble. Havin' Carol on my side, made things way... easier, ya know? Guess I bette'ah call'er, let'er know the other two are still out there somewhere..." She glances over to Lockheed then and grins at him. "You're a lover as ever. Feels like I ain't seen ya in MONTHS, fella." She then snickers and looks back to the other two. "So what is today? I'm guessin... a week and a half since New Years?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty's looking like she's seen better days. In fact Rogue can probably deduce how long she's been at work trying to find them. She's even got her sweatshirt on inside out, something she does when she gets a stain on it but won't make time to go change. She finally moves over, and gives Rogue a tight hug if allowed. "God I'm glad you're ok. Been praying," she says. "Yes, if Carol can... I don't know what she can do, I mean, space is a huge place to search. But she has allies and... anyway, yes, let her know they are still missing," Kitty says. She lets Rogue go and steps back. "Warren, we're half-way there at least. And you didn't even have to buy the Hope Diamond," she says, trying to add some levity back in. "Ah, speaking of... did Carol have any idea what that Mikonia woman was looking for, what stone she meant? I have a feeling whatever it is, we need to keep it out of her hands." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' Warren chuckles. "I'd buy Rogue the Hope Diamond anyway." His tone is light for the moment, giving the Southern Bombshell a wink. "I'll let you two get to discussing things, since I'm better off if you need money for something." 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue is happy to hug Kitty again and get to share a moment with her best friend once more. Some part of her didn't actually thing she'd make it back here, even with Carol's help. She'd told Carol to just fly off and go find help, and though she knew Carol could've, she didn't. She'd insisted on staying with Rogue to get her home even if it meant inconveniencing herself. Thats Captain Marvel though, willing to help at all costs of herself. Rogue smiles between the two of them, she looks at Warren. "Is the Hope Diamond big?" She asks, having heard of it, but never seen it before. Its not the kind of thing thats ever been on her radar before. "Now I'm curious, ya better buy it for me just so I can see it." She teases Angel with a sly grin. Another look back to Kitty though. "I didn't ask her that stuff, we should probably call her back in once she's settled. She might be able t'answer things like that. Truth is... I didn't hear none'a that stuff that night. I was at the back'a the crowd when it all started, I thought it wa gonna be another borin' Tony speech, about how great whatever it is he's doin' is, so I sorta tuned out until gunfire got my attention." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty smiles over to Warren, clasping his shoulder lightly. "Thanks for everything," she tells him. His support, his and Roberto's definitely was good to have as things were looking bleak in what turned out to be the moments before they took such a turn for the better. "I'm actually not sure how big it is. It's cursed too, I think, so might want to hold off on that thought actually," Kitty tells Rogue. "Or maybe I'm confusing my curses." Kitty rubs at her face, and then her eyes. "I probably should shower," she says, eyes searching about her as if she's starting to run on empty after being up working on simulations all night. "Going to have Hank check you out? Good idea with the whole, alien planet thing," she suggests. Kitty nods about Rogue having missed Mikonia's statements. "I only caught part of it, mostly heard about it after. Was looking for some stone. Ah, sent by the armies of Titan. Guessing that didn't have to do with the moon in our solar system though if she portaled you off to some other planet in the galaxy." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' "Rogue, darling, I'm not Cajun enough for you and you're not redhead enough for me." Warren responds with a chuckle. "I'm gonna let you two get reacquainted and brainstorm, and go get some rest and try to remind myself to pull my head out my ass at somepoint. You two have a good night." 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue offers a big grin then to Warren, she raises a free hand up to wave it at him back and forth. "Bye now." She says in a southern sassy sort've way. "And let me know if ya ever met a Cajun worth my time." Oh yeah! Back at Kitty, Rogue moves to hook arms with her so they can walk together. "Ya look all manner'a fright. Been that worried about me bein' gone, huh, Sugah?" She says to her friend. "Hadn't thought about Hank, though I did just spend a buncha time on an alien yacht that has been used for god knows what purposes. So maybe /I/ better shower up and check in with the good Doctor myself." "Its good t'be back here though, but dang it if I ain't worried about Cap'n Stark now..." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty loops arms with her bestie. "Ok Warren, thanks again. Great having you back around. Like told times," she tells the X-man who predates herself on the team as well. She smiles over to him and then nods to Rogue. "Ah, yes. Someone's space pleasure yacht? Definitely good to get checked out," Kitty concludes. She gives Rogue a quick side hug before letting her go. "And I'm going to go clean up and... maybe an hour nap. Will give the latest sim some time to run and... and I can't even think straight. So yeah, I definitely need an hour or so of sleep," she says. 
}}

10839/In Search Of Missing Friends

2020-01-23T03:37:30Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/01/23 |Location=War Room - X-Men Base |Synopsis=Shannon and Samuel pass on Thor's information that Tony and Cap are in Khundian space somewher..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/01/23
|Location=War Room - X-Men Base
|Synopsis=Shannon and Samuel pass on Thor's information that Tony and Cap are in Khundian space somewhere.
|Cast of Characters=8765,296,8925,1386,182
|Tinyplot=Surviving Infinity
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:8765|Shannon (8765)}} has posed:'''      The war room. It was rumors, whispers, the stuff one knew existed but never spoke of, either out of respect or fear. There was only one time before that Shannon had been called down to that spot, and on that occasion as well, it had been due to company of the Asgardian variety, in the form of Loki.      This time, it was his brother.      She slips into the room with her wings tucked in neatly behind her, in her favorite cream tunic sweater, jeans, and caramel suede boots. Her expression was deadly serious, but very, very calm. It was a calm that those who knew her best, usually understood to precede major news, or plunging headlong into danger. She waits by the door for others to arrive, her tension only betrayed by the slight rocking back and forth on her heels. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde walks in with Shannon. Students are allowed to the areas with the Danger Room, but not usually into these areas. "Coffee, or tea?" Kitty asks as she goes to pour herself a cup of coffee, and will make one for Shannon if she indicates a preference. "Have a seat, everyone should be here shortly," Kitty comments. The chairs are sitting around the table with the 3D display, though it is turned off at the moment. Lockheed is perched on Kitty's shoulder, balanced against her movements as she gets the beverages and then moves to take a seat as well. She starts up a recording so the rest of the team can hear things later. 

:'''{{#var:8925|Samuel (8925)}} has posed:'''     Much like Shannon, Bean has only been summoned to the war room once, and that was to talk to Thor. Given that this is one of the places he is absolutely, positively forbidden to go by himself, he figures that being summoned down there again probably doesn't mean they want to discuss his recent exam scores. This time he walks into the room with less of a look of surprise, since everything is still exactly where he remembered it being before, flanked by the reassuring presence of the German Shepherd named Bear. If they don't tell him not to bring Bear, Bear will be present, it's as simple as that.     He nods to Kitty and Shannon, glad he's not the last one to arrive, but a bit surprised he's not the first either. "Good evening." 

:'''{{#var:1386|Theresa Cassidy (1386)}} has posed:''' After the talk the other night of things going on, Terri had been a bit on edge. Part of her wanted to know, desperately, what was going on. The other part wanted to fight... and yet another part was stubbornly trying not to get involved because of past issues. In essence, she was a tense mess, and had likely ranted a few times at poor Warren about her distress over the matter. Namely of not being able to do anything to help. So when the war room is brought up and she's allowed to come as well there's no hesitation from her. Wearing her leather pants, boots, and a black blouse with long, draping billowing sleeves that were almost reminiscent of a kimono she comes in giving the air a little sniff. "I smell coffee?" She inquires with a wistful look in the direction Kitty was currently. There was always time for caffiene. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' With his wings tucked behind him, Warren slips into the room. "Coffee?" it's his first question. Because he knows these meetings can be //boring// with a capital B. After finding coffee pot, he makes his way over. Then peers at the pot. "How old is this?" he asks, then seeing that Kitty has one, deems it safe. Making a cup for himself, when he hears the door open and glances over his shoulder, he catches sight of Theresa and lets out a low whistle. "Some cow died for your glory there, Terri." he says with an appreciative smile. Then he's making her a second cup as he sets aside his own to prepare hers. "So, wingsis, this one is on you." he offers, glancing to the younger winged one in the room. 

:'''{{#var:8765|Shannon (8765)}} has posed:'''      Nodding briefly to Kitty, the winged young woman tries to smile and relax a little bit. "Coffee, please, light and sweet." Okay, so it wasn't hot cocoa, but it was close enough! Too, the fact that it was Kitty was a whole lot less intimidating than meeting the Asgardian King for the first time, due to his brother's shenanigans--which she still wasn't quite sure how to feel about, but it is as it is!      She flicks her wings briefly in turn at Bean, Theresa, and Warren by way of greeting, closing her eyes briefly and taking a few deep breaths. At least one good thing had come of the whole prior experience--she was getting rather accustomed to having to give reports and relay news such as this. Warren's way of putting it does get her to quirk her lips upwards in something of a half-smile, a light chuckle escaping her. "Yeah, I know. Seems like I always wind up walking into the big piles of it, don't I?"      Opening her eyes, she glances around at each in the room. "Bean was present when Thor visited a few days ago, so if there's anything I missed, he can hopefully help fill in the gaps. We've kept silent even amongst ourselves, due to the nature of the incident this is in regards to." She pauses a moment, gathering her thoughts as best she can. "A few days ago, I was outside when Thor dropped by. He had information to relay regarding the New Year's incident, and the possible whereabouts of Mr. Stark and Captain Rogers. Bean, Sam, Illyana, and Kurt were present as well. I also reached out to Jean, as this partially concerns her, and hope to be meeting with her soon." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty greets each person with a smile and wave, and takes their beverage orders to speed things along. Once the drinks are passed out, Kitty is seated and leans back in her chair, sipping her coffee as she listens to Shannon. "Thank you for passing it on. I think everyone here knows, but Cap and Tony were wisked through a portal to we're not sure where. So were Carol and Rogue, to another planet, but they've managed to return on their own, in a borrowed space ship. Their info may help narrow the search, but no particular reason the other two would have to be in the same place," Kitty says. "A woman who called herself Mikonia was behind it. She got away through a portal." Kitty looks back, nodding for Shannon and Samuel to go on. 

:'''{{#var:1386|Theresa Cassidy (1386)}} has posed:''' Theresa Cassidy steps over to Warren to rest a hand on one of his wings lightly to balance as she leans up to give his cheek a quick kiss. The cup of coffee is taken over with a quiet thanks, and a grin. "Makes it easier to fly this way. Got to keep warm." And avoid objects like bugs, geese, etc. Her attention turns back to Shannon however even as she pauses to greet Kitty and Sam, and of course Bear with a little scritch behind his ears, before she finds her own seat. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' Leaned into the kiss, Warren grins after handing over the coffee for her and takes up his own, though Shannon's words draw his attention. He moves to take a seat, leaving the one next to him open as he turns his attention from Shannon to Sam. "Jean particularly? As in the psychic sense, or the whole..." he pauses himself. After all, he's not sure how much the kids may know about the original team's adventures off world and the whole... ...Jean died for our sins then came back thing. 

:'''{{#var:8925|Samuel (8925)}} has posed:'''     "As best as we can tell..." Bean takes up the narrative as he sits down, unable to stop himself from projecting a likeness of Captain America and Iron Man on the holographic table while he talks. "... Captain Rogers and Mister Stark haven been taken to what Mister Odinson calls the Khundian Empire. He seems to be perfectly aware of what that is, and has promised us a map of some description to allow us to find it. His plan is to travel via... he called it the Bifront, I'm uncertain as to its mechanics or specifics... to Deku 3 where they have hopes both Captain America and Iron Man might be found. Illyana, meanwhile, is planning on scrying their exact location using a calling card Shannon had from Captain Rogers. Once the location has been determined, the plan can be refined, but as it stands we appear to be going in in strength with an aim to overwhelm any captors and bring our friends back." 

:'''{{#var:8765|Shannon (8765)}} has posed:'''      "Bifrost. I think he called it the Bifrost. The 'Rainbow Bridge' of mythology." For the moment, Shannon falls silent, waiting for Bean to finish his accounting of the events of that afternoon. "He's told the events accurately. When Thor mentioned having to go back to the Avengers mansion to retrieve an item of either Mr. Stark's or the Captain's, I had that car on me. It's been in my possession since oh, about a week after arriving at the school." Her smile is genuine, thinking back to that day. Who would've thought that one small gesture of a calling card would lead to so much?      Turning to Warren, she nods slowly. "One thing he particularly requested was the assistance of a telepath, in the interests of ferreting out the truth behind the whole sequence of events. Miss Grey was the first that came to mind." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty sips her coffee, holding the mug with both hands as she listens. "Excellent, I hadn't heard they'd narrowed it down to a planet. And that also provides some means to get there. We might want to continue to try to get in touch with Lila as well though. Multiple means of transportation could come in handy," she says. Kitty smiles over to Shannon and Samuel. "Nice job guys. Appreciate you having taken this on and passing the information on. So Illyana has already started on it then with the scrying? I'll see if she can do some mission briefings on her results." 

:'''{{#var:8925|Samuel (8925)}} has posed:'''     "They haven't yet narrowed it to a planet." Bean cautions, while Bear gives Thereasa a happy grin for the scritch. He's not wearing his vest right now, so there's no harm in giving him a good fuzzle. "They simply seem to think that this particular planet is the best one to start their search on. Significantly, they have no idea how Captain Rogers or Mister Stark were taken, aside from a description of technological portals, and even less idea of why. I think that with Illyana's scrying, we should be able to bypass the whole searching part and go straight to the correct location. At least, Illyana seems to be confident she can get us very close, and I have no reasons to doubt her." 

:'''{{#var:1386|Theresa Cassidy (1386)}} has posed:''' "Might not be a bad idea to have a Teep around. I mean, we don't really now the purpose of that woman showing up to begin with. She seemed pretty peeved when Tony cut her off before she could speak," Terri reasons with a shrug. "Granted it probably wasn't anything good, but knowing details helps. Won't do to go off rescuing people only to find out we're in deeper ca-ca than we thought." A sip of coffee is taken, and she shrugs slightly while letting the others brainstorm more. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' "Oh come on, Terri. Any of us could have guessed what she was gonna say." Warren stands up from his seat, tucks his arms under his pecs and pushes up. "I am random glamazon woman warrior from outer space, and I have come to challenge the champions of this world for a shiny rock that I require for my special princess tiara because I'm that too. All men shall bow to me, yada yada..." Releasing his arms, he drops back down into his seat. "Sounds like we're taking a space trip sometime. Make sure your passports are up to date." 

:'''{{#var:8765|Shannon (8765)}} has posed:'''      Shannon rolls her eyes at Warren's commentary, curling her hands around the mug of coffee and savoring a sip of the restorative brew. "There's always one of those in there somewhere, isn't there?" She can't help a little smile of pride, though, at each of them. Oh, they were all going to make a stand, alright, and it would be together. Her expression sobers, however, when she speaks again.      "One thing Thor also was fairly realistic about were the chances of the two gentlemen coming back unharmed. With Chris gone since a week or so before Christmas, that leaves just one." Her lips are set in a grim line at that thought, but she squares her shoulders, prepared to face whatever had to be done. "Next question is, when are we going, and what do we have to do to prepare?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty nods slowly at Samuel's correction on the planet. "So, could be anywhere in this race's area of controlled space. Which... we'll have to see the map. There's some really, really big empires out there. Let's hope these guys haven't managed to spread very far," Kitty says. "If we may have to search multiple planets, then transportation remains an issue. Thor and the Bifrost, but if we wanted to have multiple search teams. Which, may or may not be wise. The more we can get on this race, the better," Kitty says. "And we'll bring extra oxygen," she says, though the last is a joke. And no one in the room was on the Moon trip anyway. Plus, if Tony and Cap need oxygen wherever they went, it's probably too late already. 

:'''{{#var:8925|Samuel (8925)}} has posed:'''     There's a half smile from Bean at the mention of oxygen. He knows well enough that if oxygen is needed, neither the Captain nor Iron Man are coming back. It's a sobering thought, so he chooses to ignore it for now, focusing on things he can, in fact, influence. "If Illyana can get us a perfect location, I feel there's no need to search elsewhere. Normally I wouldn't recommend assigning the full mission force to a single location, but in this case it might actually be a good idea."     And the question is raised... who is going? At that point, Bean gets a bit defiant. "Considering the original abduction was done through technological means, I'll be going. Even if only to avoid any of us being lost while we go to rescue the ones who were previously lost. As for motive... We won't know until we catch the original abductor. The theory seems to go..." His theory, he doesn't add "... that the abductions were to the furthest limit of the abductor's teleportation potential. If that's true, then we should look for the actual abductor somewhere between Earth and the Khundian Empire." 

:'''{{#var:1386|Theresa Cassidy (1386)}} has posed:''' Theresa Cassidy reaches out to swat Warren's arm at his mocking. "Oye, you never know. Could be anything from 'looking to enslave humanity' to 'harvesting our organs to save their race from an alien virus'," she points out with a shrug. She does crack a grin however, before sobering over the talk of oxygen and travel. "Aye. Would be good to know the atmosphere of where we're going, too. Some of us aren't going to be very useful with no atmosphere." When the question of who is going comes up she clears her throat lightly. "I'd like to assist if I can." Not an outright 'I'm going' but leaving the option there at least. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' Swatted, Warren flops back down in his chair and considers. "My company might have some EVA suits stashed away. What we should be doing is that once we know what planets we're going to be checking, find out what it's like and make sure we're equipped proper. Which may mean needing to contact Alpha Flight to get some space help of that other Captain variety." he offers in suggestion to the group. "And you know, in case Kitty gets us stranded again." Though when Theresa says she's going, there's a brow lift of surprise. "We'll need to make sure we get you vaccinated from all the space bugs out there." While it's said in a teasing way, his hand reaches to give hers a quick squeeze of reassurance - though not sure for who there. 

:'''{{#var:8765|Shannon (8765)}} has posed:'''      Perching on the edge of the table, Shannon gives a little flick of her wings. "I don't think Kitty's going to get any of us stranded. None of us will be left behind." It was just that simple. Stay behind? Not by a long shot! "So what do Bean and I need to do for our part? We'd both of us like to see this through. He's right, a technopath would be very helpful, and if it gets rough out there, the more who are able to help patch you up, the better." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty slowly tips her coffee mug, finishing it off. She sets it down on the table. The mug has a little image of a purple dragon blowing on a coffee mug to warm it. "Alright, sounds like we need to talk to Thor more on planning. And see how the scrying is going for Illyana. Gather equipment. We may or may not need space suits, but definitely would want to have them on hand," she agrees, smiling over to Warren. "I'll put a mission briefing for the X-men. First priority is recovering our missing of course. Anything else we can find out about Mikonia and these Khundians, and what threat they might pose, the better. But lets get our people back first," she says. 

:'''{{#var:8925|Samuel (8925)}} has posed:'''     "When would you like us to join that briefing?" Bean asks, entirely deadpan. Meanwhile, the image on the holographic table has be replaced with what may very well be a three dimensional screen saver, or otherwise just the technopath's attempt at amusing himself with the technology he rarely gets to use. Surely there's no need for anyone to play three dimensional pong against himself, right?     "Shannon has made a very good point. There is every chance that both Captain Rogers and Mister Stark need medical assistance when we find them. Under the circumstances, having a healer and other support personnel on hand would be useful." Honestly, if he labors the point any further, it's going to get worn out. 

:'''{{#var:1386|Theresa Cassidy (1386)}} has posed:''' Theresa Cassidy glances at Warren when he takes her hand to flash him a smile. Nothing more is said though: She's already said her peice after all. If she's allowed along she'll certainly help out. A nod of agreement is given though to the sentiments of the others. "In and out retreival is probably the best to consider given we'd be in enemy territory." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' "Now is this where I'm supposed to be the voice of reason and hypocrcisy at the same time by reminding Shannon and Samuel that they are students and not X-Men and the idea of them going on a mission where the danger level is //here there be death// is an immensely bad idea, especially if we have to explain to their parents that 'oh sorry, they died on this alien planet while trying to save two Avengers.'?" Warren does not want to be the voice of reason here, but he feels like he should. "This is not a trip to the moon to get someone. This isn't going to an ocean liner to evacuate it. This is going to what we can only assume is going to be a hostile world with things that can are gonna wanna rip us limb from limb." He frowns. "And damn all of you for making me the responsible adult." 

:'''{{#var:8765|Shannon (8765)}} has posed:'''      "There could be death crossing the street, too, or just poking our noses out beyond these four walls. Especially for us, being mutants. Or for those who support us. We might not be X-men yet, this is true, and we're not talking an ocean liner--which is a hostile environment in of itself, by the by. But we're not out, not by a long shot." Shannon's not backing down from this one very easily, and she keeps her eyes right on Warren.      "I know you and probably every other soul in here is trying to protect us. It's just what you do, and you do it well. But you're all family to us, and honestly, even if we're a bit younger, it's risk we accept willingly. We've already faced the same dangers the rest of you have. Ask Bean about telling a Sentinel to 'sit', and having it listen. Look into the case of Winifred Burkle, if you want, or even Thor's brother, to see what I've been able to face and come through. Or ask Kitty or Lorna, or Sam, the things we've faced already. We've got a lot to learn, but please, don't ask us to sit by idly on this one. That's our friends and family going out there." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty says, "We're not quite sure when or where we're going or what the circumstances will be. It's quite possible it won't be something students should go on. Or it might be there might be a need for someone particular. Lets leave that until we know more information, shall, we?" Kitty glances down at herself and says, "I need one of those Gene Kranz vests right now." She leans forward, hands resting on the table. "Let's focus on the problem. Failure is not an option." She straightens up. "Always wanted to say that," she comments. 

:'''{{#var:8925|Samuel (8925)}} has posed:'''     "They're fair points." Bean concedes, standing up and patting his leg for Bear to start following him. The holographic table stops displaying, after a brief rendition of Captain America's shield. It seems the technopath is not going to press the point further, nodding to Kitty first and then to Warren.     "At least, Mister Worthington, I can spare you the trouble of having to inform my parents. Good night." And he nods to all gathered, making a very quiet and above all very disciplined exit. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' Shaking his head, Warren pushes to his feet. "And that's..." Bean just has to go emo teen on him and he blows out his breath. "Join the club, kid." he snarks, before he's turning away from the others to go get more coffee. 

:'''{{#var:8765|Shannon (8765)}} has posed:'''      Shannon sighs softly, pinching the bridge of her nose. Yeah, there was bound to be a batch of mac 'n cheese later over this one. "Certainly fair points, but if by some chance we do have to remain behind--once there is more information, of course--please, if some way could be found for us to help? We may be students, but we'd prefer the focus to be on what we -can- do."      A frown of concern is turned Warren's way, and she pushes off the edge of the table, moving over to give him a brief hug, wings and all. "I'll talk to him later. You just said what had to be, it's all good." A similar hug is given to Theresa, and to Kitty as well, and a small smile to each. "Here or there, we back each other up. It's just what we do." 
}}

10723/Guardians of the Space Amoeba

2020-01-21T01:00:09Z

Kirby:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/01/13
|Location=Common Area - Milano
|Synopsis=Rumors take the Milano into an ambush, and pit the crew against a giant space creature
|Cast of Characters=1575,155,111
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=[[File:Guardians of the Galaxy.jpg|x225px|center]] 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:'''   Mother told me, yes, she told me I'd meet girls like you.   She also told me, "stay away, you'll never know what you'll catch."   Just the other day I heard a soldier falling off some Indonesian junk that's   going round. The music and lyrics of Cheap Trick's "Surrender" echo through the Milano as it leaves its final jump, entering the Nubari sector. Drax is sitting at the helm, having plotted the jumps which might have come to a surprise to the rest of the crew. Nothing like a series of 22 unexpected spatial jumps one after another to wake you up. Despite the tunes, Drax sits quiet and stoic, not moving so much as a muscle in any enjoyment of the song. He enters a few commands, pulling up the Milano's scanning results as the ship's sensors take a sweep of the surrounding area. "Where are you, foul minions of darkness," Drax growls as he looks for any signs that might betray an emissary of Thanos. It was the merest rumor in a tavern that Drax had caught. Not the first time such gossip had sent the Milano off on a wild goose chase. And quite likely, not the last either. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket enters wearing his lounge around gear, which is to he's wearing the exact same thing he always wears only he's picking in his butt as he comes into the cockpit of the Milano. He was definitely sleeping, by the way his fur is matted on the right side of his mussle. "They aint jus gonna come filanderin' out of the mists like a great horned bat, ya big green turd..." The grousy furball says as he hops up into one of the pilot seats, yawning into both hands. "Where even are we right now?" 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:''' Peter jerked awake somewhere about the time of the third jump. Honestly despite how disorientating they can be you do slowly start adjusting. There is though an upper limit to how many in rapid succession is good for your entire frame of mind or body and three is definitely more than enough to wake someone. Even if they are acclimated to them. "The hell..." groggy from the jumps and sleep. Which is about when the fourth jump hits and Peter wishes he had locked the console of the Milano down. "Rocket!?" yeah he assumes it is Rocket, who generally flies as much as he does. Rollng out of bed he pulls on clothes and boots, in time to brace for a fifth... six.... seventh jump while he is trying to dress. "What the hell is going on up there..." through the comms. To himself "I'm going to turn him into a fireplace ornament..." poor maligned Rocket. It is about when they hit the Nubari sector that Peter makes it up into the cockpit. "Drax?!" yeah okay he sounds surprised. "Who isn't going to flounder out like great horned bats... what the hell is even going on?" moving to glance at the navigational system. "What the hell is in Nubari... which.. disappointingly isn't named after Nubile Women..." yeah Peter checked at one point visiting this absolute fringe system in the past. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Drax removes from his typically bare upper torso the belt that had him strapped into the seat. Making 22 spatial jumps without being belted it would just be foolish, after all. Drax rises and turns as the others come in. "Good, you are awake. You both sleep too much," he comments in a quietly matter of fact voice to Rocket and Star-Lord as the come in. Drax motions towards Rocket, and his bed-head fur. "Creates like you have fine noses. Sniff me out this ship I have heard rumors of. An ominous ship it was called, with a fiery blue fusion drive, such as some of Thanos's vessels have," Drax says. Well, more like, commands. Matter of factly. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "You're actively lookin' for Thranos now? Suddenly?" Rocket actually ignores Peter's shouts, and not even because he's being a big douche this time! He's staring at Drax, eyes narrowed, watching the big man with a growing frown. "I.." Quill arrives and Rocket glances back at him, shrugging his shoulders super high with eyes wide, "I don't know.. he's goin' on about some blue fusion drive and Thanos.. so I figure it's prolly like his time of the month or somethin'... ya know, how Gamora gets when she's bleedin' from her v-" A beep draws his attention and interrupts whatever he was saying... "Uhhh..." Sliding forward towards the sensor station to peer down at whatever it is the Milano's sensors are picking up. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:''' Quill rubs his face as he looks up from the navigation readout and rakes his fingers back through his mussed hair organizing it a bit better there. "Well... okay I should have guessed Thanos." he really should have the moment he found that Drax took them on a wild goose chase again. "What would Thanos or some of his people even have to do with the Nubian system... there isn't really anything to do out here or valuables..." The beep from the sensor suite makes him look over to Rocket watching him work then back to Drax. "Why exactly did you haul us out here. Some sort of intel of just a feeling in your zugnut hole?" 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Drax crosses his muscular arms. "I am always looking for Thanos," Drax replies to Rocket. He looks off to the side a moment. "Even when I sleep. For I am ever vigilant." Drax seems pleased with this description, even if it came from himself, or maybe especially because it did. He almost has a smile when he looks back to them. Drax motions towards the emptiness of space in front of the Milano's window. "There are planets. Civilizations. Pre spatial jump and not. Thanos preys upon strong and weak alike. Just the sort of place he might focus on," the green-skinned warrior comments. He looks back towards Peter Quill to add, "I heard someone speaking of it. In a bar. Or, I think that is what he said anyway." 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "So you were jus' sittin' around an it popped in yer thick head, 'Imma take us to a civilized world to find Thanos' minions, that'll be the ticket?'" Rocket inquires with a pronounced frown and glance from the sensor screen to Drax, then over his shoulder at Peter, "I mean, I guess it aint the worst plan I ever heard... he-" That would be Peter, on account of Rocket is thumbing back at him, "-Forgot his rocket boots that one time." 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:''' Peter folds his hands and just pinches the bridge of his nose as he does with his fingertips. It might look like praying to some, if the prayer was Serenity Now or asking for Patience. "Oh the Rocket Boots Drax was messing around with that I couldn't find when I looked before I left that time... those rocket boots." the ones he has on now, because no he never plans to have to repair them or make that mistake again around this crew. "Okay. So you heard about Thanos's minions ... being .. what sighted.. in the Nubian system in a bar" "Maybe" "Why didn't you just ask us to fly here.. we could have made it a smuggling run and at least made some cred instead of a wild goose chase." there is a sigh as Peter heads to the galley to get himself some stim drink. "Swear to jesus... this crew." it is good natured though, not like Drax landed them in a life of death situation right. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Drax stands there, arms still crossed, listening to Rocket question the lack of thought behind his decisions. He meets this critical evaluation with a spoken, "Yes," and a nod, as if he is ignoring anything displeasing in the critique. Drax looks over to Star-Lord. "I could not help your forgetfulness. You left them on my feet," Drax claims. There's a slight smile on one side of his mouth as he remembers jetting around the cargo hold, bouncing off the walls until he had stop for the number of dents in the walls he was going to have to repair. Drax draws a deep breath and then shakes his head. "Those in the bar did not sight his minions. A ship. An OMINOUS looking ship. That might be one of his minions," Drax corrects Rocket. As if that will make it better. The alarms suddenly go off as they pick up something that qualifies as a potential danger. Probably of the life and death variety. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "Yeah those ones." Rocket says in a surprisingly chipper voice for having been just shut down, in so many words, for his derogations upon Peter. "Can't talk about it right now, got somethin' on sensors..." Alarms, everyone can hear it! Rocket is grabbing the control stick, ready to do some fancy manuevering to keep them from life or deathery of the finalitalius variant. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:''' "You do know that there are tons of aliens and problems out here that fly Ominious looking ships besides Thanos right...." this is all over the comms now as he is getting himself a morning beverage. Then there are alarms "Aaand... damn I spoke to soon.. Drax probably did fly us into some sort of death trap." to be fair he didn't actually speak that part, he just thought it very hard earlier and was prematurely relieved when it didn't seem to have happened. He does hustle back up to the cockpit and slide into his seat, grabbing the belt and securing it before Rocket does something to cause him to spill his drink. "So what is it.. .brood... Kalacxian Wasp Ships... Techarks... what has he done?" 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Drax responds to Star-Lord's rhetorical comment. "I did not. But this is the only way to tell if it is one of his soldiers. And to send him off to hell if he is!" Drax gets a bit blood-thirsty by the end of the statement. He looks up at the monitor as Rocket is handling the ship, the sensors zooming in to show what looks like some sort of huge, gelatinous blob the size of an asteroid that is moving towards them from a distance. It is moving at a fairly good clip by interstellar standards, and the Milano's sensors indicate it is organic in nature. A lot of different complex molecules, including some that would be rather corrosive to the Milano's hull. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Obviously, Rocket cannot allow this to hit the Milano! It's a good thing Peter straped in.. A half second later and he'd have drink on his face when the ship rockets forward on all thrusters maxed and dives into a twisting aerial dodge that, he hopes, and figures, but mostly guesses, will bring them beneath the material thingy of blobtions that what might be corrosive to the hull! "Hold onto your boobs!" 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:''' "What is that. Space snot?" Peter looks over the scans from his own screen now sliding over the controls with fingertips. His other hand, well that actually does grip the armrest of his seat as he studies what he is seeing. "Okay.. definitely some sort of gross space snot... like a giant living moon or something sneezed or worse... so gross...." He tries to calculate and scan where it is coming from. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Drax hears Rocket and he moves his hands from his arms are crossed, covering up his nipples. They are rather sensitive. Unfortunately that means he's not holding on when Rocket sends the ship into evasive maneuvers that the inertial compensators are not capable of handling fully. Drax goes flying to the back of the cockpit, bouncing off the floor once and rolling to a stop against the wall. Meanwhile, the mass is changing directions. It isn't particularly agile, but it is fast in a straight line. The Milano's computer comes up with an identification. Hydraxian Space Amoeba. Attracted to ship's power sources, and tends to consume them and then leave the ships behind, corroded hulls with dead, or digested crews. Also? There are a trio of ships hovering in the area, as if watching the action. Pirates, vultures who likely wait for the creature to feed on a ship then swoop in for salvage. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "Suuuuure glad we're out here lookin' for Thanos..." Rocket says as Drax goes flying backwards towards the wall, bringing the Milano back up into a generally accepted righted direction relative to space and the innertia generators. "Also glad I got an idea..." Which is to say, he's flying the ship dangerously close to the Ameoba, close enough to keep it coming, but not so close that it can whip its tongue goo at them, leading it around.. "Come'on.. yeah, smell that sweet sweet fusion core? Mmm tasty fusion core.. yeah you want it, you know you want it..." A glance at Quill. "We're gonna fly at them ships..." Pointing at the trio of ships, "When I tell ya, I want you to one of the escape shuttles at'em full burn... Light the thing up, yeah?" 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:''' "Gydraxian.... hey they named at after you big guy... space ameoba... " pausing for a moment glancing over the data "Do not let that thing engulf the ship Rocket..." especially when Rocket flies periously close to the Ameoba like that. "Good idea.... right out of a ton of old movies..." he starts to rig the escape pod working the controls. "I'm pissed we are going to need to replace the escape pod.... but it will be hilarious to turn their space Ameoba against them if this works Rocket." 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Drax regains his feet, and pulls out his knives. "I will attack it if you need," he says enthusiastically, offering to stab the creature that is as big across as a large metropolitan city. As Drax hears Rocket's plan though, one that Drax will probably refer to later as "Plan B", he gives a slow nod. "You are devious, vermin. I like this plan." Drax walks over to help Peter prepare the escape pod for the auto-piloted trip, the engine burning especially hot. And by 'help' he mostly just stands there, looking over Peter's shoulder, and offering, "I would have turned that switch on sooner." After Peter makes a few more preparations, Drax gets a doubtful and judgmental expression but then looks away, as if to keep Peter from noticing it. But after he'll notice it. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "Yeah, try replacin' the whole ship an' the crew..." Rocket is concentrating, but he's concentrating in a way that allows for snide comments, which is how you know he's concentrating. The ship dips again, getting them closer to the trio of ships... letting the Ameoba get just close enough that it /might/ get them, then pulling forward only by a ''skin of his teeth'' manuever. Truth is, the Milano is more than equipped to dust this thing. It's a matter of principle. To the pilots in those other vessels, however, it probably looks like a struggling ship trying to get away from an space anomoly that is out classing them.. "Jus' a lil... cloooser... NOW!" Rocket pushes the throttle forward and cuts the yolk starboard, rolling up and back over the top of the ameoba. With the cockpit facing down towards them, he cuts power to the ship, killing the fusion core, and making them a much less yummy target than... 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:''' Peter endures Drax's help. At this point he isn't about to take either Drax's advice, or the tone personally. By that it is meant he won't be either taking offense or taking the advice. "Okay ready to go." is muttered, with barely moments to spare because Rocket is saying just a little closer and then yelling NOW... Peter curses lightly under his breath and fires the escape pod, it's engines blazing hot with all the fuel it has right towards the pirate ships. "Eat that!" 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' The men watching on the nearby ships are probably already rubbing their hands together, imagining what they might find on a model of ship that Ravagers are known to use. The exact specifications of this particular ship seem to elude them though, as they hold their position watching as Rocket expertly weaves the Milano out of the space creature's way and then shuts the ship down. The rocketing escape pod quickly draws the barely-sentient amoeba's attention. It's a straight course and the ameoba quickly pulses ahead, a plume of wake of questionable origins left behind it. The waiting vulture-like ships realize their danger finally. Their engines, kept cold to avoid drawing attention, begin to come to life. The three scatter, but for two of them it is too late. The gigantic, gelatinous form absorbs them, capturing them and the engines quickly dying as it starts to consume the energy the engines are putting out. The third ship appears to be away and clear, having gone in a different direction that the creature couldn't get all three at once. The heroic escape pod? Also consumed. Drax gives an approving nod. "A noble end," he says of the tiny vessel. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket brings the ships reactor back online and completes the loop so the viewport is facing the extravegante last ride of the Escape Pod! "That's a hell of a thing, aint it?" He says almost pridefully as the pod leads the Ameoba right at their would be assailants, "Terrible thing about them pirates though.. I hear they take thousands of years to digest their victoms." A clowed finger flicks the comms on to signal the remaining vessel, "Hey over there... wanna do us a favor an' turn off your engines so we can board you an' take yer shit?" Slapping a hand out to swat Peter's upper arm, "See? Death traps can be lucrative." 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:''' "I'm pretty sure that is from when I made you guys watch Return of the Jedi." notes Peter with amusement. "Though come to think of it.. wouldn't they die of starvation or lack of atmo long before a thousand years...." He chuckles at Rocket's glee "Hey good point.. Drax you want to go stab some pirates and take their stuff if they don't give it to us. We can recoup the escape pod costs...." he targets the other ship probably trying to escape with the targetting system. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' The pirate vessels would have struggled to be a match for the Milano when it was three of them. Now that the other ship is by itself, they definitely don't seem to want to fight. The ship turns up its engines to maximum, fleeing. Drax moves over, a hand on the back of one of the seats as he watches out the cockpit as the Milano is gaining on them. "I remember this movie," Drax comments to Peter Quill. "The one where the brother and sister kiss. You have strange tastes in entertainment. But I do not judge," Drax says, and totally judging. He draws a knife and checks the edge. "I will gladly stab them," he agrees readily enough. Though on the pirate ship, it is starting to weave back and forth, not in evasion but more like a fight for the control of the ship. After a moment, there's a bunch of greenish fluid that hits the inside of their cockpit window, and then a voice sends a message back over their comms. "We're shutting engines down." And the ship slows to a coast, engines off. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "I amidt that I liked that one... begrudgingly.." Rocket says of RotJ. "Better'n them prequels." He means the other two movies before it, not the three after those originals. Nor does he kick up much of a fuss when the other ship begins to flee, they're hardly a match for the Milano's speed and they'd gun their engines dead before they got a jump. Instead he follows along behind them leasurely, "Oh come on guys, yer really gonna limp a- oh nevermind." Green fluid on the window and a confirmation of engines dying. "Good choice, I think. Drax is lookin' to stab folks who don't do what they're told when they're told." Drax the /Destroyer/, yeah, that Drax. The Milano settles up along the dorsal side of the ship to engage the airlock seal, "Alright big green, you're up.. try not to break any of their most expensive stuff, huh?" 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:''' "Well.. someone lost an arguement...." he notes shaking his head. "I mean they stood no chance, they can't outfly or out run the Milano." he unclips his own harness and stands. "Let's go liberate their expensive stuff.. weapons.... everything but minimal rations if they have good food so they can limp somewhere with their tails between their legs." Honestly Quill sounds like a nicer Yondu when he gets into pillaging mode like this. Figures considering who he patterned off of as a kid. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Drax replaces his knife into its sheath. Not because he doesn't think he might use it, but he likes to be able to let the person see him draw it. For effect. The green warrior looks over to Rocket at his mention of not breaking too much of their stuff. "I can make no such promise," he says before moving over to the airlock. Once it sealed, he opens it up and steps through with Peter. "Afterwards, we will find this minion of Thanos," he reminds the captain. "And I shall have my revenge." The door to the ship opens and he steps inside, to where the crew are already carrying over boxes to stack near the door, trying to avoid having done to them what they were going to have done to the Milano. 
}}

10795/The Last Pudding Pops

2020-01-20T05:58:14Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/01/20 |Location=Dining Hall - Xavier's School |Synopsis=Kaida makes introductions with a number of students and staff, and more talk about the..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/01/20
|Location=Dining Hall - Xavier's School
|Synopsis=Kaida makes introductions with a number of students and staff, and more talk about the missing Tony and Cap.
|Cast of Characters=296,9293,182,1386,281,8765,248
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Life has been busy with two friends teleported somewhere else in the galaxy to be found. Thankfully her day job tends to be a little understanding about Kitty spending time on such things, since her boss is one of the missing. And the school as well, where Kitty helps out doing guidance counselor work. Not a lot of 'me' time, and even then it was mostly spent celebrating Rogue's return after her own displacement to another planet. Kitty's taking a few minutes off this evening though. A trip to the kitchen found the supply of frozen chocolate pudding pops distressingly low. Kitty nabs one of the final ones and then heads into the dining room. Finding a quiet corner she pulls out a tablet and fires up a game. "Alright, Dagger of Infinite Souls, you are finally going to be mine," she comments to the MMORPG that she hasn't been able to play since the holidays. Soon the sounds of her stealthily making her way to Mount Wontaka through the sleeping Harboon Warriors can be heard. "Sleep like babies," she comments to the screen as she opens up her pudding pop with one hand from the wrapper. 

:'''{{#var:9293|Kaida (9293)}} has posed:''' The sound is almost inaudible. The predator stalks her prey with grace and silence. She moves like the wind and slips through the shadow. A moment later a small figure is suddenly leaping to the top of the freezer and then shoving a piece of metal into the small gap that forms the seal. With an oof, she pries it open before leaping down, grabbing a pudding pop of her own and then leaping free just as the freezer closes, holding the pop to her shoulder before sprinting to the dining area and leaping up to the table with a skidding stop. She completes her harrowing journey by plopping right down and ripping at the top of the pop and immediately licking the top of it with a wide grin, "MMmm!" She declares and then blinks over at Kitty. She stares at her before raising up a hand and waving, "Hi!" She states and then takes a big bite (well, big for her anyway) out of the pudding pop and she chews, swallowing with a smile. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' Coming down the stairs with Theresa, Warren glances aside to her and chuckles. "You know, I could always just call a car to take us into town to find a place for us to eat. Or we can go out and do something else. It's not like all of our dates need to be food based. Even if I burn it off really fast." he points out to her, then glances forward, just in time to avoid avoid Kitty and her computer. "Careful there, Kitten!" 

:'''{{#var:1386|Theresa Cassidy (1386)}} has posed:''' Theresa Cassidy chuckles at his remark about going into town. "They don't, no, but you keep showing up around dinner time. It makes sense," she points out matter-of-fact. Besides that she was wearing yoga pants, and a t-shirt with some slasher flick image on it along with house slippers. "Though maybe Uber Eats for something good one of these days." Seeing the others that were here she raises a hand at the familiar Kitty. "Work or fun? Should be fun at this hour." 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' Caffiene. That is the trick. Ellie hasn't been around the school much outside classes and sleep and even then she keeps crashing at Titan's Tower about as much as she does in her dorm room. It is honestly way easier to clock time in the danger room there than it is here. A lot less teacher oversight for one thing. Still she is working on a paper that will be due Tuesday and came down for caffiene and .. man you can hear it from the kitchen all the way to the Dining Hall. "Who the Hell took the Rockstar with Negasonic in Sharpie on it and has a death wish!" There are stompy boot sounds and she enters the dining hall to see if the culprit is there. 

:'''{{#var:8765|Shannon (8765)}} has posed:''' Shannon is settled down at a table with her laptop open, her headphones on, her little MIDI keyboard out, and a rather large bowl of mac n' cheese nearby. Her wings are held stiffly behind her, tense and quivering like a harp string, and she is only twirling her fork in the bowl of gooey goodness. She's in her red tartan sweatpants, baggy gray tank top, and sheepdog slippers, yet looks anything but comfortable. Her brows are furrowed, and she taps idly on the small MIDI keyboard with her left hand, frowning more deeply at what she hears as a result. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde glances up from her game as Kaida hops on the table. There's only the moment's surprise, Kitty likely recognizing the smaller mutant from the notices that would have gone around to staff about a newcomer. Something that is born out as she says, "You must be Kaida? Haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet." Kitty reaches out, offering her hand, index finger extended for the shaking. "Kitty Pryde. I help out with guidance counselor duties, though I have a job in the city too so I'm not about full-time," she says to Kaida. "How are you settling in so far?" She glances up, seeing Shannon and smiling towards her and giving a wave. The arrival of Warren and Theresa gets a soft smile. Or maybe their conversation contributes to the expression as well. "Hey you two. Yes, just getting a few minutes gaming in during a break," she says. She's been down in the X-men base more than anywhere else, lately. Kitty glances up as she hears Negasonic. "Ok, even Hambone's smarter than that," she muses to herself. Before seeming to reconsider her own statement. 

:'''{{#var:9293|Kaida (9293)}} has posed:''' A blink as she looks to all the new arrivals and stares around. She seems a bit surprised by how often people are moving around this place but then focuses back in on Kitty. She makes sure the paper protects her food before standing up and walking a step to take the finger and giving it a shake, "Good to meet, you." Her voice has a vaguely Irish lilt to it as she smiles, "I guess ok, just trying to get a proper room set up for myself." She nods her head and then looks to the kitchen. She squints at the noise coming from there and moves quickly over to her pudding pop and takes another bite while eying the girl coming from that direction. The others only get a glance as it seems Negasonic is the current threat. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' Noticing the other pair of wings, Warren gives Theresa's hand a quick squeeze, then pulls away to approach Shannon. His wings are different, yet so similar to hers. Those that know the old wings would know they were exactly to same, "Evening, Shannon." he offers in greetings as he gives her should a brief squeeze. "Working on something important?" 

:'''{{#var:1386|Theresa Cassidy (1386)}} has posed:''' Theresa Cassidy winces at the yelling from the kitchen when Negasonic comes stomping in. A sympathetic smile is given toward the plight of the girl, and she glances at Warren with a nod when he slips from her side. "'Ey, Shannon," she greets as well. It's only when she looks back toward Kitty that Kaida's presence sinks in completely. "Oh, new student?" 

:'''{{#var:8765|Shannon (8765)}} has posed:''' Shannon glances up briefly as Warren squeezes her shoulder, as if called out from the depths of her mind. Giving a brief flick of her wings, she settles them in a little more closely to her body, seeing how the room was starting to fill up. "No, just trying to distract myself. I've been needing to talk to Jean, but haven't been able to contact her, Mr. McCoy, or Kitty. And it's a bit urgent." She appears reluctant to speak further on the matter; could it be that sensitive? She tries to smile a little bit, slipping her headphones off and letting them hang around the back of her neck. "How's it going? Haven't seen you since that first aid DR session escalated the way it did." Speak of the devil, and she shows her horns, or so the saying goes. Kitty gets a bit of a smile and a wave. However, as she seems to be introducing herself to someone--though she couldn't quite see who, from her current perspective--she holds back on speaking for the present moment.      And then there's Ellie. Her eyebrows loft as she hears the roar of doom, the safety of anyone who might have touched her Rockstar threatened in one breath. "Never had the stuff, is it actually any good?" 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' One Julian Pappas, known around the school as Moochie, which is honestly nicer than what Negasonic has tagged him with occasionally, looks up like a scared rabbit at the boot stomping approaching. He stats to try to put a Rockstar under the table he is at... Moochie has priors.... Ellie glances around the room eyes narrowing and she stats to point at Julian "You little shit Moochie!" Which is about when he absolutely panics and gestures at Negasonic and stats to try to run for one of the other doors from the dining hall. Ellie takes... just one step and then loses her footing and stats to pinwheel like she stepped on the slickest ice you could possibly imagine "FFuu..." okay it was going to get a lot worse than the swearing she was going to do but the wind is knocked out of her as she falls back hitting the floor ... slowly sliding along from the momentum of her fall... it looks very wierd but Moochie removed friction from her right now before running.... Kitty probably knows what just happened if not others. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty smiles in a friendly greeting for Kaida as they shake paw and finger. "Do you have any special needs on the room? Going full-size or were you wanting something sized?" Kitty asks. "Piotr's Rasputin's class would probably be good at building something if you wanted the latter," she comments of the art class that handled most of the decorations over the holidays. "And if there's anything I can do to help you get settled, just let me know,' she says with a smile. Kitty looks back over to Shannon, giving her a meaningful enough nod, as if she's aware Shannon had something she wanted to talk about. Though before anything else can happen, Negasonic Teenage Warhead finds her culprit. Even before the loss of friction occurs, Kitty offers a gentle, "Language," towards Ellie, and then feels a bit of a pang as the comment reminds her of Steve Rogers who is currently missing. She winces a bit, as if guessing what happens before it does. "He's a real trickster for people who can't fly," Kitty comments as she reaches out to grab Ellie as she starts sliding past. Or try to. She can't get a grip on her either, but can at least get in her way so to slow her down as she bounces off. 

:'''{{#var:9293|Kaida (9293)}} has posed:''' A blink at the havok that is happening and she takes another big bite of the pop and noms it down as she watches the little bit of stuff that is happening. She moves over to the edge in a sliding motion, dragging along her fudge pop to watch the floor show. She then looks over, "Oh, no thank you. They made a small bed for me already it seems." She nods her head, "And I may be getting a roommate to make things easier." She nods her head before she then sits on the edge of the table and leans over to get another bite of fudge pop. She then tilts her head back and looks over to see the other people here for a moment and then waves a small hand, "Hi, I haven't met any of you yet, I'm Kaida." She mainly looks to Theresa who seems to have noticed her before her gaze goes back down to Negasonic. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' "I was just curious as you were up to, little sister." That's said in a teasing fashion, as Warren and Shannon are birds of a feather when it comes to it. When Moochie screeches by, he lifts a brow, and then covers his mouth with his hand to try not to laugh as Ellie gets one-uped by the slippery mutant. Though his gaze is drawn to the mouse sized mutant. If his eyes weren't as sharp as they are, he may have acutally mistaken her for a real mouse. "I didn't realize Gadget Hackwrench was a mutant. Hi Kaida, I'm Warren, and this is Shannon. No relation... I think." 

:'''{{#var:1386|Theresa Cassidy (1386)}} has posed:''' Theresa Cassidy steps to the side to avoid a sliding Negasonic and she peers suspiciously at the floor. She wasn't entirely certain if it was the floor that was slick at this point, or just Negasonic. "He's one to look out for," she mumbles to herself with a shake of her head. Glancing back to the tiny Kaida she nods toward her with a grin. "Theresa Cassidy. Art history. Really ought to work sometime with Piotr on a joint class, come to think of it," she reasons after Kitty reminds her of his own teaching. 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' There is a bit of a wheeeze from Ellie as she just sort of drifts across the floor and bumps into Kitty. She doesn't stop but .... well Kitty did manage to slow her down as she bumps off her. "Going.... to.... kill... him." either she is still catching her breath or she is practicing some slow breathing zen excersises right now to not literally blow up. Moochie is probably in some deep trouble right now, but he isn't here which was good for his longevity. 

:'''{{#var:8765|Shannon (8765)}} has posed:'''      This was probably not going to do much for her own longevity, but Shannon's expression lightens from the stony, serious mask it had been a moment ago, to mirth. Her eyes twinkle, and she covers her mouth with one hand, trying to stifle peals of laughter. She failed, epically so--though she at least has the grace to wince at the way Ellie hit the ground so hard! "You okay there, Ellie?"      Kitty's nod is returned, with something more of a smile, as she is caught in the midst of the hilarity. The two would talk later. At least she knew the message had been received. She did hate waiting, though.      And just where was everyone staring? Who was Kaida? Finally, her eyes light upon the diminutive, mouse-like mutant, and she smiles lightly. "Pleasure to meet you. Did you just arrive here?"      Were the two winged ones related? The world may never know! Still, as she's seemingly adopted yet again, she quirks a lopsided little grin at Warren, relaxing somewhat. "I might talk to you later on that, if I can't get to Kitty first." She leans in for a moment to whisper something to him, then settles back. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde leans down a little closer to Kaida as if conspiratorial as she says, "There's always a few pranks and such happening around here. Though, restraint's one of the things the school preaches too, so we try to keep it from getting out of hand too much." Though the way Kitty's grinning, it's pretty clear she thought it was kind of funny herself. Kitty nods to Theresa. "You really should. So much crossover you two could do," she agrees. After Kitty finishes talking to Theresa, she glances to Warren. One of the people who predates her at the school, Kitty gives him a bit of a playful congratulatory grin. "Ellie, I hid a new can of that Turkish coffee in the back of the leftmost cupboard if you want to get that instead of your energy drink," Kitty offers. It's the same brand she gave Ellie as a gift when she first returned from Oxford. "It's behind the box of Fiber One. Figured no one but Logan will ever move that box aside," she adds with a twinkle in her eye. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington (182)}} has posed:''' When he's whispered to, Warren's mein becomes more serious and he touches Shannon's shoulder. "One moment." Then he turns his attention to Kitty and slightly towards Theresea. "You two, Shannon has some information to pass on about the incident at New Years." The jovial tone is gone, one more concerned taking it's place. 

:'''{{#var:9293|Kaida (9293)}} has posed:''' A look over at Kitty and she smiles at her and nods. She then waves to Shannon before she takes another bite of her pop. That thing is disappearing fast and...it is nealry as big as the girl is. Strangely, she seems to have no problem eating it though. She hops up and then looks to Warren with a blink before looking over at Shannon and then at Kitty. She blinks slowly before looking back to Warren with some confusion. She stares at him for a long moment before asking, "Who is Gadget Hackwrench?" 

:'''{{#var:1386|Theresa Cassidy (1386)}} has posed:''' Theresa Cassidy was rather trying her hardest not to break out into a laugh herself. Sometimes bad things happened when she did. Chuckle though? OH by god she was chuckling behind a hand covering her mouth. Even if it might earn her Ellie's ire it was certainly worth a moment of brevity. "Coffee's probably better for you in the long run," she advises with a solemn nod. "Don't know of anyone it's killed yet. I'll grab Piotr at some point to chat about it," she adds to Kitty with an agreeable nod. At Warren's remark her head snaps over in Shannon's direction with a sudden look of seriousness. "Spill," she half-demands only to catch herself. An uncertain glance is shared around before she clears her throat lightly. "Or should I vacate since this might become the business of a group I'm not a part of?" She was trying, really she was, but having to keep boundaries such as this was irritating at times. 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' "Hey... flutter... can you check if I got a concussion...." Ellie finally stops sliding on the floor, Moochie's powers are not really long lasting with him not around to keep doing it really. With a groan Ellie sits up and squints around then nods to Kitty. "I'll do that..." she rolls her shoulders and pops her back. "New Years?" 

:'''{{#var:8765|Shannon (8765)}} has posed:'''      Shannon shakes her head, the little ice blue braid on the left side of her face dancing about as she does. "That's up to Kitty, but either way, it's better if we not talk about it in here." Yeah, no, she wasn't spilling this one out in the open, not by a long shot. No way, no how.      But, a healer's work was never done. When Ellie finally stops sliding and makes the universal call of 'Medic!', she shakes her head and offers a rueful smile to Theresa, Warren, and Kitty. "I'll be just a moment." She closes her laptop and at least keeps it and all her gear together at her table, getting up from her seat. By the way Ellie fell, well, it would be a surprise if she didn't wind up with a nice little egg on her head. A wry smile curls her lips upwards as she walks over to kneel down by the fallen teen, reaching out with one hand to gingerly touch the back of her head, closing her eyes. Her breath slows as she opens her senses, reaching out as she had been taught those months past to assess injury. "Ooof. Yeah, you cracked your head there, but it's not severe. Just hold still, mkay? This'll feel a little bit warm, kind of like being wrapped up in a cozy blanket. And just don't move."      Seconds pass, and there is a soft hiss from the slightly younger teen, her powers coming into play. While she wanted to practice training her gifts a different way, she was not going to attempt it this time, not on a head injury. She was just going to deal with the surge as she absorbed Ellie's concussion. Right in the same spot where the older girl fell and hit her head, her own begins to throb, leaving her seeing stars. As the transfer is taking place, there is the warmth of her life force connecting with Ellie's and drawing out the injury. It -had- to be possible somehow to learn another way, but this was not the time.      When the transfer is complete, she draws her hand away, sitting back on her rear end and just... not moving for several moments. "How's that feeling now?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde picks back up her own chocolate pudding pop which she'd set aside back on the wrapper when making introductions. She glances at the game on her tablet and 'ports her character back home and shuts it down after hearing Warren's comment. She does continue to eat the pudding pop though, which is now soft enough it comes apart readily, bestowing chocolaty goodness. Kitty rises and reaches over a hand to help pull Ellie back to her feet. "New Years... the party at Stark tower where Rogue, Captain Marvel, Tony Stark and Captain America got sent off through portals by an attacker, likely extra-terrestrial," Kitty tells Ellie. The room cleared out, panicked party-goers fleeing. Not really a quiet scenario. "Rogue and Carol made it back on their own, were sent to another planet. Cap and Tony are still missing," she explains. Kitty looks to Theresa and gives a shrug that could likely be interpreted as Kitty doesn't see a reason Theresa shouldn't hear. 

:'''{{#var:9293|Kaida (9293)}} has posed:''' A look over at Shannon and Kaida shifts some so she can watch what is happening. She hears the talk of this New Years party and all that but she is more interested in watching the work of Shannon. She hasn't really had a lot of opportunity to be around other powered people and so she is finding it interesting to watch. She idly finishes off the pudding pop and starts wrapping the stick in the paper to set aside as she watches. She glances briefly at the others but the mouse girl seems to find this part more interesting. 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' Ellie rubs the back of her head and then accepts the hand up to her feet from Kitty. "Thank you both..." She nods lightly. "I .. heard a good bit about it between the news and some word of mouth. I'm glad Rogue is back. So her and Carol had no idea who to kick in the face for doing it or where the others are... that sucks... but I.C. is pretty smart right?" 

:'''{{#var:1386|Theresa Cassidy (1386)}} has posed:''' Theresa Cassidy relaxes a littel bit at the shrug from Kitty. Instead she turns her gaze toward Shannon frowning in thought. "Warren and I were there, too, but opted to try and help the crowd out. There were more than enough already there and those more familiar with working together as a team. Unfortunately that meant we were swept away with the crowd and didn't get to see past the woman arriving through the portal." 

:'''{{#var:8765|Shannon (8765)}} has posed:''' Shannon has to hold still for a little while, till the world can stop spinning around her. When she does get up, it's slowly, and she stumbles back over to her table, sitting down rather heavily. Her brows furrow, both in a bit of pain and with uncertainty, considering the information she's hearing from both. "I really think this should be behind closed doors. Really not sure how much of what I've got to tell should be general knowledge...." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty pats Negasonic after helping her rise and the teen getting healing. "Try not to kill Moochie when you catch up with him. I understand the paperwork for student deaths that the state requires is kind of severe," she kids before looking back over to the others on the more serious matter. "Well, we can head to the guidance counselor office," Kitty says. "Though Shannon it looks like that took a little bit out of you. I presume it can wait for a few minutes at least? Take a few and we'll wait until you're feeling better," she suggests. 

:'''{{#var:9293|Kaida (9293)}} has posed:''' "Wow!" Kaida states and pumps a fist into the air, "That was really cool, Shannon." She nods her head and then looks over at Negasonic before she looks back to Shannon, "If I had someone like you around back at my old place I'd be able to fight twice as many thieving punks!" She nods her head and then she looks to Negasonic and then Kitty and then Theresa before she considers, "Now, what is this all about anyway? I didn't really get much news where I was so I'm curious." She nods her head and looks from one to the other. 

:'''{{#var:248|Megan Gwynn (248)}} has posed:''' Megan Gwynn sneaks into the dining room, about to settle down with a quick dinner of chicken soup and a cozy hot chocolate, but pauses as she notices other people there. "Ooh, did I miss the party?" she half jokes, slipping into a nearby seat and falling silent as she tries to figure out what she's walked into this time.. 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' Wait. That mouse is talking. Ellie just stares at Kaida for a very. Very. Very long moment there. "Jesus zombie christ...." she looks at Shannon. "I thought you healed my concussion?" 

:'''{{#var:1386|Theresa Cassidy (1386)}} has posed:''' Theresa Cassidy watches as the crowd gets larger. At this rate poor Shannon wouldn't get to tell anyone anything. Sighing a bit to herself she heads back the way she came. "I'll be in my room," she offers with a wave. "...And if there's any broken windows in the mansion, uh, I didn't do it." 

:'''{{#var:8765|Shannon (8765)}} has posed:''' Shannon only nods slightly in response to Kitty, avoiding moving her head much at all. "I really hope Chris was right about being able to learn a different way to heal," she mutters softly. "Just wasn't going to try it on a concussion. Yeah, soon as the world stops spinning, we can step into your office." She smiles lightly at Kaida, taking a few deep breaths in a bid to work through some of the residual pain from healing Ellie. "My gift in its current state has its limits," she begins. "Pretty much, I soak up injuries. They literally become mine. On one hand, I heal faster than some. On the other, it hurts like a son of a beach ball. Chris saw a lot of similarities to his gift, so he thought it might be possible to learn a different way that isn't so hurtful to myself. Think Sam has a few ideas for me to train a bit more safely in the DR, so here's hoping." Glancing over at Megan, she waves with one hand, gingerly touching the back of her head with the other. "Hey, Megan. Just the usual mayhem, nothing major. And Ellie, yeah I did heal that egg on your head. That's Kaida. Think she's new here." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde motions to Kaida. "This is a new student," Kitty tells Negasonic, but she lets Kaida speak for herself as far as introductions go, same as she would any other student. But that doesn't mean she doesn't help Kaida out with a quiet, "Ellie here is a good one. But lots of snark. Try not to let it all rub off on you." Kitty flashes a wink at Ellie, the comment good-natured enough. "Also, she can help set you up on our school social media servers. We have our own it's safe to talk about mutant affairs on, etc, private from the outside world," Kitty says. 

:'''{{#var:9293|Kaida (9293)}} has posed:''' A smirk and she looks down at Negasonic, "Yes, a talking mouse is what your mind goes to when out of whack! You are secretly controlled by Disney!" She waggles her fingers at Ellie before looking to Shannon and the Kitty before she shrugs, "Well, they ruined it." She sighs and shrugs before smiling, "Yes, I am Kaida and I'm new and it's good to meet you!" She declares and nods her head before looking to Shannon and frowning. "Well, that sounds terrible." She shakes her head, "I don't want you to take my pain on to yourself." She icks, "Not good at all." She then looks over at Kitty and grins, "THat sounds cool though." 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' Ellie blinks a couple of times. "I... see..." new student means Ellie is probably going to get it if she is too rough. The new ones get some grace period according to Jean. This one is testing her ability though to not say something in ways not seen since pound puppy. "Right. I can set you up on the social media systems... call me Negasonic though or Nega." she shoots Megan a smile and a nod then looks back to the mouse. "Hmm.. Mouseketeer... Mouse Guard... hmm" 

:'''{{#var:248|Megan Gwynn (248)}} has posed:''' Megan Gwynn arches a brow at the chatter around her, nodding to Shannon and the others before focusing on her meal with a quiet yawn. It's been a long day of studying and she's pretty tired. "How's it going, Kaika? Settling in okay?" she resists the urge to pick her up and tickle her because she's so cute. Negasonic is also given a nod and smile though she doesn't know her that well. 

:'''{{#var:8765|Shannon (8765)}} has posed:'''      "Or Reepicheep, like from 'The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe'. A very fierce, loyal, and noble mouse." A small smile curls the winged teen's lips upwards, and she peers over at Kaida. "If I ever had to, though, it'd be a favor to me in the end. My healing factor's been getting stronger each time." It's very difficult for her to refrain from laughing at the interchange between Kaida and Negasonic. Hopefully the nobler nickname would stick for the mouse-like mutant.      She looks over at Kitty and smiles a little bit. "It's a little late. First thing in the morning, though... hot cocoa, your office?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty lets the students talk without interruption for a bit, though as Megan comes in, she flashes the young woman a smile of greeting and raises a hand to wave. Kitty's got a stick and wrapper from a pudding pop at her table, but the frozen treat is already gone. Also she's got a tablet with her. Kitty looks back to Kaida and says, "How do you feel about the mouse comments? I know you aren't a mouse, just how your mutation ended up. Is it something you're comfortable with?" Kitty asks gently. 

:'''{{#var:9293|Kaida (9293)}} has posed:''' A look over at Megan and she smiles, "It's Kaida, and I'm doing ok." She nods her head, "Just kinda having to learn my way around this place. It's very big. Much bigger than I'm used to." She then pats the empty pudding pop package, "But the food is good." She nods her head, "Which I need lots of..." She nods again before she shrugs and then looks over at Negasonic and smiles, "Mouseketeer is silly. I'm not the one being controlled by Disney here." She snickers and then considers and looks at Shannon, "Reepicheep?" She then hmms, "Mouse guard?" She rolls her eyes, "I have no idea." "Are you guys trying to come up with a superhero name for me or something?" She then looks to Kitty and smiles at her, "I'm a mouse girl. What can I say? Besides, I like people thinking I'm just a mouse. Means they underestimate me." She grins and winks. 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' "Social media handle... like.. I'm SullenSilence.... since I set people up I usually peg them with their handle. Reepicheep was a noble mouse warrior I suppose.. " she says it so begrudgingly but nods to Shannon. "We to tend to have nicknames and all around here." points to Kitty "Kitkat." then to Shannon. "Fluttershy or Nightingale." then a bounce of her hand to Megan "Pixie." 

:'''{{#var:248|Megan Gwynn (248)}} has posed:''' Megan Gwynn oohs, "Reepicheep was the best! Even though he was a tiny mouse, he was incredibly brave and sometimes it's the little things that count. He's small enough to be sneaky and fit in where no one else can. Ooh, I've got to show you The chronicles of Narnia some time. That was a great series!" she giggles, "But I think that would be a fitting name, dont you?" she shrugs, "Of course not everyone needs a super hero name. Some people just go by their first name, like cher, or something." she makes a face. 

:'''{{#var:8765|Shannon (8765)}} has posed:''' Shannon smiles lightly to Kaida, and nods just a tiny bit. "Nega over here tagged me with Fluttershy because of my wings, and i can be painfully shy sometimes. But my family called me Nightingale because of the healing. So that's what I use for a more 'superhero' name. Though if Mr. Stark had his way, it'd be 'Feathers'." Her smile turns into a grin. "Ha. You have the spirit of Reepicheep. Woe to they who underestimate you!" Turning her attention to Megan, she grins at the other winged one. "Oooo, Narnia? We have SO got to do that for movie night! I'll drop a bug in Sam's ear about that, whacha think?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty gives a soft chuckle at the mention of her having a nickname. "Kit. Kat. Kitkat. Katherine. Kate. Katie..." she sounds like she's only getting started, but then her phone buzzes. Kitty pulls it out and checks it. "Ok, I need to go check on a data analysis I've got going," she says, rising from her chair and picking up her tablet. "Nice to finally meet you, Kaida. I'll look forward to talking more," she says. Kitty looks to Shannon and says, "Yes, let's get together and you can go over the New Years stuff." She waves to everyone then and heads out. 

:'''{{#var:9293|Kaida (9293)}} has posed:''' A yawn rips forth from Kaida and she looks around before shrugging, "Reepicheep is fine for a handle online, I think, not that I'm very good at doing online stuff at my size." She laughs a little and shrugs, "Not sure about a superhero name though." She then looks to Megan and then to Shannon before nodding, "We can watch it. I'm cool with that but I need to sleep...and..." She considers and sniffs before she is literaly gone in a burst of speed. She reappears a moment later with a piece of bread above her head, "I need another snack and then bed." "Night!" And then she is hopping off the table and walking away while chewing up through the bread. 

:'''{{#var:8765|Shannon (8765)}} has posed:''' Shannon stifles a yawn, and gathers up her things--laptop, gear, and mac 'n cheese--and takes a moment to steady herself. "I'd better go sleep this off." She smiles a bit at Kaida. "Don't worry, I should be okay by tomorrow. Nothing some good solid rest won't help. And lots of calcium and protein." She nods slightly and smiles at Kitty. "You got it. I'll bring the breakfast, you bring the cocoa?" With a smile and a wave to those in the room, she heads off to her dorm, to rest and recover with a cheesy late-night snack. 
}}

10782/And So She's Back, From Outer Space

2020-01-19T07:08:55Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/01/18 |Location=Harry's Hideaway (Bar), Salem Centre |Synopsis=A night at Harry's wouldn't be complete without a small bar fight. And a locali..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/01/18
|Location=Harry's Hideaway (Bar), Salem Centre
|Synopsis=A night at Harry's wouldn't be complete without a small bar fight. And a localized hailstorm.
|Cast of Characters=296,4,16,56,1702
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty delivered the news to Peter shortly after she found out herself. Rogue and Carol are back from outer space. Kitty got a bit of the low down on what happened in the hallway, and whatever information might help narrow down the search for Tony Stark and Steve Rogers. But the rest of the story in full had to wait for another moment. But now that moment has arrived. Harry's is kind of busy on the Saturday, but it's not too hard to find a table by the pool tables. A few people are watching college and pro basketball on TV, but most are just sitting around talking and drinking, or eating some of the bar fare that Harry's serves up. Kitty is looking over the cue sticks on the wall, taking one down and rolling it over the pool table to see if it's crooked. It seems to pass muster and she grabs the chalk then, adding the blue material to the tip. "So..." she says, giving the word a pregnant pause at the end for another to fill in. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Peter is running a little late. After texting Kitty saying he'd be there, he got into a thing with a really angry group of thugs who took hostages on a subway. It became a whole thing when Electro showed up and then there was the flash mob dance party... Don't judge Peter for his lifestyle. A few texts promising he was on his way and Aunt Mays Audi pulls up out front, baseball cap turned around backwards as he slides out out of the car. A group of kids... relatively kids anyways.. ''Hey, aren't you the guy who fought Logan?'' Now this is going to be a whole thing. 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue is trying to finalize her birthday arrangements, this includes coordinate with Harry here at the Hideaway to make sure he's still okay with all the... furniture re-arranging. So she steps out of the back office with Harry behind her and she walks to the corner of the bar as he comes around behind her and behind said bar. "Its for charity, remember?!" She says to him with a big smile. Harry, in his mid to late 50s just grumbles. "Come on, Harry. It'll be a great big draw, I promise." "Sounds like a bunch of kids tearing my bar apart, if you ask me." He says as he starts to take some glasses out of the washer and organize them on the bar beside her. She continues to just grin at him, her gloved hands on the edge of the bar. "Besides." Harry continues. "How are -you- supposed to mud wrestle bunch of people anyway, Marie? You'll... do that thing you do." To which Rogue just grins and slowly shakes her head, side to side, her white and brown hair framing her face sweeping over her black leather jacket's shoulders as she does so. "I got an ace in the sleeve on that. 'Magic'." "Magic." Harry snorts and glances over to his employee and son in law, AJ. "Get this stuff put away." He tells AJ who comes over to oblige. "Magic can let us touch Marie?" AJ asks, overhearing the last part. "I always knew I was a fan of magic." He states, grinning. Harry glares at him, since AJ is married to his daughter. "Its fine, Marie." Harry then says after AJ is scared away by the glare of the bar owner. "Just make sure you're here bright and early to help me clean this place up the next day. No exceptions. I don't care if you're 21 and likely gonna be suffering from the worst hangover this side of the Missouri. Bright. And. Early." Rogue nods her head and claps her gloved hands together. "A'course, sugah. Don't gotta worry about me none. I'm a woman'a my woooord." She gives the older man a saucy grin and a little wave of her shoulders as she turns around to go back and find Kitty and Peter in the pool hall. Harry watches after her and exhales. "Trouble." He mutters as he goes about his work behind the bar. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde moves over to a window, smiling as she sees the familiar Audi pull up. She came from the school so her own vehicle is out there as well. She's so far managed to avoid any scratches on the Toyota. Though only thanks to having had it heavily waxed before going off-roading across Westchester fields in search of the youngest Boy Wonder incarnation who was bleeding out from demonic attacks. Thankfully teleporting meant no blood on the seats, either. Kitty waves to Peter through the window and then turns as Rogue comes out. "So, you can have 'help cleaning up' as a present, or a present as a present," Kitty kids as Rogue comes over towards their table. "Just glad you made it back to Earth in time for it," she says, giving Rogue's arm a squeeze before heading over to begin setting up the pool balls for a game. "So do we get to hear the gory details now? And... by that I really hope there aren't 'gory' details, just details." 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "Listen..." Peter is being hounded, but perks up and waves to Kitty when he sees her in the window, looking back down to the kids, quote unquote, "If I spend the rest of the afternoon out here talking to you guys, I'mma be in a world of shit... so let's agree to disagree.. Logan did not ''beat me like toddler''.. he thrashed me around a little, but that's it.. cool? Cool... Cool." Stepping towards the doors, "Also he's a dick, and you can tell him I said so." Enter Peter Parker! Exit Peter Parker, "Until he comes back from wherever he goes. We'll play it by ear until his personality develops fully." META AF. ENTER PETER! Side walking through tables towards Rogue and Kitty, "So you're back... from outter space..." Shuffle step forward, shuffle step back, "I just walked in to see you here with that sad look upon your face..." Leaning over to kiss the top of Kitty's head, hand across her brow, "Oh no not I, I will survive.." 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' By the time that Peter arrives, Rogue is already leaning forward with her elbows on one of those tall tables that rest adjacent to a pool table. She's holding her own leather-clad elbows in either hands but as he and Kitty both speak of the space adventure, she grins and starts to pull her gloves off while Peter places a kiss atop that of Lady Katherine's head. When Peter turns back around from said kiss to look in her general direction, Rogue's left hand - completely bare mind you - sweeps over the side of Peter's cheek until she's cupping and patting at his face!! Spidey-senses didn't go off?! Its because there's no danger, nothing happens. Rogue touches Peter's face affectionately for a few moments and then lowers her hand again. "I'm full'a surprises, Parker." She tells him with a grin before she looks back to Kitty. "There was... surprisingly no gore on the trip. We never ran inta our captors or nothin'. Carol said they were probably watchin' us from afar though but our powers mighta freaked'em out. We DID have a bounty hunter track us down over near Pluto." The planet, yeah, not the Disney dog. "But he was taken care'a by some random space girl flyin' around out there. I dunno. Space is weird..." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde greets Peter with a big smile, leaning in against him for a hug as he delivers that kiss to her head. She clings to him for a few moments, letting him know she's glad he's there before turning to face Rogue, her arm going around Peter's waist, the other holding to the pool cue still. "Been singing that song for days now," Kitty comments of Peter's singing with a small grin. It's catchy, can't help it, especially when appropriate. "Glad you were able to make it," Kitty says to Peter, not having known exactly what he was dealing with, but it was clear to her it was a friendly neighborhood kind of matter. Rogue's reveal and touching Peter's face gets a little bit of a surprised look, but only briefly. The wrestling made it pretty clear what would be going on, and Kitty had had a hand in some modifications to one of the power nullifying systems for Brad not too long ago. But she hadn't expected one on right now. "Ok, so that talk we never had to have about touching of Kitty's boyfriend and appropriate and inappropriateness of said touching..." she starts, but just joking as she flashes Rogue a grin. Kitty lets go of Peter to move over and give Rogue a big hug. She gives Rogue hugs now and then, but for once she doesn't have to show that caution she normally would. "How's it feel?" she asks before letting her go. "Ok, you need to start at the beginning. Like, portal dumped you where, what was there, what happened, etc," Kitty suggests, as AJ arrives with three beers for them. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Just because there's no danger doesn't mean there's no surprise! Peter stares wide eyed at Rogue degloving and cheek rubbing and... "Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat...." Comically drawn out, jaw moving impossibly to sound out different sounds of the connective vowel, "Did you fist fight an extraterrestrial?" He's still a little ''wowed'' by the cheek touch. "Do you moisturize?" It's a legit question, reaching out quickly for Rogue's hand, he's surprisingly fast when he wants to be, but all he intends to do is rub his thumb in the palm of her hand. "Seriously, what kind of cream are you using? I like shea butter, myself, but I also think that vasoline in gloves while you sleep is more of a traditional remedy." Glancing up at Rogue, then over at Kitty, "Hold on a sec, I need to hear about her moisturizing regimen.. have you ever felt her hands?" Half tugging Rogue's hand towards Kitty, "Seriously, touch this." 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue's eyes go over to Kitty when she talks of the touching of her boyfriends and she just grins at her. "Ya know I got trouble with my boundaries around hot men, Kitty. You stop bringin' around me and we won't have this problem no more." She sasses back to her friend then. When Kitty moves to give her a hug, Rogue returns it, they've hugged many'o'times, but nary a time was had where they could hug and not fear the retribution of an accidental skin touch. This time though, Rogue indulges and plants her lips right on Kitty's forehead. SMOOOOCH! So thats probably not the space rundown that Kitty was looking for, but Rogue's hand is now being tugged by Peter and she's allowing it and just wiggling her bare fingers playfully at him while he does it. "No moisturizer, it doesn't really absorb inta my skin when I use it anyhow. Never had t'use it since I... ya know, to Carol. Still got all her powers too. This is just..." She fishes around in a chest pocket on her leather jacket and then pulls out a small blue glass vial with a golden top and base. "Strange made this for me. Just fill it with water, utter a little word and then drink it and we're good for a full day cycle." She grins then at them both. "Birthday present, of the magical variety." The vial is slipped back into her jacket then and Rogue glances down at her hand. "Is it really smooth? I don't touch people a whole lot, ya know, not sure how smooth and not smooth all ya'lls hands are." Flawless skin is apparently another gift from Carol Danvers. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty flashes Peter a wry smile as he checks out the softness that super powers can convey. "Ok, I was already jealous of the flying and lifting heavy stuff. Trees, trains, Logan. But now you gotta go and add awesome skin to the list," the Jewish girl tells Rogue with a warm laugh. She touches at her forehead where kissed. "I'm never washing that spot again," she vows. "And, great, now he's going to want to feel Carol's hands too," Kitty comments, reaching over to pat Peter's shoulder and leave her hand there after, resuming the closeness of her side-hug from earlier. The vial is eyed. "Wow, that's pretty amazing," the young woman comments. "Glad you finally found something that will work. So does it just cancel the one thing but leave everything else I guess?" she asks. "Because I could use some edge in this wrestling thing!" 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "Carol Danvers?" Peter glances back at Kitty, then Rogues, "I've felt her hands." A glance back down at Rogue's, but he releases her arm now in favor of dropping into a seat beside Kitty, "So, you went to outter space huh? That's cool.. Is it strange that this doesn't raise any alarms for me? I mean, obviously it's not good to get kidnapped and transported halfway across the solar system, or be hunted by space bounty hunters, but like... the act.. the teleported around the solar system part... it's just par fof the course." Frowning to himself, "Hey Pete, how was your weekend? Oh, you know, ate at Angelos, watched some Disney+, and fought a holographic Dinosaur (true story), how about yours?" 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' "Carol probably feels amazin', its true. Imagine what Wonder Woman must feel like though, right?" Rogue grins big as she leans again on the table. She doesn't have a drink yet, she'd gotten here and immediately grabbed Harry for a chat in his office about the birthday plans, then came out here and found her friends. A nod is given to Kitty then. "Yeah. I went t'talk to the Doc about it a few days ago and told him what I was lookin' for. He set it up. He uh... he wants me t'smash it when I'm done with it though. Which, I mean, I will, I don't have a choice right? Ya still got the edge in this wrestlin' thing though, Pryde. You're literally ungrabbable, remember?" Rogue holds her grin then as her eyes go back to Peter. Her grin turns once more to a smile and she just has to shake her head and glance downward, her snow-white bangs draping down around her face. "Way way further than our solar system, Parker." She says as she looks back up at him then. "We were like... god, I don't even know. Like twenty star systems away? The ship we stole had a engine limitation or something, Carol said. Cause we had t'jump system t'system and charge it up every time. So the trip home took days. I mean, but hell.. it's a luxury yacht. Even has a damn hot tub in it. You guys would love it. Flyin' around in the stars, seein' nebulas and, I dunno, different colored stars up close. We saw a binary star system. Which is a system with TWO stars. One of'em was all tiny and a different color. Carol said it was older and probably gonna get eaten by the other someday." "It was cool stuff... But I mean, yeah." Rogue glances at a couple of guys playing pool together. She smiles at one of them and then looks back to Peter. "Anything good on Disney+?" She asks him. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty gives Peter's shoulder a little squeeze. "I've had about enough of dinosaurs lately," she says, keeping her voice down and giving a little shiver and remembering the Savage Lands. "Well, we need to see if we can figure out where Cap and Tony might be," she comments. "So where you ended up... was it just deserted? Or did you get sent to any kind of city or camp or... anything that might suggest where the others could have ended up? I guess no sign of them?" Kitty asks Rogue. She offers Rogue the pool cue and motions towards the table which is already racked and ready for a game. "Good to know if we needed to get back that way to find them, there's a ship," she comments. "Though maybe Lilah could help if we can reach her. And, if we have an idea where we're going. That same planet seems like a good first start. But you didn't get any comms chatter from them while there? I wonder what the Avenger's range is without satellites. Probably could still be a lot of the planet that wouldn't reach," she muses. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "Well, you know how radio waves work, but satelite communications are even more precarious." Peter says to Kitty, "Sure, Tony could talk to Cap anywhere on EARTH because the satelites are hovering out there in our atmo.. but you put them both on a similarly sized planet, with out any satelites? They may as well be trying to talk with two cans connected by string." Pursing his lips, Pete glances over at the fellas playing pool by reflex, but pays them very little mind, "Now maybe if we turned /all/ of Stark's satelites in the direction Rogue and Carol came from we could boost comms signals enough that if they /were/ on the same planet, and that's a big maybe, they could communicate... either with each other or us or someone out there hauling sixty two hundred pounds of space turnups through the Andromeda system." NERD "Oh man, the seventh season of Mandalorian just came out." Double thumbs up at Rogue, "$6.99 and you get all your favorite disney movies from their archieves including some of the shows we grew up watching.. Hanna Montana, High School Musical.. and even stuff from the shitty generation before us that none of us are and certainly don't use as pop culture references because hahaha 2028 who makes Dark Wing Duck references unironically?" 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue accepts the pool cue from Kitty and then shakes herself out of her leather jacket, having a light sweater on beneath it with a low scooped neckline athat ends just at her waist where her jeans are cinched by a brown leather belt with a small silver X-buckle. She listens to the nerdy talk about satellites and such, and understands some of it but it doesn't interest her much. "Ya wanna know what your best lead is for them? That bounty hunter that tracked Carol'n I back here. Go interrogate him. Find out who sent him, and you're on your way t'find what star system, let alone what planet, Tony'n Cap are located on." The pool cue is tapped on the table's edge then to punctuate her idea, she flashes a smile and then walks over to the front of the pool table. One hand tosses her hair back over her shoulder then as she bends her body over the table and places the majority of her weight on her left foot while her right slips back a little. She leans over the table with her sweater draping down to brush against the edge of the table, which leaves her midriff exposed and bared to view. With a little wiggle of her backside, Rogue sends the pool cue forward, clacks the tip of it against the white ball and sends it smashing into the others, breaking them solidly in all directions. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty moves in front of Peter, leaning back against him while he's lapsing into updating his cost-to-entertainment ratio analysis with the latest Disney+ offerings. He makes a good leaning post during such moments, she's found. "Bounty hunter, you mentioned. So what happened there? He showed up when you were entering the solar system near Pluto? Did he say who put the bounty on you? Was it this Mikonia who attacked the New Years party in the first place, or did they mention anything else? I mean, it wasn't a bounty because of something you did on the trip back, right?" Kitty asks. She watches Rogue's preparations for the shot, shaking her head and giving a quiet chuckle. She's not the only one who watches. The guys at the table nearby do as well, though Kitty's a bit more used to it than they. They end up with great big smiles at least. "Should probably tell them about the mud wrestling," Kitty comments, more to herself than anyone else, but Rogue and Peter can definitely hear it. "So where is the guy now? Carol take him into custody? Alpha Flight or SHIELD, or have him at the Avenger's mansion?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Peter Parker the leaning Pole. His arms instinctively go around Kitty's waist, as if they don't know no better, and he leans forward to rest his chin on her shoulder while doing his math. "That's like point three three seven cents per day of entertainment..." He figures, "Comparative to the national average of viewers, to hours viewed, to programming provided... you could watch continuously for sixty two days without ever putting a dent in what's being shown." Which is way more math than anyone should have any right to do in their head. So he probably made that shit up. "Oh snap... you know I'm really good at pool? Geometry and spartial awareness and application of appropriate force for a desired outcome." Motioning with a finger extending out at the two long walls and two short rectangular playing field. Peter does not realize there's menfolk ooglin' booties and or whatever men do. Do they still oogle booties? Peter oogles booties. Not right this second, he's doing head math, and really only one booty, but he oogles it. MAN THERE'S SOME OOGLING WHEN HE'S NOT DOING MATH AND THEY'RE ALONE. "Bounty Hunter? Lemme guess, he's like a blue skinned Dogg the Bounty Hunter, isn't he? Sayin' prayers to save your soul from the temptation of betting on the tracks, while hauling you in for monitary gain? Where would we even /find/ a space bounty hunter?" 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' After her shot goes, Rogue straightens up and tugs on her sweater a bit to straighten it out. She watches the balls all roll into their eventual places after her hard strike and then speaks up. "What is Dark Wing Duck?" She then asks with a confused look on her face as her eyes go over to Peter who looks zoned-out now, lost in something else. She then looks back to the other guys not so far away and grins at them again before she looks back to Kitty. "I doubt they can afford the buy-in. People gotta pay t'wrestle me. Well, except my friends, they don't. The rest though? Yep." She says this while moving around the table. "Thats why its a charity, money's gonna go t'that mutant refuge down near Brooklyn." She prepares to do another shot, choosing one of the solids to shoot at next and doing her basic same saucy approach to playing pool. Thats why she's known as Trouble after all. After the shot, she straightens herself up again. "He didn't say and I didn't ask, t'be honest." She looks up to Kitty then. "Its Carol's jurisdiction. She /did/ say she was takin'im to the alpha flight station though. So he's probably in some kinda cage up there. Never saw their prison cells while we were up there." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty rests her head back against Peter's shoulder when his arms go around her. At first his being so adorkable was a major draw. It still is, but now it's more like a favorite sweater that being surrounded by it just leaves her warm and comforted and relaxed. "That's the weird thing about pool. People who you'd never catch dead thinking about physics seem to be good at it, while most physicists and mathematicians would get the concepts but probably lack the physical dexterity to do anything with it. If they could even apply it past the theory," she says. Her soft pat on Peter's arm indicating, she knows he's got the physical dexterity. In spades. Kitty hrms quietly. "Yes, sounds like we need to talk to Carol. Though I'm sure she's probably working those same angles, can see where we can help," she suggests. Kitty glances over to the watching men. "You know, Harry's is going to have mud wrestling this coming Friday. It's Anna-Marie's 21st birthday. Buy in goes to charity." 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "Did you just say ''who is Dark Wing Duck''?" Peter is agag... staring at Rogue, mouth hanging ajar.. absolutely befuddled. "When there's trouble, you call Dee Dubya? Nothing?" Slow blink, "Okay.. what kind of bizaro world are we living in? Kitty-" Poke to Kitty's stomach, from where his arms around her waist, "-What's your favorite Star Wars?" He's probably teasing, but who even knows. Peter is a weird person. Who is now keenly aware of menfolks oogling. "Oh man, she'd beat your asses in mud wrestling... like not even a contest.." Peter Knows what Darkness beats in mens hearts. Challenge their manhood! They'll donate to prove otherwise! Or fight /him/. Either way. "What's Alpha Flight? Sounds Canadian... like something Logan would be into. That guy is a chode." 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue takes another shot and as she straightens up again she looks over at the guys that Kitty just gave the invite to and she grins at them and shakes her head. Her eyes then go back to Peter and she tips her chin up at him. "I didn't have a television growin' up, okay?" She asks. "My parents were hippies'n my aunt thought that 'screens' were harmin' kids' brains. So I didn't even have a tv really until I came t'Xavier's. When I got assigned t'a room with her." She raises the pool cue up and points it at Kitty across the pool table. "She showed me my first STar War and it was called Rogue One, so thats my favorite." The Belle is grinning then as one of the guys walks around behind her. "That true?" He asks just as he SLAPS ROGUE'S ASS! "You gonna beat us up in mud, girl?" Rogue spins around and puts her right hand on his shirt, then squeezes and shoves him backward! The guy goes soaring through the air, over the table, where his feet collide against the padded edge and send him tumbling upside down and over to the other side of it. His pool playing friend watches this, takes a step back and then glares at the Belle. "Touchin' ain't. Free." Rogue says back at them both now, even with the Ass Slapper hidden behind the other table now. 

:'''{{#var:56|Ororo Munroe (56)}} has posed:''' "Was that really necessary?" Ororo asks Rogue, diplomatically, and in passing. "Just try not to do any property damage," she sighs, and continues to the little table shared by the crew of mutants. "Even /I/ know who Darkwing Duck is," Ororo assures Peter. She bearns a platter of fresh drinks and some finger-foods for the little group. She's gone for a semi-punk look today, with low-slung acid jeans and heavy biker boots. Her mohawk'd hair is worn straight, giving it an appearance of a horse's mane over her shorn temples. "The mission I spent time in, they had a television set. It's how many of us refined our English," she explains. "But all the shows they could broadcast were old American cartoons. From the ... nineties, I think," she hazards. "Can you even imagine? But still, we enjoyed them. You'll find plenty of children in the outskirts of Nairobi who get the reference," she assures Peter. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "It /does/ sound very Canadian, doesn't it?" Kitty agrees. "I'm not even sure why it does. but it does. And... yep, he's into it," she says, giving a soft grin. Teasing the resident Canadian never really getting old around the school, after all. Kitty glances over to Peter, about showing the movies out of order. "Hey, figured it was the one she'd have the most interest in, get her into the rest after. Plus, it doesn't really have any major spoilers other than the Death Star." Which by 2027? Stark has like three of those, doesn't he? "And, ah... can't really say her aunt is wrong about the effect on brains, if I'm honest," Kitty adds with a little chuckle. The young woman then winces as she sees the ass-grab, already anticipating the outcome. She doesn't make any move to intervene, though Harry tosses down his rag and starts rushing around from behind the bar to make sure matters don't escalate. Ororo is given a bright smile by Kitty, but further welcome waits until the other matter is defused. 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' The man behind the other pool table is pulling himself up with his forearms on the corner of said table and he peers over it at Rogue. "So what you're saying is, no free touches, but if I pay its good?" He grins. "You're the finest whore I've ever seen." Rogue steps past Storm after giving her a smile and moves to the other table, moving around it to stalk toward the man who'd just called her that. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "So my target audiance for my popculture references is Nairobi, Africa." Peter seems okay with that, nodding to Ororo as she arrives, and only barely watching the ungentlemanly gentleman go flying across the room, "See, that's what I call foreshadowing..." Point, point, loooong point. "If only you'd listened." Peter starts to drop down into a chair, but then hears the ''whore'' comment about his friend. "See, why'd you go and say that..." He catches himself from sitting easily and starts over towards the guy, catching Rogue's shoulder, "It's okay Rogue.. this is a classic case of over compensation.. You see this a lot in the City, a guy thinks he's got a lot bigger eggs than he's got when faced with a woman who can kick his ass... Which she can, I'm not even stepping in to defend her.." Thumbing at Rogue, "No sir, I'm doing /you/ a service here... see if she does it, she's going to actually hurt you.. me, I'm just going to hurt your dignity.. So you'll feel kind of shitty about it, but at least you wont need a body cast. Just a hug from your boyfriend over here." Jutting his chin out towards the guy struggling to get out of the table. Anger! The guy swings, Peter is a lanky fella, he can certianly take this small guy, right?! No, he cannot. Peter ducks his head to one side, just enough that the punch misses.. then again, and again, and again.. slapping at the guys hands as they swing past him like someone playing knuckles. "See, fighting is like geometry. I'm a professor, by the way, just to add insult to injury, but like I was saying.. it's all angles. Like you swing.." Pete is talking seamlessly while moving centimeters to keep from getting hit, "And I'm shifting body mass against an angle relative to the speed times velocity of your body index.." 

:'''{{#var:56|Ororo Munroe (56)}} has posed:''' Ororo clucks her tongue at the foul language, and gives Rogue a direct look. "I take it back, dear, I thought he was just confused. Not a boor. Do what you have to," she suggests, and includes Peter with that nod of approval. She settles her shoulderblades against her chair back and crosses her legs at the knee with a sense of etiquette that her roguish attire contrasts quite clearly. With her immaculate posture, it clearly indicates she's not merely another biker-babe or hanger on at such a place. 

:'''{{#var:1702|Stepford Cuckoos (1702)}} has posed:'''     Saturday night and it's a night for fighting, or so the song goes. We think. No one really knows, especially after the passing of Sir Elton John. Long before the birth of the 5 in 1, or as their colleagues call them, The Stepford Cuckoos.     Into Harry's bar steps a familiar face, and then another, and another, another, and one last oddly familiar face.     The young quintuplets step into the bar and each of them in turn raise their left eyebrows up inquisitively as there's a handful of their professors and this causes the girls great concern. Not because there is a fight, but because they were hoping to get some drinks and vape without being judged but that plan is out the window, though they all knew this before entering the bar.     Sophie looks to Harry and gives the barkeep a knowing smirk and a wave though the four others move towards Ororo, the safest and most understanding teacher, "Miss Munroe... Good evening." The four girls say in unison. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty finally makes a move to help intervene. Though as she sees Peter going for the man, Kitty goes over to Rogue instead. "No use ending up in the county lockup and missing the big day," Kitty says to try to calm her, reaching out to rest a hand on her shoulder if able to try to help distract her from the man. Kitty glances over, knowing Peter can handle himself in the matter even if most at the school just think him in a mild-mannered teacher, so not showing too much concern there. AJ meanwhile is running over, Harry's son calling out, "Ok, enough, knock it off, now!" He's probably more concerned with the furniture getting broken, or maybe having an ambulance have to show up and put a dampener on the bar's evening. He moves to try to pull back and restrain the only one who is throwing punches, the man attempting, unsuccessfully, to hit Peter. 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue stands with Kitty then and after showing Storm a small smile she just folds her arms together over her stomach and shakes her head. "I know its not worth it. Doesn't really even upset me. Its just... yeah." She then grins and nods to PEter. "He's adorable though." She states. The friend of the Mean One goes to get his Fitey companion to convince him that its time to go. The arrival of the Cuckoos make that a lot easier as both mean will then try to make for the exist. "This bar is like the damn Addams Family anyway!" The Mean One says as he reaches for his stuff and starts toward the front exit. "Look forward to your mud wrestling night though, Whore." He says back over to Rogue, adding a big smile to it and a salute as he flips Peter the bird there-after. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Peter never even stops talking. The chatter continues, which just infuriates the guy unsuccessfully trying to hit the mild mannered Chemistry teacher, "So really it isn't even about knowing how to fight, but knowing how to predict how your opponent fights... I figured since you saw your buddy get tossed, then proceeded to talk crap anyways, that you thought yourself a bruiser." Wiff, wooof, wiiip, all of the punches miss, all of them are lightly tapped with the end of Peter's fingers lightly tossed just to show the guy he /could/ be busting that ass. "Now you know that you're not." AJ comes out, shouts, and then restrains the guy. Pete reaches up and adjusts his METS cap around forward, tucking it downo n his forehead. "The right thing to do is to apologize to the lady, listen to your friend over there, and get on down the road..." Wearing a T-Shirt with a Science joke written on the front, Peter steps back with a shrug, "Hey, come out tomorrow night to donate to a charitable cause huh?" To the two men, spinning on his sneakers towards Kitty and Rogue. Grinning until he sees the five twinsies... They never will not give him the willies. Like Illyana. For some reason proximity to those five and that Russian sets off his spider senses for no apparent reason. "Hey girls." waving to them friendly like despite his tingling, Pete heads over to grab one of the drinks Ororo had delivered. "Ororo, hey, sup, didn't see you come in. Nice hair..." 

:'''{{#var:56|Ororo Munroe (56)}} has posed:''' "Esme, Irma, Celeste. Hullo, Phoebe." And Ororo wiggles fingers in greeting to Sophie, who lags behind. It's rare for her to get any of them mixed up at a casual glance. "You girls do know the minimum age to be in a bar is twenty-one, yes?" she reminds them. There's no acrimony in her tone, and she punctuates the remark by taking a swig of her own beer. Clearly, Ororo doesn't regard that particular law with much concern. And it's not like anyone could stop the quintuplets from coming in anyway. Ororo's not even deigning to give the barfight her attention. She just smiles at Peter's compliment. "You're always so thoughtful, Peter," she thanks the fellow. When the leering thugs amble outside her eyes flicker and start going gray. Outside, there's a rush of howling wind, the sound of driving rain, and then a hailstorm that rattles the windows. It subsides a few seconds later, as viciously as it arrived. Then, a wail: "MY BIKE!" screams the brute who'd been antagonizing Rogue. Patrons peering outside would later discuss the marvel of a hailstorm precisely ten feet wide, and wholly concentrated on the two louts attempting to leave the parking lot-- and now sporting a great number of dents and dings on their cherished Harleys. "Would you care for an aperitif?" Ororo inquires, and slides a tray of nachos towards the gestalt. 

:'''{{#var:1702|Stepford Cuckoos (1702)}} has posed:'''     The four sit at Ororo's table and smile weakly before resetting their faces to something much more stoic as the bar fight winds down and the combatant seems to be given the short end of the stick. Though the Esme whispers towards Ororo, "That is true, yet this isn't just a bar. We come here often for the food and because it's close enough we don't have to make Celeste drive." And three of the girls then nod and the one named Celeste frown and looks down at her hands on her lap. Though yes, when no teachers are here, they will get a drink.     Sophie however turns around as the bar fighter steps past her and she gets a scowl on her face, though only in her eyes and she follows the much MUCH larger man outside, stopping at the door behind him as a sudden New York storm rolls in. Then as he runs out to scream about his bike, all five girl's eyes wash over into a full white shade as Sophie seems to be getting her own vengance on the rude patron.     Irma reaches out at Ororo's offer and takes a nacho chip in hand and delicately takes a bite before the three other girls do the same. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde grins back at her old roommate and follows her gaze to Peter. "He really is," she says with a private smile, and a look in her eyes that would explain the sum of her feelings about one Peter Parker, even to someone who knew nothing before seeing that look. Kitty pats Rogue's shoulder with a grin and then turns back to the others. "A drink sounds perfect," Kitty agrees, moving over to give Ororo a warmer welcome now the excitement has died down. "Nice one," Kitty says quietly, glancing out the window as the pellets of ice come falling down on the two. She takes a seat, giving a friendly wave towards the identical women. "Evening ladies, how is your weekend going?" Kitty inquires of them as she gets one of the drinks that Ororo brought over. Kitty flashes Peter a smile as he rejoins them. "Such a pacifist," she comments to him with a playful grin. "Han would have totally shot first." 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "Especially if you watch the New Hope on Disney+, which shows the original trilagy remastered with only small bits of added footage but no changes to the original." Peter says with a big grin at Kitty, leaning towards her to bump shoulders. After the greeting, Pete does his level best not to stare at the four teens at the table with him. He handles quite a bit working at the Mansion, rarely gives any of the snide looks that usually come from humans to Mutants, but there's just some things that tickle the brain wrong. This isn't even about mutations! There's freaking FIVE OF THEM AND THEY TALK IN UNISON OKAY THAT'S FREAKY! 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue steps back to their tables and leans the pool cue up against the wall then. She's not aware of Storm's little extra bit that goes on outside with adjusting the weather, but if she had been she would've been very amused by it. "I think underage people are allowed in here until like 8 or 9, then they gotta get out. Soemthin' like that anyway." She quietly comments as her eyes go to the Cuckoos. To Sophie, or who she thinks is Sophie. "Ya'll are like 45 though, aren't ya? You're good t'be in here." She states with a grin for the(her). Her eyes go to Peter then and she smiles at him. "Thanks for fightin' for my honor. NIce havin' a big burly man such as yourself stickin' up for me. Forgot how that feels these days." The Belle laments. Her hands go for her jacket and she drapes it over her lap and pulls her phone out of one of the pockets. She checks it's display. "I'm not drinkin' all week until I can buy it legit myself." She then announces as to why she hasn't been trying to convince one of the 'of age' people to get her one. 

:'''{{#var:1702|Stepford Cuckoos (1702)}} has posed:'''     "Excellent, you can take us home at that time." Phoebe says towards Rogue as the three other girls more or less nibble on their nachos as Ororo never openly stated to not eat all of them and that is the sole purpose for the girls coming to the bar. (Since teachers are here that is)     Sophie comes back in and has her blond hair soaking wet and dripping onto the floor as she opens her eyes, now back to their normal blue and she looks towards Rogue and gives the smallest and faintest nod towards the fellow mutant.     "Mister Parker... We are not creepy, we are simply different from you, and thus scare you. We assume you would have been wise enough to know that about yourself." The dripping wet girl explains as she sits at the table answering questions she wasn't here to have heard."     Irma turns to Kitty and smiles biggly, "We have a job. This has been a great weekend Miss Pryde." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde takes a sip from the drink that Ororo provided. After all the kerfluffle it is quite welcome indeed. "He is good about that. His Aunt raised him well. You should meet her sometime, AM. Really great woman," Kitty confides, whilst flashing a smile over to Peter as he rejoins them. "Though still working on replacing the Mets cap with a Cubs one," she comments while casting a mock baleful eye at the hat whose logo is now facing forward. Kitty shrugs her shoulders though as if to say, what can you do? The quintuplets are given a congratulatory smile. "Really? That's excellent. What does the job entail? And will just one of you be working it at a time, or is a group offer?" she inquires. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "I wouldn't exactly call myself ''big'' or ''burley''..." Peter counters with a little cough, glancing over at Rogue while rubbing the back of his neck, "And you hardly needed me to stand up for you. What that dude was saying certainly isn't true, so it wasn't hurting you.. and he was a chump, so he wasn't /hurting/ you... I was standing up for Harry's Bar! Yeah, that's it." Grinning, hand coming off his neck to wrapp the arm attached around Kitty beside him. "Whoa now.." Peter holds his hands up at Sophie, "You're not creepy and I'd have never said that... you can't look into a persons head and take something out of context like that, it's not savey..." Frowning at the five girls, "Besides, it isn't the part where you're different that gives me those feelings.. it's the talking in unison.. I get the same way when they do that backwards Japanese school girl walk in horror movies, so don't even feel special." Cubs hat? "Never gonna happen..." 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue just smiles brightly at Peter and shakes her head. "Ya took all the steam right outta my fantasy there." She says back at him before she stands up and walks over to bump shoulders with Storm. "I like your hair." She says to the teacher she was the assistant and adds a smile before she looks to the Cuckoos when they speak of a job. Rogue takes one of the nachos then and pops it into her mouth. "Yeah, what the hell are the five'a you gonna do? Open a Five Gals Burgers joint?" She's hilarious, it was the first joke that came to her mind, leave her alone! Rogue glances over to Kitty and gently shakes her head. "Ya can't change people's sports teams. Its probably easier t'changer their religion, sugh." She teases the Rabid Cereal Consumer. 

:'''{{#var:56|Ororo Munroe (56)}} has posed:''' "You two are just the /soul/ of polite etiquette," Ororo drawls at Rogue and Peter. She slides the nacho tray incrementally closer to Kitty as if rewarding her manners. "I can imagine quite a number of jobs the girls would excel at." She gets to her feet and reaches for her phone. "Would you please excuse me a moment? The Institute is calling," she apologizes, and steps towards the back room while lifting the phone to her ear. 

:'''{{#var:1702|Stepford Cuckoos (1702)}} has posed:'''     "We're not peeking into your mind Mister Parker, it's the subtle clues Emma and Betsy and Jean told us to look for. The hair on the back of your neck, the dialated pupils, and the smell of prespiration." Esme says towards Parker and then, the four others all look at the Web-slinger and cant their heads in his direction.     All together now, "We were told looking into minds is not right."     Sophie sighs aloud as she makes it over to the table and has to take off her hooded jacket and tries to wring it out from the sudden down pour that collected in the fabric and she sighs again as she unrolls it and the thing is wrinkled to hell. "A warning would have been appreciated Miss Munroe. But we understand."     Sophie takes the jacket and holds it out towards Ororo, expecting the teacher to take the clothing and to take care of the mess she made. As they would be expected to clean the messes they made. It's only just, isn't it?     Sophie sits and takes a nacho chip, careful to avoid touching Rogue as she answers Kitty and all five sisters give Rogue that 'seriously?' stare before allowing Sophie to answer. "We are to work with Misses Storm-Richards and we will be doing assistant work for her, though for the time being it will be one at a time, as we're certain she wont know which of us is which, which, is perposterious." She scoffs and laughs around her cheesy treat and then all ten eyes look to Ororo quizically. They know there's no such call, but they don't say anything about it. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty takes one of the nachos with a thankful smile towards Ororo, and a nod as she excuses herself for the moment. "Oh, I'm fine with his religion. And where's the fun in not giving a New York fan a hard time. Though at least he isn't a Yankees fan. That would probably have been a deal breaker," Kitty responds to Rogue. She leans over against Peter midway through. He might be a Mets fan but he's her Mets fan at least. Kitty looks to the Stepford sisters to say, "That sounds like a promising job. Congratulations on it. I hope that it turns out well. I'm only a little familiar with the Richards directly, but, obviously they come about as high recommended as you can get." Kitty pops up and digs in her pocket for some money. "Anyone have a request for the jukebox?" she asks as she heads over towards it. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "Betsy would know about making people twitch, yeah." Peter says under his breath, drumming his fingers on the table, "But it still isnt' about you being different, it's about you talking in unison... which would be kind of off putting no matter who did it.." Hands in the air, hands out in a shrug. "Which I /still/ hold I wouldn't have mentioned if you hadn't mentioned it. My second point being, I tried not to make a scene about the way I was feeling because even if I think something is off putting, I'm rational and intelligent enough to know that it doesn't /make/ it so.." A glance between four, then five, sisters. "Ergo, you brought up it, you pointed it out, so you wanted it mentioned. Don't hang your hat of discontent on me saying ''you should know that about yourself'' when I all I did is respond, internally, to something that stood out, while still treating you as if it absolutely did not.. I /know/ that about myself, what you need to know about /yourself/ is that you were trying to make me look unaccepting of you... and you couldn't have missed the mark any further if you shot in the oposite direction." 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue nabs another nacho and notices one of the Cucks avoiding her bare hand which makes her grin. Her eyes look over to Kitty then. "I'm gonna go get my dad's Redbirds hat'n wear it around ya more often, I think." She teases then, her father being a St Louis fan of course. Her stare then goes to the Cuckoo that pulled away from her and she reaches her bare hand out. "You can touch it." She tells her. "Go ahead, its safe. No foolin'. Got an early birthday present." She wiggles her bare fingers enticingly then. Her ears pick up Peter's response though and she looks over at him and whispers. "I think ya got her, Big'n'Burly." 

:'''{{#var:1702|Stepford Cuckoos (1702)}} has posed:'''     Sophie pauses and looks from Rogue's hand to her own and then back up to Rogue's eyes. "If I get hurt, you'll have them to deal with..." Sophie warns as she reaches out to touch Rogue's hand over the plate of nachos.     Celeste and Irma look to Kitty and Peter, and seem to have a question smeared across their faces but no words come out as the two girls turn to look intently at each other. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde had moved off towards the jukebox, but as she sees the touching of Rogue's skin that is about to happen, the brunette slips back over to the table quietly. Moving behind Sophie, perhaps seen by the others or perhaps not, but either way when Sophie touches Rogue, Kitty tries to light grab Sophie's shoulders and give her a small little shake like it was from the contact. "Sorry, may never have a chance for that prank again," she says with a grin then hurries off to the jukebox. Kitty reaches it and leans down, hand resting on the glass and her forehead on her hand as she looks at the selections it holds. After a little pit of perusing, Kitty flashes her phone at the scanner to pay for a few songs, and enters a few choices. She straightens and begins heading back over as "Have You Ever Seen The Rain" by Creedence Clearwater Revival starts playing. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Rogue's whisper has Peter raising his hands, "Yeah okay..." Patting both down on the table with a sheepish glance at the sister, "I'm sorry. Truly." Said as he slides out of his chiar, "But I should get Aunt Mays' cars back to her before it gets too late. New York traffic is a bitch.." Grinnig all around, hand down on Rogue's shoulder, "You should accidentally not lose that vial." He says, whispered again, patting as he pushes off to head in Kitty's direction. At the Jukebox, "hey babe, I'm headed to Queens to drop off Aunt Mays car. See you at home later?" Arms around her, hugging and grinning at the song. "Good song.. Want to dance before I go?" 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue just lets the Cuckoo touch her apparently very soft hand and it makes her slow grin at the sight of it. "Yep. See? No life suckin'. Wild yeah? Guess I shoulda paid more attention when I was in magic school. Turns out its pretty damn useful for curin' shitty mutations." She flashes a grin to the Cuckoos and then laughs at Kitty's prank. "Thats cold, Kitty. Real cold." The Belle looks over to Peter then and grins at him. "I look forward t'meetin' this Aunt'a yours someday. Since everybody keeps talkin' her up, sounds like my kinda lady. Safe drivin', Burly." She drops her hand back down to her side and moves to follow Kitty over to the jukebox when she hears that song come on. She likes that kinda music after all. 
}}

10719/Clocktower Catch Up

2020-01-13T00:39:58Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/01/12 |Location=Barbara Gordon's Apartment, Clocktower |Synopsis=The finest from Los Pollos Hermanos sates the hunger of a hungry Batclan at t..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/01/12
|Location=Barbara Gordon's Apartment, Clocktower
|Synopsis=The finest from Los Pollos Hermanos sates the hunger of a hungry Batclan at the Clocktower
|Cast of Characters=1134,58,8868,973
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The text message came from Stephanie. A picture of chicken strips and wings from Los Pollos Hermanos along with a small mountain of dipping sauces, and the tag line: > Be there in 15. Do you have drinks? Stephanie then gathered up the chicken she'd posed on a table artistically for the picture, closing up the containers again and putting them back in the bag. The blond pulls on her knit cap and gloves and zips up her jacket, and then hurries out into the Gotham winter to hop into her car for the drive over to the Clocktower, arriving before long and pulling into the parking. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Babs was doing some cleaning up from Christmas, still bringing down the massive tree she'd put up in the foyer of the Clocktower for Charlie's benefit, when her phone chirps in the back pocket of her jeans. One glance, she's already shooting off a reply after adjusting her red framed glasses up higher on the bridge of her nose with her wrist: > You know I do. Locks will be off when you get here, come up from the garage entrance. Fifteen minutes is enough time to get a few of the hundreds of ornaments still on the tree right? Staring at it... she shakes her head and slides the plastic boxes out of her with a foot, headed towards the kitchen to get drinks while tying up her fiery red hair. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie takes the stairs, two at a time, getting a little extra cardio as she makes the full climb to the apartment under her own power rather than using the elevator. She arrives at the top, proud of herself that she's only slightly winded. A quick knock at the door to announce she's coming in and then she swings the door open, heading into the familiar confines of her mentor's home. "I'm so starving. I bought enough for four. Unless Tim is one of the four in which case it would be more like enough for two," Stephanie kids as she comes inside and heads towards the kitchen in search of Barbara. Stephanie had pulled off the knit cap and gloves and left them in the car. She's wearing jeans and a t-shirt beneath an old beat up leather jacket. Her clothing not having really gone through any kind of an upgrade is probably all the evidence Barbara would need to know Stephanie hasn't cashed in on the money she was offered yet. Of course she'd probably be aware from her monitoring financials as well. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Babs is wearing blue jeans and an oversized sweater because it's cold in Jersey, even if the Apartment is kept at a comfortable temperature. As Stephanie comes in, she turns and grins back at her friend, waving her over to the couch with the big glass table in front, "Hook us up with a nice spread and I'll grab some glasses.. you want juice or wine?" So what that it's before five?! Babs is an adult! The quip about Tim has her laughing from the kitchen, "Yeah, he ort not ever stop exercising or he'll be as big as a house, the way he eats." The way all of them eat, really. Bruce's gruelling regimen doesn't leave many calories for day to day, unless they eat like pigs. "How you doing?" Echos from the small kitchen area beneath the loft. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown moves to the couch and sits down, calling out, "Oh, juice would be good. I've still got a long day ahead of me for wine right now," she says. Stephanie begins opening up the bag and beginning to spread out the containers. There's three types of sauces on the wings, and then chicken strips that can be dipped, plus some curly fries and a pair of hot cherry pies for dessert. She arranges it all and then goes to dispose of the bag. "Doing well. Carrie and I hit a martial arts demo. This guy in from Guam who has been combining a few soft and hard styles. But sort of the opposite of how most people use soft techniques to aid a hard style, like that move Bruce does with the baton? But he's going the other direction. Using extra movement to increase the effectiveness of wrist locks, leg locks, etc. And, Richard Dragon was there. Recognized him from the list of people you guys have had me learning," Stephanie says. Though her thoughts seem to be about more than the martial arts. "Carrie was doing ok, but still looking a bit... still feeling the effects of what she went through," Stephanie says. The loss of Carrie's parents to Zsasz. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Babs' mood sinks a little at the mention of Carrie's father... indirectly thought it might be. She feels deeply for the young woman, but more than anything remembers seeing the mangled body through Huntresses cowl cam. Some images never really get easier no matter how often they occur. "I've meant to talk to her, but time gets away from me sometimes..." It's a weak excuse, coming out of the kitchen with a pair of plastic containers with freshly juiced creations of Babs' own recipe. "It's good that she's getting outt hough. Not that I think it's helping her forget, I don't know anything will, but... being around friends, giving her something else to focus on.." One of the juice bottles is held out to Stephanie as the redhead drops down on the couch and looks over the spread. "How's Bruce doing, anyways? Seen him any since he put backo n the cowl?" 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown takes the offered juice bottle. "Yes, I need to make more effort to be around her and make sure she knows she's got another family here," Stephanie comments. She twists off the cap after shaking the bottle up and then takes a sip. The bottle is set aside as she picks up a packet of honey mustard. "Not much since the attack, no. But it's been so busy. I need to get back to focusing on Ivy, and classes are resuming," Stephanie says, letting out a sigh. "So much going on." She grabs a chicken strip to dip in the sauce and then bites off the end. "Oh god I needed this. Carrie and I got bao after the martial arts thing, but by the time I got back I was hungry again," she says, slouching back in the comfortable couch. "So I'm starting work on a bike. I'm sort of just going basic. Like, running bike. Later I'll worry about it being more of a Batcycle," she comments. "I'm going to have questions." Stephanie sets down the chicken strip so she can wave her fingers on either side of her head, like exasperated jazz hands. "MANY questions." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Babs grabs a cup of ranch sauce and a few chicken strips on a napkin so she can settle back with her legs pull up and beneath her on the couch. Absently dipping the end in her sauce before each bite, double dipping like a mo-fo. "Mmm, yeah... Ivy's getting a little out of control out there." Obviously she's been keeping tabs, but with everything going on.. well, it's like Stephanie said: busy. "Oh, sure. Tim could probably help too. He's actually a better mechanic than me, but I'll show the schematics I used to build the batcycle.. It was off an old roadster frame." NOt that it resembles a roadster in any conceivable way now. "The important piece is the frame, obviously. Depending on what kind of weight you want." Another bite, head lulling back. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie glances down at her stomach, covered by the t-shirt but it's about as fat as a woman could hope for beneath the fabric. She pats it and asks, "Is that a fat crack?" she asks in a humorous tone, flashing a grin over to Barbara. She nods though and says, "I think first one, I'm just going to attack everything on it as much myself, but get help when stuck. Second one, I'll start with your designs and hopefully I'll have picked up a bit more knowledge on why things are a certain way, from the first experience." She dips her strip again and takes another bite. "Though it'll probably be a death trap, the first one," she jokes. Ok, half-jokes. "So I got Ivy to free some of the hostages. Parents of young kids, those in bad shape, etc. Played it straight up with her. Used Green Peace to do the transfer. Try to build some trust. Though I don't imagine this is going to end with anything other than an ass-kicking." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "You could do some more situps." Babs jokes right back, as quick on her feet as she is quick on a keyboard, sucking ranch dressing off her thumb... so she's clearly got a lot of room to talk. Nodding all the while, "Yeah, probably best, honestly. It's important to mess up and figure out how you messed up, otherwise you'll never learn." As for Ivy.. Babs shrugs.. "She's a weird one. Sometimes she seems cavalier about her willingness to turn over a new leaf and then she's taking over an island full of old folks." Another strip eaten, washed down with juice. "I use to go out to her garden fairly regularly for tea. That seemed to placate her, but who can really know?" 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie finishes off the chicken strip and then switches to a spicy traditional buffalo wing. "I went out to see her not long before it happened. Figured I'd try to pick that up and hopefully help keep things copacetic. It was after The Fight. I wonder if maybe my visit had any role in it. I mean it went well, but maybe it made her question the situation with the news about Batman," Stephanie says. Her demeanor, rarely very glum, is just enough now that it's clearly something she's given thought to a number of times, if not really brought up with anyone before. "Well. We'll get her settled. Just have to figure out how to get her in a way that won't give her time to hurt the hostages. Or get them out first," she says. Stephanie glances over at the Christmas tree. "How'd the holidays go with Charlie?" she asks, smiling at the new topic of conversation she moves into. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Probably going to have to do some ecoterrorism..." Babs says quietly, dipping the last of her strips into the ranch sauce with a casual glance over at Stephanie, "Which might have lasting effect on the environment and your relationship with Ivy, but the alternative is going to be fighting her on home turf... as she definitely will not come looking for a fight off the island." At this point, that's probably not a very exciting proposition. She's dug in like a tick. Either way, "Yeah, we'll figure it out. Bruce is good about that, at least.." Another glance at Steph, shrugging, "I wouldn't beat yourself up too bad. She'd have found out eventually, if she didn't already know. That woman might be crazy, but she's a genius." Charlie, Babs actually grins, "It went well. She clearly enjoyed it and so I did too. I love having her around. We talked about the big A...-" Adoption, "- She was amiable to the idea." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie breaks out in big smiles as she hears this. Given her own family history, seeing positive things for others in a familial sense is an easy way to bring that bright smile back out fully. "That's great. After what she's been through, some stability and knowing she's got people means a lot I'm sure," Stephanie comments. She finishes off the wing, putting the bone aside in a container intended for them, then pauses to sip her juice. "How's your rehab gone?" Stephanie asks, glancing over towards Barbara's leg. "Swear I've been more banged up this last year than the rest of my life combined. After the League attack it was kind of a rough week just moving," she says. Especially her arms. Stephanie had to face some swords with just the armor along the outside of her gloves, and took some cuts from it. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Yeah, she did.. I hope to start the process in the next couple months." Babs says with another grin, wiping at her mouth with the napkin she'd held the strips on, "I never really thought I'd be a mom, but the idea really appeals to me with Charlie." That's probably Bruce's influence. "Mmm? Oh, it's good.. Still gets a little stiff sometimes, and my little short stint as Batman didn't help matters at all, but overall..." Said with a shrug, rubbing the mentioned knee absently, "Probably wont be back in costume anytime soon. It was a nice nestalgia run, and the Oracle armor was slick.. I just can't. I'm better on a computer." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown openly scoffs at that. "I'll agree you're as good on a computer. But better?" Stephanie turns the scoff into a snort. It's a bit more of a pig-sounding snort than she intended, which sets Stephanie off laughing at herself. "You have always been such an inspiration," Stephanie says, looking down as she says it as if there's a wealth of emotion inside that she wants to keep from letting too much out. "What you've accomplished... and while you've had support, so much of I know was sheer will until you forced others to accept things." Stephanie finally looks back up to shine a smile over to her mentor and role model. "But I love having you in my ear when I'm out there, so I'm not complaining if you're behind the computer." Even when having Barbara in her ear means criticizing her jumping off buildings before figuring out how she's going to stop herself from hitting the ground. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Sure, I'm good... but I'm rounding on 30." Babs doesn't really think that makes her /old/, but in the vigilante world? Constant injuries, poor rehab turn arounds, and general dangers and stress? It's not as young as normal 30. "I can't be out there jumping around on rooftops forever.. And I don't want to be. I've been doing this since I was seventeen.. eighteen years old. That's a long run, right?" She's not afraid to admit that. "I'm glad I was in a position to show you and Carrie and.. basically every female vigilante in Gotham.. that we're not just on par, but /better/ than the boys." A smirk, playful wink, and shrug. "But I'd much rather be able to walk when I'm fourty. Seeing Bruce get crushed by that Bane joker and then have Superman nearly kill him? That put shit into perspective for me." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie absorbs those words. They are a bit sobering. She started even earlier than Barbara, though with some other significant differences in those early histories. She hasn't spent much time thinking about the future beyond the next bad guy that needs an elbow to the face. It gives her a moment's thought, one that is pushed away somewhere to consider more fully later. Stephanie finishes off the second wing, sucking the hot sauce from her fingers, then waves a hand as if fanning her lips. "So good," she says. The blond nods about Barbara having paved the way for Carrie and herself. The blue eyes drop a bit at the mention of Superman. "Do you think there's any chance he might still be alive? I mean, his body taken by CADMUS or ARGUS." Stephanie's fingers wring each other a bit, exhibiting emotions she's feeling. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Superman?" Babs asks with a thoughtful frown and a small shrug, "Maybe.. Probably. A guy like that doesn't just 'die' or fade away.. I would have said no a few months ago, but after this Winter?" She shrugs again and drinks down more juice, "Literally think anything is possible." They're both sitting on the couch eating wings/chicken strips. Which Charlie should come partake in, obviously. 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' There is a slash of smoke in Charlie's room and a small chime in the rest of the clocktower. It is sort of like belling a cat really but when your teenager can teleport in and out of the house having an alert to them coming home or leaving is kind of expected. Especially when your mom figure is a world class computer and security expert. Charlie comes out to the living area head tilted "Chicken?" hungry, like always. I mean even if she wasn't training like crazy all the time and staying up to patrol she would be teenage hungry. With the addition of the training and the fact her powers seem to burn HP to work to a degree... well yeah black hole of appetite of which food shant escape the gravitational pull. She is wearing light nonrestrictive workout gear still, probably was over working out on the course in the cave. "Oh hey Steph!" chipper and happy, also there is chicken "Hey Babs" is added to, but she expected to see Barbara, still chipper and happy though. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown listens quietly, and a bit somberly, as Babs and she talk about Superman. Babs admitting the prospect he could be alive causes Stephanie to sit quietly with her thoughts for a moment. "I sort of won't let myself even hope for it, I think," she says. "I mean, well, even if he is, is he still under the influence of this other entity? And... and also..." Stephanie says, voice turning reluctant but then about to proceed- And Charlie arrives, Stephanie seizing on the interruption. "Hey Charlie, come get some food," she says. Stephanie hadn't been kidding she'd brought enough for four. Or two if Tim was one of them. "Got wings with three sauces, and chicken strips with some of every sauce they had," she says. She and Barbara have fruit juice as well. "How are you doing?" Stephanie asks the teenager. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Babs glances up and over her shoulder when the alarm signals Charlie's arrival, "Speak of the teleporting devil, eh?" sliding off the couch with a twist, "I need to hit the bathroom, I'll be back in a few... if I'm not back in a week, notify my gastroenterologist." Leaning over to shoulder bump Charlie on her way upstairs towards the restroom. 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' "Ravenous and I'm def an angel not a devil.. I mean... avenging angel guarding the streets of Gotham and doling out my dark vengeance against those cads and ne'erdowells that prowl and prey on the innocent.... but totes an angel." She says it all chipperly as she returns the shoulder bump and moves over to the couch and plops down stealing the spot that Barbara just vacated ... there is room for everyone after all but stolen spots are the best. Her hand already reaching for chickey nugga.. I mean a chicken strip. "Was running the obstacle course in the cave... it is like that ancient America Ninja Warrior show on steroids..." 

:'''{{#var:973|Robin (973)}} has posed:'''      Damian had a way about being without his mask in situations that did not require it, he thought it was always required. Especially when you had the face of one of the most visible teenagers in Gotham City.   The tiles retracted, and Robin descended into the nerve center of the clocktower. The equipment panels showing themselves to him, thinking he was here for a resupply. Of course, the security system chimed to the rest that there was an allowed ingress into the Clocktower, and that it was the Boy Wonder himself, albeit not the original boy wonder, that was another member of the crew. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie gives a grin. "You still have to run into... well, I don't want to surprise it for you," Stephanie says of the Batcave's obstacle courses. Is there a hidden surprise waiting for Charlie? Or is Stephanie making it sound like it to keep Charlie on her toes? It's hard to say. Stephanie grabs another wing, going for a honey bbq this time after the heat of the previous two wings has finally eased up on her lips a bit which were burning. "So how was your Christmas?" Stephanie asks Charlie. The tree is still up, Barbara having been working on taking it down when Stephanie interrupted with food. She glances up at the sound, knowing what they mean but not as used to them as the inhabits of the Clocktower. 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' "Run into....?" okay she is dying to figure out what that may be a reference to, not fair Stephanie not fair. There is squinting at the obvious topic change. "Christmas was great... I mean not the whole league of assassins stuff and Black Gate and Arkham and all.. and the restaraunt ... " she trails off and looks quiet. Then plows on chipper once more. "But .. .the food and presents... and tree.. I mean geeeze it is like five trees worth of tree. I've never had a Christmas likee this... ever..." poor kid growing up right. The chime and tone means something. Charlie looks up and swallows a bite of chicken. "Ditto" what she calls the voice system "Intercomm to Armory." pause "Robin come get Chicken" 

:'''{{#var:973|Robin (973)}} has posed:'''      Damian looks up as the intercom chimes in. "Is that a bird joke?" He asks, looking to nothing in particular, but the tone in his voice is full of contempt.   However, Robin does come out of the nerve center, and into the room with the others. "What kind of chicken?" He asks, looking over the others, and feeling a little out of place. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown's face is a all smiles as she hears Charlie talk about her Christmas. The blond college student had her own share of meager Christmases and worse. So there's a measure of joy she takes in seeing how much it seemed to mean to Charlie. "Glad you were able to experience it," Stephanie says, wiping her fingers so she can reach over and give Charlie's shoulder a warm squeeze. Stephanie glances up as she catches Damian's reply. "Los Pollos Hermanos," she says. "Come dig in, I brought plenty figuring people might show up when they heard," she tells him. She points out the three types of wings and identifies the sauces on each. "And there's plenty of dipping sauces too," she says, for the chicken strips or using with the pre-sauced wings. Stephanie considers and goes back to a chicken strip this time. "How are you doing?" she asks Damian. "Been meaning to stop by the manor and see how everyone is, but it's been busy with school starting up again, plus patrols." 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' Charlie blinks "Bird joke?" with a note of confusion at the contempt and question. Oh right. Robin. Birds. Doh. When he comes out though she lets Stephanie handle explaining what she brought for dinner. "The spicy dip sauce is ridik..." which.. may be good.. hard to say... I mean she sounds happy about it and dips another chicken strip in some before chewing on it. 

:'''{{#var:973|Robin (973)}} has posed:'''      Robin looks over the spread. The amount of calories in all of it made him grimace just a bit. Even at Titans Tower, Robin would skip out on many of the...elaborate pizza spreads. The others did not have to worry about staying in shape.   "Just fucking peachy." He comments, even with the return of Batman, there were things he hated. Damian was always about the glass being half full.   "What good is a fucking pacifist in a super team anyway?" He flumps on the couch, crossing his arms and stewing in his own brooding. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie dips her chicken strip in honey bbq and takes a bite from it. She gives a look like she's in heaven. "What's this?" she asks while still in mid-chew, covering up her mouth with her hand as she realizes how uncouth that was especially if she doesn't cover. But then, these people know her. She can be that level of uncouth. "Bruce? Pacifist? Or is this a reference to someone else?" she asks. Remembering how he beat down the head of the League's attack on the city, and the word pacifist not really fitting in with that imagery. "Went to a martial arts demo, Carrie and I. Some guy from Guam. Met Richard Dragon there. Had just seen him from the Batcomputer files. Had to explain how I knew him so just mentioned I'd met some martial artists. Mentioned Sandra though just as someone I'd met before." 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' Charlie burns calories like mad with the teleporting and working out and her general metabolism. She may someday slow down and need to change her diet but right now she just eats, a lot. More than one pocket in her utlity belt has protien bars in it. She is also a little confused at the pacifist bit there. They throw sharp objects at people and then pummel them all the time. Her gear has weighted gloves and steel toes in the boots for a reason. "We solve problems with our fists or worse... who is a pacifist superhero.. I mean.. how do you stop villains .. mind control.. I mean..." she trails off "I suppose a psychic might think they are being a pacifist but it is just mental assault instead of physical..." 

:'''{{#var:973|Robin (973)}} has posed:'''      Damian's brows furrow HARD at Stephanie at the mention of his father. "Names!" He chastises.   "Someone in the Titans. He refuses to fight, is an alien, and is an overall giant asshole the size of Red Hook." He mentions, standing back up and heading to the cabinets. Looking for the alcohol. "If anyone tells Father, I will flay them like the Vikings." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown raises an eyebrow at Damian's reaction to the use of the name. "We're in a pretty heavily defended spot," she says, motioning around the Clocktower. As Damian provides more insight in who he is talking about, she considers for a moment and then shrugs. "I suppose it depends on what they do," she suggests. Stephanie wipes her hands on a napkin and then grabs her juice bottle. "I mean, there's people who can use saving from people other than Joker. I don't know if I'm going to throw shade on a fireman because he chose that profession instead of being a cop because he didn't want to have to potentially shoot someone. Just saying," the blond tells Damian with a little shrug. "There's cherry pies for dessert, though might need to toss them in the microwave to warm them up if you like them warm," she tells Charlie. Stephanie runs through the calories like crazy too. Not teleporting, but with all of the training and patrols. 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' "Did the vikings flay people...?" she dips some more chicken into the dipping sauce slowly working on demolishing one of the boxes of chicken strips. Avoiding the mess of the wings for the time being and well dipping is fun. "Alien pacifist on a superhero team...." she trails off then nods to what Stephanie says. "True.. I mean .. firefighters still risk their lives and help save people and the city. I suppose a superhero could go around saving lives and providing disaster relief but not punch people in the face..." "I'll warm them up when peeps are ready." super excited about cherry pies. 

:'''{{#var:973|Robin (973)}} has posed:'''      "I am saying that the bastard does not fight. He just flaps his goddamn wings and throws 'shade' at me on the comms, asking me what he should do. Instead of making himself useful and thinking for himself."   "Not everyone here knows who we are." Damian mentions, looking to Misfit. As far as he knew, she didn't know who he was under the mask. "Yes, they did. It was called the Blood Eagle. It consisted of a slice up the back and the flaying of ribs to make them seem like the wings of an eagle."   Robin finds a bottle of vodka and removes it, pouring a snoot into his mouth and gulping it. "Kian was not risking his life, he was dead weight in the air. Not even giving a decent recon." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown lets out a breath. "Remind me not to have you two lead the dinner time discussions from now on," she says after the briefing on Viking torture customs. Though her tone makes it more wry humor than anything else. Nor does it stop her from looking over the wings and trying the flavor she hasn't had yet, grabbing a drumstick to work on. "Ah, thought Charlie was aware of all the team by now," she says. She does recall Bruce leaving it up to each person though, so gives Robin an apologetic nod. "Hmm. Well, that kind of thing can be a problem in a team. I mean, you know. Talk to him and work it out?" From Stephanie to Damian, not exactly either of them are the best at the social skills, and the irony is not lost on Stephanie. 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' Charlie is going to chalk that up to him being wroth bout Kian and the whole pacifism stuff. "I mean.. Thanksgiving.. but honestly we have a big family at this point." yeah she honestly does consider the Bat Family her family, not like she has any other relatives to call family it seems. She dunks another chicken strip this time trying the BBQ sauce "Ok.. the BBQ sauce is also great..." mouth a bit full "Also.. Gross... blood eagle... I mean I was just curious not like I want to blood eagle anyone.." "Also Kian sounds ... well mostly like he needs more training.... is he capable of recon or anything useful.. I mean what are his powers?" 

:'''{{#var:973|Robin (973)}} has posed:'''      Damian's white eyelets look toward Charlie and sighs, forgetting about Thanksgiving. He reaches towards his mask and removes it.   "I am past the point of talking it out with him. He undermined my authority and is trying to usurp my power as leader of the Titans. The fucker just needs to go."   Damian slumps on the couch again. "He has wings, and that's it. Probably others too, not that he does anything but STAND AROUND AND COMPLAIN ABOUT NOT BEING ON HIS HOME PLANET." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown purses her lips slightly. She's not exactly the best one for advising on disrupt resolution. At least not that doesn't involve use of a bo staff or maybe some batarangs. "Hrm. Anyone else on the team that's able to get through to him usually?" she tries, giving a little shrug as she knows this isn't her strong suit. She pushes some of the honey bbq wings towards Damian. "Try these. Dipped in ranch? Really good," she says, not wanting to see him drinking the alcohol without something in his stomach to help absorb it. Stephanie is starting to slow down, her and Barbara having had a head start on the rest. "Going to warm up a cherry pie. Want me to get yours, Charlie?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' Charlie considers the outburst. "Wings would make it pretty easy to do effective recon." ... teleporting makes it even easier but... "Man wings would be pretty sweet... hard to have a secret identity and all but sweet..." To Stephanie "Yes please." Then back to Damian with a thoughtful look. "Maybe send him home if he is really unhappy here.. I imagine the league" pause "Justice league or the Avengers have the tech to do it?" 

:'''{{#var:973|Robin (973)}} has posed:'''      "I will have to check into that. If not, I'll have his head." Yes, he means that. At this point it is a matter of honor.   Robin takes a wing, biting into it, and not realizing it had a bone. The crunch was harrowingly loud. His pale green eyes flare wide as he sees his folly, quickly running to the bathroom. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie is just rising when Damian crunches into the chicken wing. "Ah..." she starts but it's way too late. She winces and looks to Charlie, then turns to follow Damian's rush to the bathroom. "You ok? You sort of, almost suck the meat off the bone when you eat them," she says, following halfway to be nearer if he needs assistance. "The ones with the two bones, break it first and then do it with each individually," she adds. Stephanie pauses there to make sure Robin's ok, before going on the aforementioned heating of the little individual cherry pies. They used to have the pumpkin ones for the holidays, but they are gone for another 10 months now. 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' Charlie half covers her face in alarm as he runs off and then shakes her head. "That. That is why I do the chicken strips instead of the wings... maximum food with less effort and still so tasty..." this is mostly for Stephanie since Damian is off in the bathroom downstairs. She looks over to and digs in the bag to see if there are any curly fries. 

:'''{{#var:973|Robin (973)}} has posed:'''      The bone and pieces of meat are spit into the toilet. The next few moments are spent checking on his teeth, making sure they are not cracked or chipped or damaged. He wasn't vain, he just did not like having his teeth worked on. So any means to avoid the dentist is taken, brushing, flossing, brushing again. "t was so small...I did not think it had a bone."   Once his fears are assuaged, he comes out with her, taking another seat. "I blame Kian." Of course he would. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' There are indeed curly fries, along with catchup and all the various bbq sauces for using with them. No cheese though. Because she didn't want it to be TOO fattening. Stephanie wanders closer to the stairs. When Damian returns, she says, "Sorry, didn't realize you hadn't had them before. Yeah, two different shapes, the drumstick and then one with two bones. When Damian is ok, Stephanie heads off to the kitchen then, warming up the cherry pies and then returning to distribute them. "Hot, don't burn your mouth," she says as she retakes her seat. She breaks the crust open one of the individual desserts and then blows on it a bit to cool it. "Going to go check on Barbara," she says, rising and taking the pie and her juice with her. "Back in a few." 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' Charlie fishes out one of the curly fries boxes and sets it by Damian now. "No bones... also the chicken strips... no bones." she starts eating and dipping fries in the various sauces. That is until the cherry pie arrives, and all other things are foregone for dessert even if she may have more chicken after the pie. Who knows. 
}}

10659/I Think We Lost A Tony

2020-01-07T02:42:05Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/01/06 |Location=Apartment 1A, Muggins Apartments, Jackson Heights |Synopsis=Kitty fills Peter in on the loss of their friends to one of Thanos..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/01/06
|Location=Apartment 1A, Muggins Apartments, Jackson Heights
|Synopsis=Kitty fills Peter in on the loss of their friends to one of Thanos' scouts.
|Cast of Characters=296,4
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde had attended the Stark New Years party at Stark Tower. Word likely arrived about the same time via the Avengers network and via Kitty. Someone attacked the party. Portals. Tony and Cap disappeared through one. Be home soon. The be home soon part was left off the Avenger's messages. Kitty comes in eventually, looking tired and with her hand wrapped up in a bandage. Professional looking job, probably someone from Stark or even one of the Avengers doctors. She closes the door quietly behind her, not sure if Peter is still up and got the messages or not. Though if not she'll definitely be having to wake him up to let him know. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Peter had been indisposed during the party, though he'd had every intention of showing up late. What started out as your run of the mill crime fighting adventure became a little more than a three hour tour, by most metrics... So when he'd received the text, he was mid fight with Vulture... Who was now back at the raft. While Peter was back at the apartment. Still in costume, watching the news for any information on the attack and fretting about Kitty not being home yet despite the dozen or so texts he'd sent. Mostly to check on her, but also to check on Cap and Tony... Two of his favorite men. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty locks the door behind her and then moves over to Peter. "I got there... well, they were already fighting. Everyone was running out of the place so I had to go in through a wall to get in the door," Kitty says, moving to slide her arms around Peter's shoulders and hugs him. "Hank McCoy was there. We're doing what we can to try to trace the portals, grabbed equipment from the rest of the Tower," she says, though her face suggests she's not full of optimism on the prospects of it. "Rogue and Carol got sent through another portal too and are also missing," she says. "Going to ask the Professor to use Cerebro to look for them." She tightens her arms around Peter, for her own sake. "How'd you do with things?" she asks, seeing he's in costume. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Pete is standing when Kitty gets to him. Wrapping his arms around her instantly and pulling them both down onto the couch so he can properly engage her in comforting snuggles, "Nevermind how I'm doing..." Glancing down at himself, there were a few razor thin slashes in his costume, but only red lines where the bladed feathers of Vultures mechanical wings had struck him. Nothing substantial, certainly nothing like disappeared friends. "Tell me about the portals.. where the mechanical or magical or mutation originating? Einstein-Rosen bridge or two points in folded space?" He's in full on science, but more than anything, he's worried. Tony is like a father and Cap is one of his mentors... Rogue and Carol too.. this is not good. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde gladly accepts the loving comforting, pressing in against the man that has become such a source of strength in Kitty's life. She doesn't never mind about him though, checking on those cuts, but seeing they aren't of a nature that is likely to cause her hardy boyfriend any long term issues. Kitty draws a breath. "They were probably more Einstein-Rosen. Like Blink's sort of. Only she could move them. Rogue through a piano at her and she moved the portal and it cut it in half, the half that went in disappearing to the other side. She sent two other portals at Cap and Tony, and at Rogue and Carol is how she got them. I think they managed to go through the middle in both cases though," Kitty says slowly. "She had a shield of some kind, and a futuristic gun. Tony was down when I arrived. Grabbed some Everclear and used a lighter to blow fire at her as I doubted I'd get through her shield. Wasn't more than a distraction, but it gave Hank time to get a hit in I think. I was dodging fire from her so not quite sure. But she left right after nabbing them. She was there searching for something apparently." 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "She... It wasn't Blink was it?" Peter blinks himself, reaching up to flip hair out of his face before bringing the hand back down to rest upon Kitty's shoulder where she lay against him. "Okay, so she moved the portals around like weapons.. maybe so kind of anti matter shield or something? That would make sense given she came in with portals.." His frown deepens. "And no idea where they went, I guess.. Could you see anything through the portals? Did it appear to be different locations for each one?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "The portals were blue, Blink's are purple. It was more like the Chitauri ones that they attacked New York through awhile back. Said her name was Mikonia I gather, that's what people were calling her. She definitely was wearing tech in her suit, so I'm guessing the portals were tech, not a power," Kitty tells Peter. She rests her head against Peter's shoulder. "Made threats against the planet - ah, melting I believe it was - if we didn't give up 'the stone'. I have no idea what she was talking about. That was about the first thing I heard as I arrived," Kitty explains. She glances down at her hand. "I'm not as good of a fire breather as Lockheed. Managed to burn my hand holding the lighter. Though it's not bad, put it out right away." She sighs. "If anyone can track the portals though I figure it would be Hank McCoy." Or, maybe Tony Stark. Only they seem to have misplaced theirs. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Peter's brow furrows at that, "Tony could." He murmurs thoughtfully, absently stroking his gloved fingers down the side of Kitty's cheek just along her hanging bangs, "Hank, yeah... Uhhh Reed Richards, definitely.." Possibly Peter if he could get into Tony's lab. "I.. I wonder if Peter would let me in Tony's workshop... I could... JARVIS has readings, I'm sure... if I could see one of those portals, I could, I don't know.. maybe figure out where they went at least?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde leans her head into Peter's touch. Drawing strength from the sense of caring and comforting that he gives her. "Reed would be great too," she agrees. "I think that would be a great idea. I would think Pepper would probably be happy to get you whatever access to the Stark side of things you might need. If it would help bring Tony back," she says. She sighs. "This Mikonia, seemed pretty clearly from off-world to be talking about the planet as the place she's in rather than the city or Stark Tower or anything. With Carol, she can get back on her own if need be once she figures out which way to go. Getting Rogue back with her would be harder, she can't handle space. But Cap and Tony wouldn't have anything at all there," she says, "That could at least get back or to a friendly world they could get transportation. That's assuming they didn't end up in captivity as it was." 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "I don't want to think about this, but... what if they're working on limited resources on whatever world they're on?" Peter sounds thoughtfully concerned, still stroking Kitty's cheek, but almost on autopilot now. "I want to help find them.. I should have been there." A heavy sigh, glance down at his costume, and around at the apartment. "Then again, I may have ended up on some other planet.. jeez.." His head flaps backwards, staring up at the ceiling. "Now we have to worry about a /whole other/ invasion? For some kind of stone, you say?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty phases her feet out of her shoes, letting them fall to the floor so she can draw her feet up onto the couch. "That's what I think she said was I was coming in. I don't know what stone she was referring to," Kitty says with a shake of her head. "Something magic maybe? Illyana or someone else might have some idea there," she suggests. Kitty lets out a breath. "I didn't notice air rushing through the portal, so, unless it was somehow shielded, it would suggest an atmosphere on the other side at least. Also I don't think she intended to send anyone through, was just using them defensively. Could be the four of them are together, though they were two different portals so I really couldn't say. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "And we're sure they're somewhere we can find them?" Peter is... not wanting to speak the elephant on his mind, fearful that what he's thinking might be reality, but if he doesn't get it out it will fester into a deep concern. Holding to Kitty tighter when the thought bubbles up, how close she'd come to being pulled away... or maybe not. "Well, it must be one hell of an item if she'd attack the Avengers to get it..." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty's expression is enough answer to Peter's question before she gives a little shake of her head. "Really not sure of anything," she says. Even if they survived at all, though that's a thought she won't voice either. Instead she gently clears her throat. Lockheed senses her distress, the empathic dragon flapping a few times to join them on the couch and curl up in Kitty's lap as she herself rests in Peter's. "I don't know if she even knew about the Avengers. It wouldn't seem like the place you'd go. Unless this stone is something they have. Tony or someone else?" Kitty suggests. "I suppose you all are talking about, or will be soon enough, to find out if anyone knows what it is?" 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "I'm sure they will be soon, yeah." Peter is still thinking about that horrible eventuality, still shaking his head, and still holding Kitty tight... Until something else occurs to him and he actually laughs. "You know we have really weird lives right?" Turning to kiss the top of Kitty's head now, both arms encircling her. "I love you." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Weird? What's weird about a girl having her boyfriend and intersteller dragon comfort her when her best friend is off somewhere in... space or time or spacetime and... and you know, the sad part?" Kitty asks, trying to inject a note of humor, though it kind of falls flat given she's not feeling very funny at the moment. "Really though, we do. I don't even utterly freak out like a normal person should over this. It seems to happen so much to us you just kind of get used to doing what needs to be done when something goes wrong," the young Jewish woman tells Peter. Her eyes study his face, remembering how she was when he was lying in the Avenger's medical bay with a designer toxin burning up his body from inside. Ok, maybe not always just calm and doing what needs to be done. There are exceptions. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "Oh, well when you put it like that, there's really nothing weird at all." Peter says, completely earnestly, with a straight face even. It isn't that the somber topics aren't bothering him, just that his natural inclination when he's bothered by a thing is to joke about it. It is a truly terrible situation when Peter Parker doesn't joke... things have gone well and completely off the reservation. His hand settles down upon the side of Kitty's neck, lightly massaging, lips still against the top of her head. He'd weathered the storm of Kitty's coma without a joke, for instance. There's always a metric for any situation. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' The gentle touches of fingers and lips help to soothe her worries at least a little, Kitty leaning into the touches, and then snuggling her body in against Peter more fully. Pressed in against his torso, eyes closing. "I know it's stupid but I can't help but blame myself for not having been there earlier. If I'd been there when the woman first arrived maybe it would have gone down differently. Not like I had any way of knowing it would happen. Yet my mind doesn't want to let it go," she says with a sigh. "So, first day of 2020 and we lose four friends. This may not be boding well for the rest of the year," she says, trying to put more levity back into her voice. "Be careful, ok? I mean, don't be TOO careful. Just, you know, be yourself," Kitty tells Peter. "But, careful?" 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "So which is it, babe? Careful or myself?! You can't have both..." Peter is teasing, though it might well lack the usual edge of wit that comes with his commentary. His arms tighten, the ridges on his costume standout slightly from the spider-symbol on his chest and the mesh of the costumes fabric weave, which definitely isn't spandex. "I... yeah.. I mean if it'd gone off without a hitch, I'd be more scared, honestly... It's bad luck to begin a year on a good note.. That's an old chinese proverb." His eyes speak of the concern for their lost friends, his words speak of him trying to convince him to look on the bright side through humor. It is not really working, but at least Kitty is here. "I was just thinking the same.. if I'd been there.. if I could have... but you weren't and neither was I.. between the two of us we could basically build a damn teleportation device with a couple rubberbands and a bag of big league chew. So we're going to think positive, find out what JARVIS knows about the portals readings, and get our god damned friends back." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde rests her head against Peter's, sliding a hand up to brush over his neck. "Well, and Tony won't even need the rubberbands. So, if anyone can get back from that side it would be him," she says, a little more optimism invested in her voice this time. Kitty pulls out her phone and taps out a message. She recites what she's sending aloud for Peter's benefit. > Hank, do you have access to what readings JARVIS might have on the portals, or do we need to line that up still? 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Peter snorts into a quiet laugh and nods, stroking back Kitty's hair while she works her phone, reading while she tells him what she's sending. He moves so he's beside and slightly behind her, arms around her waist, chin resting on her shoulder. 
}}

10592/Jester In The Snow

2020-01-06T22:29:02Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2019/12/30 |Location=A snowy park in Queens |Synopsis=Spider-Man fights Scorpion and interrupts a perfectly good winter day at the park. So rude. |..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/30
|Location=A snowy park in Queens
|Synopsis=Spider-Man fights Scorpion and interrupts a perfectly good winter day at the park. So rude.
|Cast of Characters=296,4
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty has the day off and a nice heavy snowfall overnight and into the morning has left the city with that brief, clean white-washing that winter manages. Until the dirt, grime and exhaust manage to catch back up with it. Kitty bundles up in winter clothing and heads for a park with Jester on a leash, and Lockheed flying overhead with his image inducer on. The walk to the park is quiet by New York standards, a lot of people off work today but staying in if they don't have to go out. Kitty crosses the street at a light and then she and Jester head into the park. Once over into a fenced in dog area, she lets him off the leash and takes off running. What was once a tiny pup is by now a young dog. He chases after her, bounding through the snow, until Kitty plops down in the snow to let him hop on her, intent on licking her face. Go for the eyes Boo! Go for the eyes! She laughs and rolls over, getting out her phone and getting it ready and then picking up snow and dumping it on the young golden retriever. As he shakes to dislodge it, she snaps a photo and sends it off to Peter. > Shake shake shake! 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' *THWIP!* Spidey swings through the streets of New York on his way home after a chilly day of fighting crime! The crime don't stop just because the snow fell, if anything it seems to embolden the crime element to more crime elementals! "Come on man, why are you making this complicated?" *THWIP!* Spidey fires a line and pulls, turning his body into impossible angles as the metalic Green tail of the Scorpion slashes dangerously close to his face, chest, and legs. "Seriously, I'm just trying to sell you some Avon.. what do you have against personal hygene products at affordable prices?" The fact that they're only a block away from the Park where Kitty is sending off a picture of Jester playing in the snow aside.. "That's my girlfriend..." Landing on a lightpole, side flipping as the massive tail snaps out at him and only barely misses clipping his legs, "You're going to ruin my night and have me sleeping on the couch, friend... this is not cool... bro code... bro code.." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty rolls up a large snow ball, packing it together with her gloves, then making it a bit longer, more like a cylinder of snow. She lets Jester sniff and paw at it, but he loses interest after a few seconds. Kitty then rolls it slowly through the snow, letting more accrete to it and grow it in size. Before long she has a small barrel shape of snow that she stands up on its side, and then begins the process a new. Before long she's stacked a few on each other and has a big shapeless lump of snow statue before her. "Ok, now we need some tools," she tells Jester. Kitty runs over to find some branches and waves one for Jester, throwing it across the dog park. He bounds off after it as she grins and moves back to the snow sculpture. Lockheed is sitting on it, looking like a large raven. "Never tried this before, but how hard could it be?" Kitty says, in a tone that says, she thinks it'll probably be hard and turn out horrible. But she proceeds to start removing snow from it with the sticks while Jester chases back, having recovered his own quarry. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' The combat is moving steadily in Kitty's direction, rest assured! This isn't one of those situations where Peter does a bunch of stuff and never actually shows up in the scene in a meaningful way! "Just..." Dodge right in a hand spring, "...Let..." Backflip avoiding a tail slash, "Me answer..." *THWIP!* web fired right in Scorpions face, "..The phone.. What if it's important, ya know? I promise I'll still play with you!" Scorpion growls and snatches at his face, pawing the webbing off and wards the Wallcrawler away with three savage thrusts of his sharp edged tail. They're in view of hte park by now. Spidey swinging to get distance and firing two lines, one at a tree and another at a lightpost, to yank himself into a double kick that sends Scorpion sprawling through the snow. RIGHT over the fence leading into the Dog Park. "See what happens?! You see what happens when you mess with the WARRRRRIOR?!" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty's managed to remove enough snow to leave a headlike lump on the top, and is beginning to form what look to be shoulders and arms. Michelangelo has no worries of her unseating him, but it's starting to look somewhat humanlike. The sound of sirens in the distance only draw her attention partially. They aren't exactly uncommon in New York, but it does prompt Kitty to pause long enough to pull out her phone. She bites down on the fingers of her glove, holding them in her teeth as she pulls the glove off to better work her phone. She's just in the midst of checking the log of police channels in the area when a large shape comes flying over the fence and slides through the snow to a stop. Scorpion. Oh, that's probably the cause of the sirens. As Scorpion starts to rise, Kitty behaves like any New York dog owner would, picking up Jester and running away, heading for the fence of the dog park. Her little hand motion is probably missed by everyone but Lockheed. The raven swoops around in a circle overhead, moving around behind Scorpion and then winging over and gliding down as if on an attack run, with Spider-Man on the far side of Scorpion from where the disguised dragon is approaching. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Spidey spies Kitty and his masks eyes go wide with sudden apprehension! This definitely makes the situation a little too close to home, what with it potentially causing harm to his lady friend.. but after a silly wave, that almost costs him when Scorpion swings his tail out in a razor sharp slash aimmed for his shoulder, he also spies Lockheed the Raven headed in on an attack run! He's picking up what Lockheed is putting down! "COME ON Guy... we can talk this out like gentleman, right? You're Latin American, I know a few Latin Americans..." Alternating hands moving back and forth between the pair of them while Scorpie pulls himself up out of the snow. "Let's not be crazy, okay?" ''I'm American you twat!'' ... "Oh, yeah, right... you gotta admit the Scorpion gimmick just /screams/ mexicano..." DISTRACTION MODE! Spidey dives backwards just as the tail slashes out at him, close enough that it could shave the stubble on his jaw if he weren't wearing a mask! "I really need to learn you guys' names..." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Scorpion swipes his tail at Spider-Man, trying to smash him. We could say like a bug, but probably more like a spider. Or at least decapitate him. Whatever form of villainy was intended, it gives Lockheed's time, the raven-like appearance swinging to the left for a moment before he wheels and comes in from Scorpion's side. The cause for the change in angle is more obvious as the raven breathes a plume of hot fire down on the back of Scorpion's costume, able to aim for the lump that looks it probably houses the batteries and controllers, without the man's body also being directly in the line of fiery breath. Though, there's enough it's going to be felt, and probably hurt, as Lockheed tries to melt enough to disable his tail. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Oh he feels it! Scorpion feels the heat rising as the breath runs down his back and growls viciously when he tries to take a swing at the Raven puffing up the magical fire! Only his suit is depowered after the battery is overheated, so it's more like someone punching in jello. He tries, though, the ol whipper snapper. Spidey rolls out of his backwards leap with a back covered in snow, into a three point stance. "What's the problem, pal? Performance anxiety? Happens to the best of us... especially around pretty ladies." Double finger guns at Kitty. "No, please, no pictures..." Hands up, one of which is pointed at Scorpion and firing webbing right into the center of the villains chest. A yank both pulls the armored criminal forward and himself towards... right into an upper cut. An upper cut that sends Mac arcing up into the air with bone shattering force and then down into the snow in a heap... Spidey landing atop him just as the police cruisers round out beyond the gate of the dog park. "Hey guys! Over here..." waving them over with both hands, "He tripped and fell on some dog poop someone didn't clean up despite the signs saying dog poop is the owners responsibility... ALWAYS have to work in a poop joke." Aside to nobody. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty vaults over the fence, one hand gripping the top, the other clutching Jester to her chest. He's aware something is going on and starts barking, perhaps just spotting the familiar form of Spider-Man, or maybe sensing Kitty's anxiety. She gets them over near to a tree they can duck behind if needed, and watches the plume of fire coming out of the bird, who flies off to land in a tree after lending a helping wing. As Spider-Man makes his quips, the young woman he refers to smiles at being called pretty. "Seriously, why be such a bad guy when you could help people?" she yells towards Scorpion. Helpful New Yorker. And after the final quip. "I swear we baggied and disposed of it," she says, patting Jester on the head. She watches as the police rush over towards Scorpion to take him into custody. She moves off towards another part of the park, after casting a glance over towards Spider-Man first. She moves on to an area on the other side of some bushes so she'll be out of sight of Scorpion. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Spidey looks relieved seeing Kitty has gotten herself and Jester out of harms way, but the damage is done and the day is won! The police brought the ''special wagon'' to cart off the criminal in powered armor, thank Spidey, promise to arrest him next time they see him (as is customary) and then go about their business. Rather, they leave him to go about his. His business just so happens to be swinging over to a tree where Lockheed is perched, "Thanks for the help, bud... Imma go plead my case with Kitty, I could probably use an assist in not getting dog housed in the dog park..." *THWIP!* Dangle. Loweeeeeeer to hang upside down infront of lady and dog. "Heeeeey... babeeeee.... and Jester... hey guys... what's up, hey..." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Lockheed gives a few little flaps of his wings in response, the hologram covering him making it look like the raven is flapping a bit. He gives a nod of his head and then flaps into the air, heading over with Spider-Man towards the slightly more private rendezvous. Kitty looks up as her two men arrive. Well, two of her three men, she already has Jester with her. As Spider-Man lowers down she grins at him. "Seriously, other guys just bring their girl flowers. Maybe some chocolate. But you bring me super villains. What's not to love about this situation?" she asks. She reaches up to brush the side of Spider-Man's face through his costume. "Though my Spider-Man snow sculpture I was making got knocked over in the fight it looked like. It was going to just be vaguely humanish at best, I think, so the art world probably shouldn't mourn yet," Kitty tells him. "What'd Scorpion do? Come after you directly? Or just up to no good?" 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Spidey is mostly hidden by a tree from the general populace, but he'd be easily spot if anyone were looking. Dangling infront of Kitty now, feet running along the ling being held in both hands, "I heard you like weirdo animal themed villains, so I brought you weirdo animal themed villains..." Weak, Parker. "Uhh... I don't really remember, I'm sure he was doing something nerdowell and I broke it up.. it was just him this time though... more than anything, I'm curious how he's already out." Glancing around the tree with just the slightest of turns to see the Police loading a depowered Scorpion into the back of the wagon, "He should have had another few /years/ on his sentence after that last spat... but here he is." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty hrms quietly as she peers around the tree towards Scorpion being lead away by New York City's finest. "Hrm. If he was hired before, maybe the person behind it got him sprung then? If we look into how he got out, might lead back towards them?" she suggests. "Want me to start doing some poking? See who his lawyer was, we can start looking into them? I have a boyfriend who works for a newspaper so he might be able to look up things in their files," she suggests, giving Spider-Man a wink as she shows off Peter Parker's occupational perks. Jester knows who it is of course, even if it wasn't for seeing him in costume, he'd know that scent anywhere. He's pawing to try to get over to him, and Kitty holds him out so he can get a few licks in on the mask, or Spider-Man can take him if he likes. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Spidey wraps Jester up in an arm, easily holding the pupper close to get his licks in, laughing as Kitty speaks on their various methods of information gathering, "Good idea... Hey..." Mixed convo, one to Kits, one to Jester.. "Okay, okay, yeah... I'm coming home now.." Glancing around Jester he's holding back out to Kits, "Maybe twenty minutes... probably more like an hour. I have to pick up dinner for my girlfriend..." His mask doesn't wink, but they eye does get smaller when the man beneath it winks. "I'll see you three there shortly? While I'm gone, take a look at his legal files, see if we can dig up a lead." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty nods in agreement, and her face lighting up when Spider-Man speaks of grabbing dinner. "You have a very lucky girlfriend, Spider-Man. She should probably tell you that she loves you. Often, and a lot," she says with a smile. She checks around them and then leans forward to press a little kiss to his lips through the mask. She takes on Jester then. "Come on, let's get you home, boy," she tells Jester. "Try not to run into Rhino on the way home," Kitty teases. She smiles and rubs her fingers over the side of his face through the mask before finally moving away, clipping the leash back on Jester and setting him down so he can trot alongside her through the snow as she heads off at a quick walk for home. 
}}

10557/Metal Munching Monster

2019-12-28T23:11:20Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2019/12/28 |Location=Santoro's Salvage, Salem Center junkyard |Synopsis=Grimlock's nighttime snacking in a junkyard is discovered by a curious Vi...."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/28
|Location=Santoro's Salvage, Salem Center junkyard
|Synopsis=Grimlock's nighttime snacking in a junkyard is discovered by a curious Vi.
|Cast of Characters=9031,8146
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Santoro's Salvage is a sprawling junkyard in a rural location chosen where the owner would be unlikely to have to deal with the general populace and the city government. All Johnny Santoro really wanted was to be able to cut up metal, mash it up, smash it up, and otherwise play with it. Also, for profit. The place grew until it covers about three acres. Surrounded by a fence, the owner has a dog to help patrol the place, but really hasn't ever had to worry about security that much. Just a few cameras around the front where the office is. Multiple acres of metal with no one around made it an ideal place for Vi to practice. True it isn't a Danger Room where she won't be hurt by a fall, but then if she is hurt by a fall it means she was being stupid. So it is the young woman sneaks out after dark, jetting off into the air from the mansion and heading for the junkyard. It is only about a 30 minute trip cross country before she arrives, landing lightly in the snow just outside of the fence, looking up at the flakes starting to fall from the sky. The small, brown-haired girl is wearing a sweatshirt and jeans, with a black jacket and a stocking cap in blue and white with some logo on it (a Bills logo) which seems to cause people to react in ways she hasn't really understood yet. She makes another mental note to ask someone what it means. She just liked the color and the animal on the front when she saw it in the secondhand shop where most of her clothing came from. 

:'''{{#var:8146|Grimlock (8146)}} has posed:''' Among the towers of metal, there's a form that's wandering about in the snow. Though he's trying to be quiet and stealthy. Blue optics are set on the dino's head as he watches the girl flying through the air - she's not the first person he's seen fly on this planet, but she's the first one that's been this close to his vicinity. But she lands some distance away, and when she is that far from him, he doesn't view her as a threat. Instead, Grimlock sniffs at the air, giving a little snort as he's trying to seek out fuel that might still be in one of the tanks. Hunger is a powerful motivator, and he's been scrapping by for the past couple of weeks while on this long distance patrol far away from the Ark. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi pulls a scarf out of a pocket and wraps it about her neck once. She isn't really feeling the cold, but still isn't quite sure how susceptible she is to cold temperatures or not. She checks a pocket where she's got a plastic dog toy filled with food that it takes awhile for a dog to get all of it out through the little hole in the hard rubber. It's wrapped around with two little strips of wire for easy retrieval when she's ready to leave. Vi burns a little of the tin she swallowed, her senses growing sharper to listen for the junkyard dog. She pulls a metal washer from her pouch and drops it for a launching point, pushing on it with hundreds of pounds of force. The disc can go nowhere, being pushed at the ground, so there's an equal and opposite reaction, Vi's body thrown into the air. She doesn't fly like Superman. More like Spider-Man, just launching herself and letting gravity arc her back down a bit before she pushes off some a stack of cars to arc herself back up higher into the air. 

:'''{{#var:8146|Grimlock (8146)}} has posed:''' Grimlock watches this whole display with a little confusion. He's never seen a hoo-man eat a piece of metal before. And when she does so and then reacts to it by leaping, the optics of the dinobot follow the woman through the air before she lands on a stack of cars. There's a small snort. As for the dog? It came out earlier - barking at Grimlock.. ..then Grimlock roared at it and the dog is currently hiding beneath a pile of cars, waiting for the large dinosaur to go away. But then something catches Grimlock's attention. A smell. Diesel! Turning about, he looks around, finding the source of it - a run down VW from the late 2010s. Using his snout to flip the car over, which causes a loud noise as metal is crunched and moved the noise is made worse when Grimlock's jaws open to grasp the gas tank and rips it off to shove whole into his mouth and starts to chew on it, feeling the diesel fuel in his throat. It's terrible, but it's filling. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' To Vi's enhanced ears, the sound of the car being flipped and then metal rending is magnified. And while she's burning the steel in her stomach, she can sense all of the metal around her. In the city that can be very confusing, but here everything is still. Everything except... There! She senses which bit of metal moved at the same time as the noise. She can't tell what it is, but can tell the car's approximate weight. Maybe one of the stacks of junk shifted? Though, she hears that repeated sound, almost like someone eating the loudest bowl of cereal in history. Vi doesn't need to use any washers, just pushes off the car beneath her to launch herself overhead. Soon she sees the source of the noise, her eyes widening as she sees Grimlock as well as if it were daylight out. Vi arrests her fall pushing down on two pieces of metal once. Then adding a third she pushes off of. It's like learning to ride a bike, pushing a little easier there, and harder there to keep. She adds a fourth source to push on and that helps her stabilize herself, hovering in the air above Grimlock about thirty feet up above his head. She peers at Grimlock, trying to decide where the person is inside of him. She's never seen a vehicle like him before! 

:'''{{#var:8146|Grimlock (8146)}} has posed:''' Chomping on the metal of the gas tank and slurping on the fuel that comes out, the massive dinosaur munches and chews, fuel flowing over his teeth and off his gums, causing his tongue to flick out to get at the falling fuel. Then she hovers in front of him, and the Cybertronian chews and swallows. Then he lifts his head to peer at the woman and tilts his head to the side. His optics are still blue at least, he's not raging at the moment. "What." he finally rumbles in a deep throated growl. "Me not stare at you when you eat." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi's never seen a machine that looks like some sort of animal before. She's still not sure if there is a person inside talking to her from it or not, but it's certainly talking to her. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare," the undersized nineteen year-old says. Her balance is off for a second, starting to drift to one side before she adjusts and halts herself again. "I just haven't seen-" Vi says, and pauses on what word to use to describe Grimlock. "Haven't the like before," she says finally, coming up with some wording that won't make a mistake as to him. Is this your home?" she asks of the junk yard. "And are you... what are you exactly? If it isn't rude of me to ask?" 

:'''{{#var:8146|Grimlock (8146)}} has posed:''' There's a tilt of the Tyrannosaurus' head. "Me Grimlock is Dynobot. What are you?" he asks in return, as he watches the young woman floating there. Then deciding that she's not moch of a threat to him, Grimlock lowers his head, sniffing around again. Finding another fuel tank, Grimlock steps forward, using his foot to flip over the car and leans down to rip open the fuel tank to devour the gasoline within. Looking up with his mouth full of fuel and metal, he chews and slurps a few times. "What you do here? Live here?" 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi hovers in the air for a few more moments, and then begins drifting towards an old metal shipping container, pulling on the metal at first to get herself going that direction, and then once above it, letting herself fall and giving a soft push to make the landing a soft one. The slow flight is still a little unsteady, more so than just shooting herself long distances through the sky. "Grimlock," Vi repeats. "I haven't heard of a Dynobot before. There are a lot of things I'm not familiar with here, though," the girl tells him, speaking with a somewhat quiet, meek voice. Though she's downright outgoing compared to what she was like three months ago. "My name is Vi. I'm..." she says, trailing off. Does she mention what she is? She knows by now that some people are anti-mutants. And... this couldn't be a Sentinel could it? She encountered some in the Danger Room and Grimlock doesn't look anything like one. "I'm a mutant," she says. "I come here to use the things here to practice flying," she tells him. Vi tilts her head to the side as Grimlock gulps down the fuel. "So you eat gasoline?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:8146|Grimlock (8146)}} has posed:''' To Vi's surprise, perhaps, Grimlock immediately doesn't go all killing machine on her. Instead he gives a little snort as he looks down at the car. "Fuel taste horrible. But energon hard to find. So use fuel. Not efficent. Works." comes the response as he uses his foot to knock the car to the side. He watches her as she comes in for landing, and he gives a snort-chuff of amusement. "You look like new Seeker, unsure of wings. Me find that funny." And he chuckles in fact at it. "You quiet. Not assertive. Scared?" 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' The small teen's general posture and body language, if Grimlock is up on reading humans, is generally the kind of meek you'd expect from someone who spent a lifetime trying to not stand out to guards, work crew foremen, or even the other workers from whom the street thief would be looking for her next meal from. "A little. You're very large. There are robots who hate mutants, I'm told," the girl replies quietly. "I have only been able to practice for a few months now. I'm getting much better though," she tells him. Vi looks around the junk yard. "I don't know what... energon?... is. Can you get the gas at the places the cars get it though? They just pump it straight from a hose," she explains, in that tone that someone has when they are explaining something that was explained to them in the not too distant past. 

:'''{{#var:8146|Grimlock (8146)}} has posed:''' "Me not eat you. Hoomans taste terrible." Whether or not he's serious about having eaten a human? That's not easily a tell by the tone that the massive dinosaur uses. Instead, he steps over the car, continuing his search for fuel. "Could." he finally rumbles. "But take fuel from station draws attention. Get attention, then others know where I am. Me not care for them to know that at this time." comes Grimlock's complaint as he crouches down, getting closer to the woman to sniff at her curiously. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi bites her lower lip as she tries to decide if she can trust the large robotic... she has no idea what a dinosaur is, so at least isn't extra fearful on that account. "Oh, so you have to hide yourself from others? I understand how that is," the mutant teenager says. She also is sensing what she can of Grimlock, though enhancing her smell and hearing only get her so far. As he moves over and sniffs towards her, she hesitates just a moment. The pewter in her stomach is consumed faster, used to strengthen her body should it turn out to be a ruse, and then she steps nearer to the edge of the shipping container, lifting a hand for Grimlock to smell. "Have you tasted many humans before?" she asks hesitantly, ready to launch herself back away from Grimlock if he makes a lunge for her. "Are you hiding from people in general?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:8146|Grimlock (8146)}} has posed:''' "Most hide. Have to use other ways. Holograms. Me not care. Me welcome challenge." Grimlock has no real want for the holoemitter he has, and for now, he's just keeping to himself. "My team away. Just me. Wanted to see what world was. Only been in one area all this time." he rumbles. He takes a sniff of her, his olofactory sensors already kicking into overdrive to translate what it he just smelled. While her senses may be confused by what she gets from Grimlock. It's not a metal of any terrestrial source, the sentio metallico is living and self-replicating. The protoform that was melded into a the creature, which became what the hulking Dinobot is now. He gives a little rumble of thought as he rises back up. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi's own scent is not too unusual for a human. Scents of food as if she ate something savory earlier that had a nice aroma by human standards. Scents of laundry detergent in her clothing, though not as much as some. As if she wears her clothes for longer stretches than most humans. Vi peers at Grimlock curiously. "You look like metal, but I don't sense you like I do other metal," she comments. She reaches out a hand and a stray bolt from something flies up towards her and she catches it. Vi moves to sit down on the edge of her shipping container she's on, her legs dangling over the side. "It sounds like we have that in common. I only knew one place all of my life. Until a few months ago when I got away and came here," she says. "Things here are so different. There's so much to the world I haven't seen before. Have you been to the zoo? There are animals there. Amazing animals I've seen on TV. THere's one with a really long, thin neck, a tiny head, but as tall as yours is because of the neck," she says, a smile coming to her face at the memory of the giraffes on TV. 

:'''{{#var:8146|Grimlock (8146)}} has posed:''' "Me am die cast construction." It's a lost art. Grimlock pulls back and rubs at his nose in thought. "Sound like Sludge." he rumbles at the description that Vi offers to him. "But Sludge bigger. Not stronger. Me Grimlock strongest!" he declares proudly before the massive dino starts to step back. As he does so, his frame starts to shift and change, the dinobot fascade twisting and shifting away as the grinding of gears brings him into his larger robot mode. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi's mouth falls open a bit as she watches Grimlock changing shape. "That... is so cool!" the nineteen year old says, practically gushing. "Wow, that's amazing. How many different ways can you make yourself look?" she asks the giant Dinobot. "This Sludge looks like a giraffe? I'd be interested in meeting him someday too," she says with a smile. She glances around the junk yard. "So, what do you do? I mean, do you... have a job of some sort? Everyone here seems to focus on finding a job and becoming something. I'm working with a detective in the city. He helps out a lot of people. Mutants, especially." 

:'''{{#var:8146|Grimlock (8146)}} has posed:''' "Sludge no giraffe. Sludge apato..apato..apato.. brontosaurus!" Stupid name changes. Grimlock huffs angrilly as he shakes his head, the dinobot grumbling to himself mightily. Then he finally starts to come back down from his brief moment of anger. "Me no need job. Me have job. Bash Decepticons!" he announces proudly. "Why need job?" he asks in confusion. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi pulls out a pad of paper and a mechanical pencil and she jots something down on it. Brontoesorus. She puts it away, having made herself a note to look them up later. "I don't think I'm familiar with that type of animal. And, your other body, is there a name for what that was?" Vi asks curiously, her love of animals she developed at finding out the diversity that exists showing through. Vi hesitates at the answer. "I think for most people, it's so they make money to buy food and have somewhere warm when it's cold. Though, some places seem to have so much of that, I wonder why it can't just be shared with everyone," she tells him finally. The girl's head tilts to the side a little bit. "What are Decepticons? And why do they need to be bashed?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:8146|Grimlock (8146)}} has posed:''' "Me am Tyrannosaurus." Grimlock responds, the dinobot moving to take a seat on a small stack of cars. They crunch and squeak underneath his weight before he's settled and he grunts. "No need for money. Never too cold. Never too hot." he rumbles in thought as he folds his hands in front of him and his fingers press together. "Decepticons are bad. Strip planet of resources, leave barren. Will try to convince you otherwise. That here to help." he grunts. "Then will stab you in back." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi gives little nods of her head as she listens. She pulls out her pad of paper, adding 'tieranosorus' and 'deseptikon' to her list of things to look up. It takes her a few moment to spell out each word as she is phonetically trying to work them out, writing more like an elementary student than a nineteen year old. Vi frowns as Grimlock shares the description of the Decepticons. "They remind me of Hydra," she says, the frown growing. "Are they people, or are they robots like you?" Vi inquires. "And... where do you come from? Does someone build you and your friends somewhere?" she asks curiously. 

:'''{{#var:8146|Grimlock (8146)}} has posed:''' "They Cybertronians too. Not robots." Grimlock makes sure to make that designation clear. "Robots dumb, have to be programmed. Cybertronians aren't programmed. We develop. Grow. Free thought." he rumbles quietly as he considers her. Then he gives a shrug of his large shoulders. "We come from Cybertron." But at the question of someone building them, there's a low growl of disapproval. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi catches the growl at the end of the explanation. "I didn't mean to offend you. We didn't have school or anything like that where I grew up. I've only just started learning the countries in the world. Is Cybertron a country, or a city?" she asks, looking a little sheepish as she reveals just how ignorant she is, not knowing things that many children are aware of. "Do you find enough gas here to keep you fed?" she asks, glancing around. "I don't know how expensive it is to buy. If it wasn't too much I could try to buy you some. Though I don't have much money I'm afraid." She doubts she could steal enough gasoline even if she wasn't trying to not do that anymore now she's escaped from the Hydra work camp. 

:'''{{#var:8146|Grimlock (8146)}} has posed:''' "Do not need charity. Will be fine." Grimlock responds as he looks around. "Plenty fuel around. No complaint from owner. Don't have to worry about cleanup." He may be a messy eater, but he is very thorough in his devouring. He needs to have that fuel, every drop he can get he needs at the moment. He shakes his head though, perhaps a mote of amusement in his tone. "Cybertron is planet. Far off in space." he explains. "Far far from here." he rumbles. "No way to get back at the moment." Not that Grimlock is big on going back. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' There's a widening of Vi's eyes as Grimlock tells her that he's from another planet. "I... didn't even know..." she says, before trailing off and shaking her head. A phrase she has had to say way too many times. But of late she had felt like she was catching on. The girl pulls off her gloves and then her hat, ruffling her fingers through her brown hair before doffing the cap again. "But you have other friends here? You're not alone?" she asks Grimlock. "I'd like to be your friend. You're the first Cybertronian I've met," she tells him, offering a soft, pretty smile. 

:'''{{#var:8146|Grimlock (8146)}} has posed:''' "Other Cybertronians. Other Autobots." Grimlock is not quite going to call them friends. He gives a little grunt of thought. "Being friend dangerous. People will look for you. Want to know what you know." he rumbles in thought and gives a shake of his head. "Not sure if good idea." Plus she's a fleshie. And he's not sure how to feel on that. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi hrms quietly after hearing that. A cold wind swirls across the junkyard, carrying with the scents of metal and rust, and sending the snowflakes that have started to fall again to slant to the side as they drift down. Vi lets a few of the snowflakes land on her bare hand, not seeming bothered by the cold. "Ok. I don't want to cause any troubles," Vi agrees with the giant Autobot. She glances around the junkyard. "It is a good place for me to practice, anyway. I don't come here a lot, but sometimes," she says. "Always so much metal for me to push off of." She is sitting on the edge of the shipping container, and then pops up into the air like she'd jumped, coming back down to land on her feet. The girl pulls out a small vial from the belt of a pouch about her waist, opening the top and swallowing the contents. 

:'''{{#var:8146|Grimlock (8146)}} has posed:''' Grimlock senses the temperature change as well. He considers for a moment and starts to shift back into his more fearsome mode. "Come out here." he rumbles. "If I am here, will visit." he states finally. "No guarantee." The large Autobot is gruff in his tone, but he gives a little scoff. "Help make you assertive." comes the dry comment as he starts to swing around, his large tail swishing behind him as he prepares to depart. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi nods her head back to Grimlock and gives him a soft smile as the Dinobot leaves the possibility of running into him again open. "I'll come by again sometime then," she says, nodding her head. "And if not I'll leave you a marker that I was here." She doesn't explain it better, just smiles to him and waves goodbye as he moves off. Vi glances at her phone to see the time. She's not very good with her phone, but has mastered basic calls, and using it to tell time. "Should probably head off," she says to herself. With fresh fuel metals in her stomach, she pushes off the shipping container, launching herself into the air like she was shot out of a cannon, arcing off to the north. 
}}

10558/Guardians of the Unfortunate

2019-12-28T08:00:27Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2019/12/28 |Location=Refugee spaceship Excelsior |Synopsis=The Guardians protect a ship of settlers from a pirate attack to the sound of awesome Te..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/28
|Location=Refugee spaceship Excelsior
|Synopsis=The Guardians protect a ship of settlers from a pirate attack to the sound of awesome Terran tunes
|Cast of Characters=1575,155,1163,111
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=[[File:Guardians of the Galaxy.jpg|x225px|center]] 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' The Excelsior used to be a livestock ship capable of carrying large numbers of animals from one planet to another. The group of pilgrims who had bought the ship had another plan for the ship with the high end life supprot systems: use it to transport a large group of settlers to a new colony. The lumbering craft limps through the stars, big and sturdy but none too fast. It's destination is a small, unpopulated planet in the Belt of Orion, advanced probes to the planet having already conducted the small amount of terraforming necessary for the settlers. Outside of the bridge, Drax the Destroyer leans against a wall, using the tip of a knife to clean beneath his fingernails. "It is rude of them to make us wait out here," Drax complains. "We are hired guards. But the safety of the ship is our hands." The knife picks beneath his nails, dislodging something that Drax looks at curiously before tasting. The result is a small, approving shrug and then he continues with the grooming. Cuticle care is important. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket is sitting on a crate in the cargobay with a big rifle laid across his legs absently picking at the gaps in the weapon with the end of one nail. His weapons are all maticulously cleaned, of course, so nothing comes out from it.. but that doesn't stop him because he's an animal and that's just repetative motion. "It's a ship full of stupid humies, who would want to mess with a ship full of stupid people? It's like shootin' a rocket at a special needs short bus..." Or so the saying goes, something something, short bus, something... who even knows where he picks this stuff up. "I think the question on my mind... and on everyone elses mind-" Groots, "-Is... is it too late to back out?" 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      Groot was sitting on the floor, with a small bowl of some sort of fruit in front of him. A viney finger reaches out and cleaned at the dense wood that was his teeth. Oral hygiene for a flora colossus was pretty much done for him, it was something he had just seen Quill doing and started to mimic. "I am Groot." He comments, flicking a seed he pulled out of his maw towards Drax. He didn't seem to mind waiting, moreso than his compatriots, but he liked to go with the flow, so he nods in agreement with Rocket. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' The seed bounces off Drax and falls to the floor, not seeming to disturb him from his grooming. "Other stupid humies?" Drax suggests as he finishes and sheaths his knife. He sniffs once and gives a small wrinkle of his nose. "Is that smell from you, small beast? Or did they fail to clean this cargo hold?" he asks of what has been remodeled to hold various equipment used by the settlers, but was obviously used to hold herds of beasts in the beast judging by some of the remnants of the original setup. "I am not thinking of backing out. I am thinking of what I always do," Drax answers. "Thinking of Thanos with my thumbs in his eye sockets," Drax says. He looks down at his hands, opening both of them and flexing the fingers, then wiggling his thumbs a little as if he were imagining what he just said. Just then an alarm starts blaring. After a few seconds, the captain comes over the intercom. "We have a ship that just jumped into the area and is moving to attach to our air lock. Guards make ready to repel boarders." 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket picks at the side of his jaw, scratching really, because it's been a long time out on some dusty old planet hiding form yandu cus they still aint got his credits back. Which means fleas. Which means everyone's getting bit in their sleep because Rocket knows he has fleas and is laying in their beds for the sole purpose of making everyone uncomfortable. It's a love thing. A big fangy grin at Drax, "You aint never gonna do that, you know that right? I mean ya might kill'em, but yer gonna forget ya wanted to put your thumbs in his eyesockets.. I know you, you'll forget." Pointing an accusatory claw at the big shirtless brute. Right about the time the intercom informs them of the work whistle. "Alright, losers, let's go kick some spacer ass." Hoisting up his rifle, tugging at his groin to adjust his red and black flight suit, Rocket slides down off the crates and starts towards the hatch leading to the air lock. "Who wants to bet I can shoot the air lock seal and suck them all out into vacuum?" 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      "I am Groot!" He points out, remembering the times Drax said he would cut off Thanos' head, and the time he would kill Thanos with what Quill called a whisk, and the time he said he would use a spoon to cup out Thanos' eyes.   The announcement gets Groot's attention quite easily. The giant tree stands up and loosens up for a fight. "I am Groot." He says, holding up a credit chit. Apparently he will take that bet.   Rocket's fleas...do not effect bark! Perfect symbiosis. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Drax itches at his backside, scratching at a lower quadrant of buttock through his pants. "The tree is correct. My mind is an impressive thing," Drax says as they leave the cargo hold and head through the ship's hallways towards the air lock. "Once something is within it, it is never forgotten," Drax claims as they follow the route they were shown to the airlock. The group comes to an intersection in the hallways. Drax looks to the left, and to the right, and then straight ahead. Then back the way they came. Drax's expression is perplexed for just a brief moment before becoming stoic again. "You should go first," Drax says, motioning towards the intersection and then crossing his arms to wait. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket snicker-sneers at Groot's immitation of Drax, "Spot on, buddy... Remember the time he said he was gonna beat him to death with Gamora's arm? I don't evne know why we was usin' Gamora as a weapon." The neutron rifle settles up in his shoulder, stock braced against his surprisingly strong body for such a little guy. "Oh fine, ya big lug.. I'll go first... jus cus ya don't know which way we're goin'." Grumbling, the Racoon of violence moves ahead towards the airlock, "Hey, ya know what we need?" Glancing back as the sounds of magnetically sealing clamps sound on the otherside of the thick plates beyond the hatch door signalling the impending arrival of hostiles... "Some battle tunes." 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      Groot laughs at that one, he forgot about. He did think it was a funny team-up move. Though the logistics of such a move never really made sense to him, he never thought about Gamora's arm wouldn't be attached to her anymore.   "I am Groot." He asks, following right behind Rocket, questioning who had the music player, and looking directly at Drax, in a totally accusatory way. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Drax keeps his nose up slightly as Rocket goes past. "The choice was between the green whore's arm, or Peter Quill's leg. I chose the more muscular limb to use as a club," Drax tells Rocket, and then he taps his head. "Never forgotten," he claims. The green-skinned muscleoid waits for Rocket to pick a hallway and then falls into step behind him with Groot. "I am merely testing you," he claims to the Rodent of Unusual Size. Drax's footfalls are heavy on the metal plates of the hallway, as if to make sure the enemy hear his approach. "Quill's music is suitable for the slaying of many enemies," Drax confirms. He pulls the Zune out of his back pocket, apparently having absconded it with from the Milano before Peter and Gamora took it to fly off to a second job. He turns it on and looks at it, choosing something called "Rocket's Battle Music". The external speakers built added to it during their last stop on Aldebara begin blaring music. Up ahead, the airlock door has already swung open, and there is a clank of metal on metal as some form of humanoid-like robots begin marching out of it, blasters in hand. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "Oh, hey, strong work Drax." Rocket actually sounds chipper about it, hoisting his rifle up to lay backwards across his shoulder with the grip held in one clawed right hand. The sounds of the boarders cutting through the locks is audible, dangerously close to fight time, and Rocket is thumbing over the Zunes touch screen through the selections he's programmed for his particular playlist. "Alright, losers..." Pushing play, music sliced into the ships intercom system. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH3giaIzONA The hatch snaps as the cutting torch finally melts the metal lock and rolls backwards along the access. "Wrong ship." Hoisting his big battle rifle up, "We aint buyin' what yer sellin'..." The green faced boarders eyes go wide seeing the trio, "WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!" "We're the guardians of the Unfortunate." I WANNA DANCE WITH SOME BOOOOODY WHO LOOOOVES MEEEE! 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      "I AM GROOOOT!" The chorus of Whitney Houston has Groot in a groove. The Flora Colossus reaches a hand toward the closest boarder, vines growing at an incredible rate as he grabs the leg.   Sufficiently ensnared, the goon adjacent to his captive is swiped at with his own buddy. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' As the strands of music rise and to fill the hallway, Drax lifts his bare hands into the air on either side of him, muscles flexing. "The sounds of Terran battlesong!" he cries, and then screams as he charges forward into the crowd of boarders. They stand three wide in the hall, except where Groot has already started to take them down. Drax charges straight up the middle, knocking down four beneath him before his momentum is broken by the sheer mass of bodies. Some of the other boarders jump on top of him and start waling on him with fists and rifle butts, while others turn their attention towards Rocket and Groot. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "Wait, no! I wanna shoot the air lock clamp!" Rocket shouts upsettedly as Drax rushes head long into the throng. His attempts to mass murder borders thwarted, he instead favors just one at a timing them! Putting sizable holes in unfortunates trying to dog pile ontop of his green skinned companion. "You guys are gonna regret gettin' ontop of him! He's a biter! I seen him snag off a fellas ear over a card game once... he thought it was part of the game, but that don't change nothin'!" Blam blam, cirlcing behind Groot to use the massive colossal tree as a shield against return fire that is largely ineffective against his superior speed and agility! 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      Groot's couple of baddies were cast aside with the quickness. The sounds of energy bolts colliding with his bark is a little harrowing, but Groot shrugs these bolts off with ease, so far.   Of course, Groot is more than happy to shield Rocket from bolts! Groot keeps moving forward, making sure to give these folks the heavy lumber. The next feller is punched with a mighty log of a fist, knocking down two behind him! 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' There are some sounds of screaming from the pile of bodies. Some of them probably come from Rocket picking off attackers, though some of them are definitely another layer deeper. Men on each side of the pile fire back, bolts of energy hitting Groot, or beside him as they shoot at Rocket only to have him dart to the other side and evade their fire. The pile of bodies suddenly moves and those on top go flying as Drax throws them off of him and rises up. "AH HAH HAH HAH!! AH HAH HAH!!" he cries out. "I WANT TO DANCE WITH SOMEBODY!" he picks up an unconscious man by the legs, twirling him around and throwing him into other boarders, knocking them over. Drax then leaps on them and starts pounding on them with one fist after another. One of the boarders still on his feet takes aim at Drax's head. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket hits his jet pack controls and hovers up above the pile of bodies gone flying from Drax now dived back into the mix, "I want to feel the feet of some body!" Because Rocket doesn't actually know the words to the song. He never knows the words to the song. "What is terran facination with feet anyways?" BLAM another border is put down with a sizzling hole in their chest, another grabs hold to one of the racoons clawed feet and gets kicked away for a blaster to paint the wall with a chunk of brain. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      Groot's arms hold two boarders, knocking them together like a cartoon.   The tree holds up the two concussed souls as he sings along. "I am Grooot! I am Groot!" He laughs, tossing the two boarders in his hands like empty soda cans, next to the scattered bodies Drax pulled a Marilyn Monroe on. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Drax finally rises back to his feet, seeing the boarders are either all down, or the smart ones already retreated into the airlock, sealing it and rushing for their ship to cast off. "A fine battle!" Drax cries out, lifting his fists in victory. He steps on the chest of one of the wounded as he walks past, causing the man to cry out. "We should ask for a bonus," he says as he rejoins his compatriots. Drax clasps Groot firmly on the shoulder, congratulating him on his battle prowess. "By what name is the crooner of the battle song known?" he asks Rocket. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket hovers there on his jets, but ultimately settles on Groot's massive shoulders. Rifle slung in a little hammock of twisted roots on his companions back, "Uhhh..." Fishing the zune out to look at the name with squinty, beady, black eyes. "Whitney Texa- no, Whiney Houseton. I don't know, I don't read basic so good." So he holds it down to... Groot. Who clearly reads better than him. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      Groot settles Rocket's rifle on his shoulders, easily accessible to the furry fury.   "I am Groot." He says, agreeing with Drax on the great battle. When the Zune is held up to his face, the brown eyes can be seen reading the display. "I...am...Groot." He reads, looking to Drax and Rocket, confirming the name, and adding in the album! 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Drax runs a hand over his bald pate and one corner of his lips lifts up in a crooked smile. "Yes. Amorie Handspeth. We shall have to play more of her battle hymns in the future," he agrees with Groot, his eyes glazing with the thought of battles to come. Drax's greatest love of all. The intercom buzzes and the captain comes over. "The pirate ship is moving away. I think they are arming their weapons though!" A communications screen next to the airlock comes to life, the captain showing the external sensors view of the pirate ship, flying away from the settler's transport and then turning back around as if to make an attack run. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:''' Really many things can be said about Star-Lords failings. Impatient Sarcastic Morally Challenged A bit of a space whore, don't tell Gamora. Despite everything it would be hard to deny the fact that Peter Quill knows how to make an entrance. The viewer screen shows the Pirate craft settled into the attack run. Weapons prepped. Certain Doom. Then just a space explosion and the Milano drops into view having come in behind and above it. The ship is swiftly positioned to dock, it is honestly a very aggressive dockiing manuaver. Star-Lord is the first one through when the airlock pops shouting "Who took my Zune!" Right... he has trouble doing the job without he music, says he needs it for planning and plotting. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' The zune, in Rocket's hand... "Gamora." Said matter of factly, juggling the music device from one hand to the other, "Quick, someone slip this in Gamora's things once we're b- dammit, I forgot to close the comms link..." Pause.. sliding, very slyly, the zune into Groot's back cavity, "Hey Quill, how ya doin' buddy? Glad ya showed up..." Usual ''I did something wrong so Imma win the Captain over with pleasantries'' voice. Standard fare. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      Groot's knothole is a great place to store things, such as zunes, acorns, spare energy clips.   The giant tree waves over to the Milano and at Star-Lord, like nothing ever happened. Yup, he's covering for Rocket, the bromance is strong!   "I am Groot!" He exclaims to Peter, holding up a credit chit he won off of Rocket. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Drax watches on the view screen as the pirate craft is about to make it's run on the refugee ship when the Milano blows it out of space. Or maybe into space, since everywhere is space it can't really be blown out of it. Wherever the parts end up, Drax raises both fists into the air. "We are victorious again! The songs of our deeds shall be sung for generations when the settlers found their new colony of Draxonia!" he proclaims. "Peter Quill, your arrival is most fortuitous. Come aboard ship and the settlers shall throw us a great feast befitting our victory," Drax sends to the Milano. "We will? I mean... uh, sure, we will. You all did great," the captain of the Excelsior adds over the comms. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:''' "Gamora does not have it you pint sized a-hole!" Peter pivots pointing back towards the Milano. "Gamora is really... mad about the Zune and ..." which is in no way reality. Gamora is likely pissed Peter made them turn around and catch up with the colony ship just to get his stupid music player. Star-Lord switches to comms ~We have the other Job We Can't Stay For a Feast.~ but he doesn't want the Captain to know that not all the Guardians are on the job, they paid for the full Guardians not half the Guardians. Hell the Excelsior probably thinks the Milano has been ghosting along after them helping protect the whole time. It blew away the Pirate craft right. "Nice one Groot." taking the time to acknowledge that Groot won a bet against Rocket. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      "I am Groot." A little dejected at the rejected feast. Since Quill won't let Rocket out of his sight, Groot takes this opportunity to get aboard the Milano and pull the Zune out of some random place, in a box, on a shelf in some random area. "I am Groot." He comments, wondering if they truly looked everywhere.   Once enough time has elapsed, he returns, handing Quill the box that encased the zune.   "I am Groot." 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "She has it, I seen her take it..." Did he forget that he just confessed? Probably not, Rocket is a pretty intelligent sentient, so it must be he don't think the others are! "Aw man, they said there'd be crab-apples pie..." Fangy frown, picking at little bits of Groot's bark to pick at his own teeth, "Ya know how I like crab-apple pie, Quill.. ya sure we can't stick around? They're really happy how we killed all them pirates who was gonna do unspeakable things to'em, if we hadn't been here... ya know, cus we got payin' money and what not... on account of I picked the job." Rocket watches Groot hand ove rthe zune and makes a supremely surprised face ! "How'd that get there?! Gamora must'a planted it... she's a trickster... well good, I'm glad that whole business with the zune is settled." "Crab-apple pie?" Thumbing over his shoulder, half turning. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Drax helps some of the Excelsior's crew take away the survivors of the attack. Mostly by picking them up and heaving them down the hallway in the direction of the room they plan to turn into a brig. He dusts his hands and then moves onto the Milano with the others. "The songs of Amorie Handspeth carried us forward to victory," Drax says, resting a big hand on Quill's shoulder. Unfortunately it's still bloody from pounding into a number of the attackers. Drax makes up for this giving the shoulder a few pats before removing his hand. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:''' Quill is distracted during the Raccoon's antics which are just covering for Groot mostly by the hearty smacks on the shoulder with the bloody hand. "Who?" which is a change really, because usually it is people saying Who to Star-Lord or to the Guardians of the Galaxy, not Quill in return. Then again it is Drax. "That... can't be right." he finally notes in time for Groot to come back out now with a box from the ship "No ... no damn way..." he snags it from Groot. "Son of a bitch...." Then something clicks, is it the fact Drax said songs carried them to victory or that Rocket copped to it right away earlier. Hard to say. "No way... good one though Groot... good one." and he points at the Raccoon. "Crab apple Pie... you are such a dick Rocket. No... I am going to go back on the ship... give the player to Gamora... and fall back in to guard in case other Pirate Ships come to see what happened. Got to be on guard. Diligent. Make sure these fine upstanding colonists get what They Paid For." The look Quill gives reads, do not fuck up one of the two jobs just because you picked this one. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      Groot's greenery started to flush as it seems his plan was gonna work, but Drax had to mention the songs of Amorie Handspeth. That was about the time the leaves had shed and fluttered to the ground. "I am Groot." He says, walking sullenly back to the Excelsior, like Bill Bixby hitchhiking to get to another town.   Damn shame about the crab apple pie. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "They got what they paid for..." Rocket narrows his eyes at Quill, "Did you even listen to the words what I had just said? They're gonna hold a massive feast in our honor... mostly mine, cus Drax scares'em.. and because Groot is gonna provide the crab-apples..." Seated up atop his colossal buddy, "Aw well, screw't, I guess I could jus' pick up one of them pre-packaged deals on Knowhere... ya know, where we /should be headed cus we aint paid Yandu back../." Glancing around, "I mean we done what we was gettin' paid for right? Save'em, all that stuff? It's a small, mostly unpreceptiable, ratio that the pirate'll come back?" Weren't they out there charging their guns? Did Quill kill them before docking? Gosh, Rocket hopes so. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Drax looks around the Milano, making sure it sustained no battle damage in the fight, one-sided though it was. "They are very wise to be scared of me," Drax confirms with a quiet, satisfied nod. He looks at the Milano's scanners and doesn't see any signs of other ships at least close by. "I shall go and clean up first," he announces. Drax turns to walk towards the exit to the cockpit, but pauses besides Peter. Drax looks him over. "You should clean yourself as well. You have something," he says, making a motion towards Peter's shoulder, then continues off, shaking his head about Star-Lord's lack of hygiene. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:''' Peter inhales very slowly and then exhales. "Have a good feast. Good job guys." Yeah they actually did do a good job, even if the whole ship might have blown them up if they hadn't stolen the Zune and made Peter come do the job those poor colonists actually paid for. Damn complicated. He turns with the prize in hand and heads back to the ship. "Gamora got it... do not punch me!" Then just the hisss of the airlock slamming shut as the Milano starts to pull away. 
}}

10335/See You On The Slopes

2019-12-28T07:59:31Z

Kirby:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/06
|Location=Angel Grove, Starling, and a Canadian ski resort
|Synopsis=Separate trips converge on on the ski slopes of Whistler. It doesn't matter how they got there, only that they did.
|Cast of Characters=68,1134
|Cast of NPCs=322
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' After the business with the Yakuza, Jason had seen Rip and his guys got paid, telling him he'd be in touch about the 'teaching job' in the New Year. That done, Jason had posted a note to the Bats that he was out of town for a few days and then he hopped the zeta port to Starling where he and Roy hit the town, both in costume and out. Just the thing he needed to blow off a little steam away from the complications of Gotham and the family. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie has had a lot on her mind of late. Bruce's recovery and the happenings within what truly was becoming a family to her. The news about Superman's body being missing was like someone had found a knife buried in her that she'd started to get used to, and started twisting it. And other things. Things Stephanie had done her best to keep out of her mind. Walling some things off to avoid risking losing what she already had. And it was working. The fears seemed to be put at ease. Even with everything else Stephanie was dealing with, the last few days had continued to be some of the best of her life, same as the previous weeks. The call from Kimberly in Angel Grove had still been very welcome. The young woman she'd met at the site of Superman's death had helped Steph that day, without ever knowing the how or the why. An invitation to come up to Angel Grove via the zetaport would be a nice chance for Stephanie to clear her head a little. Though she'd miss what she was leaving behind in Gotham, she packed a few things and soon found herself lounging in Kimberly's house in Angel Grove, laughing and catching up on the University of Starling student's happenings. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason wasn't sure who's idea it was, all he knew was it came up at the Grove after... he wasn't sure how many shots of tequila, but the plan was skiiing. He hadn't been planning on it, except in the vaguest of senses with Steph but at the time it had sounded like a good idea, so arrangements were made for a chalet in Whistler, and a hungover Jason had gone shopping for ski gear in the city, before making the trek up the mountain, with Roy telling him he had to 'check on a thing' and he'd meet him up there later. Jason had made sure to make sure his ride up the mountain was charged to Roy's card. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The club was fun. The music was good, and the crowd was out looking to have a good time, plus Kimberly's friends were an interesting group to hang out with. Stephanie found she was fitting in with them a little better than she normally did in group situations. Maybe it was that she knew she probably wouldn't see them again. Or it was more Kimberly's doing, and that they were impressed Kim had a college junior coming to visit and hanging out with them. Stephanie took out her phone as Kimberly came back, snapping a selfie of the two of them, both with big goofy grins, and posting it to her account with the title>> Angel Grove for the win! Stephanie set down her soda and let Kimberly pull her out onto the dance floor. This trip had been a lot of fun, and while she still had time off from school, Kimberly had some obligations she wouldn't go into details on, so Stephanie was planning to take the zetaport back the next day. The thought of returning and catching up with certain people put a small smile on her face as she joined her friend on the dance floor. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Up on the mountain as night was falling, Jason found himself in a nice little two bedroom chalet, rustic, with hardwood floors and walls, but with all the comforts of home, big screen TV over the fire place, leather couches, a game room downstairs, not to mention a kitchen and a hot tub outside for those willing to brave the cold. Jason off loaded some beer he bought in town into the fridge in the kitchen, what he promised to supply if Roy brought the food up with him when he came, then flopped down on the couch to watch what Canadians got for television. "Why are their four channels showing the same hockey game?" he asks as he lays there flipping through channels until he hits HBO. "Nice," he says as an old episode of Strike Back plays, pausing to check a new notification on his phone, seeing Steph's post. "Angel Grove?" he murmurs, that was somewhere outside Starling. He chuckles to himself as he comments on the post: Jaybird33: Stalker. No context. Just that. But then he hadn't said where he was going in his AAR. There was a knock on the door. "Get your key at the front desk dumbass!" he calls from the couch expecting Roy. There's another knock. "Fiiiine," Jason says rolling onto his feet off the couch and coming to the door, it's not Roy there but one of the people working for the lodge, with a gift basket? (image: https://champagnelifegifts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/00031-Champagne-Bubble-Bath.png). "Hello, is Miss Todd here? I have a package from Roy Harper for her?" Jason rolls his eyes... "Yeah, I am she," he says in deadpan. "Where is the bastard?" The employee says, "He called and sent his regrets but paid for this basket for you." Jason eyes it, champagine, candy, bubble bath... yep, he found the girliest one possible, Jason plucks the note off the wrapping, having a look. It was predictable, the thing Roy had checked on turned into a big thing and he was going to have to go deal with it, blah, blah, don't ruin your vacation, enjoy the basket and a smiley face. Jason shook his head and takes the basket giving the employee a twenty dollar tip... the money was all weird and plastic with a clear part and hologram... yay Canada... Looking at the basket, Jason shrugged and headed for the bathroom. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Kimberly's home was a comfortable one, her mother and step-father nice enough. Kim had said they were wondering about this strange girl from Gotham they'd never heard of, but after getting to know Steph they'd seemed fine. Stephanie lounges on the foot of Kimberly's bed, stretched across a corner with her head hanging over the edge. "Yeah, I see why you like him. Really cute smile. Good luck with him at the hockey game," Stephanie says, referencing a date that Kimberly has coming up with a boy of interest to her. Stephanie pulls out her phone, looking at it upside down as Kimberly asks Stephanie a question on the same sort of subject. "Nah. I mean... ah... nah. You know. Things don't work sometimes. Most of the time. And... and I'm just happy with what I've got. It's a lot," Stephanie says, and there's a lot of honest to the words. Her phone chimes and the name of the person replying gets a big grin from Stephanie. She laughs at the stalker comment and just sends back a great big pair of eyes. Stephanie's phone is set aside, and she sees Kimberly's raised eyebrow at Stephanie's huge grin she'd gotten. "What!?" Stephanie complains to laughter, and the swing of a pillow at her head. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason gets the big eyes reply while he's changing for the bath, he laughs setting his phone down on top of the toilet before climbing in and dropping the pink ball of the bathbalm into the water, filling the tub with pink bubbles. After that he pours himself some champagne and glances up at his phone. No point in rolling with Roy's little gift if he just told him about it, he needed to make sure there was photographic evidence, so, Jason snapped a pic, making sure it was suitablely SFW, I mean it was one thing to troll your bro back, another to send him an accidental dick pick. What happened after that was all an innocent mistake. There was condensation on the screen of Jason's WayneTech Prometheus and Jason's fingers were soapy, so it wasn't hard for his finger to slip from Roy to Steph, after all they were right next to each other in his favourite contacts. The slip goes unnoticed and Jason, grinning to himself types the message and send the photo... ...and out of the blue Steph's phone pings with an image of Jason sunk half-way down to his abs into a tub of pink bubble bath, a champagne flute in one hand, smiling into the camera. The message that comes with it reads: Jason >> Didn't think I use that girly gift basket you left me? Think again, ARSEnel. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Moments that pass between text messages could be filled with so many different things. In this case, a lot of grinning, laughter and comments. The volume and wit of which had it been recorded would have made for its own excellent read. As it is, a short time passes before Jason's picture is replied to. Only it doesn't come from ARSEnal as he might have expected. And they come one after another in machine gun fashion. Stephanie>> That moment you just used the big eyes emoji but now it's even more appropriate. Stephanie>> Kimberly says you have amazing abs. Stephanie>> You do have amazing abs. Kimberly wants you to sit up a little higher in the water. Stephanie>> I bet you smell WONDERFUL right now too. Stephanie>> I'll go easy on you and grant you: https://themonumentous.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/1-6-1170x640.jpg 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason is just taking a sip of champagne when the first bing, then the next, then the next comes from his phone. "What is Roy getting texting lessons from Steph or something..." he mutters, usually she was the only one who blew up his phone like that. He takes a look, his eyes doing a pretty good impression of the big eyes emoji as he sees the name attatched to the texts... "Oh shit," he laughs pulling up the pic again to make sure there wasn't anything but abs showing. Finding that was it, he breathes a sigh of relief and then wiping off his hand and phone with a towel types a reply: Jason >> Tell Kimbery I'm not a piece of meat. :) And I do smell wonderful thank you very much. Jason >> Roses I think? He ponders... Steph was still in Angel Grove if she was showing his pic to Kim, and he was on a skii hill maybe three hours away. Jason >> Your mercy is appreciated. But I don't like handouts, can I pay you back in skiing? Up at Whistler (Kimberly will know where that is), Roy bailed, could come up if you want. I'll pay for rentals and stuff. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie sensed from her first time meeting Kimberly that they got along well, and the laughter and excitement that ensued during the texting just goes to prove it. Stephanie shares the replies from Jason, the blonde's smile so radiant that Kimberly takes notice of it but doesn't mention it other than getting a private grin as Stephanie's thumbs pound some responses back. Stephanie>> Not a piece of meat? Kimberly says you're beefcake. Stephanie>> Ok, Kimberly is making me admit that it was me that said you were beefcake. <embarrassed emoji> There's a bit of a delay from the last to the next response. Stephanie>> Wait, you're here? Near Vancouver? asdflkllllllll Another longer pause. Stephanie>> This is Kimberly. Stephanie will be there. She can bring my ski gear. Ouch! Shefightsdirty!!11! Stephanie>> Looks like I'm going to Whistler. See you in the morning? Expecting you to smell good. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' For his part Jason gets himself out of the bath as he listens to the replies ping back on his phone, pulling on some sweats and a hoodie, in case he needs to go drive the girls up the mountain. Though like as not it would tomorrow... he check his phone... yep tomorrow. Jason >> Morning works. Need a lift or are you good? He opens the bathroom door, then turns back and grabs the champagne before heading out to flop down on the couch in the living room while he waits on a reply. Oh wait... Jason >> And I always smell good... just not like roses. More like cigarettes and cordite... which mostly smelt good to him. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' There's a bit of a delay as a discussion ensues about whether Stephanie should make the trip to Whistler tonight or wait until morning. Stephanie is the reluctant one, not wanting to bail on her friend on the last night. But Kimberly is unrelenting, perhaps after having glimpsed Stephanie's smile. After a bit a text comes back. Stephanie>> Kim says morning traffic will be a bear, lose a lot of ski time. Says I should go tonight. I think really she just hates me and wants me gone! I don't smell like roses like SOMEONE does. I can probably get an Uber. Stephanie lowers the phone and looks over at Kimberly. "Thank you," she tells the other young woman, who comes over to give her a big hug. Yep. Definitely fast friends there. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason checks his phone and considers things. First, he forgot he took his own Uber to get here and he didn't have a car, second he didn't have food either. Jason >> Works. Means I can get more food than Champagne gummies and Ferero Roche. Cabin 4, Alpine Lodges, just as the guy at the desk, he'll point you the right way. Then Jason sets down the champagne and heads up to the bedroom to get changed into some warmer clothing for the trip for provisions before Steph arrived. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie>> Great, see you soon. By which I mean, I have no idea how long this will take, I just hope it's 'soon'. <ski emoji> Jason would probably have a good laugh if he saw the flurry of activity that resulted at the Hart household after. Clothes are pulled out and thrown at Stephanie as Kimberly tells her about the resort. Gorgeous mountainside views. Fireplaces. Some of the cabins even have hot tubs or saunas. Clubs and restaurants at the lodge. Stephanie could have spent all night trying on clothes to take if Kimberly had her way, but the blonde was looking forward to arriving so hurried it along. The drive up to Whistler was gorgeous, driving through the snow-covered mountains and then cresting a rise to see the town, lit by warm yellow lights that gave it a cheery, homey feel. And the ski lodge further up the slopes with the rows of private cabins, each stashed away in it's own seclusion within the trees. https://cdn.whistler.com/s3/images/og/winter-2015.jpg Stephanie>> Almost there. Passing the lodge, on the drive to the cabin now. Soon the car pulls up, the driver running around to help her unload the extra bag of clothing that Kimberly forced on her, plus skis, poles, and ski clothing. Stephanie glances towards the cabin. "Oh, that is... just gorgeous," she says. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' In the three hour and change interval between Steph's last text and her arrival Jason hurried down to the village to get food before all the shops closed. As it was Jason had to beg last cacher to stay open so he could rush around throw a bunch of things into a cart and get out before it was too late. What he got? Even he wasn't that sure until he put things in the fridge and cupboards, soups, pancake mix, bacon, one of those taco kits, some hot chocolate mix, pop, and a couple of other things. By the time he hauled it all to the cabin and put it away, he flopped back onto the couch and was dozing by the time the sounds of car doors slamming wake him, having him head for the door. The cabin was indeed beautiful, an A-frame design, surrounded by woods on all sides on the lower level, while the upper one crests out of the foliage to give them gorgeous view of the mountainside and the lights of Starling city glimmering in the distance. (https://cdn.liverez.com/5/11273/1/53536/550/4.jpg?v=12/20/201802:17:300PM) "Hey," Jason calls as he comes up the walkway from the front door. "Was wondering if you'd make it," he nods to the Uber driver as he steps onto the drive to help with the bags. "Bring enough stuff?" he teaes. "You know I've only got this place for the weekend right?" 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie is taking the bags from the driver, telling him she has them, when she hears the door to the cabin open and the snow and ice crunching beneath his feet as Jason steps out and calls to her. Stephanie glances at the dark-haired young man, flashing him a crooked grin. "I'm under orders to smell you," she warns. Steph glances at the driver. "It's an... inside joke, thing," she explains. "It was forced on me!" she says, hefting the bags as a radiant smile is shined towards Jason. "I told her I didn't think it would be long, but Kim wanted me to be prepared for anything. Including a zombie apocalypse. The flame thrower's in the trunk still." The driver glances at his drunk with trepidation. "Just kidding," Stephanie tells him. She juggles bags to pull some money out of her jeans pocket. "Thank you," she tells him as she passes over the tip. He smiles to both Stephanie and Jason and then climbs back in the car to begin the drive back. Stephanie's got a sweater on beneath a winter jacket. Jeans with black boots peeking out the legs of the jeans. She waddles over towards Jason, the bags and ski gear not so much heavy as cumbersome to carry. "I had no idea you were up here," she tells him as she walks over. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' He smiles and curnches through the snow and ice to reach out for one of her bags, "Uh-huh," he says of the bags being forced on her. "Though... knowing us, none of those options are impossible." Jason gives an upnod to the driver and then when Steph is ready to waddle, he takes his share of the bags and leads her back to the cabin saying, "Whatever you say, stalker," before chuckling, frosty breath drifting backwards from his laugh. Reaching the door, Jason pushes it open and slips through the tight entry to set the bags down in the much, much, larger living space. Here the roof soars upwards over top of the sofa, fireplace, and TV, with a little nook near the back for the kitchen and the hallway to the bathroom and second bedroom. By the entry stairs lead up to the half-level where the master bedroom can be found. There's a low fire in the fireplace, and the mostly pilfered giftbasket sits by the couch. "Sorry about the mess," Jason says of his little makeshift buffet. "And you're upstairs," he says about the sleeping accomodations, nodding up the wooden staircase. "If you don't think you can haul up your gear, I can call down to the front desk and see if Whister has any Sherpas." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown readily passes a bag and the bulky skis over and follows Jason into the cabin. "Wow, this is bigger than every home I've ever lived in," she says as she enters, doing one of those slow, 360 degree twirling walks to take it all in. The place has a few festive lights strung up around some of the windows for Christmas, and there is frost on the windows in a way that a Hollywood set designer would spend hours trying to duplicate for a perfect shot. Stephanie smiles and moves over to glance at the gift basket. "This was from Roy to you? Or did he have plans with someone else and you just co-opted the place?" she asks. She glances up the stairs and laughs, saying, "Yeah, and then you report me to Bruce and earn me extra time in the training room." Stephanie looks back to Jason and nods with her head towards the stairs. "Let me go drop this off and you can give me the grand tour?" she suggests. She carries the bags upstairs that need to go up with her. Steph is gone for just a minute or two, maybe hanging up some things so they don't wrinkle, then comes back down the stairs, moving with a light-hearted step. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Once inside the door Jason ducks out of the way to put the skiis next to his in the living room, leaning up against the entry way wall. "Outside of Wayne manor, me too." Jason says of the size of this place. All his childhood homes before that had been appartments meant for fewer people than who lived there, never something this spacious and picturesque. "That was Roy," Jason says stepping over to the remains of the gift basket sifting through the remains until he comes up with the last little packet of Ferero Roche which he tosses to Steph. "He decided to send that with his apologies..." he holds up the little tag on it, "Addressed to Miss Todd," he says both rolling his eyes and grinning. The thing about reporting her to Bruce gets a smile. "Wouldn't dream of it," he says wryly. "And sure, I'll be down here," he says letting Steph head on up to the master bedroom in the peak of the A, with it's bed dominating the space between the slanted walls with a wardrobe, TV and a window facing back towards the drive. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie pauses upstairs long enough to take in the view. Her voice calls from upstairs, "Ok... I didn't ever think I'd say I'd love to move to Canada. Especially in winter!" A few moments later is when she descends those stairs, catching the packet that is thrown her way. "Oh, these are good," she says, opening it up to take a bite of the treat. Stephanie looks around the cabin again, then goes to slip her boots off at the door, not having done so while she was carrying bags. She has thick stripe socks, with the kind of colors that are only bought by someone wanting them to stand out. She pads over nearer to Jason then, reaching a hand up rest on his shoulder to steady herself as she leans just close enough to inhale deeply and gets his scent. "Oh you do smell purty," she tells him with a grin, pulling her hand back and using it to retrieve her phone from the back pocket of her jeans. She taps off a message to Kimberly. "So, my friend I was visiting. Met her in Metropolis," Stephanie says, her voice turning just somber enough that Jason, who saw her visiting the site of Superman's death, can probably guess where Steph is referring to. "But we've kept in touch. Seemed like a good time to get away," she says. "She's a lot of fun." 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' "Yeah, from what Roy tells me this is the best part of Canada, the rest is all like we think a back home, snow and igloos," Jason calls up from where he was leaning agains the back of the sofa. "Right, too good, so that's less a gift and more me wanting you to save me from the rest of them," Jason jokes about the candies, taking note of Steph's socks as she comes down the stairs. He'd kicked off his boots revealing he was wearing some of the ones Steph had given him heavy woolen Star Wars socks, with Han or Luke riding a tauntaun on the side of them. They seemed fitting to their snow covered surroundings. Jason sees what's coming as Steph leans against him and he grins, allowing her to take a sniff. "Roses right? Wasn't joking." The mention of Metropolis gets a solemn nod out of Jason, "Glad something good came out of your visit, so scale of 1-10 how pissed was she that you jammed on her to go skiing with some random beefcake?" Jason asks with a grin threatening to return to his lips. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' After confirming the rose scent and sending off her after action report to Kimberly, Stephanie smiles and moves over to the fireplace. "God I've always wanted to have a fireplace," she says of it, holding out her hands to feel the warmth, not that she's all that cold after being in a heated car for the trip up. She turns back towards Jason and nods her head. "Yeah. I'm glad I ran into her," Stephanie says, the friendship she found returning a smile to her face as Jason helps her reframe her visit to the battle site in a slightly better way than she usually thinks of it. "I-" Her phone chimes and Stephanie pulls it out to check it. She laughs and covers her face for a moment. "Supposed to make sure you scrubbed thoroughly," she says with a little shake of her head as she taps something back to Kim. "Oh, she wasn't pissed at all. The opposite. I was telling her I didn't want to bail on her and she was urging me to come," Stephanie says as she composes her reply. It is sent off through the air and Stephanie powers her phone down completely and sets it on the table. "So what were your plans with Roy, Miss Todd?" she asks as Stephanie walks back over to stand before Jason, her arms crossed as she grins at him. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' "Me too, loved having them at the manor when I was with Bruce," Jason says watching Steph warm her hands by the remains of his fire. "I was way past believing in Santa, but it was fun to have one to hang a stocking on, you know?" Jason cocks a brow at Kim's request, "Let me guess she wants you to conduct a full visual inspection to confirm it right?" he asks shaking his head. "She sounds fun," he says smirking at the idea of her pushing Steph to come. He leans in and sniffs her, "Hmm you've obviously showered, so why'd she want you gone?" he teases. "Well... if it didn't come with the gift basket I would have gotten some massage oil and..." he lets that trail off with a grin before snorting. "Seriously, just guy stuff, skiiing, checking out clubs in the village, trying to get Roy laid... you know the usual. What did you and Kim have planned?" 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie's eyes dart about a bit as Jason leans in and inhales. Stephanie is wearing perfume, which probably isn't a usual thing for the young woman at least in the experiences Jason would have with her. "Kim spritzed me while I was trying on clothes," she comments in an idle tone. And then follows it up with a little poke to the ribs as Jason implies she might have smelled funny! "She didn't want me gone, just figured a ski trip shouldn't be passed up," Stephanie says. She turns to go through the rest of the basket. Her back is to Jason as Stephanie says, "She liked the picture of you, probably wanted me to keep you around Vancouver long enough for you to meet." She picks up a medium-sized vial of something. "Massage oil," she says, putting it back and shaking her head with a laugh. "Oh, it was just getting together for a few days. We went out dancing with her friends, and she showed me around the town. I've never really traveled before. This is the furthest I've been away from home," Stephanie says as she turns back to face Jason, leaning back against the table that the basket is on, both hands resting on it to either side of herself. "I'm glad you invited me though," she says, eyes drifting over to the fire rather than looking at Jason. "I've been wanting to go skiing for awhile, you know," she says. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' There's a small measure of surprise on Jason's face as he smells perfume on Steph. It wasn't like he went around sniffing her, but it was the first time he noticed it on her. "You smell good, it can't be that. Do you snore? Is that it? Am I going to need ear plugs?" he teases her to break the tension of them sniffing each other even in fun. He takes the poke in the ribs with a smile and at the suggestion Kim might want to meet him he grins,"It can happen, I mean she's got okay taste in friends," he gives Steph a grin. "So might be cool to hang with her and you." "Really huh?" Jason says about this being as far as she'd been from home. "I guess it was the same for me before, you know," he died. "Then I got in a lot of travel. So if you do more and need a guide, I'm pretty good." There's a nod for desire to go skiing, "No problem, seemed like it all fit, you here, me here, the mountain here, should be some fun." Jason drops down onto the couch opposite Steph, illuminated mostly by the flickering light of the fire. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie's eyes widen in mock outrage, before she laughs and tells him, "Great big ear plugs. Pillows, that I'll stuck in your ears personally," she says, reaching up to give one of Jason's earlobe a little yank. "I sound like Clayface getting flushed down a toilet when I really get going," she teases, her grin showing before she turns her back to check out the basket. Jason's answer about hanging with Kim and Stephanie both makes a smile want to come to Stephanie's lips, but the expression is taken away to somewhere inside. "You liked the perfume though? I'll have to tell her it was a good choice," Stephanie says. As Jason takes a seat on the couch, Stephanie goes over to open up the door onto the balcony. She leaves it ajar enough she can hear Jason if he calls, but otherwise steps outside, her footsteps leaving prints in the dusting of snow as Stephanie looks at the hot tub briefly. She had tried to tell Kim no about needing a bathing suit, but now she was glad it had been forced on her to bring it. Though the view quickly takes Stephanie's attention. Looking down the mountain at the lights of the small village below. She doesn't stay out there very long, just enough to look at it, and glance up at the light falling of snow coming down from the clouds above. Stephanie goes back inside, closing the door and putting a stop to the chill breeze that was slipping in through the opening. She moves over to take a seat on the couch as well. Stephanie looks over at Jason, seeming to be making up her mind about something. "I could probably do worse for a travel guide," she finally decides with a light, playful grin. "Where are your favorite places that you've been?" 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Laughing Jason says, "Well, going to take me a while to get my brain to stop thinking about what /that/ would sound like," he says. "Clayface being sucked down a toilet." He grins, before nodding absently about the perfume, "Yeah, let her know it's nice," he says absolutely beleiving Steph's story about Kim spraying it on her. As Steph heads outside, Jason watches from the comfort of inside as he gets up to go throw a new log on the fire and poke things around a bit while she checked out the quietude of their surroundings. Glancing up and seeing Steph looking off the balcony, Jason calls out, "Yep, really is a hot tub, outside... on a mountain, if I needed proof the Canadians were crazy..." he says shaking his head. "Did bring my suit though." Hey he didn't say he wasn't crazy. Jason doesn't catch that considering look, the log fell over and he was trying to get it back up so it didn't smother the flames. "Off the top of my head, Tokyo, Vietnam and the Greek Islands are pretty much my top spots." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' In this particular case, Jason's believing the perfume story is warranted. Stephanie hadn't explained why she didn't want to show up wearing perfume to Kimberly, but it was too late by then anyway. If part of her was sort of glad now that Kim had done that, it is pushed somewhere inside before it really has a chance to take hold. Stephanie takes one of the large throw pillows, settling it over in the lap of her blue jeans. "Wow. I don't even think I'd have tried to pick those as destinations. I mean, crazy Canadian cabin with a big tub of water on a mountainside was kind of here," Stephanie says, using her hand to notch a spot in the air relatively high up, "on the travel aspirations." She lets out a contented sigh as the fireplace puts out more heat. She picks up a remote, looking at it and hitting a few buttons. A Pandora playlist starts up, one of probably many that the lodge has equipped all of the cabins for, aiming for the mood that visitors might wish. It's not Christmas carols but some sort of Celtic music that has that season feel to it. Stephanie turns it down very soft and glasses to Jason. "I'm thinking there's about equal chances whether you like this, or it'll cause to melt down like the Wicked Witch of the West," she says with a warm but sardonic grin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-0phxRhoik Stephanie gives a soft sigh. "Greek Islands sound beautiful. The water, so blue. I always love the movies and commercials that are filmed there," she says the Gotham girl, who knows more concrete and gothic architecture than she even knows countryside wilderness. Let alone Mediterranean waters. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason nods, "Well if we're being honest, I didn't so much pick all of those spots as got taken there, it was part of my training after I died," he says. "Well except for the Greek Islands, those I went to on purpose." He pauses to consider the playlist, before giving it a nod of approval. "Well it fits all this," he waves a hand at their surroundings, "Better than Smashing Pumpkins or Rage Against the Machine," he allows. There's a nod about the Islands. "One of the few places that live up to the hype, really spectacular, even just sitting out on the deck drinking morning coffee is amazing," Indeed that was one of his mental 'happy places'. "Who knows, maybe Roy will stand me up out there one time and you can check it out," he teases. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' That gets a soft chuckle from Stephanie. "I'll start sending him some tourism pamphlets from there. See if I can't seed the idea for him," the young woman tells him. Her eyes go back to the fireplace and she gets a soft smile. "I like it down here so much maybe I'll just sleep here on the couch," she comments. "And watch the fire until I doze off. Stephanie takes that big throw pillow in her lap and sets it on the couch. It's next to Jason's leg but not really on it, only the top edges of it. Stephanie turns sideways on the touch and lies down, drawing her legs with those colorful socks up. Not necessarily proving good on her word, though she does curl up there. "Saw you're wearing the socks. I liked those ones," she says of the Star Wars pair that Jason has on today. "They looked good and..." Stephanie says before her words are interrupted by a yawn that she covers with her fist. "Good and thick. Nice and warm for this time of year. And, hey, nobody's cooler than Han," she says. Stephanie's eyes drift shut. Maybe she is going to sleep there, whether she intended it or not. She keeps talking, her voice taking on that quality of someone who sounds like they are near to drifting off. "You're probably our Han. Tim would be Luke. And Damian-" she yawns again. "Damian's Chewbacca." Stephanie adjusts, snuggling into the pillow, and her breathing begins to grow slower and more regular. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Sleep soon followed for both of them. Jason covering Steph with a blanket before he made his way to the second bedroom to sleep fitfully through the night. The next morning they woke early, Jason making omletes for breakfast, then it was all a matter of grabbing ski gear and hitting the slopes... in some cases literally, until it began to get dark and they retreated to the chalet to clean up, and too tired to cook, hit up the lodge for dinner. "Ready?" Jason calls up to the master bedroom from over by the entry way. Gone are the black and red ski clothes, and instead Jason's wearing a thick woolen sweater under a his ski jacket, his little battle scar, a scratch under his eye where he ran through some trees still healing. "Checked the brocher thing they gave us, said there's a little holiday party thing going on tonight, music, that sort of thing." He doesn't sound /entirely/ opposed to the idea of some festivity. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The day spent on the slopes was the kind of memory that Stephanie wouldn't soon forget. Shooshing down the slopes, sometimes braving runs that were a little above her skill level if not Jason's. But each wipe out just added new layers of laughter as Stephanie brushes snow from her face and hair. Back at the ski chalet, Stephanie enjoyed a hot shower, limbering up any muscles that were tightened up from the skiing. There aren't many muscles that Bruce's training don't work, so even the rigorous activity of skiing wasn't a difficult one to recover from. Stephanie pulls on the sweater she'd brought with her to Angel Grove. Kimberly had tried to push several different dresses on Steph, each more slinky than the rest, and didn't understand why Steph was adamant on turning them all down in favor of the simpler sweater of her own. "I'm almost ready. Just another minute or two. Come on up and keep me company," she says. "You have to check out the view out the window up here if you haven't." https://i.imgur.com/vBNcMDs.png She adds just a little makeup around her eyes, the young woman rarely wearing any. Some of her things are set out on the small vanity near her. Given even the zetaport follows airport rules about taking liquids into the facility, the small perfume bottle visible t here is probably the one that Kimberly spritzed her with earlier, though it hasn't been used again today. Stephanie runs a brush through her hair, trying to hurry up to not keep Jason waiting. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' At the request to come up, Jason looks up the stairs and hesitates a moment, before he produces his phone and takes a look at himself through the selfie lense, adjusting his hair a little before putting it away. "Sure, sure, make me walk alll the way upstairs..." he grumps good naturedly before his steps lead him to the door of the master bedroom leaning against the door frame while Steph brushed her hair. "It's a good view," Jason says his eyes not pointed at the window at first, before he seems to change his mind mid stream and turn to look outside. It /was/ beautiful, snow covered pines and cedars rimmed by the christmas lights set around the window frame. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie's soft laugh is there to greet Jason's arrival at the door alongside the view of Stephanie getting ready. "I'm becoming a taskmaster. Comes from who I hang out with, I'm sure," she tells him, glancing up in the mirror and watching Jason as he passes behind her over towards the window and looks out it. "Just let me know if it's getting to me in other ways," she comments while his back is to her. When Jason turns back around, Stephanie is turned towards him and making this... face. It's meant to be Bruce's glower, but there's a laugh that's trying to bubble up through it and turn it into a grin which is completely ruining any level of Bruce-ness that it might have otherwise achieved. "Ok, my acting needs work," she says, already having an idea how far off the expression was." She turns back, one last little brush, eyes going over her image. The sweater is a mix of mostly black, grey and white stripes of varying thickness. Though the small amounts of blue that bring out here eyes were what drew her to it when she saw it in the store she was bargain hunting in. "All ready," Stephanie says. She picks up the perfume bottle as if unsure whether to use it. After a moment she applies just a subtle amount, setting it aside and turning back to Jason. She claps her hands together softly. "Holiday party thing? Music? Sounds like fun," she says, face lighting up. "And the best part, none of those... what did you call them? Moguls? Mobiles?" she asks of the bumps on one of the ski runs that caused one her most spectacular crashes of the day. "Should just call them icy speedbumps. Anyway, I'm looking for to a surface that doesn't have those," she says with a grin, all ready to go. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason blinks turning back from the window to catch Stephanie's expression and sucking air through his teeth as he shaked his head, "It was a nice effort but you don't really have the face for that. Too used to smiling I guess," he offers with a smile. Noting the perfume, Jason makes no comment as he moves back to the door and nodding about the party. "I think they're doing it every weekend until Christmas or New Years and yeah, music, I think they've got a live band and everything," he says before grinning about the 'icy speedbumps', "Moguls," he says. "No idea why they call them that." When she declares herself ready, Jason nods and leads the way down the stairs and once they've got their coats on he leads the way down to the lodge as well, crunching along the tree lined roadway in the relative quiet of a snowy night, drawn to the lights and sound of the lodge just ahead of them. Jason doesn't say anything, just walks with his hands in his pockets, seemingly lost in thought. Though when they reach the lodge he perks up as the door opens and they walk into the warmth and cheer of the place, decked to the nines for Christmas with trees, wreathes, holly and mistletoe, Michael Buble's "Christmas" playing over the sound system while the band takes a break. (song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBycW6iu8GM) It actually brings a smile, willingly, to Jason's lips. He glances around and finds the dining room and without thinking he extends his arm, "Shall we?" he says as he prepares to lead the way. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The walk to the lodge is its own experience judging from Stephanie's smiles. The moon is rising and there's fresh powder on the ground, it having snowed about the time the sun was going down. There are more clouds coming in, and there is supposed to be another inch or two at least tonight. The blond girl walks along at Jason's side, looking around at the views of the mountainside and town below afforded by the path. "This is my first ski lodge," she comments to Jason, giving him a little shoulder bump as they draw near to it and she gets her first view, having gone straight to the cabin. "Like something out of a movie," she says brightly. Childhood memories rush back to her of bright places full of holiday cheer and music being shown on the TV. To the young girl it was like looking through a magic window to places a little brighter and more wholesome than the Gotham life she was accustomed to. Only this? This was real. If the lodge can make even Jason Todd smile, there's no doubt it'll draw one out of Stephanie as well. "Thank you, Jason," she tells him quietly as she looks around the place. The holiday decorations and the music just have a way of getting into Stephanie's mood and lifting it even higher. She smiles and slides her hands around Jason's offered arm, turning finally from her view of the lodge to flash him a quick smile before moving the rest of the way inside with him and letting Jason lead her about the beautiful building. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' There is a definite cinematic feel to the place, like a squadron of Hollywood set dressers had been set loose in the place to get it just so... and who knows maybe they did, Vancouver was Hollywood North after all. For Jason the place reminded him less of TV and movies but his first Christmas with Bruce and Alfred, he was as awed then as Stephanie was awed now, he smiles a little brighter to see her smile and says, "You're welcome." Then they're off to find their place in the dining hall. Dinner being included in the cost of the chalet, seating at the lodge was cruise ship style, with a couple of chalets each assigned to shared table, with a couple of two person tables by the window available by reservation. The latter being full when Stephanie and Jason enter the dining room they're shown to a table an older couple was already sitting down to eat. They smile and introduce themselves as Martin and Helen, and happily tell them that they were in town to visit family but were giving themselves a little treat with a weekend away. "My friend cancelled, so, Stephanie and I are making the most of it, it was her first time skiing today," he says trying to head off the 'and how long have you been together' question he could feel brewing from Martin and Helen. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie's head stayed on a swivel as they moved through the building that seemed to possess a magic quality. That everywhere Stephanie looked, there was some new joy to be found. Even in places she'd already looked, details that had gone unnoticed and appreciated would present themselves as if to keep fueling the young woman's smile. Sharing a table with the older couple doesn't seem to bother Stephanie at all. "Hello Martin, Helen," she says as they shake hands and then get settled in. Stephanie gives a little side to side head bob and a grin. "Managed to not break anything at least. But who would have thought snow could be that hard to fall on?" she asks in a bright tone that gets laughter from the couple they are seated with. Martin rests his hand on Helen's. They are both probably a little past sixty, he with greyed hair, and she white white. Bodies starting to show their age, but they both have a warm and friendly demeanor that age seems to have been unable to touch. Helen says, "Oh, your first time? Wonderful isn't it? We first came here for our honeymoon, and that was my first time skiing as well." Martin takes a sip from a rock glass that looks like it might hold scotch. "You were pretty good that first time, but so much better over the years," he says. Helen smiles at her husband's compliment. She says to Jason and Stephanie, "We come back every three or four years. I'm afraid my knees can't handle skiing anymore, but it's still worth it," she says. Martin nods his agreement as Stephanie's smile has turned to the one showing bright white teeth. Martin asks, "So if it's your first time, I guess the two of you aren't local then?" 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Sitting back Jason watches the interplay between the old couple and Steph, brow raising slightly at Martin's first time remarks, wondering if the man had slipped a little inuendo in there, though most of his attention is on that glass, so when the waitress brings he and Steph waters he orders a scotch for himself after Steph orders what she wants. "No, we're from Gotham, but I've been up here a couple of times with a friend of mine," he says offering scant details in return to the wealth of them provided by the couple. A short time later the waitress is back with their drinks and inquring after what they want for dinner. "Try the steak," Martin opines. "Great stuff." It doesn't take more than that to get Jason to order, "Yeah, the steak for me please, mashed potatoes, not garlic though." He looks to Step to see what she wants, the menu here is short, just about a dozen items and changes nightly. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie considers for a moment, looking at a wine list. "I'm worthless when it comes to knowing wines," she comments aloud. Helen asks if Stephanie likes white or red, and then makes a recommendation. "Thank you, I'll go with that. A glass please," Stephanie tells the waiter, before turning to flash a big smile over to Helen in gratitude. "First time out of the country, furthest I've been from Gotham," Stephanie confides to the couple. She looks over to Jason and grins as he orders the steak. "That sounds good to me as well. Steak with the steamed broccoli," she orders. Stephanie's attention turns back to the room. "The decorations are like something out of a dream," she comments. Before looking back to Jason and the couple. "Well, someone with a better set of dreams than me anyway," she says with a self-deprecating laugh. She glances towards the stage where a drum set and seats for musicians can be seen. "Do they have live music as well?" she inquires of the couple with so much experience here. About that time, a few musicians come out on the stage and appear to be preparing for a performance. "Oh, I guess they do," Stephanie says brightly. The sound of a little train giving a toot of a small train horn draws her attention over to where a miniature track runs along a wall, the ends going into the wall like they were tunnels in a mountainside. "Ok, I so need to do this with my room back home," she says with a laugh. The table they are at would fill up a third of her bedroom by itself. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' "Don't look at me, I just have what they serve at Bruce's parties if there isn't any scotch," Jason says that's about all there was to his knowledge of wines fine or otherwise. Taking a moment to check out the decor, Jason nods, "Yeah, it's pretty great, like they're filming one of those Hallmark Christmas movies after we all clear out." Martin grins, "They might be, knowing this area," he says going on a little bit about the city's booming TV and movie business, Martin had been an electritian in the business before retiring, and his wife Helen flashes Jason and Stephanie an apologetic smile. Breaking from his dissertation on the movie biz, Martin does ask, "And what do you two do?" "Security," Jason answers. "People pay me to test their security for them, it's a fun gig, but weird hours." Martin turns to Steph, "And you don't mind crawling out of bed to go work all hours of the night?" he asks her, "Helen always gave me hell when there was an early call time..." Helen swats Martin's arm, "They're not together," she says, reading the signs, with a slight twinkle to her eyes. "Oh," Martin says. "Sorry." Jason glances away, towards the train that had caught Steph's attention, "Might need to take over your neighbour's place, but it could work," he offers happy to change the subject. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie gives a warm laugh about crawling out of bed at all hours. "Well, I'm a student at Gotham U. Which does mean I have to get up ungodly early, but a college student's schedule isn't quite that bad," she tells them with a soft smile. Not technically a lie, any of it, though leaving out that yes, she does end up on call much like Jason. Stephanie glances at the train again and gives a laugh. "Two guys, they spend so much time partying I bet the train could be there for a week before they finally noticed it. Unless we stuck a beer in one of the cars, in which case they'd probably just sit watching it all day, waiting for the next beer to be delivered." The food arrives at the table, and up on stage the bad starts playing. There's a microphone out front, but right now it's unmanned as the band is playing some Christmas songs, just instrumental while people eat and the soft murmurs of conversation vie with the music. Stephanie glances over to Jason, giving the man a gentle smile. "Jason's extremely good at what he does," she says to Helen and Martin. "He's kind of excelled at most things he's put his mind to, from what I've seen while I've known him." 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' "Well there you go then, after we're done eating, you distract the staff and I'll grab the train," Jason grins about her neighbours and the train. When the food comes, Jason takes a bite, chewing and swallowing before setting down his fork eyes shooting over to Steph, his usual avenues of snark denied him because all he could think of was sarcastic examples from their night job, you know digging himself out of the grave. "Uh, thanks," he says finally. "I try. Steph is pretty awesome too, I have to admit." They tuck into dinner then, talking and eating, most of Jason's steak sits uneaten but he makes a token effort, before settling back and throwing in the towel. That's when the singer takes the stage, asking, "How's everyone doing tonight?" there is applause from the crowd. "Great to hear, we'll be starting in on your musical entertainment, if any of you feel like dancing, the floor is open." Martin smiles, extending his hand to Helen, who shakes her head. "Oh no, my knee." He nods then turns his extended hand to Stephanie. "Any chance you'd like to dance?" 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' A warm laugh results at Jason becoming her potential partner in crime. "I can hear the headlines already. Whistler Great Train Robbery. Bandits dubbed Blondie and Snide," Stephanie says, looking over to Jason and leaning to bump his shoulder just lightly so he knows the 'Snide' part was meant in a teasing way. The dinner patter with the couple is enjoyable, and Stephanie is really enjoying her steak. The girl who subsists on fast food and ramen no doubt finds this a real treat. She does glance over at Jason's steak going uneaten, with gets a brief glance when he's not paying attention, a mix of concern and curiosity as to why he's not eating much after their big day on the slopes. Stephanie turns a little to watch the stage as the woman moves to the microphone. She looks to be in her mid-thirties, with brown hair and blond highlights, and wearing a dress that sparkles when the stage lights illuminate her. Martin's offer causes Stephanie's blue eyes to light up. "If it's alright with you, Helen?" Stephanie asks, glancing over to the sweet older woman. When Helen gives her a shooing gesture, Stephanie gives Martin a nod, setting her napkin aside and rising as she takes his hand. "Don't rob the train without me?" she asks Jason with a grin, before Martin leads her out onto the dance floor. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' There's a snort for the 'snide' comment, he had to admit it fit. Jason offers no answers on his lack of appetite, he just does his best to pretend like Bruce did with booze, make it look like he was enjoying the meal with the rest of them without actually partaking. "No promises," he smiles, watching her and Martin go off as he sips his drink. As he drinks, Helen shifts over a chair to speak to him, her voice lost to anyone else as the band begins to play. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The rich sounds of piano and bass meld together and are joined by the overtures of a softly played electric guitar as a jazzy version of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas begins on stage. Out on the dance floor Stephanie puts herself in Martin's capable hands. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_TdWsWPD6E There is something about the older generations and their ability to dance. The pairing of the beautiful younger blond and the greying man in his sixties is an odd one, but Martin moves Stephanie about the dance floor in a gliding flow. The singer joins in, her voice delicate and soft, caressing the lyrics into their place alongside the instrumental. Martin and Stephanie turn about, the young woman laughing and smiling at something that he's telling her. There are others on the floor dancing as well now, though the floor still feels uncrowded. Martin turns Stephanie about at one point before bringing her back. It results in a laugh from Stephanie, the sounds lost in the song, but Jason might be able to hear it in his head. Knowing just from seeing her face exactly how it sounds. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Even though he's leaning over to listen to Helen, Jason can hear that laugh in his head, imagine the glint of mirth in Stephanie's eyes he's too far away to see. The imaginings bring a smile to his lips and as the song winds down, he downs his scotch and pats Helen on the arm. "Thanks," he says, heading out onto the dance floor. Martin for his part, smiles down at Stephanie, "Thank you for indulging me, you're a wonderful dancer," he says with earnest appreciation, before he glances up and spots Jason coming towards them. "I'd ask if you want to go again, but it seems like your dance card is full," he says kindly nodding in Jason's direction. If she turns to look that way she'll find Jason just arriving, asking her, "So, want to dance?" his hand extended. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie gives Martin a pleased grin but waves her hand as if dismissing part of what he said. "Indulging you? It was my pleasure," she tells him. "And you're far too kind. I'm pretty sure I got your toes at least once there," she says through a bashful grin. Jason is approaching from behind and to the side, so Stephanie doesn't spot him until Martin draws her attention that way. She turns, perhaps the slightest bit of surprise to see Jason walking over. But if there was surprise it is forgotten as a smile, small and soft, is given to greet him. The question gets a small, pleased nod from Stephanie. "Yes, I'd like that," she tells him. "Martin," she says to the older man. "Thank you again." Martin beams back to the young woman, then his eyes going to meet Jason's for a moment, smile gaining notes of approval as he leaves the younger couple together on the dance floor. Stephanie offers herself to Jason for the dance, one hand offered to him, the other moving to rest upon his arm up near his shoulder. The musculature of his arms and shoulder can be felt through the sweater, the thoughts pushed down as Stephanie instead says, "This is such a wonderful evening. I thought you'd be more hungry after a day on the slopes. Steak wasn't done how you like it?" she asks, glancing over towards his plate from where they are on the floor. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason gives Martin a nod of thanks as the older man leaves Stephanie to him. The singer takes to the mic, "We're going to take a little break from the Christmas music for a favourite of mine," she says before turning to her band to give them instructions. Jason's brows raise in confusion, "Huh? No, it was good," he answers distractedly as he takes Stephanie into his arms as the piano and drum strike up and the singer begins 'Turn Me On' by Norah Jones. (song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED1B39W9b0E) Jason as it turns out is a decent dancer, the work of Alfred no doubt, his steps are smooth and graceful even if he holds Stephanie a little closer than was strictly necessary. He smiles faintly, but there's a distracted quality to him, as if his mind was miles away. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie smiles and gives a soft, "Ooo," at the gentle notes of the piano opening, but then the singer comes in, the young woman's voice just taking the song to a new level. Stephanie had moved to start the dance no closer to Jason than she'd been dancing with Martin. Though she's drawn in readily, until he can feel brushes of her body now and then as they dance. The lights are dimmed, bringing out the sparkle of lights that adorn the ceilings and the circle the windows. Garlands of holly and long runs of pine-like branches give the dining room and dance floor that wholesome, Christmas feeling. Other traditional decorations adorn the walls or hang from the ceiling in places. "Martin was so sweet. They've been together a long time," Stephanie tells Jason. Her cheek rests against his shoulder for a just a moment before Stephanie straightens herself, leaning back as if to look at the decorations better. "I'm really glad you invited me up. Kim is going to be so jealous," she says in her normal, warm tones of conversation, eyes lifting to Jason's for a moment, the first she's met his gaze since they started dancing. The singer's voice embraces the lyrics, filling the space with her singing that manages at once to be smooth, but slightly raspy.   Like a flower waiting to bloom   Like a light bulb in a dark room   I'm just sittin' here waiting for you   To come on home and turn me on 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason nods, "Yeah, Helen was telling me," he says of the older couple and their time together. "Apparently he was terrified to ask her out so she had to do it." There's a small smile at that and a shake of his head. Steph's glance upward has Jason looking way too, though his attention comes back to Stephanie when she stops short of resting her head against his shoulder. "It's okay," he tells her, his hand rising on her back a little, meeting her gaze before she settles back or decides against it. His blue eyes have a warmer quality to them now, one mirrored by the slight upwards curl of his lips. Though whatever she decides, Jason is more present in this dance, no longer miles away, but here, with her, in this moment. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The blue eyes gazing up at Jason light up a bit with warm amusement. "You'd never know it now. It is sweet hearing stories like that though. Even if we maybe never had people with those kind of lives around us growing up. Nice reminder of why it's worth spending our nights getting bruises, not sleep," she says quietly, talking as easily and readily as they might if they were plopped in chairs in the Red Cave, eating Big Belly Burger. But they aren't. The offer of Jason's shoulder is enough of a surprise that Stephanie's eyes flit up to his for a moment. Thoughts or inclination that could risk the close friendship that had developed had all been getting pushed down. Her eyes search Jason's for a moment, and then Stephanie leans her head forward, lightly resting her cheek on his shoulder, and her body a little closer against him. The perfume, applied so very sparingly, might just now start to be a little noticeable. Stephanie's hand upon Jason's arm slides a little higher as well as she's moved in closer against him. "I like this song," she says softly, finding a topic to fill the space as Jason dances her slowly around the room. His smooth, well-schooled movements make Stephanie feel graceful with him to lead her, the blond lifting her eyes back to him even as her head is held gently nestled against him. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Steph's words pull him out of his thoughts and he nods, looking over to where Helen and Martin are swaying back and forth to the music, clasping hands on the table. "Yeah, definitely something to think about," he admits. For him the mission had always been about him rather the people of Gotham. It had been about hurting badguys not protecting people like Helen and Martin, but all the same there was denying what he did carved out the space for people like them to live happy lives. It gave him an unfamiliar sense of satisfaction. Jason's thoughts are brought back tot he moment when Steph leans against him the faintest hint of her purfume reaching him, he breathes it in deep, eyes glancing up afterwards, a smile spreading across his lips. He looks down as Steph turns his eyes to him, the song coming close to it's close, "Look up," he tells her, a nod to the white and green plant above their heads. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie's hand slides just a little higher without her thinking about it, the feeling natural with her head against Jason's shoulder. Her own eye level had lowered again, Stephanie finding herself focused more on the feeling of the man dancing with her, and on the beautiful sultriness of the song rather than on what she's seeing. Her eyes go right across Martin and Helen, not even seeing the couple as the dance just takes her eyes past where the couple sit. Missing their smile to each other and Martin taking Helen's hand to hold. Jason's voice draws Stephanie's attention back to him. Looking first up to Jason, eyes meeting his own. Gazing into the different shade of blue. Look up? Stephanie glances higher and sees the sprig of mistletoe above their heads. One made large so it wouldn't go unnoticed amidst the other decorations. The instinct Steph has developed since the talk in her apartment, pushes her thoughts again to filling the space that could risk her friendship with him. "Mistletoe. What a name, right?" Stephanie quips softly, it taking her a moment to find her normal, casual joke tone, but continuing as she does. "Sounds like a Gotham B-rate villain. Missile Toe. 'Batman surrender the city to me or I will launch my toe rockets to destroy the city.' Probably would make sure he teamed up with Laser Fingers and... and Cannon Nose-" 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason almost laughs out loud as Steph riffs on the mistletoe above their heads, it sounded, warm, pleased and maybe a little bemused. "You're not wrong," Jason says, meeting her eyes. "But I was more thinking what it usually means when you're standing under it, like we are, now." He makes no move to kiss her, not yet but the intent there in his eyes as he brushes a hand against her cheek. "Steph, I want you and if you want me just kiss me." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Jason's words about the normal meaning of the mistletoe draw Stephanie's thoughts back towards where she'd avoided letting them go. Somewhere inside she's already pushing them down. Towards the thick wall she's built up inside to contain them. Trap them away so Stephanie won't have to relive what she'd felt in her apartment when Jason had made to leave. His softly spoken words cause Stephanie's breath to catch. And then his fingers touch her face. Palm and fingertips, gently cradling. That wall inside doesn't crumble. It disintegrates like so much dust. Stephanie looks up into Jason's eyes, searching for confirmation of his words and fearing she won't find it. But she does. The fear drains from her look and she gets a trembling smile. She leans up towards him slowly. Their lips touch. The softest brush of her mouth to his, but with no intention of pulling back unless he does. He can feel her tremble even as her body presses softly in against his more fully, releasing his hand she was holding to dance so she can slide it up about his shoulders as well. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' Jason's own wall had shattered when he'd gotten up and asked her to dance. Helen had seen the signs of the struggle in him, fear and desire locked in a struggle, she urged him forward. but it wasn't just her words that did it, it was Lucifer's about his vacation from Hell. Bruce's words about finding time for more than the mission, and finally his own far less poetic ones, 'just do it, idiot, you know she wants you too'. In the end it didn't matter who's words that got him here it only mattered that he was here. He accepts the tender start to the kiss but doesn't pull away, his arms draw her close as she brings her hand up to her shoulders, pouring all everything he kept behind that wall into the kiss, expressing himself more eloquently with that simple gesture than he could ever do with words. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The dancers and the dance floor and the band and the music faded from Stephanie's world. Replaced with the arms that hold her close to Jason's body. The way her emotions surge at the merest touch of his lips to hers. There's the sense of Stephanie relaxing against Jason fully. Trusting in his arms about her and the truth of what she senses in his kiss. Her own arms tighten, the curves of her body nestled in against his muscular chest. Sweet, beautiful emotions fill Stephanie, like Jason's kiss could make the sun rise within her and shine warm light into every place she'd ever hidden her worries and fears away. Her lips press back to his, the kiss she gives him carrying all those feelings for him that Stephanie had kept trapped away until this moment. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' For Jason the kiss was the end to a battle with himself, a surrender to the fact might need more than the mission, that a life, like the one he had with Kitty was possible again. With the end of that battle came a lightness, like he might float off the ground, even has he holds tight to Stephanie. Jason allows the kiss to linger the feelings Steph put into it sending a frission of excitment all the way down his spine. Slowly though, he breaks away, and the world comes back into focus. The song had stopped and all around them the other dancers were looking at them, with Martin and Helen beaming from the sidelines. Unfazed, Jason just smirks, "You're all just jealous," he informs them to a round of chuckles, then he looks back to Steph as the band begins to play again, "Up for another? Got to say dancing with you's not bad," he teases lightly looking down into her eyes. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Jason's lips slowly part from the blonde's, and Stephanie's eyes take a few more heartbeats before they flutter back open to gaze up at Jason's face. It takes more passing seconds for her to remember where they are, and other people are around. She turns her head finally to glance at the dancers who are watching, most smiling. Even if they don't know as much as Helen and Martin, even, they can appreciate what they saw. Stephanie ducks her face against Jason's shoulder bashfully, hiding it for just a moment before she comes back up with one of her smiles on. "I'm up for another. Though... might need a second to wait for my toes to uncurl," she tells him, cheeks pushed up by the size of her smile. She reaches a hand up to touch Jason's face softly. "If my alarm clock goes off now and wakes me from this dream, I'm totally destroying that sucker," she warns him through a bit of laughter. The band starts backup. Please Come Home For Christmas, with the singer and musicians filling the room with the upbeat, heart-warming song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbrHQHUaI7k Jason and Stephanie? They continue the dance. The girl nestled in her man's arms, and he in hers. Her cheek snuggled to his chest. His hands upon her back, or toying within her hair. And the band played on. 
}}

10538/China White, Starling Green

2019-12-28T02:41:15Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2019/12/25 |Location=Starling building under construction |Synopsis=Green Arrow and John Diggle stop China White's crew from taking out their compe..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/25
|Location=Starling building under construction
|Synopsis=Green Arrow and John Diggle stop China White's crew from taking out their competition, while Felicity dodges stray bullets
|Cast of Characters=181,1361
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' And so the night of that fated meeting has come. The one where if it goes as planned, without his interference, may signify the murder of many people. And even if they are criminals Oliver is past that point in his life. No, he won't let them just fight it off. This is not their city, it is his. Arrows have finished being prepared, solemnly set into his quiver. Smoke, normal, capturing ones. Grappling hooks. He is ready. Just finishing to get his armor in position in the arrowcave he looks up at Diggle. They both look solemn, ready. They normally need very little conversation when it comes to these times, as if they could understand each other without that kind of need. "We want to stop the attack, give it enough time for police to arrive. With the kind of numbers they have I am not surprised they would take to focus on us instead so make sure to stay out of harm's way." Then a final go through the plan, "They have four guards at each entrance to protect the meeting. Through the plans we discovered they intend to create a roadblock to stop reinforcements from arriving, or letting them leave. That roadblock will need to be lifted in order for police to intervene and people to escape." he says, placing a few last explosive arrows inside his satchel. Just in case.. Bike and car is ready and soon they get themselves in motion, on their way to that meeting point. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' John Diggle's car follows Oliver through the streets, the former military man dressed in dark fatigues with body armor on, and a mask to protect his identity sitting on the seat beside him. "Ready to follow your lead," he says to Oliver as they reach the spot to leave their vehicles and approach more quietly. Elsewhere, Felicity Smoak is talking to her phone. Not talking to someone on her phone, but to the phone itself. "Any gyro shops in the area?" she asks the phone. "There is a Greek restaurant, 6.4 miles-" Felicity cuts it off. "How about somewhere with good soup?" she asks. "I did not understand the question," the phone replies. Felicity gives a sigh and pulls up a browser to search the old fashioned way. Surely there has to be somewhere worth eating in this area. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Riding through the streets doesn't take Ollie long to get there. It's as if he has studied all the ways there, the efficient ones, escape routes, entrance points, etc.. In a world of people with powers, ones that could snuff out the Green Arrow with a thought, it pays to be prepared always. It's the only way to survive. With the vehicles behind them he points to the building in the distance. They came early, hopefully the others have yet to arrive. "When they come in for the ambush and get the roadblock up I will do my own ambush on them. That should focus their attention on me. Meanwhile you will take care of the roadblock, if you can. We will be in constant communication." he taps the comm device on his ear. "So let me know how things are going on your end." He begins walking ahead, a grappling arrow up so as to get a vantage point from a nearby building to hide his approach. And slowly he brings himself into position. Up on that building being built, hidden in shadows and watching to any that approach the place. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' John Diggle moves quietly to get into position. No grappling arrows, just his feet and hands, climbing in some places and slipping in through doorways or windows in others to move up to a better vantage point. He has his sidearm in a holster for the moment. "Movement over here," he says before long. "Looks like they are starting to arrive. Separate cars. Sedans and SUVs," he says as he looks down at the street, pulling out a small pair of binoculars to peer down at the arriving figures below. Felicity finally just decides on the greasy spoon on the corner. Maybe she'll find something great there. Or at least, not food poisoning. It's not the best area, dominated by the large building under construction, though even at this late hour she sees cars pulling up to it. "Making them work on Christmas Eve," she mutters, shaking her head. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' As the cars take a corner and begin to approach they come into sight to the Green Arrow. His eyes watch the proceedings intently. These should most likely be the drug dealers that come for the meeting, along with their escort. A mix of guards and suits. "I see them. Do you confirm the number we expected?" he questions. He knows Diggle will be in a vantage spot to check while he waits for the ambush. He leans a bit off the ledge he is perched in, balance perfect, bow in hand. The cars come to a stop and people start to trickle out to go into the building. The joint is indeed greasy, certainly no Mac's burgers, which is a joint with some finesse. Here it's mostly the regulars sitting by, a rather unmotivated server which the first thing she says to Felicity when she arrives is, "Didn't have anywhere else to spend christmas eve, eh?" by her tone, and posture, seems she is none-too-happy to be working that night. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Diggle replies over the radio, "Five cars. Five groups. Four people each. Enough to keep guard but not so many as to draw a lot of notice." After confirming the count of 20 people attending the meeting, John starts perusing the rest of the area around the highrise still under construction. "There's a few walls they can get behind, but a lot of exposed areas too. Will be tough for them to get out if it goes... how the computer makes it seem someone is planning to make it go," he confirms. Felicity gives the woman a small grin. "Bingo. Dropped off some presents and hungry enough I wanted something before I get home," she says. "Sorry you have to work." She thinks a moment and then reaches into her pocket. "Here, just a little something. For stuffing stockings with. Kept a couple for myself," she says, passing over a candy cane which is mint and chocolate, green and dark brown. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "Smoke arrows. I will attempt and divide them, then intercept the attackers when they approach. I am very interested in finding out about this threat. As for our friends here..." Oliver produces a small, infra-red camera from his belt. He has his gadgets too! Then begins to take a few photos of the people that are joining in. Certainly faces to look into in the future, for even if he is saving them now doesn't mean he won't make sure they are behind bars soon enough. ". ... let's just take a few photos.." rather different from the type of photos he and Felicity were watching the other day. He wonders what she'd think of this kind of photography. And then he frowns to himself. Focus. When they go in he goes within as well, keeping to the floors. He follows until they find a place to gather and gets a listening device in, just to keep tabs on what they are discussing. Maybe they will even have clues on who this new player is. "Well, it's mostly the house special today, hon. So ...." And then she pauses, blinking a couple of times down at the offer and taking the candy cane. That brings a smile to her face, "Well, I will be ..." then she leans in to Felicity in a conspiratory manner, "Don't have the house special, it's just a mix of other day's leftovers." yes, seems a little attention with some of Felicity's charm does wonders to the woman's mood. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Diggle continues to scan the area with his binoculars. "I see movement on foot. No vehicles. Must have parked further out," he says, calling out directions to help Green Arrow spot them as well. He gives a count and then asks Green Arrow, "How many do you see, how many total?" Diggle checks his gun and his spare magazines, then resumes searching through the binoculars. "No sign of snipers on the surrounding buildings at least. Looks like they want this to be more personal," he confirms. "Alright, there are vehicles. The roadblock being set up I think." Felicity smiles at the woman for the tip. "Well, then... what would be fresh? How about the grilled chicken sandwich then?" If not fresh, at least frozen and freshly made. "Fries and an iced tea," she adds, completing the order. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' With the listening device it's back to perching in wait, keeping a lookout. He spots the approach of that group, again getting that infra-red camera to work in order to see the approaching group better, "Not as many as I would expect." a frown then. "I count 15. The number doesn't add up considering they should be aware of how many are meeting here. Something isn't right." no snipers is good news. Guns are always cheating when he uses a bow. "See if you can find a way to break that block when the fireworks start. I know it wouldn't be the first time you jump-started a car." a grin in his tone when he says that. The woman smiles, sweetly almost, then, "It will come right up." then she begins walking to the counter and says in a loud voice. "Marv! grilled chicken sandwich! And make it quick!" bossy! Then she goes over to get the iced tea. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Diggle glances around the area. "Yes. Unless they already have something planned there where they are meeting. A bomb maybe? Or gas? Something they wouldn't be dealing with them all at once. Or even at all?" Diggle suggests. He swings his binoculars over to eye the roadblocks. "Looks like long-bed trucks. Should be able to get one out of the way," he agrees. "Moving to get into position for that." Felicity smiles to the woman and then pulls out her phone and begins googling it. "What was her name?" she asks herself. "Vera... something elli? Martinelli? I think that was it," she says, as she searches for the stunning young woman who announced herself as Oliver Queen's girlfriend up in his office the other night. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "Poison gas, a bomb, those would make sense. Though I had a surveil of the area these last few days. There were no coming ins and outs." Green Arrow narrows his eyes at the approaching group, their forms now more distinct. They are a mixed group, some asian, others not so much, thugs most likely hired around the city. Oliver is mostly sure he has come across one or another in the past. Minor criminals. They bring weapons. Firearms on most but others with a few melee weapons, lead pipes and other such improvised ones. Behind them, somewhat afar but mostly surveying are a few more figures, the main one, standing in the middle has the figure of a woman, watching through binoculars. "Diggle, do you have eyes on the group surveying this?" he gives him the coordinates. In the meantime the leading thug reaches to his belt where a tube is, shaped to be thrown. A grenade? Though he is far enough still. Or maybe not, starting to prepare to throw it through one of the many open windows of the building. Vera Martinelli, socialite, heiress, high roller. If there is a party she is normally there. She has had her slew of relationships, and even rumored to having had one with Oliver before he disappeared into that fated island some years ago. It was quite the gossip when they rejoined. Dream couple? Though there are rumors it may not exactly be like that in reality. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Diggle swings his binoculars about, finding the area that Oliver calls out. "Woman. Black pants and trench coat overtop. Looks like platinum hair. That or a white scarf, can't make it out clearly enough," Diggle says over comms. "Alright, looks like it's going down. Heading for the roadblock. Call me if you need assistance with the rest!" John starts back down, having already picked a fast path down the side of the building that will allow him to drop in on those guarding the exit, hopefully taking them unaware. Felicity Smoak reads a couple of articles that mention Vera. "Rich. Beautiful. Don't know what else I expected," she says, sighing and setting her phone down. The iced tea is put before her. "Thank you," Felicity says, putting on a smile that doesn't want to go there without some effort being put into it. But the waitress has nothing to do with the glum feeling inside. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Surely the guy won't be trying to toss the tube-grenade from there? Unless we are talking about an olympic throw. But Oliver has seen enough to be ready. Bow up, an arrow coming. The toss comes and .., it comes with a strength not normally seen in a person. It flies towards one of the windows yet the Green Arrow is ready. Bowstring tenses and he releases an arrow, enough to get the thing off-course and for it to land somewhat on the side of the building. Still, when it falls there is a cloud that comes up and spreads. "They brought poison grenades. Moving to intercept now." That was a surprise to the thugs, but then they point to the building. Weapons come to the ready and tracer fire lights up the night, pointed towards more or less where Oliver is at. The guards John is moving towards have their attention on the building, and now more when shots are heard. They ready weapons but seem mostly unaware to what is behind them, following the trajectory of the shots. Takine them unaware shouldn't be a problem for Diggle. The woman sets the iced tea down but then offers a sympathetic smile. "It's ok. I am sure he didn't deserve you anyway, sweetie." the forced expression seems to be taken in perhaps a rather wrong context. But then again, coming to her joint in this day normally is due to such amorous problems. Yes, she has been here long enough to know. An expert! Or so she thinks. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' The first man goes down quietly as John Diggle grabs him from behind and chokes him out. Setting him down quietly, he moves on to do the same to a second, leaving two. However they are side by side, and before John can even get to them, one of them turns and sees his tall figure, clad in black and masked. The man shoots, reeling around and shooting wildly. John shoots too, just not wildly. A bullet in each man's leg drops them and he kicks their guns away and knocks each out with a quick blow to the head. Dragged out of the way of the vehicle he's going to move, the men lay there unconscious as he checks their pockets. "Keys," he says with a grin, pulling a set out of a jacket pocket, and going over to find which of the trucks they fit. The sound of gunfire is the first thing to reach the diner. Felicity is just about to sip her iced tea when she hears it, sitting up. "Wow, that sounds clo-" she gets out before the window of the diner shatters and caves in, hit by a stray bullet. Felicity and the waitress hit the floor, not to mention Marv bac in the kitchen. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "The damn special wasn't that bad!!" Yes, that's Marv from the kitchen, perhaps thinking that it's a reaction to his food. But the voice is panicky enough. The man scurries off to the back door of the kitchen while the waitress stays down by Felicity, looking scared. Oliver, with the shots starting to fly, slides into the window he was perched from, running to another one, arrow already out and set on his bow. First, the auto weapons. He wasn't expecting the tossed grenade so it forced him to act but now it's time to take them out. He shoots the flash bang grenade right to where the shooters are. Unerring accuracy. It leaves them stunned, and with an opening for him to jump out, the use of a grappling hook and he's 'flying' through the air to land right next to the men with autoguns. Most forget his bow is not only to fight from afar, it provides a good melee weapon when needed and so he moves mercilessly between the men, strikes aimed to disable, hit to the legs, then on the head, another on the belly and then on the back of the neck. Not killing strikes, but enough to send them to the hospital. "Careful, some of them may be enhanced somehow." this said to Diggle over the mic. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' John Diggle gets one of the trucks started up, moving it back and out of the way and creating a gap in the roadblock that leads to the most open way out of the area. Soon he's fished out a second pair of keys and the other vehicle is out of the way as well. "The chickens are able to flee the coop now," he says, totally improvising on that rather than it being some kind of codeword. "Need me to assist over at the building?" he asks. Felicity slides across the floor to the waitress, covering her with her body. As there's a lull in the sound of the bullets hitting the building, she says, "Ok, let's crawl out of here. Is there a back door?" she asks, given the front seems to be towards the fighting. When the waitress nods, motioning towards the back and the exit that Marv took, Felicity encourages her forward with a gentle push, the two women crawling like soldiers in basic training. Except totally lacking in any kind of form or technique. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' The door on the back lies open, Marv the coward (though can anyone blame him?) having already left the premises. There's still sound of bullets flying outside, but no other has strayed to the diner. At least so far. With the two shooters taken out that means auto weapons are done with. Leaving a few with pistols, and those with the melee weapons. More fair for the Arrow. He loses little time, running forward to still take out one more with a gun before they start to get out of their daze and focus their attention on him. Which means he needs to start dodging. So far just common thugs, "So far this looks .., fine." some stress on his tone as he kicks one on the sternum, making them bend forward and then hits him with the side of his bow, back of the head. But that's when the earlier thug, the one that tossed that 'grenade' so far moves in. Fast, tossing a punch, barely blocked, that makes Oliver fly a couple of meters back. "Scratch that, need you asap." Meanwhile the targets of this assassination attempt begin to scurry out of the building, scared, they don't know what's going on. And they certainly aren't trying to get themselves involved. They begin to run over to their cars. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity and the waitress might blame Marv! He could at least make sure they get out alright. Though the two women seem to be handling that on that on their own. Crawling around the back of the counter, into the kitchen, and towards the back door that Marv left swinging open in his hasty departure. "Let's stay down until we get outside," Felicity says, having heard the automatic weapons fire and worrying the bullets could make it through a wall. Diggle replies, "On my way." He drives the second truck forward to get to the building quick, slamming it into park and jumping out. He runs over towards where Oliver is fighting the enhanced man. Soon the masked figure jumps into the fight, throwing a punch at the man that is blocked, and a kick following it up lands sole-first on Diggle's stomach, knocking him back and off of his feet, landing on his stomach. "Strong," Diggle groans as he staggers back to his feet. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "Right?" Ollie says, wiping some blood of his chin as he rests down on a knee, near the spot where Diggle landed on. He has been busy while Diggle was getting here, fending off against the enhanced man. But mostly keeping it defensive. He notices the man is slowing down and indeed when Diggle is here it's noticeable the bloodshot eyes, the panting chest, the maniac look. It's the look of someone very high on drugs, adrenaline to the maximum. Most of the other thugs are either disabled or have retreated. Green Arrow's presence here tonight wasn't expected, and certainly not what they had been paid to. And money doesn't pay loyalty. Most have ran, at least the ones that weren't chinese. But then again those are mostly on the ground already. "Going to try and get his attention, you know what to do." And with that Oliver springs up and runs to one side. The quiver pops out another arrow, this time a Bola arrow,. He aims low, towards the man's legs, making it so it hinders movement. Perhaps not for long. But it's an opening for Diggle. The waitress continues dragging herself across the ground, already puffing and tired at the effort. She is not exactly someone that exercises much. "Right now I really wish I was back in my bed." the woman complains. She looks scared, but not in a panic. Felicity's presence here, and directives, seems to help with that. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Diggle gets up slowly, a hand on the ground, his posture more like a sprinter in the starting block than a combatant. When the enhanced man's legs get tangled, Diggle charges forward out of that crouch like a linebacker after a quarterback. He lands a blow with his shoulder in the square of the man's back, spearing him and knocking him forward onto his stomach. Diggle rolls forward to be out of the way for whatever arrow Oliver has planned next for the man, coming up with his gun in hand and searching about for signs of any additional enemies. The vehicles that brought the people to the meeting start to squeal out, tearing off down the road and out past the opened up road block. Felicity and the waitress make it out the back door. "Well, think of it this way, don't have to work the rest of the night," Felicity says. She swings the door closed for one extra barrier of protection and then rises, waving the waitress forward. "Have a car or need a ride?" she ask. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Whatever the enhanced man was running on isn't enough to take on a full charge from Diggle, specially on his back. It robs him of breath and he crumples to one side, still breathing hard, eyes more wide. He growls though and when he turns around he is fishing inside his jacket. A small tube is in his hand, he reaches to begin opening it... An arrow goes through his hand. He may be strong, but no more resistance to a good arrow than a normal person. The vial falls out of his hand, to the ground and he screams, clutching at his pierced hand. Oliver steps forward, a swift motion with his bow to hit the man on the side of his head. Enough to knock him out. With the cars gone, it means the mission is mostly done. Oliver looks around the scene and at the destruction caused. He notices the diner on the other side of the street, window smashed. A frown comes to his expression. "Good job, D. Can you secure the place? I will check for injured bystanders." he snatches the vial from the ground. Something for later, then begins to walk towards the diner. The waitress takes a deep breath when they are out, relieved. Not that a door would help *much* if bullets were to hit it but ...., as long as she believes she is safe. "I live close to here, I always walk home. And tomorrow Marv is going to pay.." she frowns. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity nods to the waitress. "Alright, go quick and be safe," she suggests, touching the woman's shoulder reassuringly before watching her head off into the night, staying close to the buildings. "And leaving me to get to my car," she says, turning and looking towards the front of the building. She's actually parked on the side, but near to the front. Felicity moves over in what she figures is a stealthy way to the back corner of the building on that side. There's her car ahead, parked near the corner beside the sidewalk. A car roars past, coming from the direction of the gunfire. Felicity waits for it to pass and then she starts forward, creeping in a way which is probably more humorous to see than effective, heading alongside the wall towards her car. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Oliver is still breathing hard from that fight. Unexpected that they'd have an enhanced man with them, but he has beaten them in the past. And more easily. Age can be a curse sometimes, but maybe it will bring him more wisdom. Hopefully. He stops on the smashed window of the diner. A glance inside shows him there doesn't seem to be blood, nor people. Good. Maybe it was closing out. He steps back, again to the sidewalk and then begins to round the building at a slow pace. He isn't exactly looking for stealth right now so his steps can be heard from the parking lot while he approaches, bow in hand, hood up. Yes, he can seem somewhat creepy when he wants to. With the thugs mostly having fled, and the ones that stood and fought being out it isn't hard for Diggle to start gathering them up for the police when they arrive. Making sure they are all tied up in a nice christmas gift for the men and women in blue. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity Smoak makes it to the spot on the side of the building across from her car. She is about to make the little rush over to the car when she hears footsteps coming from around the corner nearby. The blond woman looks around, panicky. There's nowhere to hide, it's just open sidewalks and the building she's nearly pressed against. She fumbles in her purse, pulling out a container of pepper spray just as the person coming to the corner casts a shadow. A rather large looking shadow. She lifts the pepper spray and aims it towards the corner as the person rounds the building. "I'm armed, so just stay right there," she says, trying to make herself look as intimidating as she can. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Looming shadow. The man is tall and dressed in a dark-green suit. From that close it seems to serve as armor too and from the looks of it seems to have received a battering tonight. And then there is the hood, covering his features. He stops when he hears the voice. It's a rather familiar one, but he can't see the woman yet. Or at least until he rounds that corner more fully. He comes to a stop. "Fe--" a very brief pause. "Miss, is anyone hurt here?" that altered voice on his suit makes wonders to hide his true identity sometimes. "I am checking for injured." he very slowly opens his hands to his sides, non-threatening. But under that hood he is worried. Was she hurt? 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity Smoak hesitates as the person makes no aggressive moves towards her. Then it dawns on her who it is. "Oh. Oh! I'm sorry," she says, lowering the pepper spray without using it. "You're... you're the Green Arrow aren't you?" she asks. She glances back behind her, but the waitress is long gone. "There were three of us in the diner. No one was hit. The waitress left for home and the cook... ah, he just fled and left us. Pretty much," Felicity says, the last part kind of matter of fact and just slightly judgmental. "So... everything over. All the guns and... bullets?" Felicity says, trying to peer past the Green Arrow's rather rugged frame to see off towards wherever the gunfight was. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' When it seems that he was recognized Arrow lowers his arms again, the bow still held with his hand. Just in case there's still any lingering threat surrounding the attack. He nods to confirm, "I am." inside he is relieved. Noone seems to have been hurt. But also anger at having put others in danger, innocent people. Most of his face is out of sight, just the chin and jaw really. Showing a touch of blonde beard, and also a speck of blood. "I am glad noone has been hurt. Do you have your own ride home?" he questions, his eyes surveying the parking lot. There's Felicity car, he recognizes it. He is still breathing somewhat hard, glancing over his shoulder to the scene of the fight. "It should be safe to leave now, the fighting is over." he assures the IT woman. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' "I do," Felicity confirms, motioning over towards her car. It's nothing special, a little sedan which is reliable enough but not very flashy. "It's not a lot but it fits my budget. Which, isn't so much I can't get something nicer but I already paid this off and so I figured... I figured... you... really probably have better things to do than listen to me ramble. About. My car," she says, concluding in halting fashion. She motions towards said car again. "So I'll just... go then," she says, with a nod. She goes over to the door, opening it up. "Um... Merry Christmas. If you're into that sort of thing," she says. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Oliver continues to watch the smaller woman walk off to the car. He just gives her one his enigmatic smiles when she goes off on a tirade about the sedan. But he doesn't judge her life choices. Instead he advises. "Take a right when you reach Parkinson avenue. Police are on the way and going through there means you will come across their cars. It will be safer." "A merry christmas to you as well. Continue your good work." Whatever that means! Maybe it was a slip up. Regardless he steps away from the diner. Time to go back and handle this mess of a night. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' "Oh, thanks. Though, Jewish," she says. Then realizes it's more of the making with details the superhero probably doesn't need. "But, I appreciate the sentiment," she says. And the young woman climbs into her car then, starting it up and doing an illegal U-turn to head off away from the source of the gunfire, and down in the direction the Green Arrow directed her. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' The Arrow watches the car drive off.. What were the odds. But then again she knew about this place, from the plans they got from that computer. Maybe she figured something more from them? She is smart enough. He is conjuring all the possibilities when he goes back to meet Diggle, who has made a good job of getting them all prepped. He sighs. "Noone hurt besides these guys. And my ribs. Now let's get out of here." he nods towards their vehicles. "I will send the police the details, and some photos of these fine gentlemen that were meeting inside. I am sure they will appreciate it." 
}}

10549/Bowling for Dollars, Or Dollars for Bowling

2019-12-27T04:44:49Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2019/12/27 |Location=Garage - Xavier's School |Synopsis=Negasonic, Rogue and Kitty find Hambone's underground bowling alley constructed in Xavier's..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/27
|Location=Garage - Xavier's School
|Synopsis=Negasonic, Rogue and Kitty find Hambone's underground bowling alley constructed in Xavier's garage during Christmas break
|Cast of Characters=296,16,281
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde has on a bit of a bleary look, having just rose from a nap up in her room at the school. She's wearing jeans and a too-big sweatshirt that says "Midtown High School" on it. Her hair is pulled back into a pony tail, but it's a little sloppy of one, stray strands falling about here and there. The look works for her. Especially with the purple dragon on her shoulder. Kitty gets herself a cup of coffee, moving through the halls giving little nods to people passing the other way, but not engaging anyone in conversation yet. She's nearing the end of the school closest to the garage, on her way to check on something, when she hears an odd sound. A low, steady rumble that ends in sort of a clattering sound. It sounds very familiar. "Is that... a bowling alley?" she asks herself. Kitty soon opens the door to the garage. Most of the cars have been moved to clear the bulk of the space. They look like they weren't so much parked as probably picked up and gently set aside. Making way for... an impromptu four-lane bowling alley. There are walls of metal separating them. Bowling balls, returned by hand by students down at the far end, and bowling pins, with a full fifteen students participating or watching. One of the students moves forward, rolling the bowling ball down the lane and scoring a 7. "Nice toss," Hambone says as he enters it into a computer that is projecting the scores up onto the wall. Kitty covers her face with her hand. "I should have known," she says as she starts walking over towards them. 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue had moved out, into Salem Center, just down Greymalkin Lane and a few minutes off of the highway. So not that far. But, she'd volunteered to take the Professor to his appointment today at his personal Dentistry Dr. Ivan Baumbauer. Doctor Baumbauer works out of his home, a fancy affair about 30 minutes north of here. It was a... it was a really boring time for Rogue. The two men were almost the same age, though the Doctor was a handful of years younger. They spent at least an hour gabbing with each other before they even got to work on the point of the trip. Rogue tried to play nice, sat around with them, commented here and there on it all that they were talking about, but otherwise just stared at her phone. Now, they're arriving back to the school. Rogue's black van is pulling down the driveway. When it parks, the sound of muffled classic rock music can be heard. Charles got to pick the music on the trip out, Rogue got to pick on the way home... they swapped misery, essentially. The side door on the van opens and the little wheelchair ramp extends and lowers down to the pavement. Charles starts to wheel out to the sounds of Pink Floyd playing behind him, almost like he's eager to get out of the vehicle! Rogue steps out of the Driver's side and rushes around to help him, but he doesn't really need it... still though! she's there, in her navy peacoat and blue jeans, with a beanie on her head, gloves on her hands and a scarf around her neck. "Thank you, Anna-Marie, again... it was a lovely day." The Professor tells her, to which she grins and nods. "You betcha. Remember now, no eatin' solid foods till tomorrow!" "Yes yes, of course." Charles says as he starts to wheel his way toward the home and school. 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' Right now Ellie is watching, and on her phone sitting on one of the work benchs against the wall. I mean is anyone surprised Negasonic is on her phone and busily splitting her time between the school social media site and the real world social media sites. Probably not. She looks up when the student gets a 7. "That was mostly marginal not nice Hambone." she notes with an arched eyebrow. Not being mean per say but definitely being herself. "More practice is needed really.... we should install one of these things somewhere permenant next time..." When Kitty steps in she lifts a can of Rockstar energy drink, diabloical berry flavor "You want to jump into the next round on lane three.. they are just about up I think..." Then she pauses and looks down at her phone, yeah she rigged a webcam up near the front of the garage and it has detected motion. "Ooo.. Professor and Rogue are back..." she warns the room. "Headed inside .. I think though... did Kitkat shut the door so the Prof doesn't hear the noise?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty stares at the setup. "What the..." she says, censoring herself as another bowling ball makes close to its distinctive rumbling sound, only off a little because it's not a wood floor beneath it, before smacking into the pins at the end. In the next lane over, students are resetting the pins for the next toss, while the other student is trying to pick up his 3 he left. Kitty walks over, spotting Ellie and giving her a nod. "Let me guess," Kitty says, eyes going to Hambone. The youth shrugs and says, "I figured, we're on vacation, it would be a lot of fun. Ralph did the lanes and Jenny shaped the pins for us," he says, mentioning two mutants whose powers would be right up the alley. So to speak. Another student adds, "And he's only charging people $4 a game." Kitty rests her hands on her hips, Hambone shrugging. "What? A guy's gotta earn, Miss Pryde!" The announcement of the Professor's arrival causes Kitty to glance outside through a window. A student goes over to close the door that Kitty left open. "I suppose if you don't hurt anything. Once you pay the money back, it's ok," she tells them. Getting grins from most of the students. And an, "oh man!" from Hambone. 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue follows the Professor to the front door, chatting with him a bit more before handing him his little plastic bag of dental papers and sample tooth paste with little tooth brush and she grins at him and parts ways. On her way back toward her van she sees the garage door get closed, which definitely means somethings going on in there... Her eyes narrow. Needless to say, Rogue glances this way and that as she walks over to the door to investigate. One gloved hand leaves her coat pocket and extends to twist the knob and shove the door open. "What the hell is goin' on here!" She says really quickly upon entering. Her eyes narrow again at what she sees. 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' "What kind of message are you sending Kitkat ... Hamboneand Ralph and Jenny should be compensated for their tiem and artist efforts... I mean otherwise you are telling them they should just work to bring joy and good will to the student populance for what... exposure...." A pause for a beat. "That is surprisingly capitalistic of you Miss Pryde." using her last name and all official like. I mean seriously though Ellie is just shit posting verbally here, her eyes are a dead give away to the amusement she actually is having. "Incoming Rogue but she ditched the old man." is announced right before Rogue makes her entrance. When Ann Marie looks around, Ellie has this innocent expression on her face as she types in her phone. Letting everyone else look more guilty. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty crosses her arms and Hambone groans and starts paying money back. "But if anyone wishes to VOLUNTARILY donate for the effort? That would be appropriate too," Kitty says, prompting Hambone to hold out both hands to the students he's passed money back to, in a 'come on guys!?' gesture. A few dollars go back to him, if not as much as before. "And make sure Ralph and Jenny get their share," Kitty tells him before shaking her head and moving away, over to join Ellie. As Rogue comes in, Kitty waves over to her. "Figures, underground bowling alley pops up and Rogue shows up like a bloodhound near a hot dog. A good one. Like Nathan's Famous, not Oscar Meier or the Kroger generic," Kitty says with a grin. Another ball is sent down the makeshift lane. Strike! And there was much rejoicing. Kitty asks Rogue, "How's the Professor?" 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Once inside, Rogue hangs on the door for a second, letting her eyes go over the students who seem most engrossed in this underground bowling alley, and then over to Ellie. Rogue grins for a second at Ellie before she looks back to see Kitty approaching and talking about hotdogs. Rogue shuts the door behind her then and smirks at Kitty. "Can't compete with your in depth knowledge on all things hotdog, now can I?" She teases her friend. Then she nods her chin toward the bowlers. "What prompted all'a this?" The Southerner asks. "Ya'll couldn't afford the lanes down in Salem Center?" She glances back to Ellie, then to Kitty again. "Professor's fine. Just got numbed up gums, so he sounds kinda funny. Its a good time t'ask him for one'a his speeches in fact." 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' "I'm surprised he even has teeth and not some sort of whale bone dentures." yup Professor X is very old. "Hambone is an entraprenaur extrordinaire and all that... I think Kitty should probably be running the snack bar and selling hot dogs at this rate... at least since her metaphors are making everyone hungry while they get a workout throwing large heavy balls around..." There is a blink and then Ellie snorts a bit. "Why the hell didn't we just load up a bowling alley in the danger room... my fucking god..." she just cracks up. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty breaks out in a soft laugh at the mention of getting a speech from the Professor while he's under the effects of the Novocain. "It would help some of those economics lectures be more entertaining," she says, keeping her voice down so the majority of the students don't hear the comment. Just Ellie. She gets a little more leeway than the other students. Most of the time. But then she's earned it. Kitty shrugs towards Rogue and says, "No clue. I just heard the sounds and came to see what was going on. Thought maybe Thor and Ororo were out here duking it out or something." A ball rolls across the floor, the sound a little off from that of a real bowling alley, but still a bit thunderous. The young woman's lips curl up in a grin at Ellie's comment. "Yes, they could have. If they had someone to run it, which wouldn't have let Hambone try to be a little Carnegie over there. Or maybe PT Barnum is more accurate. But still, there IS something nice about constructing something like this yourself, and not just summoning up a hard light construct, isn't there?" Kitty glances over towards Rogue. "We had a few of these sorts of things ourselves. Remember when Bobby made the floating palace in the middle of the Lake that one summer? I think he nearly killed half the fish, but once we had it covered over with blankets so you weren't standing on ice, it was pretty awesome." 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue saunters over to one of the cabinets near by to get some items out of it that she'd put in there fairly recently, stuff for her car. "Yeah well, when you're as rich as he is, you can probably always get the work done on your teeth t'keep'em." She responds to Ellie's surprise at the Professor even having any choppers left in his mouth at all. "I don't think Hammy is allowed in the Danger Room either. After he got caught tryin' t'create a program with all the female faculty members in it." Rogue is grinning ear to ear after saying that outloud for all to hear. After stuffing those items into her jacket pockets she looks back to Kitty. "I remember that, yeah, that was my first summe'ah here. It sorta blew my mind that he could do that... that ice power'a his is... pretty damn impressive, as far as mutations go. When he's not bein' a full on jerk with it that is, droppin' ice flakes down the back'a your shirt'n such." "So what else is goin' on around here? No injuries or nothin' lately?" 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' "That does sound pretty awesome as far as something Frosty could do...." yeah the wheels are now turning in Ellie's head with ideas. I mean she did get Bobby once to make a winter wonderland in July in the yard with snow forts, snowballs, and a wicked spiked castle for her personally to assail younger kids from. "Why didn't I think of the lake.." She shakes her head. "And I suppose you're right.. something about inguinity and experience and all... that and Hambone was very persuasive but then he wants a new game for his switch XLS pro..." The bit of .... dirt dropped on Hammy has her mouth dropped open for a moment. "Wow... yeah... only adult supervision for that one then..." "As far as excitement... it has been very quiet with winter break and us poor hogwart students without families stuck in the castle." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty's expression is wry at the mention of Hambone's Danger Room exploits. Or attempted exploits. "He's just lucky I wasn't the one who found him out. I'd have reprogrammed it to... well, it would have been funny," Kitty says, giving a rather evil smile by Kitty standards. "No injuries. Been kind of quiet for the holidays. Warren is back, though was on his way out when I saw him so only got to say hello," Kitty says. She pulls out her phone and starts digging through it as she replies to Ellie, "Were you at the 4th of July thing down at the Lake? Bobby made a huge ice slide down all the way from the school to it. About froze your butt off by the time you made the lake, but it was still fun." Kitty looks up and sees that Hambone still has his computer projecting the scores for the bowling games. She does some stuff on her phone and commandeers half of the screen. "So this was Doug's present to me on the first day of Hanukah this year," she says. Up on the display projected onto the wall, comes a copy of a painting of Lockheed. He's wearing a velvet smoking jacket and looking over his shoulder with a come hither look. The real Lockheed just lounges on her shoulder. Content to have her showing him off. 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue's hands go back into her coat's pockets, she watches the bowlers do their thing, not wanting to interject on it as its kid's bowling, she'd embarrass all of them! Her eyes go to Ellie, then to Kitty. She laughs lightly at the picture that Doug gave Kitty of the purple dragon. Slowly she shakes her head at the Dragon in question. "Such a heart breaker... like me." She grins at the Dragon before looking back to Ellie. "Ya'll are welcome over at my new place any time. Its not very big, but hey, its out and about away from all'a this, so thats a bonus, right?" "Carol said I could use her New York Apartment whenever I wanted too... not even sure what its like, haven't been there before." That reminds her of something. "Carol gave me her red sash from her old uniform, wants me t'wear it whenever I want t'add a little flare t'my outfits. Its pretty sexy, admittedly." 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' "I missed that I think... I did get him to make a snow wonderland with snowmen and forts that one time in summer. That was fun... he is useful sometimes." burn against the iceman and he isn't even here right now. ".... wow ... does Doug have a thing for Lockheed?" Then she nods to Rogue "I definitely want to see your new place down the road... so I'll definitely take you up on that. Also you will need to show the sash sometime... spice it up." amused. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty grins and reaches up to give Lockheed a little scritch. "Oooo," she says of Rogue having been given Carol's sash. "You and Jean are going to have to have a sash-off. Heck, show Janet and I wouldn't be surprised if sashes became the big fashion thing this year," she says, flashing a quick grin towards her friends. "We'll have to throw you an apartment warming party," Kitty says at the mention of the new digs. "By the way I've decided to go ahead and get a keyboard. Figured I'd give them the business, long as the price is reasonable enough," she says as she pulls up something else on her phone. "Second day of Hanukah gift," she says, and the image of Lockheed changes. It's another painting. This one is Lockheed reclining on a bearskin rug in a reproduction of the famouse Burt Reynolds naked poster, the dragon's arm arranged to cover himself in the painting in similar fashion. A groan goes up from the students. Many of them may not even know who Burt Reynolds is, let alone pick up on details. "Everyone has a thing for Lockheed. It's a part of the natural order of things," she says, giving the dragon a little head rub. He looks back at Ellie, yellow eyes without pupil or iris just looking at her as if to confirm Kitty's words. 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue leans back against one of the workbenches in the garage and she watches Kitty swipe the image to Lockheed Reynolds. "Yep. Doug has a thing for Lockheed. I mean, yeah, we all do... but... we don't go around paintin' him like one'a them French girls." With a grin she softly shakes her head. "Are all your holiday's presents gonna be this theme? If so... we might need'ta have a sit down with Doug someday." "But yeah, I might incorporate the sash inta one'a my black suits. Don't really like red goin' with green and gold. But hey, not like I'm tryin' t'make a buncha fashion statements really. So we'll see, Maybe I'll turn it inta a scarf." She grins then for a moment or two. "My place can hold probably six people before we're gonna be wall ta wall and bumpin' awkwardly and ya'll know bumpin' inta me ain't such a wise idea." 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' "What Rogue said.... because okay yeah everyone has a thing for Lockheed in the fact he is an amazing dragon and adventurer Kitty... but not everyone has a thing for Lockheed like Doug apparently does. He shant be living this down anytime at all...." "Apartment warming party does sound fun." to Kitkat and then she laughs. "Man .... I think you are going to be running out of walls to hang those on.. you may need that magic dude to make you a gallery in a planar pocket or some sort of thing at this rate..." She glances at Rogue "Red Green and Gold would be very christmas festive though..." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde laughs and says, "They're adorable!" of the paintings. "And he knew how much I'd love them." Kitty swipes forward and third present is a painting of Lockheed in a bubble bath. "He got someone to paint them for him, not sure who. Went to a lot of effort. He knows how important he is to me," Kitty says, giving Lockheed a little nuzzle with her cheek. The fourth is Lockheed doing a George Costanza 'Timeless Art of Seduction' pose on a couch. Kitty breaks out in giggles and then returns control of the computer back fully to Hambone. "That's some weird stuff, Miss Pryde," he tells her, getting a stern look back that causes the student to refocus on keeping score of the games, while counting in his head all the money he'd have made if they weren't discovered. Next time he'll have to find a way to silence things. "This is the great thing about Hanukah though. I've got one of these to open every day for eight days. Not that I don't like Christmas. We're kind of doing both at the apartment. Hanukmas. Or Christkah? Anyway." Kitty glances over to Ellie. "You been doing any more costume designing on your end? Not long until you'll be graduating." 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue crosses her arms over her stomach now, her gloved hands grasping at the back of either of her elbows while her eyes just stare at the images that Kitty is putting up on display. "Fifty Shades'a Lockheed is goin' on in this garage, with an underground student bowlin' league... this is definitely shapin' up t'be the weirdest day'a this year, and this year is almost over. That means its a hell of an accomplishment!" She shoots a grin over to Ellie then and then back to Kitty. "I'm not much of a festive Christmas person this year either, I didn't even get the neighbors sled out this year t'haul students around in. Heck, my Reindeer costume is still in a box somewhere." At Ellie though, Rogue quirks an eyebrow. "You're makin' costumes? You wanna design me one that'll go with Carol's sash?" 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' Okay Ellie can't help but giggle at the George Constanza pose. "Christ sake...." "Ive been thinking about it yeah Kitkat... I like my street look and the .. mmm other suit." probably referencing the New Mutant suit she has which is pretty X-Themed. Not X-Rated Themed thankfully. "I do think I need something good for the Titans though.. .but man it is not my major talent costume design..." she looks apologetically to Rogue. "Though now I am curious about the reindeer costume.... " she sips her energy drink. "I have been working on my tinkering though... I got the drone to fire paintballs from a canister I put on it the other day and still fly... probably going to go into electrical engineering." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty motions to her phone from whence the Lockheed paintings were stored. "These are ART," she announces. "They'll be hanging in the Louvre one day, mark my words," she says with a grin before pocketing the phone and looking for where she set down her coffee. She picks up the mug and takes a little sip. "Shoot. Hey Roland, would you heat this up for me?" she asks one of the students with some kinetic powers. "Without shattering the mug?" which has a picture of Han Solo with a blaster in hand and the logo, "I know". The student takes it, concentrating on the liquid then passing it back. Kitty blows on it and takes a little sip. "Now that is some control," she praises him before turning back to her friends. "Oh, I'd be happy to design you both costumes, one for the sash and a Titans one for Ellie," Kitty says with undisguised eagerness. 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' A slow nod comes from Rogue at Ellie announcing a possible trade or profession for herself. "I knew a guy who used to be a wiz with electronics and engineering. Mutant. He was with the Brotherhood. Called himself 'Gristlefingers'." She grins in memory of him. "Terrible name, yeah, but if ya knew him, it fit him perfectly." Rogue nods toward the one who just helped Kitty with her drink. "Name could work for Roland there, for that matte'ah." "But yeah, that'd be a cool thing t'get inta, Ells." At Kitty, Rogue has to grin and shake her head. "Why don't ya e-mail me those pictures, so I can put them on my various sites too? Might as well spread the art around for all the ladies and boys t'enjoy. As for -you- making my costumes, Pryde?" Rogue has to sigh dramatically and whistle gently through her teeth. "I've seen some'a yours, I'm gonna have t'pass on that, dawg..." She's teasing Kitty, but... is probably serious too. 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' "That .. is a horrible name." she shakes her head "Well that or computer engineering but man the reading I've done indicates that is dark souls hard mode type bullshit..." she smirks though still typing on her phone there. "Roland is great." she notes. As for your help Kitty.. I'd love that.... a lot." she considers "Wonder if we can work in some bullet resistant material into it..." which yeah she thinks about, a lot, at this point. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty sip her coffee now it's warmed back up. "Oh god this hits the spot," she comments before waggling a finger Rogue's direction. "You... just have no taste. And besides, I was like... 15 when I did the roller skates," she protests. As Ellie accepts the fashion help, Kitty motions over towards the younger woman as if to have her serve as an example for Anna-Marie. "Thank you, Ellie. I'd be happy to help," she says with an amount of smugness that has to be humor. Another bowling ball rolls down one of the alleys and laughter goes up as they completely miss the pins. "Have to say this was kind of ingenious of them," Kitty says. "Didn't want to diminish that. But James is going to turn into grifter at this rate," she says, chuckling and shaking her head as she uses Hambone's given name. Kitty glances to Rogue. "You been hanging with Erik again? You know you're going to send Lorna to an early grave." 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue remains leaned back there on the counter with her arms folded over her stomach which rumples the fabric of her coat and whatever she has on beneath it surely too. She has her eyes on the bowlers up until Ellie mentions the dark souls part which makes her look over to Negasonic, some part of her wondering if thats an Illyana reference... mostly because she's not a video game and doesn't know that game series. But she does grin, as the idea of that statement still makes sense to her. "You'd own it's ass though, Nega, don't think otherwise neithe'ah." Another glance is given to the bowlers and Rogue smirks to what Kitty says. "Hey, doin' this is at least doin' somethin' that doesn't involve video games or cell phones. I think most'a the teachers would approve of this... or some of it any how." Then Marie's eyes go straight to Kitty. "Erik?" She asks. "Magneto?" She assumes, cause one of her friends is named Erik, but Kitty likely doesn't mean him. "Nope." She shakes her head side to side. "Haven't seen him since that floatin' island thing we did awhile back. I uh..." She clears her throat and stands up off of the counter. "Was thinkin' about contactin' Raven though... or try too. I wanted t'tryin' get her help t'track down those guys. The uh, ones that took my mom. I think my dad's at a dead-end on it and its weighin' on him, I can tell." 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' Ellie considers Hambone. "Well I mean I hope he doesn't go grifter... I mean he is charistmatic when he really wants.. like when money is involved... okay maybe he will end up a grifter. Hmm. What could he do... he could be an scientist with his powers..." "Video game." she notes at Rogue's odd look. "What did you think I meant?" curious. "And.. I guess but I'd rather build robots than circuit boards ... which seems to be what computer engineers do... " "Hey .. the whole Sentinel thing got quiet... do we know what is up with them now?" the floating island going back to Genosha thing got her on that train of thought. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde motions towards Rogue as she comments this doesn't have anything to do with video games. "That's what I was saying earlier. Creativity is a wonderful thing. I just worry he's going to use it to conn some idiot out of his life's savings," she says with a soft chuckle that suggests she's not actually worried about it. Not entirely. Kitty hrms quietly at the mention of Raven. "Well. Jester at least seems like he was a genuine gift. I mean, no cortex bombs that we've found yet. Just the same, don't need to mention who has him." She's got enough to worry about Peter's enemies showing up at the door after one made such a threat. Kitty rests a hand on Ellie's shoulder. "I think engineering is a great field for you to go into. I know Peter thinks a lot of your abilities there," she says, giving a pat before pulling her hand back. "Sentinels. Well, Sebastion was destroyed. There are still some out there, and we don't know where he was making his human-sized ones. Though we have some leads in Canada that still need to be run down," she says. "The threat is greatly diminished at least, but not completely ended." 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' "Mm?" Rogue looks over to Ellie when she asks her what she thought she'd said. After a moment she gathers the meaning and shakes her head. "Oh, nothin'. I thought... I thought you meant literal 'dark souls' like that tongue flower thing that Magik had cursed on this place for awhile." Rogue shows a grin then to Ellie before the topic of conversation changes. While they talk Sentinels, the southern belle moves over to the garage fridge to open it and peer inside. She scans over the energy drinks, water bottles, and finally finds a tea in the back corner and reaches for it. As she shuts the door she smirks at Kitty. "Raven doesn't even remember that dog existed, I assure ya." She pops the tea bottle open and takes a sip. "And Sentinels will never fully go away, so long as humans are out there who want mutants dead and... thats not likely gonna change, not in our life times anyway." 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' "That explains why it has gotten so quiet about that these days for sure..." one small mystery solved at least as far as Ellie is concerned. "Also.. no.. no demons... just a video game rogue..." she shudders at the thought of some of the things Illyana is up to sometimes. I mean yeah she is metal AF, but man. That lady is a bit creepy. Even to Ellie. "Well we will just need to blow em up when they show up then." about the Sentinels. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty looks a little relieved at Rogue's assurance about the dog. The growing pup has definitely earned himself a spot in her heart. "Well, I know you don't need me to say to be careful with her. And you know I'm there if there's anything I can do to help with your mom," she says, reaching over to gives Rogue's shoulder a little squeeze then, being careful to stay on her jacket. A soft sigh escapes Kitty at the talk of Illyana. The brunette moves to slide up onto a counter to sit, her pony tail swaying a bit with the motion. "She was a really sweet kid," Kitty says. "I mean, still is. But what she's been through? No way to go through that and not be changed. If anything, she's amazingly well-centered given her past, I think." Kitty looks down at her mug of coffee. It's a look Rogue will have seen before during their time as roommates on some of the occasions this topic comes up. Guilt. Guilt on failing to maintain her grip on Illyana which could have saved the girl from what she was put through. 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue looks between Kitty, Ellie and the King Pins before she recaps her bottle of tea and frowns for a second at Kitty. She walks past her friend and bumps shoulders (carefully) with her (and Lockheed?). "Illyana is a tough cookie." The Belle says. "She's doin' okay, last we talked. I helped her fight back a coup to take her throne in Limbo... she's... she's a warrior. I don't think she's unhappy about who she is, so we shouldn't be either, yeah?" A soft smile is given then before Rogue starts toward the door of the garage. "I'm gonna head out. I gotta get the van back to the Music Center before four, they're takin' it t'the city for a gig t'night." As the door opens, Rogue movies to step outside. She glances back at them. "Ya'll let me know if ya need me. And if ya want t'get your asses whipped at bowlin too. Doctor Strange gave me a pretty wild bowlin' ball as a Christmas present, its got like a solar system inside've it or some shit. But yeah..." Rogue turns to head out back to the driveway and front yard where the big black van is parked. Eat your heart out, A-Team. 

:'''{{#var:281|Negasonic (281)}} has posed:''' "She is a tough book to read though, I am not positive if she knows whhat happy is... " she trails off and then nods though to Rogue. "I hope you are right though and yeah... we should take her at her word and deeds I guess." she pauses "Also.. god you get the coolest presents Rogue... shit." She looks to Kitty and sips her energy drink. Reaching out and giving her a dap to the shoulder harder than Rogue did. "You should go get soem fresh coffee and grab me another Rockstar... I'll watch Hammy and make sure he doesn't start a betting ring." teasing, but oddly responsible as she turns her attention back to watching the students bowl. 
}}

10515/At The Gotham Rec Center

2019-12-23T05:04:16Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2019/12/23 |Location=Central Heights, Old Gotham |Synopsis=Stephanie, Charlie and Carrie drop of some presents at Andre Jackson's rec center. |Cast..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/23
|Location=Central Heights, Old Gotham
|Synopsis=Stephanie, Charlie and Carrie drop of some presents at Andre Jackson's rec center.
|Cast of Characters=1628,1134,1747,8868
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1628|Andre Jackson (1628)}} has posed:'''     It's early evening, the winds are cold and snow is coming down pretty nicely, the clouds above are easily seen in the darkn night skies. The Hugo Building is open for the tenents who stay in the apartments there, the Rec Center was closed, but Andre was in the center finishing up waxing the basketball court floors. Once he finishes he yawns and puts all the equipment away. He walks into the may foyer of the rec center and sits down on the couch. A yawn escapes him as he leans his head back nad closes his eyes. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' A beautiful, 1965 purple Shelby Cobra pulls up outside of the Rec Center. "Well I don't know if they are still open. I mean, why wouldn't they be open? It's late, granted," Stephanie says from the driver's seat over to Carrie Kelley in the passenger seat. "On Sunday. A 3 days before Christmas," she continues. "Ok, ok, maybe they aren't open. If not, I'll bring the stuff by later. But we're here, so..." Stephanie climbs out of the car, which has the roof up given the weather. The blond college student is wearing a warm coat and gloves, and a headband to keep her ears warm. She goes around to the trunk, opening it and removing some boxes. "There's some cool stuff in here. I have to wonder if Alfred let this go of the boy's, just what did he hang onto," Stephanie comments of the childhood games, and sporting equipment, that Alfred had for them to drop off. 

:'''{{#var:1747|Carrie Kelley (1747)}} has posed:''' Carrie Kelley is bundled up in a heavy coat and a hat that she's tugged well down on her head. She was still not fond of the snow after the other day when she'd inadvertantly taken a swim in the bay. "Could be, could not be, doesn't hurt to check. Sometimes they'll open for a little while to give kids some food. Depends who's running it." She wasn't sure about THIS rec center, but the one she grew up near did that at least. For awhile. Times had changed since she was last hanging out at such places herself. When Stephanie gets out she does as well, pausing to stretch her arms overhead with a groan. Then she moves to help carry some of the stuff. "Knowing Alfred? He probably bought a lot of this just for the chance to donate it. I can't really see Tim playing hockey," she points out as she hefts up some sticks. 

:'''{{#var:1628|Andre Jackson (1628)}} has posed:'''     The front doors are unlocked, though there is a key code to put in so that not just anyone can come in. There is a button for the Rec Center to call for someone. Dre gets up and walks over to the vending machine and he puts money in and gets a Mountain Dew. He grins a little as he looks around for a long moment watching everything. He smiles as he looks about, this place has been doing well, though he does need to get word back to Tim. Yawning and stretching, he rolls his shoulders as he moves behind the computer and he starts signing in so that he can clock out. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie loads herself up with boxes. The size of her trunk, and what will fit in the passenger's lap, are practical limits on how much she could bring. It's still enough to be just high enough she has trouble seeing over the top clearly. Stephanie makes her way up to the door. She tries to free up a few fingers to grasp the door handle, finally managing it without dropping her load. She pulls the door open, then does the old butt-check on it to force it open wide so she can fit the stack of boxes through the opening. She passes inside, pausing to wipe her feet on the rug inside and then looks around to try to figure out where to take these. "Um, hello?" she calls softly. 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' Charlie ... well Charlie comes from down the street out of a parking lot having scouted it from the roof ot the rec center as a good spot to plausiablly bounce in from. A large box hefted over her shoulder as she hurries down the way towards the group at the Rec Center doors now. "Waaait" is the cute and plaintive cry. Yeah Alfred found a box they forgot so it is a quick delivery service to make up for it. The box is taller than she is, maybe it is hockey sticks or something. Whatever though it must be appropriate for a Rec Center in Gotham. When she catches up she leans to tell Carrie "Oh hey.. was asked to let you know to call the manor." which may or may not be code for something but hey Carrie shifts even more stuff into Charlie's arms and goes to make that call. "uff..." and she follows Stephanie inside carefully. 

:'''{{#var:1628|Andre Jackson (1628)}} has posed:'''     Seeing the doors open into the Rec Center, he hears a voice and quickly stands up and puts his soda down. He moves around the counter and moves to help Carrie by getting the door for her and Misfit. "Whats all this and who are you two?" he asks as he looks at the two women. "I wasn't told of any late deliveries." he says a bit confused and he does try to help after they come in. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie hears Charlie's call and she keeps the door open, her butt again serving duty in forcing the portal into obeying. "Oh wow, that's as big as my whole trunk," Stephanie says at the sight of Charlie's box. Though Stephanie can't really stand holding the door and let Charlie through as her own boxes are in the way. She steps back out, uses a foot hooked in the door to keep it open, then follows Charlie back inside. It's like a story problem in school. Stephanie looks up as she sees Andre coming over. "Oh, not scheduled. Just a couple of Santa's helpers dropping off some donations. If that's ok. There's some games, board games, toys. ROck'em Sock'em Robots. And some sports equipment," she says. Stephanie obviously wants that Rock'em Sock'em Robots for herself. But, charity wins out. 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' Charlie manages the story problem dance with Stephanie and gets that big box as well as the smaller boxes Carrie was carrying inside with a hurrrf.. before thankfully handing some off to Andre "I'm pretty sure that big box is a street hockey set... " If Andre takes the said really big box from Charlie, well it is surprisingly heavy for the short teenager to have been carrying on her own, let alone with other boxes too. 

:'''{{#var:1628|Andre Jackson (1628)}} has posed:'''     Andre moves to help Charlie taking the very heavy box and he walks over to one of the tables, he looks over to Steph, "Oh, well tell Santa we said thank You." he laughs as he looks towards the big Christmas where there are a lot of Christmas gifts wrapped and sitting there. There are a lot, "WHo are you?" he asks, "I'm Andre." he says as he looks to Stephanie and Charlie, "Thank you again, the gym equipment we can put into a storage closet so that they won't see it until after Christmas." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown gets the boxes set down until Andre can come back for them. "Yes, sorry we didn't get them wrapped, but didn't know if they'd be going to specific kids, or kept for the Rec Center in general. We didn't want to make you unwrap a bunch of things if the latter," she says with a soft chuckle and a lopsided grin. Stephanie unzips her jacket and pulls off the headband. "This is Charlie. I'm Stephanie," she says. "We've got a friend with way too much stuff, said we'd drop it off for them," she explains without invoking the name 'Wayne' in it. The blond glances around the Rec Center. "Pretty nice place," she says. "I started gymnastics in a place like this," she comments before glancing over to Charlie. "Thanks for helping out," she says with a grin. 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' Charlie gets the rest of hte lighter boxes onto the table as well now setting them down carefully and then smiling as she looks around. "We had a rec center, was an old YMCA.. not nearly this nice back in Metropolis..." She looks over to Stephanie and nods "Of course, happy to help as always Steph." then shoots a smile to Andre. 

:'''{{#var:1628|Andre Jackson (1628)}} has posed:'''     "Nah it's all good." he says about the wrapping of the gifts, "Theses will be going towards the kids, thank you for the equipment though, that will be useful to the center." he smiles. Looking at both women he bows his head slowly. "I've been to rec centers as a kid as well and they did help me." He begins sorting the gifts, a smile shows on his face and he turns to face the two women in front of him. "Well if you want I can give you both a tour of the place." he offers. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie grins and slips an arm around Charlie's shoulder if allowed. "You know, if you ever are hurting for money, you could totally clean up in the delivery industry," Stephanie says, flashing that grin to Charlie. The blond nods about how the donations will be used. "Well, excellent. It's nice to know they'll put some smiles on faces," she says of the ones to be given as gifts. "When a kid isn't really expecting much, it means so much more when they get something like that," she says softly, her eyes drifting away before they give away too much that she's talking from first-hand experience. Stephanie looks over to Charlie to see if she's got time for the tour. "Tour would be great," she says. "I didn't catch your name either," she adds to Andre as she makes ready to follow him. 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' "Yeah I've thought about that... I think Babs would probably prefer I focus on school and then college if I have my guess right." there is no protest abotu the arm around the shoulder, its comforting. The grin is returned though. The look away gets a lean from Charlie, not that she isn't in much the same boat about Christmas not really being amazing in the past. "Tour sounds excellent if you aren't busy that is..." it is late after all. 

:'''{{#var:1628|Andre Jackson (1628)}} has posed:'''     Andre bows his head, "Well follow me." he says as he begins showing them around the place. The rec center is pretty large though Andre walks both Steph and Charlie through it, showing off the class rooms, sports area, the workout rooms. "My name is Andre Jackson. Nice to meet you two." he says as he glances over at them. "I've been working here for a few years now, the Hugo Foundation put this place togther, it's a apartement complex with a built in rec center." he explains, "Though we've not heard from them in a while, but we have people who come in to help with matinence and all." he says to them. "Anyways, we finally go the pool back up and going again and there is also a drill team and gymnastics class here." he says. "We do all that we can to keep the kids on the straight and narrow." they walk through the entire rec coming back around. "We do have a kitchen and have parties on some of the kids birthdays if we know the parents can't do it for them, or hell most parents prefer us to do the parties, saves money and helps them get gifts." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie flashes Charlie a little grin. "I was a little hesitant about college at first. Can't say high school was the best for me. But, I'm glad I've stuck it out. Now I just need to figure out a major so I have a hope of graduating in time," she says, letting out a breath that blows a few strands of hair away from her face. "Any idea what you might like to study?" She follows along on the tour, checking out the facility. "Wow, this is great. Our equipment was pretty ancient," she says as she sees some of the gymnastics equipment. Stephanie pauses there a moment, just looking at the area before finally realizing her thoughts have drifted off. She returns to the moment and smiles over to Andre. "Looks like you're making a real difference here. So do you volunteer, or work here full-time?" she asks him. 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' "Well unfortunately I can't seem to major in video games from the looking I've done so far... so well... the jury is very out about it. Maybe I can be a trust fund kid and spend Babs money." she is very much kidding about that. Then again she still has about a year of high school left and could do a gap year or undeclared to try to figure this out. "Much nicer than my old rec center too..." comments Charlie "That foundation must really care about the neighborhood." 

:'''{{#var:1628|Andre Jackson (1628)}} has posed:'''     Once everyone is back in the front foyer, "Well this is our place." he chuckles. Having listened to both women, he stretches out, "I went to Gotham Community College." he says as he looks at the two, "Umm...how long have you two known one another?" he ask as he looks to the vending machine, he walsk over with the keys, "You two want something to drink?" he asks. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown looks over to Charlie, saying, "I guess you could write them, but I don't know if that's as much fun as playing the video games is." She flashes her a small grin and says, "Programming, not my thing." She gives a little shake of her head. One area that she likely won't be carrying on Barbara Gordon's legacy. The joke about the trust fun causes Stephanie's attention to drift off for a moment before it finally comes back. "Yes, sounds like they are doing a good job," Stephanie adds to what Charlie said. Stephanie follows over to the vending machine. "Oh it's been a couple of months I guess?" she asks, looking over to Charlie for confirmation, though she knows how long it's been. "And sure, a soda would be great. Cola, whatever." 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' Charlie considers "Gosh.. August... so four months going on five now..." yeah she has been keeping closer track than Stephanie with all the chaos going on. It really up ended her life more than the others when she met all of them..... "Programming.. I'll never be as good as Babs." she considers "Maybe drawing or writing video games.. that could be fun...." following the others to the front and then nodding. "Caffiene is great, need to study tonight." despite the holidays evidently. Though studying is code for patrols. 

:'''{{#var:1628|Andre Jackson (1628)}} has posed:'''     Dre opens the machine and passes out a few sodas, eh closes it up and turns to look at them both. "Well there are a few schools that does just video games, I have a few of my seniors who already applied and was accepted. One is going in for game art, the other is going in for programming." he says to Charlie. "I will get you that info if you want." he than looks to Stephanie, "So I take it you both are done with delivering gifts?" he asks. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie gives Charlie a little private smile about the studying before looking back to Andre. "Yes, deliveries all done. Though we both have some studying to do tonight," she says, gratefully accepting the soda from Andre. "Thank you for this," she says of the beverage, giving a little salute with it. Stephanie glances at her phone to check the time. "Speaking of, I should probably get along to it. That economics doesn't wait for a girl," she says. Nor do the Falcone's numbers rackets that she's planning to check in on tonight. 

:'''{{#var:8868|Misfit (8868)}} has posed:''' Charlie accepts a sodaas well because definitely believes in caffiene patrols. Though she probably doesn't need to be any more upbeat or hyper. "Thank you for the soda Andre, have a very happy holidays and I hope the kids here do too!" she seems ready to roll out with Steph. 

:'''{{#var:1628|Andre Jackson (1628)}} has posed:'''     Andre looks to the two, they mostly spoke with one another, still it was nice of them to drop off the gifts they brought. "Thank you. We are very grateful for what you've brought us." he says as he looks at Stephanie and Charlie. He studies the two, "Well having to study during Christmas break, is cray, but I understand. I wish you two luck and this place is open to everyone, if you want to come back, come." he says as he walks to the main light panel. He begins to dim the lights. "Come one, I will lock up as we leave." he gestures towards the doors. 
}}

10310/Do You Hear What I Hear

2019-12-22T04:55:35Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2019/12/04 |Location=Abandoned Warehouse, Lower East Side |Synopsis=Sounds of high tech weapons fire draw Daredevil and Vi to a weapons sale. They..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/04
|Location=Abandoned Warehouse, Lower East Side
|Synopsis=Sounds of high tech weapons fire draw Daredevil and Vi to a weapons sale. They throw a wrench in the works.
|Cast of Characters=9031,89
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' It's late at night, the witching hour having just arrived in New York not too long before. The city's normal sounds have quieted as people head home, getting to bed to prepare for work the next day. It's always more peaceful at night in the city, at least for those with enhanced senses. Of course, what is heard at such times can be less than peaceful. Vi has waited for night to take advantage of the relative quiet. She's already been practicing this at Xavier's School, where it's much quieter. But she knows from the time she followed another student to the city that if she's going to use her enhanced senses, she needs to be able to focus out the multitude of sounds. And so Vi dresses. She moves quietly through the halls of X-Factor Investigations, trying to avoid any copies of Jamie Madrox that might be awake. She makes it up to the roof, bundled up against the cold, and moves over to dust off a light falling of snow and take a seat. The sense of warmth in her stomach that she recognizes as the tin she swallowed is embraced. Her senses go stronger, and stronger. Vi closes her eyes to help her focus on her hearing, though soon she can feel each threat in her garments, can hear the rats in the alleys, smell the pizza place upwind a block. Vi begins to burn some pewter as well, strengthening her body to avoid blinding or defeaning herself is she over does it. Prepared, she starts to flare her tin, burning it faster and faster, pushing her sensorium to remarkable levels, focused on her hearing. 

:'''{{#var:89|Matt Murdock (89)}} has posed:''' Dardevil hasn't been taking to the streets as much lately as he used to, his alter ego and the cases he's working taking up most of his time. Tonight though, tonight was different, he was wearing the suit and he was free. Leaving the confines of Hell's Kitchen, Daredevil finds himself in Brooklyn near the waterfront when he hears it. A distant explosion... coupled with... he wasn't sure, climbing a water tower, he cocks his head to the side once he's reached the top. He still didn't know what that second sound was, but when another explosion sounds, he knows exactly where it came from and so, lashing out with his baton, he begins to swing towards the location. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' The sound of the explosion causes Vi's eyes to pop open. Thankfully there aren't any bright lights near her, for even the murky dark looks to her like brightest day with her tin flares so strong. Another sound. A... kerzap? She's never heard the like. Vi's tin flares to its max and she focuses in, in time to hear another explosion. The girl lets her tin fade away most of it having been consumed by now. She pulls out a vial of just that metal, shavings of it in water to make it easier to swallow. Popping the top and swallowing it to replenish her store of it in her digestive track, Vi considers what to do. She could wake Jamie. But he might not let her go investigate. Instead Vi turns towards the direction she heard the sound. She burns a third metal, this one letting her sense all of the metal that is around her. The building has plenty, the water heater sturdy enough for her purposes. Vi checks her pouch on her belt, and her store of extra vials. And then pushes on the water heater with a tremendous force. It outweighing her, the push flings herself into the air three hundred feet, moving in an arc towards the distant waterfront. Soon she's pulling on distant beams in tall buildings, effectively swinging herself forward as she closes in on the area. Burning her tin more gently, she hears another sound, this one a dull thump followed by a hissing as if gas were rushing out of something. 

:'''{{#var:89|Matt Murdock (89)}} has posed:''' Daredevil swings silently through the night, running here and there when he has to, after all he doesn't have Spidey's strength and stamina, but he swings his way to that warehouse, hearing those inside as clearly as he would if they were standing next to them. "These things are pretty good," one of them asks. Matt could smell cigarettes on him even from the roof. "No doubt, you want to take a few more shots with the thing, or should we talk money?" oof, this one practically bathed in cologne... Matt tilts his head, and yep had a bit of a heart murmur. "A couple more," Cigarettes says, as he fires another shot, the explosion echoing below wiping out Matt's sense of how many men were down there for a few moments, but he knew it was more than two. He moves to the edge of the building, waiting for his senses to clear before he makes a move. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi's passage has her feeling the air whistling through her hair, sending it streaming behind her as she pushes or pulls as needed, flying through the air and zeroing in on the warehouse. The sound of her passage through the air is probably noticeable to Daredevil. The sound lessens as Vi gets near and she launches herself on a final, ballistic arc, counting on gravity to bring her the rest of the way in. A few pushes against metal beams in the warehouse's roof slow her until Vi is able to drop gently onto the roof. She hasn't noticed Daredevil yet, listening, but not looking around her very much just yet. First she has to do something about her boots. With her tin burning, she's aware of just how much noise her footfalls make. She slips them off, and her winter jacket, and uses her pewter to allow her to endure the cold without suffering frostbite anytime soon. She turns her head, listening in again to see what is going on below. The girl of nineteen is a slight thing. No super hero build, no Olympic athlete look to her. Just a girl, a few inches above five feet tall. And now that she's removed her jacket, the sweatshirt with the SHIELD logo, her favorite article of clothing, is visible. To those who can see it. 

:'''{{#var:89|Matt Murdock (89)}} has posed:''' While the explosions had rendered Daredevil's hearing inside the warehouse useless, he could hear perfectly fine on the outside so Vi's arrival is noticed, and prepared for as he slips into the shadows to examine her with her senses. He wasn't sure what he was expecting to find, but Vi wasn't it. He steps from the shadows then, knowing the light he can sense a ten meters to his left would be throwing enough light so she could see him. "Whoever you are, you probably want to get out of here, it isn't safe," warns the devil horned figured with the red in the reflective light over top of his eyes. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi whirls as she hears Daredevil's footsteps with her enhanced hearing. Though he's quiet enough the lifelong street thief is impressed. Without her tin he'd have walked up right behind her if he'd chose. The girl hesitates, saying softly, "I heard explosions, and thought people might need help," she says. The logo on her sweatshirt is something she's very conscious of at the moment. Helping people. It's something she's decided she wants to do. "Are you... do you know what's going on?" she asks, not leaving yet. Within the warehouse there's another thumb, the sound of something impacting a hard surface, then a hissing. A man laughs. "Dissolving right through the metal. That stuff is nasty!" It's a third voice to add to the list. 

:'''{{#var:89|Matt Murdock (89)}} has posed:''' When Vi whirls Daredevil raises a hand to assure her he hadn't come to harm her. His two batons are safely stowed in the loops on his hip, though he carries himself like some of the teachers at Xaviers, the ones that can handle themselves in a fight. "Not those kinds of explosions," Daredevil says as he tilts his head to listen to the voices below. "It sounds like an arms sale, and by the sound of it these aren't Saturday Night specials." Just then the metal under Vi's feet begins to melt. "Shit!" comes a voice from below. Another voice shouts, "Hey watch where you point that thing idiot." For his part Matt is rushing towards Vi before she falls into the warehouse below. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi's steel and iron are still burning, just lightly enough she can sense all of the metal around her in a large radius. Which means when the metal holding up the warehouse roof starts to go, she senses something changing. She doesn't know it's that, but the center of gravity changes and some of the metal just plain disappears from her senses. Vi gasps as a whole opens up in the roof. She doesn't fall though, instead she sort of bounces into the air like someone'd given her a tiny toss, just enough to lift her a foot or two. About then Daredevil reaches her and can carry her away from the opening! 

:'''{{#var:89|Matt Murdock (89)}} has posed:''' And carry her he does, adjusting in mid-flight as she rises he catches her at her middle and gets her to the far side of the hole. "See what I mean about the danger?" he asks smiling wrly. "You should probably-" "Hey you see something jump across the hole?" one of the voices say. "Yeah, I did." "Me too." "Damn it, Matt curses. "We've going to have company very soon, are you able to get out of here?" His senses are already scanning the roof for places to make their escape. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi doesn't struggle or do anything to make Daredevil's plucking her out of the air any more difficult. She just lets him grab her and get her to part of the roof that isn't collapsing. She's light, maybe 90 pounds without her coat and boots on. Speaking of, her boots are near to the hole and one of them falls in, dropping to the warehouse floor, the item quite obvious in what it is. The coat flies off the roof and flies zipper first towards Vi until she catches it. "I can get out of here, yes," she says. Her concern for the masked figure is heard in her voice though, especially as she hears what the discovery of the boot is doing down in the warehouse. "Someone's up there!" someone says. "Shit, did that dissolve someone's leg and leave their boot!?" 

:'''{{#var:89|Matt Murdock (89)}} has posed:''' Shit, he didn't notice the boot falling. The thing lands sole side down and echoes inside the warehouse. He can hear five men moving towards the stairs their breathing giving them away. "Probably good to get going then," he warns Vi. "There's going to be a fight and if they've got stuff that does that," he nods at the hole in the roof. "It's going to get messy. I'll cover your escape." He begins moving towards the stairs psyching himself up for the fight. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' The girl nods her head and turns to go. She's just about to push off some of the metal in the roof when one of the men below fires at the roof, just blindingly picking another spot. But luck is with him. Or maybe it's just against Vi. The hole opens up right beneath her. The girl falls into the two-story tall warehouse as Daredevil is heading for the stairs. She frantically pulls on other metal still in the roof top, arresting her fall and then strengthening her legs with pewter to land barefoot on the warehouse floor, holding one boot. She looks over at the men and says, "Um. Hi. Really, no need to shoot any more," she says. Though one of the men just aims the futuristic gun towards her. 

:'''{{#var:89|Matt Murdock (89)}} has posed:''' Daredevil turns when he hears the floor beginning to give way, but he's too late, the futuristic goo works fast and by the time he's turned Vi's already falling. He sprints towards the hole and then in a move that lives up to his name dives right in. He scopes out the place in freefall, getting a sense of where things are and in doing so spots the man with the weapon pointed at Vi. He snaps the line out of his baton to slow his decent and angle himself towards the man. Even slowed, Daredevil hits with crushing force sending the man and the weapon flying. Snapping the line back into his baton, another man emerges between some crates taking aim at Matt. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi froze at seeing the gun pointed her way, thankfully Daredevil takes the man out before he can fire. She recovers after that though, seeing the other man step out from behind a crate. He points a rifle-looking device at the masked man, a laser sight on the top coming on and painting a little dot on Daredevil's back. "Look out!" Vi calls. She senses the metal in the large crate on the other side of the aiming man. The create must way at least 800 pounds. Vi strengthens her body with more pewter to avoid ripping herself in half, pulling on beams on the side of the warehouse, and on the crate. The crate is the lightest, and flies into the man, slapping him aside and sending him sliding across the floor before the crate slides to a stop on the concrete floor. 

:'''{{#var:89|Matt Murdock (89)}} has posed:''' Daredevil is already flipping when Vi throws the crate into the guy, he goes flying his weapon clacking on the ground. "Thanks," Daredevil says landing moving towards the weapon. "Guys upstairs will be at the hole soon, we should find some cover. Also," he gestures at an open crate full of the guns, "You know anything about tech? I shoot those," he picks up the gun. "With this, do you think they'll explode?" 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi looks at the crate and says, "I don't know much about guns except to stay away from them," she says. "The one that dissolved the ceiling would probably eat through it though?" she suggests. There's a small panel truck parked in the warehouse, and also a sedan. The back of the panel truck is open, and apparently one of the men had ducked back inside. Digging into his inventory? He appears back in the doorway, pointing something the size of a bazooka at Vi. Thankfully it doesn't seem to be a bazooka, but there's a loud WHOOMP! and a thick object shoots out towards Vi. It spreads in the air, a net that hits the girl and envelops her. It isn't just rope, but some kind of sticky fiber that clings to her wherever it touches her, making it even tougher for her to get free. The man frantically reloads, looking for Daredevil for his next target. 

:'''{{#var:89|Matt Murdock (89)}} has posed:''' The impulse is there, turn and fire the gun he just picked up at the man before he reloads. However at the last second, Daredevil adjusts his grip and targets the big bazooka gun instead, the man holding it curses and drops it to the ground while it turns into a puddle of melted metal slag. "Handy," Daredevil says of the gun, before hurling it at the man knocking him out. Then he moves over to Vi. "Hang on, I'll get you out," he says as he pulls at the sticky net, finding his gloves adhere to the material. "Damn, stickier than I thought." He pulls his hand free of his glove, just as the men upstairs reach one of the holes in the ceiling calling "They're down there!" and open fire, Daredevil leaping out of the way and trying to drag Vi with him. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi feels the urge to panic as she's snared tight. Any movement just makes it tighter, any slack that touches her sticking to her further. She draws a deep breath, trying to stay calm, watching as Daredevil takes out the man with the net launcher. "Thank you," she says. "I might be able to overpower it- Watch out!" she says, seeing the men at the roof. Her mind races for something she can do to help, but there's no metal on a line between her and the men that she can use for a projectile, and she can't move her arm to put one of the washers in her pouch on a line. So she just hold still while Daredevil drags her across the concrete and into cover. Chips fly up from the floor as some sort of more traditional projectile hits the ground just short of her, Vi pulling her feet up towards her body to help get them behind the crates. She flares her pewter and starts ribbing the net, but it's going to be slow going. "I think I can get out, just will take a bit," she tells him. 

:'''{{#var:89|Matt Murdock (89)}} has posed:''' Crouching over Vi once they reach cover Daredevil nods, using his senses to make sure Vi was out of the line of fire. "Alright, get yourself free, I think I am going to borrow our friend's idea," he says moving to the box where the man had pulled the net bazooka, finding one, he loads it quickly and puts it to his shoulder aiming at the hole. The men up top turn their weapons Matt's way before he fires, the net flying past the bullets to entangle a pair of the gunmen. As for the bullets? Two hit Daredevil the armour takes it but it's enough to send him back on his ass and make his chest throb with pain. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi tears one strand after another of the net. She works on getting an arm free first, knowing that the metals she's ingested that fuel her power will run out eventually and she needs an arm free to be able to refresh them when that happens. She's burning through her pewter at a fast rate, the net's high-tech material taking nearly a ton of force before it breaks. The men above swears as they caught in the same situation as Vi, but lack the strength to get free. They flop on the roof. "Hey, stop squirming, going to knocks us in the hole!" one of them calls to the other. "Are you ok? Did you get hit?" Vi asks as another tendril of the web-like netting gives way. she grabs hold of part of it and then begins to force her arm and shoulder out of the three foot long rip she's managed to make. 

:'''{{#var:89|Matt Murdock (89)}} has posed:''' Daredevil gets back up to his feet, going quiet a moment while he let's his body tell him how bad the hits were. "Definitely cracked a rib," he says. "Had worse," he says. "How's it coming on that net?" He could hear the remaining gunmen up top making their way down to try and trap the two heroes in the warehouse. "We're going to have a bit more company in a second." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi continues ripping, expanding the hole further down her body. She forces a leg through the opening, and then the other. The net still covers one arm, and is sticking to her all over her back, but at least she's mobile again. "Can walk," She says, bunching up the netting to let it stick on her back rather than falling back down and attaching to the back of her legs again. "Want me to throw you up there?" she asks, peeking around a crate and looking at the walkway down. "I can fling your baton up there if you can keep hold of it," she offers. 

:'''{{#var:89|Matt Murdock (89)}} has posed:''' Daredevil turns his head at Vi when she makes that offer. "Do it," he says coming over to her and offering her the baton. If nothing else it would be a memorable way to go out. As they talk the men hurry down the walkway. "And if you get free, try to destroy those weapons, use the melter gun if you have to." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi tells Daredevil, "You hang onto it. Really tight. Both hands." She moves over then, slow with the net making it difficult on her, and positions herself on the other side of Daredevil. She's clearly leaning herself up compared to him and the walkway, which will give the impression she can just push in a straight line. "Ok, ready?" she asks. If he is, she makes sure the path will have Daredevil clear the crate. She burns her steel, flaring it hard and pushes with two tons of force of on the baton, sending it, and Daredevil if he hangs on like it were the rung on a waterski tow rope, flying up towards the walkeway a story and a half up in the air, where the men are hurrying down. 

:'''{{#var:89|Matt Murdock (89)}} has posed:''' Daredevil does what he's told gripping the baton with both hands before he's flung by Vi up a story and a half towards the men. True to his name, Daredevil has grin on his face as he flies. /This/ was definitely memorable. Then it was time to fight, he catches the railing of the walkway and he flips over it hitting two of the men with a foot each, sending them staggering back, he follows up with quick punches, first high, then low, knocking them to the walkway. From there it's like poetry in motion as Daredevil moves through the gunmen, ducking here, disarming there, a punch to the throat, a kick to the knee, a throw into the railing, and so it goes until the men are all laid out. Meanwhile down below the man who'd hit Vi with the net gun wakes and seeing Vi, reaches for the melter gun, picking it up as he stands and taking aim. "Watch out!" Daredevil calls sensing the man from up on the walkway. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi used the last of her steel to throw Daredevil up to the men above. She watches him, mouth gaping at how it's like the man moves in a dance to a song that only he can hear. But the weapons runners definitely can feel the beat that results. She continues tearing at the net, managing to free her other arm, just having to get it off of her back and, worst of all, her hair. She may have to cut her hair to avoid pulling it out. Stupid net. Daredevil's cry causes Vi to whirl. Her tin burns stronger to help her senses focus in on the man standing in the back of the panel truck and aiming the melting gun her way. She's out of steel so can't push any metal away. Instead she raises both hands, and the entire truck suddenly lurches four feet. It's like the floor is pulled out from under the man's feet and he falls over on his back, the gun going off and melting the roof of the truck. Vi stumbles over towards him, the net still over her head but her arms and legs free. She pulls a little vial from her belt and quaffs the contents, then pulls the man out of the truck by his zippers, his clothing stretching as he falls from the truck back to the floor, bouncing his head off it and blacking out. 

:'''{{#var:89|Matt Murdock (89)}} has posed:''' Daredevil swings down from the walkway but by the time he's by Vi's side she's already dealt with the gunman. "Nice move," he tells her with a nod. He looks like his wounds and the evening's fight is catching up with him though. " Here," he says reaching for the net. "We should get this off of you and get out of here," he tells her. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi moves towards Daredevil to get his help. Getting her hair out of it is going to be a pain, but they manage it. "These men are not supposed to be doing this, are they? I could call the police. Or, someone from SHIELD. Or... would we get in trouble for being here?" she asks. Daredevil won't know it, but she has no real clue how the laws work. She looks at the weapons and frowns. Her dislike for such things only seems to keep growing during her experiences in New York. 

:'''{{#var:89|Matt Murdock (89)}} has posed:''' Daredevil helps pull the cables away as best that he can. "Call the police, they'll get here faster," he nods in the direction of the weapons. "But if you know someone from SHIELD they might be a good second call they'll want to know about the weapons." As it turned out Matt knew a few people from SHIELD and he was definitely planning to call them. "Anyhow, best to call on the road, we don't want to be here for all the questions, or at least, it's best for me if I'm not around." 
}}

10488/Just One More Mr. Queen

2019-12-19T23:25:48Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2019/12/19 |Location=Empire State Building, Midtown |Synopsis=Peter Parker gets a scoop and some pictures of Oliver Queen visiting a company he may..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/19
|Location=Empire State Building, Midtown
|Synopsis=Peter Parker gets a scoop and some pictures of Oliver Queen visiting a company he may invest in
|Cast of Characters=1361,4,181
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' The meeting with Rothchild Electronics was to discuss some advancement the company had made dealing with miniaturized circuitry. Advancements that had a particular synergy with a product line of Queen Consolidated. It was the sort of situation that often might lead to a larger company like Queen purchasing a portion of the smaller company, the money helping fuel Rothchild's growth and further development, while putting Queen at the top of their partner list plus giving the larger company a share of future earnings. In short it was normal business stuff. A quartet of people accompanied Ollie, including an engineer to handle hardware discussions, a lawyer for the legal side, and Ellis, Oliver's personal assistant. And one woman from IT who would make sure the software side worked. Much to Ellis's chagrin, that woman was Felicity Smoak. Even before he could get out the suggestion to bring someone else on the trip, her choice had been approved. How J Jonah Jameson got the wind of the meeting, no one knows. Perhaps someone he knows saw Oliver Queen going into the offices of the Rothchild executives in the Empire State Building. But however he found out, he wanted some pictures. Just in case. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Jonah always knows when it comes to things happening in his city. Whether he's paid off an official or owns part of the airlines, the media mogal has ears everywhere and so Peter Parker has been dispatched to catch some photos of Oliver Queen here in NYC. Dressed in blue jeans, a brown leather jacket, a Captain America t-shirt, and a backwards METS cap, the photographer is standing outside the Rothchild Electronics HQ with his digital camera around his neck and his hands in his pockets. Truth be told, he didn't really know Ollie and had only ever seen him in tabloids or news programs, but he's hoping.. like really hoping... that he'll be able to spot him if he does actually arrive. "Jonah, you better not have sent me out in the cold for nothing...." Shivering as the wind kicked up down the busy street. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' And let's not forget the kind of advantages that this particular technology may bring to the Green Arrow's more secretive endeavors. It might mean more efficient gadgets, or making them more portable even. The best of both worlds. So Oliver is happy enough with this trip to New York. Lots of 'smile and wave' though which he should be used to by now but..., sometimes it just drags on. They are on a break now from further negotiations with Rothchild Electronics, just now right outside the building that is their HQ. Tough negotiations as the company feels the miniaturized circuitry they developped are the future so it's been .., hectic. But then again it's why he brought his own share of experts. The engineer, Stewart, has been giving his approval to what was shown by the company, saying they are the real deal, Oliver listening attentively while Ellis notes something down on his pad. Ellis often looks towards Felicity, some disapproval evident. But for what reason, who knows? Oliver is dressed in a business suit, formal, and even brought a tie to it. Serious business so it also demands formality. It's like a dream come true for an expecting photographer. "And what is your opinion on their product so far, Ms. Smoak?" Oliver's voice, his green gaze turning towards the IT woman. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity normally dresses like most IT people. Scratch that, she doesn't wear khakis and a polo shirt every day. She dresses in nice business casual most of the time, but for the trip she's put on a charcoal grey skirt suit with a white blouse. As the small group from Queen Consolidated wandered in the direction of the door, she'd tried to draw nearer to Oliver. A silent look from Ellis was enough to cause her to drop back again though. But when addressed directly, Felicity moves forward within the group, Ellis making way, his demeanor neutral. "Really some amazing stuff," Felicity says. "The throughput can get around a number of processing bottlenecks. It should allow a lot more 'smarts' in some some of our 'smart' gadgets," she says, making air quotes at the appropriate moments. "Not that they aren't already smart. Just... smarter," she says with a tiny little side-to-side head wiggle. They approach the front doors, Ellis moving ahead to open them for Mr. Queen. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Peter pulls his hands out of his pockets to blow warm air into his cupped palms, leaning up against the wall beside the doors. A little glance over reveals the quartet of peoples making their way through the lobby, one of whom appears to be Oliver Queen, and a sense of .... dread rises up in his gut. This sort of photography isn't exactly why he got into the business. Truth be told, he just got into it to make some extra money taking pictures of Spider-Man, but that can't really pay all the bills, now can it? "Mr. Queen!" Pete finds himself croaking, probably sounding like a teenager going through puberty for how cold his throat is and how quietly he's been standing out in that cold. Whatever he was going to say after is gobbled up in a fit of coughing into his palms, trying to clear his throat. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Stewart is of agreement with Felicity, bobbing his head briefly. He's not getting any younger, near his 50s and already gaining a portly gait to him but still one of the good sharp minds of the company. "And let's not forget that the less space we use in hardware we can use in making sure everything is properly ventilated. Some of what I saw could increase processing capacity by at least 15%." Ellis opens the door, and keeps it open for the group, or at least until Oliver and Stewart are through, a bit of a shit-eating grin on his expression when he lets the door for Felicity to hold. That little rascal! Mirroring Peter's own motion Oliver rubs his hands together. It's that New York cold..., not that they have it much better back in Starling but now he thinks he should had brought a warmer coat. "Both your advice seems to be pointing that this would be a good buy, now we need to---" but then he hears his name. Some enemy all the way from Starling here?!! Or worse, a reporter? And here he was thinking this meeting was mildly secret. But then it seems like it's neither so he watches the young man. Ever polite he asks. "Can I help you?" his tone polite, mixed with curiosity. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity motions over to Stewart's comment. "Absolutely, the heat is a big deal. And there have been a lot of comments about how hot Queen is," she says. Felicity notes a look from Ellis. "The Queen products I mean. Not Mr. Queen. I mean he might be but... but I'm going to just, stop talking and stand over here," she says, motioning to the side. That's when Ellis hands her the door and passes through, Felicity giving a little sigh and waiting for everyone else to pass before following. She steps out into the New York City December and Peter's call gets her attention as well. The blond woman doesn't say anything, just watches as Oliver responds. Ellis looks at Peter like he might wish to intercede, but also just stands by as Oliver addresses the matter personally. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' Oh look, everyone's attention is on Peter now... That's a lot of pressure! "Hello..." That's all he can come up with... At least at first! "I mean, hello! Mr. Queen, I'm a huge admirier of yours! At least your product line. My name's Peter Parker and I work for the Daily Bugle." Credibility lost, at least in Peter's mind. "My boss, Mr. Jameson sent me out here in late December to get a picture for the morning web edition, I was hoping maybe you wouldn't mind if I caught one?" He doesn't just bring his camera up and start snapping shots, at least? "Maybe a quote?" Eyeing Felicity having to hold the door.... he lets his camera fall and slides his hand out to push it open for her, tilting his head at Ellis, "Come on man, it's Christmas.." Because that was rude, even for a business person guy. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Stewart has a goofy grin on his face at Felicity's comments, shaking his head a bit to himself. There's always that bit of a rivalry between the hardware and software departments, but it's a friendly one, so he is aware of those tirades already, "I am going to tell Ellen about this one, she will laugh her little heart out." with Ellen being his wife. Oliver settles his green gaze fully on Peter now, choosing to ignore the earlier comment from Felicity and really, perhaps for the best! But now he is face to face to what he feared. A reporter? A brief sigh when the mention of the Daily Bugle is made. "Good morning, Peter." but he is not exactly heartless, and the young man has been waiting out here so he can at least be considerate, "I wasn't expecting this meeting to be known. Mr. Jameson seems to have his sources." that making him lift a brow somewhat. Yet the man did mention being here waiting, and maybe even catching a cold so it's perhaps the least he can do. "Of course, you can take a picture." Not having noticed what happened with Ellis and Felicity he glances at Ellis, "Something the matter, Ellis?" to which Ellis shakes his head, "No, sir. We are fine." then his dagger-sharp gaze falling on Peter. "Mr. Queen is a very busy man. Perhaps you should request a meeting for another occasion." to which he most likely would refuse any and all requests. He can be mean like that. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Boy can Ellis ever be mean. Even when on Oliver's schedule, getting past Ellis and through the door can be like getting past the farmer into the room of his daughter. Or, maybe that's not a simile that Felicity thinks her thoughts should run towards. Peter's defense of Felicity earns him a small smile from the bespectacled young woman. But she doesn't make too much of it. Not wanting to get on Ellis's bad side. Well, any worse than she might already be. Felicity moves over beside Stewart, blushing just a bit. But only a little bit. Once you've gotten used to the taste of your own foot in your mouth, it doesn't quite get to you like it used to. "Are we going to get to see her at the Christmas party?" Felicity asks the engineer. She leans over to whisper, "I think Dinah Drake is going to sing at it. Though, not sure if it's a done deal so don't let that out to everyone just in case." 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "Thank you Mr. Queen." Pete says with a grin, not really rising to the dagger eyed challenge presented by Ellis, instead rising the camera as if to snap a picture. "Mr. Jameson is... uh.. yeah, connected. I guess that's the word." The guy owns every major news outlet on the East Coast afterall.. he didn't get that way by missing the arrival of someone like Oliver Queen! "Without revealing too much, can I get a little comment on the record what brings you to New York?" Half expecting to be told ''business'' or be brushed off by the ever so polite Ellis! Everyone needs a super villain as a personal assistant! Or in Peter's case.. A boss. Snapping a few pictures. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Well, Oliver is photogenic at least..., even if with that broody look at times, it's just that knack vigilante billionaires can't shake. So dark. But at least his profile pics look great! "Better than everyone else." he giving the surrounding a good look. "Considering you are the only reporter present here. Or at least.., let's hope so." a brief grimace. There may be a batallion of them approaching. There goes a nice, calm visit to NYC. Stewart has neared Felicity, and when the woman whispers he does the same. Not that their conversation can't be overheard. "I haven't been able to make her shut up about her dress. She's eager to try it! I am more eager to take it off.." perhaps Stewart has been infected with the 'foot in mouth' disease that Felicity carries. He pauses, "I mean .., because then it means we will be back home resting.." he nods but looks surprised at the mention of Dinah, "My lips are sealed." no they aren't. "Mr. Queen is here visiting -lovely- New York and enjoying himself." Ellis states in dismissal to the young Peter, "And speaking of which, we should be going, shouldn't we?" his tone with that annoying quality of those used to brush away reporters as a profession. But Queen says to Peter, "I am hoping to invest in the company you can see behind us. They have been working in some technologies that I believe could bring advancement to both Starling but also right here to New York, and the companies here." his tone smooth and firm, "If this goes well, who knows if more partnerships may be in line for the future?" 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity somewhat manages to moderate her smile at Stewart's comment. It's just so refresh to see someone else being the one making such comments instead of herself. Her next whisper really is a whisper no one else will pick up, as she even turns away for a moment so they won't see she's speaking, "I think Ellis may burst a blood vessel." Felicity turns back watching as the photos are being snapped of Oliver. She reaches the camera is pointing a bit too closer her direction. Is she in the background? She moves away to make sure she's out of frame as she watches the enterprising young photographer going about his craft. Felicity wanders over, neck craning just a bit, looking towards Peter. Is she interested in him? Or what he's holding? "That's a nice camera," the amateur photographer tells the professional one. "Oh. Sorry. Don't mean to interrupt your work," she tells him. 

:'''{{#var:4|Peter Parker (4)}} has posed:''' "Re-... really? That's huge news!" Peter realizes with a few blinks, he very well may be the first person to get that information in the private sector! Nevermind that he is, himself, a huge techie. Lowering his camera, very much wanting to get nerd rage with a host of questions that aren't any of his business, Pete cleans the leans of his camera and playfully snaps one of Felicity when he sees her moving out of frame. "Yes Ma'am, a Nikon D2020... I saved up a few months for it." Now letting it hang around his neck, scratching just at the base of his skull. Anyways. A glance at Ellis, then back to Ollie by way of Stewart and his awkward foot in mouth, "Thank you for the.." Waving, all inclusive, "Sorry to interrupt your business and all, I try not to catch people off guard, but-" It's the nature of the business sometimes, much to his own chagrin. "You have a wonderful holidays and try not to work ''too'' hard-" Maybe his sudden urgency comes from the ''amber alert'' beep on his phone because he's fidgeting a little after reading the screen. ''High speed pursuit- Shots fired. NYPD clearing traffic on Madison and Lexington'' "Thanks again Mr. Queen!" 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' The attention Felicity gives to Peter's camera makes Oliver's expression turn into a faint, knowing smile. He does know her interest in photography so he watches the interaction briefly. "Least I can do, Peter. For having you waiting here for so long." well, at least he seems like one of those nice billionaires. If there are those. Of course that it's also a good thing that news of more investments is known, it will give those stocks a bump, that Queen Consolidated is looking to invest. Ellis continues to stare at the reporter, then at Felicity, a hmph, "Yes, I am sure you will be able to buy a few more cameras with this scoop." none-too-happy about what Oliver shared. But the young man seems to be leaving so his works seems to be done. "A merry christmas to you. Take care." Though Oliver's look turns strange, the boy is indeed leaving so fast, right after he gave him that scoop. Could had pressed for more. But he puts it as inexperience, Peter does look young afterall. 
}}

10469/Bat-maintenance In The Batcave

2019-12-17T22:39:27Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2019/12/17 |Location=Batcave - Wayne Manor |Synopsis=Barbara and Stephanie work on the latter's Batcycle while catching up. |Cast of Characters=113..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/17
|Location=Batcave - Wayne Manor
|Synopsis=Barbara and Stephanie work on the latter's Batcycle while catching up.
|Cast of Characters=1134,58
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown is out of uniform. Changed back into her jeans and t-shirt, she's currently over in the vehicle bay. Her Batcycle is before her, cover taken off the engine. Her fingers are greasy and one of them must have itched at her cheek as there's a smear of the stuff there too, as well as a couple of marks on her jeans and shirt. She looks at one of the components up close, peering it at it and then over to a monitor nearby. "Is it supposed to look like that?" she says aloud, peering between the device and where the manual she's displaying is showing a photo of it. She gets a rag and wipes it clean, looking at it speculatively again before replacing it back into the engine. Thankfully the devices are not only designed for performance, but for ease of maintenance. She doesn't even need to do this herself, much of it is automated. But then knowing how to do it by hand is part of the training. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' The familiar whine of the Babs' high powered Ducati Shadow cuts through the silence of the cave as she comes in through the long, winding entrance off the side of the mountain and squeals to a halt in the vehicle bay. This is her personal cycle, but she's been using it for Oracle as well. Pulling off her helmet to free her braided red hair, it's left behind on the seat when she jogs towards the stairs leading up to the main floor. She's wearing tight blue-jeans, a long sleeve shirt with a rainbow across the chest, a members only jacket and a pair of black/white running shoes. Turning a little in Stephanie's direction when the blonde speaks up, "Huh-hey Steph, what are you doing?" Squinting, sliding over to look at the manual, "Oh sweetie... ooooh sweeetie... no.. That engine isn't the same as that manual anymore..." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie pops up, recognizing the sound of that particular vehicle even before she looks over to see who it is. A great big grin fills the blond's face and her eyes are something akin to a puppy who hasn't seen her human in what feels forever, but suddenly there she is! Not that Stephanie is a dog, but if she had a tail right now, it would be wagging. She grins and moves over, about to offer Babs a big hug, when she notes the state of her hands. She backs up a little bit from the attempt, holding the greasy hands up to indicate why the attempt was aborted. "Sight for sore eyes," she says. "Which really doesn't make a lot of sense. If my eyes were sore I'd probably want them closed. But you look good, any state of eyes," Stephanie tells Barbara Gordon with a warm laugh. She turns to look towards the engine. Towards the manual. Towards the engine again. "Uh. Oh. Hrm. That might explain some things," Stephanie says, scratching at her jaw and adding a second, smaller mark of grease below the first. "And I thought I was doing so well," she says with an exasperated huff. She wipes her hands and then goes back to the list of manuals. "How have you been doing?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Babs sees the jubilation in Stephanie's eyes and can't help grinning. Not that the redhead isn't a grinner, she's a grinner, but she doesn't look like she's in a particularly grin heavy cycle right now. Regardless, she side hugs Steph and looks back down at the cycle that's more or less been gutted. "I'm okay." She's not, but it's a clear ''not want to talk about it'' answer that's applied by most humans, "Why are you taking apart the batcycle?" She wonders with a furrowed brow and a smirk. Kneeling down on her heels to rest arms across her bent knees so she's at the level of the work already been done. When she reaches up to slide off her jacket, it's clear she intends to get her own hands dirty, and even pulls up her sleeves to mid-forearm. "And how are /you/?" 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The hug is accepted if not given back just for not wanting to get Babs's clothes dirty. Steph's going to have to wash what she's got on, already, but then thankfully this is the place it's easy to do that. The answer and tone from Babs is noted by Stephanie, but she doesn't pry, just follows Barbara's gaze to the Batcycle. "Just doing some maintenance on it. Getting familiar with it while it's working. Just so, you know... if it takes a hit while I'm 100 miles away, and I have to make a repair myself, I'm up to the task," she says. She picks up a wrench and says, "I cleaned off the... things. And swapped out the... ah..." she pulls back up the wrong manual. "Brushes," she says of the electric motor. Then goes to find the write manual, skimming along. "Whew. Ok, used the right ones there anyway," Stephanie says after checking. She looks over to Barbara and gives a shrug to the question, but the smile she can't hide from showing in her eyes nor lips says more than her, "Doing ok too," that she offers back. Stephanie's in a good mood. Stephanie's almost always in a good mood, mind you, but this is a gooder good mood than normal. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Babs adjusts her redframed glasses up on the bridge of her nose and chews her bottom lip while staring at the half disassembled engine infront of her, "Alright the ''thing'' is a fuel injector." Said sideways to Stephanie, "I know it's ane electric motor, I know, but it still has a small bit of petral gas which is what -that-" pointing to the component, "-Is.. I don't think you really need or want to know what it does, but I can show you how to put it back on. It's got a flood assembly line added after market, which is why it's not fitting like that picture." Babs wiggles her fingers and grabs a screwdriver to begin unscrewing the catty wompus seated plate. Every so often she side glances at Stephanie while she works. Clearly the red headed woman doesn't have any problems getting her hands dirty, "Alright, spill it.. why are you smiling? You look like you're dating someone." Smirking herself, it's hard not to grin when around Stephanie and her never ending joviality. She's like Dick int hat regard, hard to stay in a bad mood when they're around. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie peers at the parts that Barbara is pointing out and following along. "Crap, I was sure this was the doojamahickey and it was wired into the... wompus... floo...zle. Wompusfloozle," she says, nodding with more confidence on her second usage of the term she just coined. Stephanie pauses a moment, eyes drifting away in thought. "I bet this is how Dr. Seuss got his start. Naming engine parts. I do not like them, Sam-I-Am. I do not like the floof-ssembly-o-gram." She looks back to Barbara, grinning before refocusing on the engine with, "If the crime-fighting thing falls through, at least I might have a fall-back career waiting for me writing children's books." Stephanie shifts over a bit, reaching up to an overhead light and positioning it to give Barbara some better lighting as Steph watches closely what she's doing. Steph stays silent for a few seconds before saying. "Maybe. Sort of. Yeah. Still really new. Let me... let me not jinx it just yet? But, we'll plan a bottle of wine and a long talk about it later. 'k?" Stephanie's smile is still there, but it changes tone a little bit. "There was something else too. Bruce gave me my Christmas present early," she says, trailing off. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Babs has her tongue poking out the corner of her mouth as she works to reconnecting the fuel line. Buending so far down it would be forgivable if someone though she had no spine for how much give it seems to have.. it gets her right up in the mix of the engine, screwing the line back to the injector. Snorting quietly at Stephanie's Dr. Brown rendition of Green Eggs and Ham. "There's a certain kind of relief that comes from knowing a job is waiting for you in the private sector, but you should really be /paying attention/..." She teases, glancing back with a brow raised and a smirk on her face. "Hey, far be it from me to ask you to jinx anything." God knows Babs has her fair share of that. "Told Charlie and Damian about Kara and we were broke up the next week.. keep your secrets as long as you can, Stephanie Brown... for they will bite you on the ass.' 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie gets a sheepish smile and gives a little shrug of her shoulder. "I just... yeah I don't want to mess this one up," she says. She hasn't really had a relationship since Tim. A date here or there. Second dates even rarer. Stephanie clears her throat a little bit, leaning her head over to get a better view of how Barbara is reattaching a hose. Stephanie fiddles with the rag she's still holding. Fidgeting really. In a very quiet voice, Stephanie says, "So Bruce... he... ah... his present. Is to make me part of the family Trust." The sheer quietness of the spoken words might somehow seem to make them loom all the larger. There is definitely a lot of emotion inside of the girl who has been dirt poor her entire life. Who nearly didn't return to school this year for not being able to even make rent, let alone tuition. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' It would be a fair assessment to jump to the conclusion that Babs is aware of the transfer of shares to Stephanie, or at least that some had been purchases in her name. It's not secret that Babs owns a sizable (at least compared to some not in the family) stack in Wayne Tech, and that she's got programs on her computer designed specifically for monitoring stock options to further gain control of the company for Bruce... But this is Stephanie's store and Babs grins slightly as she stumbles through telling it. Not even bothering to touch on the earlier mention of dates, second dates, and how important this current one might well be to her. "I understand that too." She does, she's got her own relationship she's trying to preserve. But Babs is bad luck. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie clear her throat, as if some of that emotion got caught in it. "I was just talking to him and thinking..." she says, before trailing off and shaking her head a bit. "Well, anyway, I was seeing how he was and he gave it to me. And I... wow," Stephanie says, shaking her head. "I haven't done anything with it yet. I just... I can't even get my mind around this really, Barbara," she says. Her eyes look away for a moment. "I don't know anything about money. How to handle it. And... I see what the boys have to go through sometimes," she says of the Robins. It sounds like she's making excuses, really, none of those seeming like things that should be a problem. Stephanie clears her throat again. "How'd you get so good at engines, anyway? Didn't you have to learn a lot of this on your own? Your first Batcycle was your own, not Bruce's doing? Or did I hear that wrong?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "You have..." Babs finishes replacing the covering over the fuel injector and tosses the screw driver down in the tool box before wiping her hand with a rag, ".. There's very few benefits that come with doing what we do, Stephanie." She explains as she stands up, tossing the rag down on the toolbox as well, "Long hours, no appreciation, training... broken bones, scars.. emotional and physical.. I've been crippled, sat in a wheelchair for a year.. I've been tortured, beaten, broken, and ..." She waves her hands, it's a ''on and on'' motion. "One of the few things we /do/ get out of of it, is financial stability. How could Bruce, a man who's wealth is measured against entire countries, justify putting us through that kind of laborous, dangerous, and often deadly-" Ask Jason, "-work if he's not willing to make sure we have absolutely /no/ need to ever work again afterwards?" Babs smirks and shrugs her shoulder, "I never accepted money from him, I took stock options.. I founded a security company and let Bruce fund it... and now I'm one of the one hundredth wealthist women on the planet.." She's not flashy with it, keeps it all doing things, lives below her means... but she's got money and a lot of it. "You find something you want to do with that money and you do it.. but whatever it is-" Tapping Stephanie's shoulder, "-Don't let it define you. It's not who you are, it's what you get paid to be who you are." Glancing at the cycle then, "I ... had to? Yeah, I designed my first batcycle, I designed that one too.." Pointing at Stephanies, "Now Tim could probably out engineer me, but that's besides the point." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The blond-haired young woman listens, though her eyes are drifted away from the bike now and focused mostly on her thoughts and reactions to Barbara's sharing of her outlook on their situation. Up above, over where a natural section of the cave is still unaltered, there's a flutter of wings as the bats that have lent their name and image to so much, drop from their perches and take flight, heading out in a daily search for food. Stephanie watches the colony dart off, her thoughts seeming as restless as those dark shapes in flight. She looks back to Barbara, drawing a deep breath. "I'm still just staggered by it a bit," she says. Stephanie clears her throat and then views the Batcycle again. "I should make my own," Stephanie decides quietly, her eyes drifting back and forth over the high performance bike, equipped with all manner of useful gadgets, sensors, and computer systems. It wouldn't be hard to see a bike like that is probably beyond Stephanie's skills. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Babs didn't know jack or shit about motorcycles when she started converting her first bike either, so she's no doubt Stephanie will pick it up. They weren't born Batgirl, they were shaped into her. So in that same way, Babs has faith in her blonde counterpart to fill the boots, and all that comes along with it. "You'll do fine when you decide to. You've got a lot of resources to tap now." Her own dirty hand reaches out to squeeze a more dirty section of Steph's arm. "I'm gonna go get cleaned up and see Alfred. I think he has some leftovers for Charlie... I didn't realize feeding a teenager was so damned expensive." Said with a playful grin. Watching as the colony of bats disappear around a corner towards the massive cave opening they use to enter and exit the home of the Bats. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie smiles at the squeeze and she rises with Barbara, moving over to carefully slip an arm about her and hug her, sans use of her hand as she keeps the actual fingers and palm free. "Thank you," Stephanie whispers softly, the tone of her voice making it a show of gratitude for far more than just the help with the bike and the advice that was given. Stephanie lets got, and flashes one of her big, goofy grins towards Babs. "And I'll be by with that bottle of wine, before long," she says. Then gives a reluctant shrug as if admitting to other possibilities. "Hopefully," she says with a little chuckle, and then a wink of her eye. Ever the optimist. 
}}

10470/Elf On A Shelf

2019-12-17T22:34:38Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2019/12/17 |Location=Rec Room - Xavier's School |Synopsis=Kurt brings Vi a Christmas present, and the two talk about SHIELD, mutant powers, and Kur..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/17
|Location=Rec Room - Xavier's School
|Synopsis=Kurt brings Vi a Christmas present, and the two talk about SHIELD, mutant powers, and Kurt's past.
|Cast of Characters=9031,169
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi has been studying, even though many of the students are already on break. Sitting alone at table, there's a third grade math book sitting on top of a social studies book intended for similar ages. Those are either slated for later study, or are already done for the day though as Vi is focusing on another book. She reads something from it and then writes in cursive on a piece of paper, forming the letters slowly and sometimes referring back to the book, even comparing what she wrote to what is in it. She pauses, mechanical pencil tapping her lip as she looks over towards some shelves that have various books, magazines, and other items suitable for a recreation room. There are a trio of elves there, one in red, one in blue and one in green. At the moment two of them are reclining, while the third is sitting upright in the middle, lap serving as a pillow for the other two. Vi's lips purse in a slightly perplexed look, glancing from the elves to a Christmas tree that has been set up, with some presents under it. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' A small series of BAMF!s occur, preceding the arrival of Kurt and the Bamfs with him right now as they move into the room, letting the vents carry away the sulphur smell as they lug several boxes towards the tree while the Bavarian sings to himself in German - though he pauses and tilts his head at the sight of the young woman doing... work on break?? "Guten tag mein dame! Hard at work on break?" padding towards her with the box left for the mini-Kurts, he drops to all fours, slipping along until next to Vi's chair, brow raised, "What could require you to study so while on break, my dear?" 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi's face lights up a little bit at the sight of Kurt and the BAMFs. She's not had much time around them close up, and seems a little intrigued by them. Though Kurt seems more responsible for the expression. It might also stand out, the smile. The nineteen year old's expression during the first month or two at the school has largely been neutral. Avoiding notice whenever possible. Few displays of emotion unless something impactful was happening. But this is a bit of a warm smile as the man who brought her back with him from SHIELD arrives. "Oh," she says, looking down at her books. "I don't know. I just... I'd like to learn these things I guess. Be like everyone else,' she tells Kurt, biting her lips briefly and looking a little sheepish. She closes the book, using her pencil to mark the location and slides it away from her. From the looks of her paper, it's a cursive penmanship exercise. "Are you bringing some present down?" she asks, eyeing the BAMFs as they muscle the boxes around beneath the tree. "How does one know whether they should get someone a present or not? Out of everyone at the school?" she asks Kurt. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' "I think everyone deserves at least something, Vi. Season of giving, ja? And some people don't realize they needed a little pick me up until someone says 'this is for you!' and they get to unwrap their own little surprise." Kurt beams and from his shirt pocket he pulls a small laminated strip with imagery of a cartoon worm being flattened, offering it over. "Much better for the book than the pencil, the pencil damages the spine." one glowing eye winking, "Don't forget to be yourself as well, when trying to know things everyone else knows as well, no? It's important not to lose yourself." because with his image inducer her knows how appealing that can sometimes feel. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi gives a look of gratitude, using the little bookmark in place of the pencil. "There are so many people here. I don't even know how many. A hundred? I should get something for everyone? I have been saving some money for clothes. I don't know how far it would go for so many," she says. Vi pulls out another sheet of paper and the writes $89 and then begins to divide it by 100, having to consciously think about it as she does. Perhaps more telling is that the girl who hoarded food from the trash can on first arrival, is now figuring out how much the entirety of her money would yield for buying each person in the school a gift. Vi glances up as one of the BAMFS pops up onto the shelf next to the three Elf-On-A-Shelf. "People move those each day. Yesterday they were in the tree. The day before one was on the TV and two were lying across the top of the lamp. People keep coming in and seeing where they are and laughing about it. I don't think I understand what they are about. Are they something to do with Santa Claus?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' "Vi, you don't need to worry about getting anyone anything, but if you do, presents don't need to be purchased. There are some who make things, figurines, wood carvings, drawings on cards." his tail loops to rest on her shoulder, if she lets it. Looking to the elves on the shelf he nods, "It s part of a storybook, about a toy elf that was actually a real elf and would get caught away from where they were supposed to be. Some do it to play with the younger students, because they enjoy the game as well. It makes a little magic for them, you see." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' The young woman doesn't seem to mind the gentle touch at all. The explanations yield a slow nod as understanding dawns on her. "Ohhhh... that makes much more sense. It seemed like no one wanted to let on that people were moving them. I saw Mark, the blond-haired one not the one with scales, moving them one night. But I wasn't sure what was going on so I didn't tell anyone," she tells Kurt. "I will have to see if I can read this book," she tells him. The young woman glances at the boxes. "What kind of things do you give people?" she asks him, her head tilting to the side. Vi turns in her chair a bit more to face Kurt as well. There's more comfort in her talking to him, to anyone, than there's been in the past. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' "Well, it depends really on who the person is." he turns and makes a number of growling sounds which causes a Bamf to look up and dig through their box of packages, rushing over a parcel wrapped in purple and bright blue paper. The package handed to Kurt and then in turn to Vi, the fuzzy blue elf bows his head, "There's a couple others for you, to make up for lost time - so I think you may like this one, ja?" sitting back in his normal crouch, smiling and watching. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi seems as interested in the unusual language that Kurt uses as at what the BAMF is doing. "Do they understand English if I talk to them?" she asks Kurt with a curious look. But then the package is being brought over and Kurt is offering it to the young woman. Vi hesitates a moment, just looking at the present. It's so beautifully wrapped. Even though she might have thought she'd gotten used to the immense differences between the life she knew, and here, something about someone going to that much trouble for something they are giving to her, really seems to get to Vi. She takes it finally, looking down at the beautiful wrapping. Brushing her fingers over it. "It's beautiful, Kurt," she tells him, having learned his name before she found out students call others Mister or Miss, the first name having stuck for her. She seems remiss to disturb the beautiful paper. But finally she opens it, trying to be very careful, peeling back tape rather than tearing it open as if to preserve the beautiful paper even as she looks to see what it contains. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' "Ja, they just don't speak it... other than to say 'bamf' and that's all." Kurt explains, he doesn't comment on her actions, and part of him understands the care when receiving a present, especially the first. The box within holds a bandolier made of black leather with pouches near where it would hang at the waist, in number equal to the elements she can consume... but also 'shells' in loups along from hip to shoulder, where one might put quick accesses for those elements as well. "I thought you might like something a little more flashy for your powers, mein dame." Kurt bows his head low. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi takes the bandolier out, holding it in the way someone holds a treasured thing. Her lip quivers a little bit and there's a wet glistening in her eyes as she runs her hands over the seemingly custom-made leather. The original pouch she had used, made from a discarded heavy rag found on board the freighter she stowed away on, has been replaced by something nicer, manufactured leather with a tapered slot crafted in the top to make getting washers in and out easier. Vi reaches down, pulling a vial out from the back of the pouch and sliding into place in the bandolier. "Perfect fit," she says, looking up with a smile to Kurt. She'd given Professor Xavier, and Peter Parker, samples, so it would have been easy enough to craft the item to fit. "Thank you, Kurt," she says. "This really means a lot to me." Her powers have come to mean a lot to her. She rises from the chair quickly, and if Kurt doesn't stop her, Vi throws her arms around him to give him a tight hug. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' He's a hugger too and he squeezes back when she latches on, smiling and giving a little chuckle as he lets her linger as long as she wants to. "You're very welcome Vi, I'm glad you like it." a gentle pat to her back, as his tail lifts a hanky to dab her eyes while he hugs her, "This is why I give gifts to all whom I can, ja? It makes people's lives a little nicer." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi gives a quick nod of agreement, accepting the little hanky dab that keeps any tears from falling that might have, before she lets go of Kurt finally. "I'd have never believed what my life is like today. Not if you'd asked me... I'm not even sure how long it's been. Two months. And a half?" Vi clears her throat, smiling as she runs a hand fondly over the bandolier. "I'll have to see if I can do the same," she says after he comments about why he gives gifts to people. Vi looks back up and over to him. "What was it like, where you grew up? Is it a lot like the school? Or, where Jean is from? Annan... Annandale... on Hudson? Lots of little houses all side by side? Or, in the city where Jamie lives?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' He blinks and Kurt's head tips at that, lips a line for a moment. "I was a circus freak and lived in a cage for much of my childhood, Vi." keeping that part brief. "I know better than most in this school what your may have been like before." resting his hand on her shoulder. "The difference most being I didn't know I was a kept creature and a slave pet until I was only a few years younger than you are now." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi's expression softens as Kurt reveals that bit of himself. She gives a small nod. Understanding is writ across the younger brunette's face as she can empathize, at least more than most, what it might have been like for him. "And how did you get away from them? You can teleport, so... did you learn you had your power and just...?" she asks, snapping her fingers as if to indicate him poofing away in a cloud of sulphur, away from the cage that confined him. Vi glances back over to the BAMFs, seeing how many of Kurt's presents they brought. The gaily wrapped boxes around the bottom of the tree have grown greatly in number now. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' "I didn't know how for much of my life. But I am flexible, fast, I have good reflexes. I stick to things. I was an acrobat and I was happy until I knew the truth." one hand lifting to gently pat her cheek now, one golden eye winking, "I'm free of it. I'm away from such a life. I must live with some of the sorrows that ever follow, but I would not trade where my life has led to. That's the important part, Vi." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' The touch to her cheek brings a gentle smile from the teen that is focused up on Kurt. "The way you cling to the ceiling. Is that something that you can teach a mutant to do?" Vi asks him curiously. "I could kind of do the same if there is some metal off somewhere on the other side, though it wouldn't be quite the same as just being able to stick there," she tells him. The young woman looks a little thoughtful. "I was in a robbery recently. We stopped in to get money out. It was a thing called a bank. And these men came in wearing masks and with guns. And I wasn't sure what to do. I panicked. And... Jamie could have been shot because I froze, though I finally distracted them and got them to aim at me instead so I could pull their guns to me." Vi's hand unconsciously goes to her stomach for a moment, rubbing a spot lightly. "SHIELD teaches people who what to do in moments like that? Could I learn from them? Or... in the Danger Room here? The Professor was training Rogue on robots they called Sentinels. And I helped her with one. Can someone here teach me how to protect people, if that bank robbery happened again and I was there?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' "We can teach you that if you like... SHIELD makes weapons, we let people choose what they want to be, and if you want to learn how to help people in positions like that, we'll be happy to help." Kurt smiles and nods to her before he looks down at his hands, "As for sticking to people, no I cannot teach that. It's part of me and what makes me. It comes with the fur and fangs" opening his mouth to show pointed teeth as he smiles. "As it is with the tail and my general good looks." a wink offered next. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi lets out a warm little laugh. "You are good looking," she agrees with him, her expression soft but light-hearted, just a gentle compliment, but not seeming to be hitting on him. "I guess I've heard how everyone's mutations are different. I guess that's part of it," she says, nodding slowly. "Well, I would like to learn how to use my power. I can use them to fly, if I have metal around me. I've actually gotten pretty good at it. Except I have problems going over water if I'm not ready for it," says, and there's a bit of a blush as if at a memory. "How long did it take for you to find the school? Did you already know most of what you did before you came here? Or were you a student once?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' "School found me, actually. I was... ehhh... I was being sold to a man in Texas... Escaped, got back to Germany, and Charles rescued me. Brought me here, helped me become my own person." Kurt chuckles and his eyes go elsewhere, "Most of my mutation is hereditary. It's complicated and I may explain more later, but that's the best manner to explain." One of the Bamfs step up, holding up a package, and offering Wagner a... blue raspberry candy cane. "Funny..." he looks and motions to the box, "Mein dame?" 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' "Germany," Vi repeats, and she takes the mechanical pencil and writes "Germiny" on her scratch paper before setting it aside for later and laying the pencil down on the table again. "Hereditary... so your parents were like this too? You know who they are? Did you lose them when you were young, when they put you in the cage?" Vi asks, blurting the question out and then seeming to think twice of it. "Sorry, if that isn't something you want to talk about, I'd understand," she tells him quietly, resting her hands back in her lap as she sits in the chair. Vi looks to the box, perhaps not sure what "mein dame" meant, looking back to Kurt. "Me?" she asks uncertainly with a look towards the box. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' "Mein dame means my lad, it's like saying Miss." he chuckles, "And yes they were bringing over extras, have one if you want. Little sour, but good, ja?" he allows himself a moment to consider, "I was left in a ditch and was found by gypsies who took me to the circus." he wets his lips and takes one of the canes himself, opening it to tuck in the corner of his mouth. "If you've started reading any of the news, or history of mutant activism... and the Brotherhood... My mother is Mystique. My father is Azazel." letting that hit the floor with a thud. 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi takes the candy cane and gives it a try. "Oh. This is good," she says, smile growing as she continues to suck lightly on the end as she listens to Kurt. The revelation of his parentage doesn't seem to cause any reaction from Vi at all. She just gets out that piece of paper on which she wrote Germiny and she adds, after a bit of hesitation on spelling, and unless corrected, Misteek, and Azazil. "I'm learning about people in Europe finding American," she tells him. "I haven't gotten to anything about mutants. Just what people have told me," she adds with a little shake of her head. She looks like she might ask another question, about how Kurt ended up in the ditch probably. But then, that doesn't seem like a soup question. Not that she would get the 'soup question' reference either. Either way, Vi seems to decide to avoid that particular one. "I heard one of the students saying something about you live out in a cabin in the woods somewhere. Is it the cabin over by the like?" she inquires curiously. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' "No, not next to the lake, a short jaunt from there... I can move between there and here quickly enough. It's peaceful, it's quiet. I like it really. I lived in crowds and in the mansion for years. No just... out in the woods. It's nice." Kurt admits, nibbling on his cane while the Bamf wanders off with the package. "In recent months that sometimes it's good to have some distance, if you can afford to have it. I teach, I counsel, but sometimes I like the ability to not have to worry about midnight visits from students. Calls still come... but I get more sleep." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi continues to enjoy her candy cane. She still likely hoards some food in her room, but probably far less than she used to. She also seems to be eating a little slower. The girl Kurt first brought to the school would have just crunched it all up and swallowed it instead of gently savoring it. "I understand what you mean. I've been helping Jamie Madrox with his X-factor in the city. And I love it here at the school. But I still feel sometimes like people look at me different," she says softly. "Which, I am. I get that. But they all know it. Everyone. When I go into the city, no one looks at me different unless I actually do something that makes me stand out," Vi says. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' "Relish that, Vi. A lot of us can't go out in public without being noticed, and much of that notice isn't always the best." offering a small shrug, Kurt holds the cane in the corner of his mouth like a cigar, absent minded to its existence now. "As for your powers, you've been to the danger room, ja?" head canting to the side as he goes into though, considering scenarios already." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' The young woman gives a little nod of her head. "A couple of times. Samuel was doing a dinner with a family there. And the Professor showed me a mountain. And then I saw Rogue fighting the robots, and I went to help a boy. Though he wasn't real," she tells Kurt. "And a few other times. I'd like to use it more, but mostly I've been going outside to practice flying," she tells him, glancing outside the windows. "Over across the grounds usually, the other side from the lake. The first time I came across the lake... ah... I fell in. And Chris was there and pulled me out," she says, blushing. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' A grin at the embarrassment, whether falling in the lake or being saved by Chris he doesn't press or tease about. But Kurt nods and continues to think a moment before offering, "We could try and put in scenarios for your flight - help you gain practice, more control... Polaris could help too, her whole mutation deals with magnetism as far I know. If you're using push and pull to fly, she could see perhaps how to help you work with more expanded magnetic fields?" 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi's face lights up a bit more. "I'd love to work with her on it. She said I could come by and talk to her about it, though I haven't caught her yet," Vi says. Which is her own fault, she's spent time in the city whenever possible, so hasn't been at the school as much except when her classes needed it. Vi continues to work on the candy cane, which is slowly being consumed. "It's much easier in the city, since there is metal just about everywhere. Every building I can push off of, or pull myself up. Out here I have to bring my own," she tells him, patting her pouch. "So do you need anything to fuel your... teleporting?" Vi asks. "Do you have to eat anything special? Is that why it has the odor it does?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' "Oh... No but it gets tiring to do to fast and too often. If I do too much I grow tired. If I try to move too much it's worse and if I take people with it drains them, can kill them if I take them too far." Kurt admits, tail flicking, "When I go I displace air, the smoke is from father's dimension, it's where I travel to and from, it's a realm of portals, so I appear there and elsewhere almost instantly." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi digests the information about the teleporting tiring Kurt, and how it affects other that he takes with him. Though after that, her little nods of understanding and thoughtful expressions kind of dry up to be replaced with a slightly furrowed brow over mentions of dimensions and portals. Vi shakes her head slowly. "There's so much about the world that I don't understand," she says, the tone of her words making it seem like a mantra that she's probably repeated a few times before. "It seems like it would be a great thing to be able to do." She could have gotten away from Echo. Gotten other people away. She maybe could have done that if she'd known her own powers, but didn't. "I don't know if I ever took the time to say it, but if I didn't... thank you for coming to SHIELD and getting me. I don't think I would have liked what the men there wanted to do," she says. She doesn't seem to be holding it against SHIELD, at least. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' A curt nod (HA!) from Kurt at that, frowning, "They mean well, but some of the worst things came from well meaning. They wanted to study and make use of your abilities... We wanted what you wanted." brow knitting, "If you wanted only to use your powers so that you would know how not to use them, that's as important as helping you harness and make the best use as benefit to you, or to others if you wanted. Not what some spy agency could use it for." 

:'''{{#var:9031|Vi (9031)}} has posed:''' Vi hears the call for dinner, glancing over that direction down the hallway. She looks back to Kurt and smiles. "Well, if I can help people, I'd like to. And, well. I did sort of panic and freeze when the men came in with guns. Into the bank. But, in the end I did disarm them. And a couple of men in costumes showed up. Jamie called them 'bats'. I don't know if they'd have done better, but I kept it so no one but me got shot," she says. Vi gathers her books and rises from her chair. "Thank you, again, Kurt. For everything," she says. The student, old enough to be graduated, but with her 3rd grade level books in one hand, moves to offer Kurt a quick hug with the other. "I should probably go clean up for dinner." Cleaning up. To eat. That one was new to her, but she's gradually adjusting. 
}}

10460/To Catch ANOTHER Cat

2019-12-16T22:13:45Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2019/12/16 |Location=South Hinkley, Old Gotham |Synopsis=Catwoman shows up with a big assist to Batwoman and Batgirl in capturing Catman's escaped..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/16
|Location=South Hinkley, Old Gotham
|Synopsis=Catwoman shows up with a big assist to Batwoman and Batgirl in capturing Catman's escaped tiger
|Cast of Characters=1134,10,193
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' The fight between members of Batman's entourage and Catman and Cheshire had resulted in Catman's trained Siberian tiger, Rasputin, biting Batgirl in the arm and then being driven off by a flame thrower from Kestrel's Batmobile. The tiger? Still on the loose. The police scoured the area, and a few different sightings have been phoned in, but to no avail. The tiger is still on the loose. It took a dog the second night, and went after a woman the third except a group of people nearby ran at it and the tiger fled with only some bad scratches done to the woman. Tonight, another call has gone into to the police about having found tiger tracks in freshly fallen snow though they ended on warm pavement. The dispatcher sends a message out to units about it to be on the lookout in that location. The radio call can be picked up by anyone with a scanner. 

:'''{{#var:10|Catwoman (10)}} has posed:''' Thanksgiving was a lonely time for Catwoman. Any good feelings that came from giving to one of the local shelters in South Hinkley were tempered by the knowledge she wouldn't see the gratitude on anyone's faces; she did not come back around out of costume, as Selina Kyle, to observe anything. It had been difficult to find much to be positive about lately. Scores were only providing a temporary fix to her ails. They were something to do, and the thrill was lacking. She was adrift without an anchor, a cat on the loose. Then she heard about a literal cat on the loose. A tiger, in fact. A strong, beautiful tiger, the kind of creature she'd do just about anything to protect, to keep alive. She had to respond, and the latest sighting put it right in her neck of the woods. Catwoman had a sort of natural affinity toward the smaller felines, but she'd never really tested it out on a larger one. This would be dangerous. She thought about that as she traveled the rooftops en route to the location she'd picked up on the radio chatter. Chances are this would end well, or end poorly. She didn't want to hurt the thing, but would it hurt her? 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate Kane wasn't involved in the earlier tiger hunts, but she's on the docket tonight. When the call goes into the GCPD about tiger tracks she arms herself appropriately and heads out on the hunt. Heading for the location of the call, she checks in with the Colonel first and then with the other caped associates on the Bat-frequency. "Calling all other noctournal predators, this is Batwoman reporting tiger track sightings on the GCPD scanner. I am en route to the location. Departing the bike for pursuit on foot in a few moments." And shortly afterward she does pull the bike over and secure it, checking her gear before swinging up to a rooftop for a better look. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Batgirl is on her cycle, heading back from Bludhaven when the alert comes in from the Batcomputer. She reaches over to rub her arm, the wounds well along to being healed thanks to the League of Assassins Goop that Damian gave her. That isn't the name for it, but it's what Stephanie calls it. And that particular smell it has wasn't part of the original formula, but something Damian added just for her, he admitted. << This is Batgirl. Heading there now >> The Batcycle rolls up to the spot before long. A corner of a city park that is holding the snow, while the pavement around it is warmer and melted, not holding any prints. The prints are heading towards a junk yard with an apartment building on one side and a laundromat on the other. 

:'''{{#var:10|Catwoman (10)}} has posed:''' Goggles checked, night vision and infrared settings flipped through, and the Feline Fatale takes note of the tracks that lead off toward more populated areas. That would be bad news. The reports of prior attacks would already have some in a shoot-on-sight mentality and that is the last thing Catwoman wants to have happen, especially if she's nearby. Got to act fast, before it's too late. She isn't on the channels of communication those associated with Batman have at their disposal - she's still more of a loner and marginally trusted by /maybe/ one or two people - but that's of no matter to her right now. There are others on the hunt, and no time to waste. Out comes the bullwhip, used for Catwoman to swing herself down to street level by way of a traffic light, landing with a soft thump and a hand against the ground to brace herself before she rises. Then, she breaks into a job toward the junkyard. "Heeeere, kitty kitty..." she starts out with, a sing-song voice. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate Kane knows better than to try and handle this with lethal force as well, but that doesn't mean she isn't packing plenty of heat. A tiger is still an apex predator, after all. Thermal imaging draws her towards the junkyard as well, but rather than follow the tracks directly she swings down over the fence about halfway along. <Batgirl, the tracks lead into a junkyard. I'm establishing a flanking position.> Electrified batarang in one hand and a can of Bear Mace in the other, the black and red clad figure settles onto one of the many paths through the yard, scanning head for anything on infrared. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Batgirl arrives, not spotting Catwoman yet as she checks out the spot where the prints are. << Hey Batwoman. Sounds good. I brought some tranq loads for the sticky launcher if you want some. >> And indeed, Batgirl will deliver them before heading for the front entrance herself. The junkyard is ringed with an 8 feet high fence, which a tiger would have no problems jumping. Inside is a third of a block's worth of junked cars, refrigerators, old air conditioner units, shipping pallets, and all the other things you might expect to find in a junk yard. The front has some neatly ordered stacks of things that have been salvaged already. The back half is just stacks and rows of things waiting for someone to deal with them. Along one side, there are a few spots of red that look like blood on the fence. And more drops on the inside leading off into the stacks. Batgirl hasn't seen them yet though, checking out the front entrance. 

:'''{{#var:10|Catwoman (10)}} has posed:''' The fence is nothing for Catwoman to be bothered with, even if there's some razor wire along the top. She simply uses an alternate method of getting over that, which the whip again helps provide. Once on the inside, she stays 'big' rather than crouching to make herself smaller. When the blood is picked out, that tells her something: someone, or something, was injured here. It could have been a worker, maybe the tiger, perhaps both. Caution is still the name of the game, as there has yet to be a sighting, but that could change at any moment. She isn't trying to hide from anyone. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' <I'm already inside, but thanks. Going with tazer and mace here, so might want to put on a rebreather.> Nothing on the infrared, at least not where Kate is currently checking. Nothing big, anyway. <I'm seeing drops of something warm on infrared. Blood. Pretty fresh, to be this warm. Watch yourself, Batgirl. Tigers are hunters and this one is injured, scared, and hungry.> The military tactical side of Batwoman always comes out on an op like this, no matter who she's with. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Batgirl switches through night vision, infrared and thermal. It's while on thermal that Catwoman stands out to her clearly further away down the fence line. Batgirl trots quietly that way, though as she switches back to night vision to make out more detail, it becomes obvious to her who it is. She keeps her mike open so Batwoman will hear her too. "Catwoman? Didn't expect to find you here. Or maybe I should have? Hoping to nab yourself a new pet? This one's a man-eater as I can attest to personally," she says. She switches back to infrared, spotting the blood trail, then back to nightvision. Meanwhile, Batwoman will spot more blood. More than just drops, something lost a fair amount, and there are a few tiger paw prints in the slushy dirt. The trail leads over towards an old VW bus, the front doors missing but the rest closed and the glass intact. 

:'''{{#var:10|Catwoman (10)}} has posed:''' Catwoman turns at someone else's voice. It's one of the Batfolk, if someone she doesn't immediately recognize. The eyes sweep up and down the costumed form in a second or two, then she turns back in the direction she was facing previously. The whip is still out, though rolled up in her right hand. God forbid she has to play tiger-tamer with it. Hopefully not. "Tigers don't belong as pets, Bat-Blondie," she says, though there is an edge to her voice, caution present in the words and body language. "I just want to get it out of here without it or anyone else being killed. I know a few places it'd be safer in than out here. I don't want to see anyone else getting mauled. I assume you don't, either." She can see the VW bus, but from a different angle away from the front doors that Batwoman may be getting eyes on right about now. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Batwoman continues following the trail. <Trail leads to an old VW Bus. Do people still drive those things? Blood trail is getting thicker, and the tracks are fresh. Looks like I've found our kitty. Not engaging just yet.> There's a pause, then. <Catwoman is there? Tell her to stay away. Do not, repeat Do Not engage.> Catwoman is still something of a wildcard as far as Batwoman is concerned. They met once, albeit briefly and under neutral circumstances. But first impressions can be misleading. <We will use non-lethal force to take him down, then we'll worry about getting him fixed up.> 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Batgirl's eyebrow goes up behind her mask, unnoticed but it can be heard in her voice. "Bat-Blondie? Come on, you could have at least gone with 'Batbabe,'" she says before turning to glance off into the junkyard the direction the blood trail goes, and spotting the VW bus. She says a little under her breath, "No one ever goes with Batbabe." Batgirl keeps her mike open so Batwoman will hear her tell Catwoman, "Well, nice to see you lending a... paw? Hand? I don't know how deep into the whole Cat theme you really... Ok, anyway. Appreciate it, but I think we got this," Batgirl says, following Batwoman's lead on the matter. Batgirl pulls out her launcher capable of delivering a few different payloads. In this case, she has a tranquilizer dart loaded. She begins moving around to the other side of the VW bus since there's one on each side that are completely missing the door. Though it's the door on Batwoman's side that the white Siberian tiger emerges from. Carrying what looks it was a dog. Maybe a Rottweiler, though it's been chewed on pretty well. It drops the carcass though, sniffing the air and then giving a soft grumbling noise. 

:'''{{#var:10|Catwoman (10)}} has posed:''' "Batbabe?" Catwoman asks, a quick glance cast back toward Batgirl before she's facing ahead again. "And I might regret this later, but give me a moment first. Cats and I sort of have a thing. If it doesn't work, at least you can say I gave you an opening." Heedless of Batgirl and Batwoman's desires to the contrary, she advances further toward the opening on Batwoman's side. She catches sight of its head first, with what's left of the dog in its jaws, and for a second Catwoman's breath catches. Then, she wills herself back into control, or an attempt at control, her left hand extending forward. Not nearly close enough to touch yet, or be touched, but she's looking to make eye contact. "Shhhh. Easy, now. Nobody's here to hurt you. You're a pretty one, aren't you?" Her voice is kept calm and low, meant to soothe, to pacify, but she keeps her distance for now. "Let us get you somewhere safer, where you don't have to be afraid. Where you can be free." Mostly. Creatures like this can never truly be free again, once around humans so much. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' <Eyes on target, repeat I have eyes on target.> Batwoman declares calmly into the comms. <We'll flank him, Batbabe.> The latter is delivered deadpan into the mic, like that was the blonde's actual call sign. One little slip and now everyone is jumping on it. <When I draw him out, you take him down.> Batwoman readies a batarang, keeping the can of industrial-strength mace lowered for the moment. Annnd that's when Catwoman steps right in. <Dammit, I can't get a clear shot with Catwoman there. Changing positions. Move slowly and don't startle the cat, but be ready if she needs a bailout.> Or recovery, she thinks. Because if the rescue fails, then the mission becomes a recovery. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' << My shot is blocked too. Repositioning. >> Batgirl had the bus to contend with, more so than Catwoman's presence. She moves quietly, heading for a stack of cars. The lifelong gymnast hooks the launcher back on her utility belt and then climbs up the decrepit car bodies, eventually lying on the roof of an old station wagon, three cars up. She pulls out the launcher and takes aim. << Ok have a shot but holding off. >> The tiger's lips pull back from its teeth, giving a soft growling noise, looking first at Batwoman. But as Catwoman comes forward, the tiger's attention transfers there. The white tail lashes about behind it as the woman comes forward. The tiger doesn't attack though as she starts to talk to it. After a few moments, the tiger sits down, tongue cleaning its lips of the blood from the large dog that proved no match for it, eyes still on Catwoman, not leaving it clear whether it's just cleaning itself, or thinking of her as the main course. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Batwoman just watches, keeping the 60,000 volt batarang at the ready. She freezes, not wanting to distract. Anybody. The throat mic picks up her low voice as she speaks. <She's doing it. I really think she's doing it.> But that's all. Definitely not interested in upsetting the balance right now. Besides which, Kate seriously doubts that Catwoman would be appreciative of either a charged Batarang OR a cloud of mace right now... 

:'''{{#var:10|Catwoman (10)}} has posed:''' If nothing else, the tiger is not moving. Once the two Batfolk have found new positions to work with, taking Catwoman's into account, she remains focused on the creature before her. It's maybe ten feet away, close enough it could leap and attack whether she'd have time to avoid it or not. She isn't acting like she's got any fear of that actually happening, though. "You've been treated so poorly, and had to fend for yourself. You're no pet," she tells it, as if she's holding a conversation with the beast in response to its growl. She focuses on the body language, the tail, and when it sits down to begin a bit of cleaning, she can tell just how easy those big paws and claws could shred flesh. However, every slow step brings her closer and she rests the whip down nearby instead of keeping it in hand. It's one less threat to the animal, but she's too close now for it to be effective anyway. And, it would have prevented her from doing what she does next. After a hand is offered toward the animal, it is slowly brought up toward a cheek then an ear, to give a firm scruffing and scritching. She's got the claws to hit just the right spots, and before long the right hand joins it on the other side. She even moves in so the tiger's chin can rest across a shoulder as she /embraces/ it, imitating a low purr-like rumble in the back of her own throat. "I promise we'll get you to a place where you'll always be safe from the worst of us. Just relax, now." They have their opening to take their shots, but what they're seeing before that might be surprising. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Even if the tiger is dangerous, it actually is a well-trained animal. Unfortunately the trainer used that training to further his acts of villainy, driven out of a jealousy of never being able to match up to Batman if he'd gone the heroic route. But Catman is in Arkham now, and Rasputin seems to be responding well enough to Catwoman. << Seems to be behaving. Calling animal patrol. Maybe they can transport without needing to tranquilize it? >> Batgirl contacts GCPD and before long an animal control van rolls up, having come prepared for the tiger. With Catwoman's help, they are able to get the big tiger into a cage, the feline entering it willingly as it accepts her guidance. The food and water in the cage don't hurt either, it seems. Rasputin was underfed. Batgirl stands watching as they finish up. "Thank you for your help, Catwoman," she says. 
}}

10411/Guardians of the House of Ill Repute

2019-12-16T17:17:32Z

Kirby:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/13
|Location=Contraxia House of Ill Repute
|Synopsis=The Guardians visit an 'establishment' on Contraxia. Peter and Rocket make up.
|Cast of Characters=1671,161,155,1163,111
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=[[File:Guardians of the Galaxy.jpg|x225px|center]] 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' A little research found that the shipment that the Milano had been waiting for would be delayed longer. So it was that the crew decided on a trip into the nearby town. One of those hives of scum and villainy that made for good downtime for crews of freighters, Ravagers, and anyone else looking for recreation that was probably illegal on more civilized planets. The daily snow had left the ground white and smooth in most places, but the footprints of people coming and going almost always outpaced the regular snowfall. Mantis's feet add their prints as she walks through an arch that marks the border of the small settlement. The sounds of energetic, tinny music is playing loud enough to be heard even here. Customers linger outside of the establishments, drinking and behaving raucously, sometimes breaking out into fistfights which quickly spawn rounds of betting. The buildings themselves have colorful names and have lit signs that advertise any number of sins. Robots with yellow 'skin' are lifelike automatons, and the popular entertainment for many of the customers, though live employees also wander inside the establishments and out. "This is exciting!" Mantis says as she eyes the energetic bustle they are approaching. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora, in bleack leather pants and jacket over a black vest and a white shirt beneath that, walks alongside and on the left onf Mantis. She's not bothered by the cold, it doesn't do much of anything to her really, so she's just taking in the sights, sounds, and... smells of this place. Her multi-colored hair of dark purple and bright pink waves gently against her shoulders and her bare hands go to rest on the edges of the buckle of her belt. "Charming place." Gamora comments softly. "I think we might lose a couple of people here, permanently." She glances over to those with them. "Not that I'm complaining." She states with a smirk. "Come on. I need a drink." And with that said, her booted feet carry her on inward, searching and eyeballing everyone looking for the place that surely exists here that hands out liquor and alcoholic goodness. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket really aint sure he should be here right now, what with Quill still sore at him and himself still being sore at everybody, specifically Gamora, at home he is glaring every couple steps because he's a jack ass and holds grudges. "I don't see the appeal with tryin' to fornicate with robots.. ain't that just physical pornagraphy? Does it even /count/? I could look up more excitin' stuff on the wave..." He's not unarmed, but he's left behind the heavy blaster rifle he usually carries along with him. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      Groot follows slowly behind Rocket. Not because he is sulking, because his massive strides require one Groot step for every twelve Rocket steps.   The massive tree holds up a finger in retort to Rocket's assessment of the ho-bots. "I am Grrooot." Not thinking it counted, which was the appeal to mammals, or at least as far as Groot thought. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     "Yeah, I know... I mean I like her..." Peter says to the robot in the room that seems to be getting more and more impatient with him.     "Insert Credits."     "Yeah yeah, I heard you the last fifteen freakin' times." Peter says to the robot who he's more than neglected and he moves to sit on the corner of the bed and shakes his head. "I mean the ship is like my K.I.T.T. but Gamora... she's... She's..." He puffs his cheeks out and cups his hands where a butt would fit and then shakes his head and moves his hands to his heart. "I care... like... y'know..."     "Insert Credits."     "You don't know." Peter sighs and stands back up and opens the door and steps out of the room and puts on a face. "Yeah... ruined that bot for the next loser."      

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket glances back at Groot, furrows his brow, wiggles his whiskers, and snorts, "Damn right it don't count.. except for for Quill, cus otherwise he aint gonna get nothin'." The tiny murder mammal grabs hold of Groot's trunk like leg and scampers right up his side to drop down in a seat on a massive shoulder. From this vantage he can see Star Lord, exiting the room with the robimbo, "Hah, I bet he aint even did nothin'.. ''you aint did nothin'!'' I want DNA evidences or I'm callin' bullshit!" 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis is wearing her green outfit. Not that one, or the other one. The one with the deep green and the black trim. It is form fitting enough that, alongside Gamora and her leather pants, and with Rocket and Groot walking further behind them, there are a few propositions thrown the way of the two women by those who perhaps share Rocket's view on robots. Mantis puts on her friend-making smile and tells one of the men who made such an offer, "Thank you but I think we are staying here. And if we did want to go around the world and park your ship in back, we have our vessel. And it is parked in front," she says, pointing off the direction of the Milano. She looks back to Gamora. "People are so friendly here. I'm sure I will make a new friend." 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      Groot's movements do not need to slow to accommodate his fuzzy friend. Their bromance game was just that strong.   "I am Groot." He says quietly to Rocket. Pointing to Peter walking out of a conjugal rendezvous room. Since the flora colossus had no use of a concubine, he walked to join Gamora and Mantis at the nearest alcohol procurement center. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora finds, not a bar, but a person giving out drinks. So she grabs as many as she's capable of. The first one is offered to Rocket, she's well aware of him still being mad at her. She's pretty sure she saw him glaring at her while she slept last night, which usually means Rocket wants you dead... The second drink, she sips for herself. "Peter is here somewhere, likely... actually nevermind, I don't want to think about it." Another sip is indulged before she glances to Groot and watches him catching more than a few eyes around this place... he has that effect on folks after all. At Mantis, Gamora smirks. "Mantis, darling. You..." She glances to the yellow skinned robot women, she's heard a number of them talking and sounding disturbingly similar to Mantis' own speech patterns. "I think you'll fit in just right here. Just be careful about going to private rooms with strange men, okay?" 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     Peter stumbles out of his the room, blue balls and all and he looks left and right before shrugging his shoulders in a sobering motion and he turns to start looking for a place to get some drinks.     He raises a hand up to his head and smacks his temple with the butt of his palm and shakes his head heartily before he sees, "I'd recognize that branch anywhere. Groot! Rocket!"     Peter steps closer to the drink vendor and holds his hand up with two fingers extended, wanting a double but quickly getting two cups put into his hands. "Okay kay... anyyways." Peter says eyeing his whole crew and finding he has nothing immediately to say so is likely interrupted by Rocket. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' How strong is their bromance? Brostrong. Rocket was definitely glaring at Gamora. Laying on his side in his cot, which was move suspiciously close to hers, and got closer every time she opened her eyes. Hell, he wasn't just glaring, he was going full on ''Grudge''. Like now, glaring. Right at the back of her head. Until she hands him a drink... He blinks.. reaches out for it and squints... eyes narrow.. looking from mug to Green Whore, to Quill... To Mantis, to Green Whore to Groot... To Drink to Green Whore... "Okay yer forgivin' for betrayin' me when I betrayed Quill an' almost got us all kill, which I still hold!-" Stressing this point with a raised clawed finger, "-Is still indirectly Quills fault on account of I don't like to take responsibility for things when they fail... and he's not here to defend himself... Also he's dumb." Sipping his drink. "And I hate him." Sip. "Also he smells bad..." SIIIIIIP.. "AND HE DEFINITELY DIDN'T BOINK THAT ROBIMBO! YER A LIAR QUILL!" 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis stays alongside Gamora, still looking around at all the pretty lights of feminine shapes here kicking a leg into the air. Male shapes there kicking a... that's not a leg shape is that? After seeing others of the crew get one of the drinks, Mantis does as well. "Thank you," she says brightly to the serving bot who wanders on, credit chips scanned automatically as the drinks are taken. Mantis looks down at the yellowish liquid with the foamy head on it and takes a sip. She ends up with foamy lips but her smile must mean she likes it. "Peter Quill!" she calls out when she sees their fearless leader approaching. "Are you going to shoot at Rocket more?" she asks. The whole shooting, and throwing things at Peter, reunion was rather enjoyable for her. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      Groot was used to such eyes looking at him in disbelief. To which the walking, talking tree just offered kind waves to. Another moment later, the warning to Mantis only garnered one fist slamming into Groot's open palm, protective of his crew mates. "I am Groot." He comments, pointing again to Quill, giving a hearty laugh.   And yet another booming laugh as Peter is called out on his not boinking said robimbo. The tree does manage to give Peter a reassuring small pat on the back for being a trooper in the face of being the butt of so many jokes. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora's listening to Rocket prattle on in Rocket ways, when she catches sight of Peter approaching just before he gets named dropped by Mantis (And Groot?). She knows where Quill had just come from, so she just looks back down to Rocket (angry maybe?). "Look." She says to the Raccoon. "We're ironing things out. Just, relax a bit. This is the kind of place I thought you'd actually be able to unwind some. Even if its the kind've place that makes me want to start cutting people to shreds." She finishes off her drink and hands it to one of the sexbots as it walks past her. The sexbot doesn't know what to do with it so it just keeps walking. Gamora turns her back to Peter and moves to find another drink giver. This might be one of those nights where the 'Green Whore' is going to try to get drunk again, even if it really doesn't work that well. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Well that was anti-climatic... "That was really anti-climatical..." What with Quill not even respondin'. "What with him not even respondin'!" Thumbing at Quill. Guess there's nothing to do but relax. Deep breath, hoping down from Groot's shoulder to flop into a chair beside Gamora. His left hand up to rub at her notched left ear, "I guess there ain't nothin' to do, but relax?" Still, aint no way he did anything with that robot. In a quiet whisper, looking into his drink, almost defeated, "Still.. I bet he aint did nothin' wit that robimbo..." 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis seems safe from propositions for the moment as Groot's display turns the men away and back to their drinks. Mantis finishes her drink, and walks over to the bar in search of another. At that bar, a bearded midget Xandarian sits with a rather large mug of alcohol that looks potent enough to be used as an engine degreaser. He finishes a story and there's a laugh that goes up. "Wait wait, I have an even better one," he says. "So I walked into this brothel with a honeycomb under one arm and a donkey under the other. The Madam of the house asked what they could do for me," he continues, pausing only for a drink, those near him falling quiet to listen in. "I told her I needed a woman to bed, for mine had left me," the midget Xandarian says grandly. "The Madam asked me why she'd left, and also what the honeycomb and the donkey were for," he continues. "So I told her. My woman had found a genie who granted her three wishes. The first was for a house fit for a queen, so he gave her the honeycomb," the bearded midget says. He continues in his deep voice, "Her second wish was to have the nicest ass on all the planet. So he gave her this damn donkey." One of the men listening asks, "What about the third wish?" The midget motions to him, "That's what the Madam asked next. 'What about the third wish?' And I said, well, she asked the genie to make my pecker hang down past my knee. The Madam replied to me, 'Well, that one's not so bad, right?'. And I shook my head and said, 'Not so bad!? I used to be six foot three!" Mantis stands with her new drink, looking at the midget's legs with a curious expression before turning back to move over to rejoin her team. "How tall are you Rocket?" she asks curiously in what is hopefully a non-sequitur. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      Groot simply stands, making himself comfortable as he watches people talk, though the story with the now tiny Xandarian has him snort and laugh, overhearing the story that he told.   Where Mantis asks Rocket's height, he didn't have anything to say. Though the appearance of a sexbot with three breasts catches his attention, mouth agape not believing what he was seeing. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     "I so had sex with one of those ... bots..." Peter says not even quarter assed to sound like he's trying. The captain frowns as he holds two cups of the hard stuff and is trying to explain to the rest of his crew that he's not a bad guy he just needed time to think things over, plus there was that whole mutiny thing to discuss... But then as he had turned to grab a table, Gamora and the crew with her Peter looks up and squints.     He throws one shot down and into the back of his throat and the second he holds and looks for Rocket and Gamora...     "Now's a good a time as any to discuss what the." Peter's voice is loud and boisterous before he drops down to a seething hush. "What the /heck/ that was... Rocket!" He says with a sharp point to that exclimation point and throws down the drink at Rocket's feet for good measure. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Once she'd found a seat to settle in at, Gamora glanced over to Rocket when he did the same beside her, then she just accepted a new mug of bright orange liquor a 'Sunburst' and set about to consume it while she listens to the others on her crew. "We're going to need a new job soon, otherwise we're going to end up at each other's throats again." She glances to Groot to see him gaping at something, so she looks to what it is and sees the tri-breast sexbot model. She shakes her head and looks back to the bar, then gathers up a holographic game controller that is attached to the bar. She thrusts it over to Groot. Its a space ship game where you control holographic ships above the bar and shoot them down to unlock a holographic girl stripper who strips clothes off the more levels you complete... Gamora doesn't know about the stripper part, she just thinks the game might keep the tree entertained and not looking around at the Robo-Whores. "I wonder if they even have any male models around here." She mutters then, before taking another sip of her drink. "Maybe I'll just indulge. Shake things up a bit. Do something different for a change." She won't. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "Fer a captain' you sure have trouble with captainy stuff, Quill..." Rocket keeps scratching at his ear, drinking his drink until it's gone, then smacking his lips. His tongue runs along his muzzle, "It was a mutiny... unsuccessful, but that don't change nothin'. Now, I guess, for now, yer Captain again." His shoulders bounce in a half arsed shrug, "Why ya wanna big thing out of it? Why you being dramatical?" Sneering up at Quill when he throws his drink down at the chair cus Rocket's legs arent long enough to make it to the floor. Mantis saves them a fist fite though! "Huh? Why? Ya think my heights got anything to do with my captainin'? I WAS A GOOD CAPTAIN! Until /SHE/-" Pointing right at Gamora beside him as if shes far away and requires shouting to get her attention, even though she don't, "-Throwed me off the ship like trash..." They'd just made up, now he's all sore again. Arms crossed over his chest, "Plus my peckers TWICE the size of that guys!" Pointing at the Xandarian, even though there's absolutely no way he could possibly know that and the fact he wears skin tight body suits largely points to this statement being absolutely false. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' The bearded midget Xandarian hops off his chair, reaching up to take the hand of a golden sexbot. "Only because I currently have it folded in quarters to fit," he says with a pat down along his leg. "Come my dear, I have credits that need spending," he says, leading the robot off. Mantis takes a seat back with the rest of the Guardians. The yelling back and forth is rather calming to her. Things are back to normal. She takes another sip of her drink and then lets out a little laugh for no reason that anyone can spot. Mantis is about to say something to Gamora when one of the robots stops at Mantis's side, and leans down to whisper in her ear. Mantis's pretty eyes widen and she looks happy and excited. 'Why yes, I would like for you to be my friend," she says, rising to her feet. "She is not a strange man," Mantis says towards Gamora, remembering her earlier suggestion. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     "Damnit Rocket, you traded me for a ship. I thought ... I thought maybe we were something..." Peter says with his own rage shifting rather quickly behind his eyes to something a bit more, vulnerable. The shattered glass and spilled booze on the ground are ignored by the captain.     "I think maybe it's time you find a new way off this planet." Peter says actually rather hurt and sorrowful before he looks down into Rocket's eyes, square and firm. He's having to be the captain.     Peter doesn't want to ignore Gamora, in fact he could really use some encouraging word from the woman or anyone else, but he can't actively ask for help or anything, not in this moment. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      Having been distracted long enough by the sudden thrusting of a game controller into his hand, Groot starts to play, and quite well at it after a few seconds of getting used to the controls.   Groot's abilities to multitask keep him in the conversation somewhat. "I am Groot..." He comments to Rocket. Until Peter says what he just said, making Groot do a trouble take. "I..." Shocked. He looks around, stopping at Gamora, then Rocket, then Quill, then Rocket again. "Am Groooot!" Now shouting hurt, and angry at the two of them not simply getting along. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' When the bickering starts again, Gamora downs the rest of her drink and she slides off of her stool. She pauses to glance at Mantis and to take in the sight of everything going on there... considering to step in and stop it, but she realizes that the likelihood of anything happening besides that sexbot being told eccentric stories for the next several hours in a private room were very slim. She pauses to look back at Groot as he seems to be enjoying his game. Then Rocket and Quill... she's going to want to kill them both if she stays around them though, so she turns and walks over to the midget with the good jokes. "Come on." She steps in between him and the sexbot he'd claimed and takes hold of his hand instead. "Try and keep up." She states as she starts to walk off with the funny vertically challenged Xandarian. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket is kind of use to the back and forth between himself and Peter being jabby and stabby and barby and usually he's the instigator, but... There's a dejected kind of sorrowfulness in Peter's tone of voice that kind of hits the ol' murder rodent right in the feels. "Aw come on, Quill.. where's yer.. you mean yer not gonna.." Motioning back and forth, alternating hands, between himself and Star-Lord. "I didn't trade you for /any ol ship/! I traded you for YOUR ship... and /this/ crew..." Because that, to him, makes it okay! Rubbing at his ear with the tips of his claws, more so, more insistantly when Groot shouts. "Okay okay..." Quiet.. Rocket frowns, "I admit that /maybe/ I shouldn't have done that.. an', in my haste to become captain', I /maybe/ stabbed ya in the back.. an' there's a itsy bitsy part of me tha' thinks, /maybe/ I shouldn't have....." REAL QUIET. "I'm sorry, Quill. I don't know why I dun that." Watching Gamora go dance with a tiny midget. "Man, that guy really does got a big pecker..." Non-sequistor. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' It's a beautiful moment in the history of the Guardians. Which Mantis misses as she walks off with her new 'friend', heading up some stairs and towards one of the rooms as Mantis says, "Why yes, I do have a credit chip..." Meanwhile the bearded Xandarian of low stature but high esteem smiles to Gamora as she interjects herself in place of the robotic employee. "Well, very well. And I promise I'll even give you a discount," he vows to her as they too head off towards a room. Up above the bar, the holographic scoreboard figure slides off some leggings, but as Groot gets distracted by the conversation, he loses ground. A sleeve is pulled back on. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     QUIET     Peter takes in a breath. "Thank you Rocket. Don't do it again. Else Xandarian dick will be the furthest thing from your mind, cause it'll be smeared across the quandrant. I'm glad you understand." Peter says and holds up his fingers again for two drinks.     One is given to Rocket after Peter sits back down and looks to Gamora leaving and decides enough is enough. "Like hell I'm letting short round get a ride with my ... her."     Peter stands up and takes another shot in very short time and leaves the empty glass intact this time as he moves to try and take Gamora's hand and run with her through the brothel centers and shops.     "I hear this planet has the most beautiful sunsets. Lets go find one." 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      Groot gives one shake of his head as he watched Quill and Rocket de-escalate from each other. Though as he crosses his arms in some semblance of a victory pose, Quill's ultimatum has a bark like eyebrow raise. "I am...Groot?" He looks to Rocket, and his crotch, still not sure exactly what Quill had threatened. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket opens his mouth, then closes it, then looks over at Groot... suddenly the pair of them are alone and the smaller of them is wrinkling his nose up, baring fangs, "He ain't comin' nowhere near my pecker! Especially not if he aint took some kind of cleanin' solution to that droid before he DEFINITELY DIDN'T BOINK IT!" HUFF... He downs his drink and climbs up Groots arm to roost on the big trees shoulder, "Let's get the kriff outta here. I aint even thirsty no more." 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:'''      Groot suddenly has an aversion to nearly everything in this robo-brothel. Like peckers had been just everywhere, helicoptering around like a high school locker room. You ever see an eight foot tree run? Now ya have, robohookers! 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' The dispute between the group is just another bit of a noise in the raucous fun of the bar. As Quill grabs Gamora's hand to pull her away from the midget Xandarian, he calls out after them, "Very well then. Call me!?" He turns back to the robot he was previously about to head to a room with. "Now did I ever tell you the time I took a piss of the tallest cliff in the quadrant?" he says, sliding his arm back around her to head up the stairs. The stairs. At the top of which a door is just closing on a familiar voice making an ooooing noise followed by, "I /would/ like to see what else you can do with my credit chip." 
}}

10213/Guardians of the Cesear

2019-12-16T17:17:25Z

Kirby:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/11/27
|Location=Common Area - Milano
|Synopsis=Oh, the same ol' same ol' for them durned guardian brothers.
|Cast of Characters=155,111,260,161,1671
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=[[File:Guardians of the Galaxy.jpg|x225px|center]] 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "dumm den.. dummm... love is a battle.. dnnn..." Rocket is sitting in the pilot seat of the Milano, tapping his foot against the control pedals to the song playing over the ships interior speakers as he brings them out of a jump tunnel and retakes control of the ship, "heartache to ... love is a battlefeel..." Clearly he does not know the words. "Alright ya frakin' losers." Pushing the intercom key to broadcast over the sound of Pat Benatar's soulful voice crooning longingly for a love left behind to persue her goals and ambitions as a dancer, rather than a singer. Freakin' MOVING. Truly freakin MOVING. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "Oh right, I was thinkin' about her voice. Yondu's ship is ahead or whatever. Quill, try not to be a dumbass and get us kill'd this time, huh?" Rocket adds because he forgot while trying to be fancy and funny. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     Peter's voice echoes from his bunk and down the hall to tickle the little hairs of Rocket's wonderful ears. "Alright what? Oh..." Peter then stands up and the familiar sound of his buckle being laced and cinched and locked fills his cabin.     "Now... a shirt." Peter hmmms to himself in the tune of 'Love is a battlefield' though he might know the words less than Rocket does. "Oh we stand in the waayyy and both look upart." Peter sings as he pulls a grey shirt on and runs his hands through the sleeves and tugs the hem down over his chest before stepping into the galley and up the steps towards the cockpit.     "Wowowowowowow! Weare touched!" Slams Peter's feet as he jumps down next to Rocket's chair and then slumps into his own. 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' "Cap'n!" Yondu grunts and looks over his shoulder, tearing a mile-distant gaze away from the viewscreen. The Ravager vessel has been maintained with an eye towards function over form; corroded durasteel and leaking solvents combine to create an appearance akin to a lab explosion gone off. Scavengers pick up food left out and dart into gaps in the walls and conduits. Flickering lights illuminate pools of (what is hopefully) rust. "/Milano/ is on approach." Yondu sucks air through his chipped teeth, staring at the comms officer, then nods. "Good," he says. "'bout time that boy pulled through. Tell 'em portside docking bay," he advises the man. His wheezy rasp carries a timbre of easy confidence. His security officer's brought over with a curling of fingers. "Gimme ten men an' have twenty more out in the hall," Yondu adds. A grunt carries him to his feet and the captain slings his slick red Ravager overcoat on with a whirl of the hem. "I'm gonna be down-range so any of 'em sons of bitches uses anything but stun blasters, they're gonna get that weapon shoved into the most painful orifice I can think of." "Sir?" Kraglin swings into step along with Yondu, exercising the privilege of the first mate to speak with discreet bluntness. "What're you gonna do if Quill ain't got the money?" Yondu laughs, braying like a horse. "Either he's comin' here with the money, or the monkey is, an' the Milano will have a new captain." They step into the lift and Kraglin presses the button for the cargo bay level. "Quill's dumb, but he ain't dumb 'nough to come round here with empty pockets," Yondu says, just before the doors close. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora is in the common area of the ship behind the cockpit and before the rest that lies below and behind. She's wearing black form fit clothing, designed for fast and agile movement and she's holding one of her many swords. As the music plays, she is moving through her sword fighting technique practices, sweeping, striking, stroking, swirling, twirling and even occasionally tumbling. Its arguable that some parts of the exercise are erotic in nature as well, or could be taken that way by people who tend to slant their minds in that direction... But, that being said, its likely unwise to insinuate such a thing to the woman with the sword who's moving so fluidly and gracefully. She does work through to the end of her routine though and it brings her right to where her belongings are on a bulkhead on the starboard side of the ship. Its then that, with er back to the others, she picks up her sword's sheath and slides the blade back into it with a slipping of metal on leather and steel. Her eyes open then (they'd been closed the whole time, so dangerous!) and she turns to stare at the origin of all the voice. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis is in her room. She brushes her hair as she looks in the mirror. She turns her head from side to side looking at it from one angle, and then the other. She goes over to her closet and goes through her outfits. There's the deep green one with black trim. And the forest green one with black trim. The dark green one with black trim. And then the black one with blacker trim. She goes with dark green with black trim. You can't beat a classic. Mantis finishes pulling on her sleeves. She isn't sure why they don't go all the way up to her shoulders. Ego just had them made that way. She thought maybe he liked forearms for a time, but then discarded that notion somewhere along the way. Mantis goes back in front of the mirror. checking herself. She wets her fingers and then runs them along the fuzzy ends of her antennae, getting them to fluff up nicely. Mantis smiles as she takes in her appearance. "I am hideous," she says with a satisfied nod. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket keys up the comms, "Hey revengers-" He said what he said, "- This is the Milano, requestin' to land on your ship and do business.. hopefully without dyin', because I don't wanna do that part today." The ship follows the tragectory provided by the Electors, or whatever, not like Rocket was paying attention when they went over ravager ship names, comms crew and twists the ship in an inverted roll to bring the docking clamps against the portside hatch of the Elevira. Seriously, he wasn't paying attention to the name game. "Alright, we're here.." Glancing at the box he's had sitting on a nearby console, with a rueful clawed hand rubbing the fur around his muzzle. It snaps out and quickly takes it, shoving it down into the jumpsuit he's wearing, which he zips up to his neck on his way down from the cockpit into the common area where Gamora is doing knife practice with swords, "That's super erotic." Snatching one of his bigger guns off a table, slinging it on his back, and padding all purposefully towards the hatch. "QUILL! Hurry up, stop flexin' your three chest hairs in the mirror, nobody cares you're goin' through hummy puberty. More your ass." 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     "More your ass my ... ass." Peter says back towards Rocket as he shakes his head a bit, and steps down the steps behind Rocket to look towards Gamora with a shrug of his shoulders as he takes step next to the green assassin. "I... think we need to get him a tune up. He seems to think I'm still in my room."     Peter says with a motion of his hand towards the middle of the table where he picks up his zune that Kraglin gave him and he smirks, knowing Yondu doesn't know he has the thing and how he got it for Quill.     "Mantis, ya comin? It's time to meet the Ravagers, not the revengers, that makes them sound nicer than they are." Peter notes as he steps down onto the ship he used to call home, hands up and with a nod to one of the crew members. "Yondu feeling a bit blue today? Where's that old pirate bastar---" 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' The /ECLECTOR/ receives the /Milano/ like a whale inhaling a passing fish. The cargo bay atmosphere shield drops, lifts again, and air flows steadily as it repressurizes. The procedure doesn't take long. The bay doors open with the proper comedic timing, and Yondu lifts a brow at Quill. A second later it breaks into a smooth grin full of entirely too many broken, sharp teeth. "Quill! There's my boy," he rasps. "I knew you was gonna pull through," he says, lying with paternal affection. "Sorry rodent," Yondu wheezes at Rocket. "I know you was hopin' for that vest. Looks like Quill's stayin' the captain fer a spell yet. Yondu's eyes slide to the Milano's loading ramp as people are disgorged, and then go quite cold and flat and focus on Quill himself. "...You /do/ have my money. Right?" 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora approaches Quill and then looks to Rocket. She scowls at his comment about eroticism but ignores it, part of her job is seduction after all, or it used to be part of her job... sometimes seduction made killing someone very very easy, stupidly easy, she could use it on many of the members of this crew and they'd be dead within moments. Its possible she's thought about that a few times... old habits after all. "Maybe he needs spectacles with properly designed lenses to better see his surroundings." She jests. "I think they'd make him look more distinguished, and less like a dumpster scavenger." She's toy with Rocket though, as he'll likely know. They move to receive Yondu's arrival, however, and as she goes she picks up her leather jacket off of a bench and starts to pull it on as Mantis arrives. She looks the woman up and down and nos once to her. "I like that outfit. Its one of your best." She tells her with a small smile before she pulls her own jacket on and goes along with the others. Her eyes are on Yondu when he arrives, her hands are on her belt in front of her waist, she doesn't speak to him. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis's huge, soulful eyes light up at the compliment from Gamora. "Thank you. I told this to Drax and he said all of them made him taste his lunch a second time. I did not think clothing could affect one's hunger so," she says as she follows along towards the doorway. Mantis holds her hands together before herself, letting the rest of the team do the talking. She gazes out over the crew, picking up on their emotions. What she feels from Yondu makes her want to smile a little bit. Kraglin gives the impression he has a big to do list he'd rather be dealing with. And then there's the spiny-haired one in the corner looking at Gamora who- Mantis looks away quickly, her cheeks growing just a bit brighter. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket stops at the top of the ramp to adjust his jump suit, tugging at his crotch, with the massive blaster rifle laid across his left shoulder with his hand lazily holding fast to the grip. The object nestled up against his rodent titty is making it all uncomfortable and stuff. The alternative is keeping it in a shared common bedroom where all these untrustworthy shits sleep... so that's out. Best to just be disheavled. "Yeah, yeah.. this time..." Glancing back and up at Quill, "That's right, QUill.. where's the money? You 'do' have it right? I gave it to you..." Tooth grin, big toothy grin. Dumpster scavanger?! "Right, I eat trash, Quills a dumbass, Drax thinks ''skys the limit'' means he can touch the stars if he has a ladder, and you're a whore.." Nodding affirmative, grumbling to himself.. Shifting off to the side to lean against the hydrolic arm of the Milano's loading ramp. "A-holes." 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     "Just gimme the damn money Rocket." Peter says holding his hand down towards the rodent and he looks back up to Yondu as he's waiting empty handed for the fuzzball to pass over the booty. Nothing else but that matters, just getting out from under debt, a debt placed upon Peter in order to even live and get off this shit hole of a spaceship. Peter's pretty desperate to give Yondu the money and in this moment, that's plainly clear to see in the timber of his voice and the actions Peter takes. He's not fooling around so much any more. 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' Yondu's congenial smile turns a little thin and brittle. The back and forth between Rocket and Quill nets them both a flat look of wary uncertainty. The look is transferred to the stern-looking Gamora then Mantis' sheepish disposition. He flips his index finger back and forth to wag it at the duo. "Y'all havin' a domestic disput?" he wheezes. "If yer havin' a lover's snit, just drop my cash and be on yer way." He grins toothily as his crew breaks into roaring laughs at the weak joke. Yondu glances minutely over his shoulder and then abruptly steps forward and grabs Peter's lapel to yank him almost nose to nose. "Boy you better have somethin' to give me," he says, voice barely carrying past Quill. It carries more of a note of concerned warning. Yondu releases Quill with just enough of a show of force to put him on his heels. "I don't give a tinker's got-damn who's got my money an' I ain't got the tiiiime fer yer little vaudeville act," he says, voice rising to be heard again. "I'm gonna start whistlin' my favorite little tune and if I don't see a stack of credits by the time I'm done, I'm gonna start perforatin' skulls until I see money or I see blood." His lips purse and the arrow at his side starts glowing with eager readiness. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora is completely unaware of what is going on in the minds of those that they're not facing-off with again... and she's glad, well part of her glad, the tactical advantage of having that information would be invaluable. Nevermind that. Her eyes go from Quill, to Rocket, back to Quill then back to Roc-- nope, to Yondu as he steps up to engage Quill all close and persona-like. "Easy... now..." Gamora softly says, to both of them really. "Like I said last time... we all make more money when we work together. Thats why we're in this, we've learned that. We're sticking to it. We did the job, we got what you want." She assures Yondu specifically, then her eyes go back to Rocket and go all WIDE HUGE AT HIM, then NOD toward YONDU. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket tilts his head at Quill, clearly sizing him up. It's a look he hasn't had in his eyes in... how long have they been crewed up? Then his muzzle pulls back from his fangy maw as the big neutron rifle drops down off his shoulder to slap the charging rail into his right palm. ''Chunnnnng chinnnng''. Pulling it back into a ready position of whirling promised death, the weapon seats up in the curve of his shoulder, pointed at Peter. "So there was talk about turnin' Quill over for my own vest an' the Milano." Tilting his head so he can see Yondu around the ''former'' Captain, "That still on the table?" Quill wants the box? He can't have the box. "Move lover boy, yer' the payment.." 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     Peter rocks hard from the pull of his lapel by Yondu and then he brings his hands up, making sure Yondu's crew knows he isn't going to hurt their precious Cap'n. "Whoa whoa whoa, we got the money... It's---"     Peter's jaw slowly drops towards Rocket but then he swallows hard and his eyebrows drop and he rears back his foot in the greatest telegraph in kickboxing history. "YOU SONNOVA---!" 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket laughs at the telegraphed kick, "Look at froggy tryin' to kick his way out of inevitability.. how did you /not/ see this comin'?" The squirrelly raccoon swings the butt of his rifle upwards in an upper cut right for Quill's crotch. "Take that with yer pelvic magic." 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora watches all of this play out and it makes her wide eyed stare at Rocket go from stern force of 'give him the stuff' to a scowl. This is when she'll react by reaching behind her right hip and pulling her sword down out of its scabbard and sweeping it up into a ready position. "You little furry klurg sucker! I'll gut you myself for this!" This is all going south, very quickly. 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' Yondu whistles sharp and backs up a few steps. His crew bristles and they brace themselves with weapons in hand, muzzles snapping upwards to cover their captain. Yondu lifts a swift hand to signal a stand down-- mostly because he's still *downrange* of them. The Captain of the /Eclector/ holds his hands up to signal a lack of interest in the fight and backs up until he's out of the line of fire. The quad-tipped arrow is clutched loosely in his fingers before he folds his arms across his chest. "Captain? What's goin' on?" Kraglin mutters. Yondu glances at him out the corner of his eye. "Beats the hell outta me," he mutters out the side of his mouth. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis watches everything playing out. The sights and the words are upsetting enough, but the feelings are what is getting to her the most. Even with the normal behavior on the ship, there's something deeper that she always feels between the crew. Though right now she's not sensing much of it from one of their number. Mantis gently touches Gamora's shoulder to try to slip past. Moving up closer to Rocket, and saying his name before she gets there so he won't be startled. "Creepy little rodent," she says softly. She really needs to stop hanging around with Drax. Mantis gently rests her hand on the shoulder of Rocket's that isn't supporting an immense weapon. Her antennae take on a white glow on the tips. As she touches him, her face grows into a snarl. "You deserve what they'll do to you," Mantis says to Quill focusing on him. Though after a moment she seems to struggle, forcing that expression, and emotion down. "His is your friend. Everyone on the ship, are your friends," she says to Rocket, her antennae glowing a little brighter. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "Oh for ..." Rocket turns the rifle on Gamora, who is far more dangerous than Quill in his opinion, "You know this is the right thing! Look't this moron!" Irrationally waving his blaster from one green skinned murder, to one half human twit, "Can we all jus' look at the bright side? Quill is gone an' we can get back to makin' credits without him being a constant source of irrational disappointment?" Mantis approaching usually wouldn't cause him to flench, even if it might lead to some off handed insult, but not a flinch. Which he does.. glaring at her like he's paranoid, a threatening snarl curling his muzzle over sharp teeth. "Get yer kriffin' hands off me..." pushing at her, trying to shove her back down and away from him, "ALL UH YA, yea aint never had no respect for me.. well look who's laughing now. HAH . HAH. HAH..." CHINNNNNNNNNNNNNNG. Weapon up, barrel pointed at each of the Guardians, "Give me a frakin' reason.. I want you to." 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     "He's got the money we worked as a TEAM to get it together." Peter snarls at Rocket, explains to Yondu and is just outright enraged as he suddenly can't see straight and the stars burst across his vision.     "Oh, oh god..." Peter moans to no one in the worst ways as he drops to his knees, and his hands hover over his own crotch before he falls over onto the hangar floor with a thud. Peter is quickly out of this fight with his Terran gems lightly demolished into goop.     Peter looks over towards Rocket and frowns before he looks to Yondu and just, slowly finds his way to his feet and hobbles over to Yondu... "J-just go." 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora's blade is aimed right at Rocket! She's picturing what his head will look like severed from his shoulde---- Mantis walks past her, she glances to Mantis then watches her exchange with Rocket and back to her as well. Gamora's eyes then trail over to Yondu and Quill, then she watches Quill buckle over after getting nut-shotted. Her sword lowers. "Fine." She says, not in an angry voice, but in a calm and collected one. She turns and moves over to the edge of the ship's bulkhead and sits down, crosses her legs at the knees and just lays her sword across her lap... folds her arms over her stomach and, stares. At all of them. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis's earlier expression, the one that came to her from touching Rocket, has faded completely. She appears very even and relaxed at the moment. As Quill moves over to give himself to Yondu, Mantis breaks out in a small smile. "See, everything worked itself out," she says quietly. She turns to give Gamora a smile, now that all of the tension seems to be gone. Mantis looks back to Yondu. "Do not forget you have the most valuable artwork from Terra already," she says of the picture from Quill's quarters he was given. That was supposed to be worth a lot after all. 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' "Uh, if I may?" Yondu's wheezing voice carries a careful politeness. Like his temper's fraying. From the way the arrow's ruddish lights glow more intensely, it might be accurate to assume he's losing his patience with the little crew's bickering. "This lil' slipshit's freedom was forfeit the second he welched on our deal." Kraglin signals suddenly and two of the Ravagers grab Peter's arms to pin them while a third swiftly searches and disarms him. "Second, he ain't worth shit nohow. I told you, rodent. Hundred and thirty thousand credits." Yondu's lips roll back and he spits on the deck between him and Rocket. "So you better talk fast if you expect me to just let you waltz outta here with /my/ ship," Yondu adds, rather pointedly. The Ravagers start to tense up. Yondu abruptly lifts a hand. "No. You know what? I ain't need a piece of shit like the Milano clutterin' up my deck," he declares. He extends a hand and points his index finger at Rocket, menacing as that arrow tip. "You got a week to get my money, rodent. Else I'm puttin' *you* in chains and then the next one down the list gets the job. Uh..." He looks at Mantis and points. 'That'n! You, lil lady. You kill this rodent if he ain't bringin my money, and I'll make you the next Captain." 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "Yeah, yeah, I heard ya." Rocket sling the blaster back up on his shoulder as he turns back towards the interior of the Milano with a wicked grin as he climbs up the ramp into /his/ ship. "About frickin' time.. You jack asses comin'? You heard'em, we got credits to make." His hand rests upon his side, where the box is hidden against his furry flank, absently fondling it like a wierdo who got all aroused by betraying his friends. Murmuring down at her chest, spoken quiet enough that it's to himself, the traitorous little rodent makes his way towards the cockpit to get the ship ready for lift off and their next big score. "nunnn nuhn... love is a better feel.." He hums the song that's no longer playing as he disappears. 
}}

10135/Guardians of the Evidence Locker

2019-12-16T17:17:17Z

Kirby:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/11/21
|Location=Planet Ataxes III.
|Synopsis=The Guardians of the Galaxy are broke and kind of in debt to the Ravager Yondu Udonta. Rocket hatches a brilliant plan: rob the evidence locker of a Xandarian garrison on the border planet of Ataxes III. They're cops, so they MUST have the best contraband, right? This plan surely can't fail, and it definitely won't have reprecussions for the Guaradians down the road.
|Cast of Characters=260,155,111,1575,161,1671
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=
[[File:Guardians of the Galaxy.jpg|x225px|center]] 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' A hundred and thirty thousand credits. It's not a small amount of money. Forty thousand credits would be enough for a couple of mercenary gun-jockeys to enjoy a few months of hedonistic luxury at any space port. Liquor, drugs, prostitutes, expensive guns, however the tastes run. Three times that amount-- it's more than most honest spacers make in a few years. The sort of payout that is worth a few hops around a galactic sector to chase after. And that's what Quill owes Yondu (according to Yondu). Fifty thousand credits of Kalaxian crystals. Fifty thousand credits which were intended to *buy* the crystals. Plus the vig of thirty percent. Smart mercenaries and pirates go after low-hanging fruit. Merchant vessels, private pleasure skiffs. Raids on border planets. Low risk, low reward. Go after the big scores-- high risk, high reward-- too much, and the dice inevitably come up snake eyes. Which is why even a daring spacer might consider Rocket's current 'mark' an insane proposition: A Xandarian Security Fleet evidence locker on Ataxes III. A distant Nova outpost near the edge of lawless space. Far enough away that the Nova Corps isn't likely to be on interdiction duty, but still uncomfortably near a modest garrison that includes a light freighter, two gunboats, two dozen fighters and about fifty ground personnel securing the station. The /Milano/ is ghosting in the energy wake of an erupting solar flare. It's at a range where it won't destroy their systems, but it will confound most sensor attempts. With the ship running dark, loitering in space a few thousand kilometers from the planet, it might as well be invisible. Time for the Guardians to come up with a game plan before Yondu starts skinning and eating people. (Quill, of course, being the only 'people' on the /Milano/ at this time. Will Rocket's opportunism and his desire for a shiny new bloodleather vest win out over his loyalty to Quill? Let's find out!). 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket is monitoring the traffic through the Ataxes system, "I'm tellin' ya, this aint as bad as it looks." He calls out, defending his proposition with a little pulled fangy expression, "We owe a boatload of units, that evidence locker is worth a boatload of units, an' we don't even have to do no dirty work..." Excepting the part where they steal it from a Xandalarian outpost, but that's just splitting hairs. The demunitive scoundrel pops up in a chair amongst the Guardians, probably with multiple dubious gazes directed upon him, "I'm /all/ ears if anyone /else/ knows how to get a hundred and thirty thousand credits in a single afternoon, but it don't come legal.." His neutron rifle lays down atop the table, palms flat against either side of it as he leans forward on slender arms. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     "There's our mark..." Peter says, looking over to his left and flipping a toggle with his left hand, the ships lights turn to a shallow red on the inside and Peter looks back over his shoulder and ... the cockpit is empty except for him. "Well... I say we're going in." Peter says to no one and dances his fingers across the screen at his right and then sets his hand back down on the thrust bar before he starts to slowly push forwards.     The ship lurches forward slightly and those in the back would feel the inertia dampers have to kick in at the change in motion, Peter rolls in his seat to aim his mouth backwards and shouts down to the gally, "We're going in, lets make this fast and easy!" Peter cackles as they get distance from the star and approach the surface of the planet. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' "Fast and easy is unfavorable," Drax points out, standing towards the rear with his arms crossed over his green chest, "It implies avoiding outright conflict in favor of chicanery and deception. Your plan sounds like the plan of a dancing coward, Quill." He frowns pointedly for a moment, hairless brows furrowing at the distant planet. The gears are clearly working within his head as he concocts his own sort of grand strategy within his mighty brain. "Perhaps if we loaded me into the torpedo bay ..." 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' When the lights turn a dim red and the implications of everything about to happen to start to come to fruition, Gamora arrives in the cockpit back near Drax. She glances over at him and then forward at Quill and Rocket as he climbs into a chair. She raises her left hand up to grasp onto a small grip on the ceiling of the ship incase there comes any terribly unsettling alteration to the ship's stability... Dressed in black leather from head to toe, with her weapons strapped to various parts and places of her body, Gamora just observes for the time being. She does vocally speak out. "I don't think this ship is even worth half of that amount of credits." She says to Rocket's question about making money fast. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis comes out from her crew quarters, wearing dark colors instead of her normal green. She stands near the table where Rocket's neutron rifle sits, her hands held before her clasped lightly. The changing motion of the ship gets only a slight lean from her to adjust. Mantis is gradually getting used to life aboard the Milano. Mantis's head tilts to the side, looking from Drax, towards the bridge where Quill is piloting the craft. "You would make a wonderful torpedo," Mantis tells Drax in an enthusiastic tone. She looks back to the rest of the crew and looks thoughtful. "Rocket would make a good piece of evidence too," she say, a finger going to her chin in the way of someone lost in a thought. "You know. Inside the locker." 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' Despite what Rocket says, Quill is, in fact, an excellent pilot. With so many primary systems shut down or on standby, it's not even that hard for a smaller ship like the /Milano/ to ride the solar winds with a low vector signature. She's a fast ship, but more importantly she's a *smuggler's* ship. And sometimes that means being stealthy rather than just pouring on the speed. They coast along the stream of charged particles flowing from the sun Ataxes. Some clever engineering on the fly adapts to a local Xandarian telemetry array and makes the Milano's ion trail look like the wake of a passing comet. Ironically, the Xandarian arrays could spot a shuttlecraft in distress on the edge of the solar system, but they're ill-equipped to actually spot traffic in the atmosphere. The Milano joins the flow of commercial shipping lines until they reach low orbit. Once over the spaceport and the surrounding city, they evade the surface scanners and can fly a bit more casually. The vessel engages a low-level cloaking field as it soars across the landscape below. Rocky promontories and tall buildings reach high but fall short of the hull, thanks to Quill's deft handling. They settle the Milano down in an abandoned junkyard a few hundred yards from where the garrison is located. Perhaps not totally *unoccupied*... but it seems no one's going to come out and ask a heavily armed smuggler's vessel for a parking permit. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "There's an idea." Rocket says under his breath at Drax, hoping down from the chair after slinging his rifle onto the jetpack attachments (because he /doesn't/ forget his) to head up into the cockpit since Star Lord is already starting their approach on the planets surface. "Drax wants to load himself into a missile tube, but I said you're the kind of Captain what likes to lead from the front... on account of you're not the coward he says you are... so... god speed, Quill." Fangy smile. Rocket trying to be nice everybody. "How long til we're there... better question... how long til you screw somethin' up and I have to ''fix it''?" That didn't last very long at all. He drops down out from his chair and pads with rifle towards the cargohold, "Alright, we play this real smooth... we go in like we belong here, sneak aroun' these dumb ass Xandarians... an' then we leave. Richer, until we give the credits away.. but for a little while there, we'll be real rich.. until we're not..." He half looks up at Gamora as he pads towards the ramp, "Maybe a third of a half... like a third half the cost of the ship... on-" Eyeing Mantis, "Wait, do you mean like puttin' me in a box and leavin' me behind? Who's gonna fly us home? Him?! I mean he got us here safe-" Pointing at Quill. "-But those were under completely favorable conditions..." They were not. Not even slightly favorable. "An' yer gonna leave me... HUH! HAH... Imma SNORT..." SNORT. SUCH SNORTING. "I'm snortin' right now! SNORTIN AT THAT IDEA.." He clearly does not understand the idea and is responding with anger until he figures it out. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     "We're nearing the drop point, remember, I touch down the ship, you all bail out and I keep the ship air borne but near by and you call me WHEN you have the locker. Then I'll swoop in, grab you all and boom. We're outta this taint of a planet." Peter explains one more time and then gives Drax a very sour look. Did Drax leave a turd somewhere and forget it?     "No, I'm not shooting you out of the torpedo tube... we don't even have one of those..."     The news is still out on that turd however.     "Hey Rocket, add torpedo launchers to the list. Those sound like they would be pretty sweet to have. Y'know, ... in case we do have to go talk to Yondu!"     The ship weaves between and just across a few buildings and Peter guides it in towards the station's impound lot and sets down with the bay opening on the way.     "It's go time ladies!" 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' "The hideous bug-woman speaks the truth," Drax declares, whipping his hand back to point at Mantis with such enthusiasm that he very near takes Gamora's head off with it as she passes, "I would make the finest torpedo. All of Xandalar would tremble as I exploded against the hulls of their feeble spaceships!" As the ship lands, however, Drax leans forward to crane his neck and look out at the planet they've landed on. "We have landed on a planet instead of weaponizing me. I am sorely aggrieved." As Rocket talks, he frowns again: "Hateful beast, cease your snorting. I will prepare for battle." As he moves out of the cockpit and towards the ramp, he mutters something to himself that sounds a bit like 'stupid spaceship does not even have a torpedo bay'. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora gives a glare to Drax when he nearly hits her right in the head with his wild motions, but she just lets it pass as the group starts to make their way toward the exit of the ship. "It was good flying." Gamora quietly tells Peter after the others have left, as it had been good flying and throughout her her eyes had been roaming this way and that looking for obstacles or trouble that would potentially head their way, she'd been impressed by his decisions and abilities there. "If you leave the ship, don't forget your boots this time." She chides him with a faint smirk before she turns and starts to trail after the others. "Lets keep our mouths in-check on this one. I don't want our cover being blown because we're all loudly blathering on about how great we each are independently." As she's saying these things she's checking the charge on her pulse pistol, popping the battery out and then slapping it back in causing the pistol to come back online with a flashy display of blue and red lights. She's ready to go and moves to disembark with the others. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' That Drax liked the compliment is no end of pleasing to Mantis, judging by the smile that results, not dimmed in the slightest by the 'hideous bug woman' part of his reply. Mantis gives a quick shake of her head back to Rocket. "Not putting you in a box and leaving you behind. Putting you in a box and sending you inside. You can get all the good things back in the box, and we come get you," she tells the space racoon. As everyone starts heading for the exit, Mantis stops and picks up a pair of sheaths with knife handles sticking out of them. She considers them for a moment before setting them aside and hurrying to join the rest of the Guardians 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' The Ataxes III colony has a few hundred thousand total residents, sprawling out over a number of square kilometers. It's far from the dense urban concentration found on Xandar Prime, and nowhere near as rundown as Knowhere. 'Rural' almost comes to mind; one might see livestock wandering the outskirts of the city. So the local constabulary is perhaps a bit understaffed and not as alert as one might expect on a planet with a larger population. And the garrison itself... well, it's a sleepy backwater on the edge of Xandar space. The garrison mostly is present to protect the shipping lanes near the Ataxes system and interdict smugglers moving cargo into Xandarian space (or evading the hyperspace toll checkins). So their approach, through a relatively seedy side of town, goes more or less ignored. Even if their stealthiness ranges from 'not really trying' to 'not understanding what trying to hide means'. Of coruse, getting to the edge of the garrison is one thing. Getting inside is another. It's a standard template military base, used all over Xandar space. The theory is that a trooper transferred from one post to another can find the mess hall or the barracks as easily as if they were at home. Unfortunately, it also means that intruders know precisely how the base is laid out, and what those defenses typically are. The freighter is off station, along with one of the interdiction gunboats. Four fighter craft and the other gunboat are on the landing pad. Only two of the fighters look like they're on standby for takeoff. It's late enough at night that the guards can be seen under pools of light or manning their scanning systems. At least the Guardians won't have to contend with the whole of the garrison's forces at once. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "Oh." Rocket's ears flatten back against the sides of his head with a glance over at Mantis, "Yeah, I guess tha' makes sense..." Squinting at her, "You sure yer not tryin' to leave me behind?" Scritching at his muzzle just back towards his neck, "Cus I don't want that." Obviously. Drax, Rocket glances up at him as they both walk down the ramp, "I aint hateful, I'm honest. Jus' sometimes people don't like honesty too good.." But Gamora has a point and he makes a gesture at her with a flapant motion of his hand, "Yeah, yeah.. quiet time. Business... work... credits, I get it." Comms on. Flipping down a single eye scanning visor, "I got parameter fence with low voltage electricals.. I can definitely get that turned off, but the junction box is over by that guard post..." Pointing to one of the manned posts with the sensor mounted proximity guns. "An' they don't look friendly... they look bored." Another glance at Gamora, "Wanna use yer whore tactics on'em? Ya know, wiggle aroun' like a glaxon snake to seductify them an' then Drax grabs one and bashes the other one over the head with'em?" Nudging Drax, "Hit a guy with another guy... tha's thinkin' heroical." 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     The ship lifts off with a roar from the engines though the height isn't quite as much as Rocket or anyone else might have expected as the ship moves forward and the bottom of the craft clips into that electric fence and with a shower of sparks the fence is ripped down by the Milano.     Even from down on the ground it's obvious that Peter didn't mean to do that and he just didn't see the fence as he quickly gains a lot of altitude and almost makes it look obvious this ship is doing something that it shouldn't be and it speeds up and around in a loud roaring arch to dip behind the nearest building that isn't at the Xandarian garrison. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Drax doesn't say anything in response to Rocket's suggestion, simply nodding his head in agreement. He draws out both knives, holding them up expectantly until the talk of hitting one guard with another. Slowly, dejectedly, he lowers the knives and tucks them back into their sheaths. "Do not wiggle like a serpent," he warns Gamora, giving Rocket one final, wary glance, "That will be sexually unappealing. You should instead wiggle like a whore, whores are famously - " His words are cut off by the Milano speeding past overhead and knocking the fence down. Suddenly, both knives are in Drax's fists again. "The time of tiny and cowardly subterfuge is over! The hour of the mighty warrior is at hand!" 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora was ready for this, she'd trained for these kinds of fights. Her pulse pistols are both held in either hand and she's gripping their handles with a fierce level of readiness. Her eyes go to Rocket. "How do you know that the guards aren't more into Drax than they would be in to me?" She asks the raccoon. "Its a gamble I'm not willing to take." Her stare now goes to Drax when he starts to talk and it makes her draw in a breath as her anger levels start to rise--- And then Quill does that Quill thing. Gamora's eyes sweep over to watch it, then she just exhales and glances down to the ground. "Everything you say about him is justified, Rocket." Gamora admits with anger, disappointment and so many other negative emotions flowing through her green skinned body. She can hear Drax preparing to charge into the base with care abandoned, so she starts to... get a little distance from him, planning to take out any guards that might be distracted now by the first distraction that is Quill and the Milano, then the second distraction that will likely be 'The Mighty Warrior' and his battle cries... Gamora's first targets are going to be the guard posts and those anti-aircraft laser cannons... 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis moves down the ramp, her head tilting in a look towards Rocket as if she doesn't understand. "Why would we leave you behind? You are our friend," Mantis tells him, trying to make out the whole incongruity of the moment. The others stride forward looking over the base. And then the Milano is taking off, failing to gain the altitude that one would have expected. The landing gear snacks the fence a shower of sparks flies up as metal groans and gives way beneath the ship's mass and thrust. By the time the spectacle is ended and the comments made about Gamora's seductive skills and the preferences of the guards and everyone is ready to start forward... Mantis seems to have wandered off. At least she isn't there with them now. 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' Well, that's one way to do it. The emitter array for the tripwire is torn apart and goes flying a few dozen linear meters, and klaxons start blaring. They're hardly necessary, as the din from the /Milano/ ripping through the perimeter is enough to get the attention of every guard and trooper in the garrison. Alarms start to warble and blerp in a universally understood 'danger!' signal. It's not the most artful of entrances, but it does have the virtue of getting the attention of the entire base. The guards manning the gun towers were definitely not expecting a brazen flyover, let alone someone skimming the canopy and making such a raucous din. The two guards in one tower seem to have forgotten they even *have* a cannon. They rush to gawk at the /Milano's/ artless glide and swift departure, clearly thinking it's some local drunk operator who simply lost control while joyriding. The other tower mans the cannons as fast as they can but the automated trackers aren't fast enough to get ahead of Quill. His low-flying antics prevent them from locking a clean firing solution before he's disappeared from view again. In short: no one quite knows what to make of what happened. Not quite yet. The lights in the commander's quarters snap on and shouts of surprise and alarm echo from around the base, the troopers roused to activity like a hive of sleeping bees roughly shaken awake. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "You had one job, Quill!" Rocket is over here bein' all tactical and suddenly the Milano clips a fence. Are there warning sirens? Of course there. Why wouldn't there be sirens? And flashy lights, and Drax rushing off with knives... "Well so much for easy credits.." His hand grabs the grip of his neutron rifle and slings it forward, barrel slapping the other palm. "I'll go high!" Leaping off with a burst of rockets from Rocket to propel the Raccoon into the sky! <"Not gonna lie, Quill screwin' up is almost worth hearin' Greenie agree with me that he's a dumb ass..."> Which in no way frees Quill from the vendictiveness that will follow. The rifle slings up into his shoulder as he goes into a sustained flight hover mode above the torn out section of tripwire fence. The under-barrel drops down and he loads in a fat round shell with a ''CLINK CLINK'' report as its chambered and a ''THOMP'' as the plasma grenade fires out over towards a group of Xandalari looking in their ''general'' direction. Their last thought is probably ''WHAT WAS THAT NOISE?!'' ''CLINK CLINK'' ... ''THOMP'' At the guard tower where the guards are all gawkin' at the Milano instead of firing at them. The Guard tower, the guards, and the unused weaponry they could have taken shots with come down in a blaze of super heated metal, concrete, and molten rock. The structure bends, then folds, and finally crashes down ontop of the commander's tower... "Stupid Xandalari." 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     Peter hoots and hollars as he calms down as the Milano takes cover behind a building and he ponders his attack. A glance at the map of the area the guardians are assaulting gives Peter the worst idea as he sees a decent straffing option. One that will likely be cheap, effective at keeping the eyes on him and not his team and not use a whole lot of ammunition.     That shit aint free.     Throwing the control stick to the side and his hands dancing across the control buttons, the Milano straffes to the left and back into view of the garrison and a firm squeeze of the trigger and the rotating guns start to spin and spit their large slugs through the air and towards the AA tower with the parked fighters behind it.     Peter yokes the nose down and pushes the thrusters forwards and the Milano is floating forwards through the air and across the station raining bullets on the way and trying to cause as much damage as possible.     "How's that for a distraction ya turd blossoms?!" Is the worst battle cry... ever. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Drax possesses that most critical of warrior abilities. The ability to charge headfirst into a fray without stopping to bog oneself down with tactics, planning, and OSHA considerations. No, he just runs right into the compound with both knives raised over his head as though he's about to stab the entire security contingent with them. Maybe he is? You're not Drax. You don't know. As he charges, he notes some of the personnel running this way and that. But one of them seems more fitting prey - a decidedly stalwart and resolute soldier clad in Space Force armor. "Halt," the corpsman demands, lifting a hand and pointing the palm towards the approaching Drax, "You are in violation of sovereign Xandari - OOF!" Drax simply runs into the man's middle with his shoulder, tackling and sending him cartwheeling over his head. "DIE, XANDALARIAN!" 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' 'This wasn't the plan. We're not an army!' Is repeated several times inside of Gamora's head as she makes her play toward the base while Rocket soars and Drax roars and Mantis... vanishes? Gamora's speed and agility take her to the second tower after the first one starts to fall from the wrath of Rocket Raccoon's barrage. By the time that Drax is talking guards and the Milano is on its way back for a strafing run, Gamora is up inside of the second tower and she's attacking the guardsman inside of it. Neck punch! Nose kick! Knee to the dick! Two pulse rifle blasts to the guard's chest! The body of the guard drops and Gamora turns to the laser cannon controls. <"Don't shoot at the second tower! I'm inside it!"> She orders her team. A moment later and the laser cannon is coming online, its barrel(s) spinning around to aim... at the hangar of fightercraft! She starts to open up with laser cannon fire now! 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' The base becomes a beehive of activity. People running out of buildings. Some of them pulling on shirts still. Others pulling on pants, if not rad pants like Drax is wearing. Xandarians in uniform from other parts of the town start to flow back towards the base after the bright electric sparks and then the sounds of grenades and blaster fire. The warning sirens cut in volume as a woman's voice comes over the base's speakers. "This is Commander Kragfer! All troops rally. Pilots to you-" The instructions over the speakers cuts off for a moment and there's a scruffy sound like the microphone being bounced around. But only for a moment before the commandant's orders are continued. "Yes. Rally. Pilots. Pilots you go fly your fighters south. Scout for the Kree. Security team... everyone in the security office, to the west fence. Search for infiltrators. Quickly now. Rally for Xandar." 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' Fun fact: the word 'bedlam', a bastardiziation of 'Bethlehem', comes from the Queen's English. It refers to the hospital of St. Mary of Bethlehem, the first mental institution in Britain. It was a place of madness and chaos, full of people screaming, weeping, begging, and raging at all hours. Four hundred years and a few hundred thousand parsecs away, the Guardians are making a good case for reviving the use of that word. It is not a tactical operation. It's chaos, pure and simple. No one has any idea what's happening. Security teams are designed to deal with *small* incursions. Minor issues. Set off one alarm, everyone reacts. Set off all the alarms, no one has any idea what to do. The Xandarians are galloping in all directions. A response team from the other side of the base diverts their hovercraft and zooms west to intercept the non-existent threat against the western perimeter. A pair of fighters loitering in low station a few hundred miles away point their noses south and arm weapons systems to scout for the Kree. A Kree merchant vessel lazily cruising in Ataxes' perihilion point is about to have a really awkward conversation with a pair of hotshot pilots. Gamora's hasty announcement averts near-disaster as Quill starts his strafing run. A quick juke spares the AA tower from getting more than a few pockmarks across the lower base rather than destroying the entire platform. Between Gamora manning the heavy guns and Quill laying plasma down on the landing strip, the Xandarian air response is shut down before anyone can get off the ground. The hangar's front wall collapses, preventing any ships from leaving, and Quill destroys one of the fighter craft idling on the pad. The other gets singed, but it's hardly disabled, and a lone pilot in his orange and blue flight suit is sprinting like mad for the cockpit. A dozen or more of the garrison troops are dead, trapped, or disabled. The commandant's giving bad directions to anyone paying attention to the radio. The remaining troops are doing what they can, firing blindly into the air to try and damage the /Milano/ with woefully underpowered handheld weapons. Others engage Drax and Rocket as two of the biggest threats, but frankly they're on their heels and scrambling to respond. The gunboat crew bursts from the guard shack in a six-man cluster to make best time towards the parked gunboat, in a desperate attempt to try and get it off the ground. Upshot: at this point the security office is unoccupied, as the 'Commandant' has deployed everyone else far away from the fight. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "AHAHAHAHAH!" Rocket is laughing like a mad Raccoon beneath the fury of ''THOMP'' ''BOOM'', but the season of fiery death is come to an end with the advent of returned fire. The rocket propelled Rocket Raccoon clicks the gun over to semi-automatic neutron fire mode with a flip of his clawed thumb and a burst of side thrusters to strife him out of the path of lancy lazy laser fire, "AHAHAHAHAHA!" The battlecry of a Bedlum Generation. ''POOMPOOMPOOM'' The superheated, energy propelled projectiles don't just kill the underarmed guardsmen.. it eviserates them. They're a fine red/pink/meaty paste when struck by the high volicity round. It literally doesn't even have to hit them... just passing //by// them tears huge chunks of flesh from bone, bone from body... and life from person. With a ''WOOSH'' He hovers quicker towards the shack near the command building and slings his rifle, "Drax, Imma hack the door an' get the booty... do the thing where ya kill a bunch of shit heads so they don't kill me." Tearing off the access panel, tiny hands dig into the wiring to resplice them, twist, zap.. "AWOEI!" Punch it, several times, then resume slicing open the door. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     Peter's straffing run continues as he slowly moves over the base, finger still wrapped tightly around the trigger, feeling the vibrations through the ship and into his soul as the guns go off and the Guardians basically terrorize some stupid ass backwards hillbillies in cop uniforms.     "Ya ever stop and ask if we're the bad guys?" Peter says to no one as he shuts off the guns to the Milano to ask himself this deeply moral question before he has to think about something else.     "Gamora! Gunship! Uh uh uhhhh..." Peter seems to have forgotten how to talk for a moment as he's pointing at the big grey ship from his seat in the space ship while Gamora, is in a building possibly unable to see Peter's finger. "Guys runnin' at it." He rambles out like a bafoon. 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' "What is our quarry?" Drax asks into his own communicator thing, having remembered to actually put it on and talk into it for once. To be perfectly honest, he'd only half-listened to the plan on the way here and as far as he was aware the plan was 'go into the place they weren't meant to be.' They'd done that part, so now he was curious about what part came next. He pauses for a moment, standing stock still in the midst of the battlefield with both knives in hand and a pensive look on his face. A moment later he shrugs. Someone else will handle that part. As the soldiers rush towards him, Drax lets out a bellowing roar of challenge. He drops to one knee, sweeping one of the men up by his ankle and swinging him through the air to use him as a sort of wet and noodly mace against the others. He laughs delightedly. "Yes, Hateful Beast!" he calls to Rocket, swinging the man at another man, "This is very heroical!" 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' The laser blasts from the tower cannon that Gamora is manning continue to sizzle and pepper the base! Are these 'deserving bad guys' that they're decimating? Who's to say, they're a military of some kind and that likely means they're the enemies of SOMEone. Gamora isn't going out of her way to kill people, she's aiming for defenses and machinery, such as that gunshipboatfighter that Peter just called out! The cannon sweeps across the landing field and starts to tail the pilot running for it. She skips the blasts would would outright kill the pilot and instead aims for his starship and starts to paint the landed craft with laser fire from the base's own cannon. <"Mantis!"> Gamora says over comms, recognizing her voice over the base loud speaker. <"Make sure you redirect any reinforcements to a different location, maybe the moon on the other side of the planet!"> Its a suggestion at least. <"Rocket! Don't hack the door, just blow the damn thing down and go get the stuff!"> More cannon fire from the laser turret she's in. <"Drax... Just... let it all out. All the rage you've got!"> Off comms, Gamora mutters and something under her breath about stealth and subterfuge being out the door with this Brute Squad. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' The crackle of laser fire and the sound of flames mix with the smell of smoke as the assault on the base continues. "Um. Signal detected. Up by the moon. Behind it. A cloaked ship. Don't let it escape," the female voice announces over the speakers again. After that the speakers go quiet. In the hectic maelstrom of battle, Xandarians are running to and fro, towards their stations, away from incoming fire from Ravager ships, flying rodents and daughters of Thanos. One of those supposed Xandarians loses her cap, and stops to go back and grab it. Mantis pulls her commander's cap back down on her head a little more snuggly to cover her antennae and avoid losing it as she hurries across the base. She heads towards the same base gate that she entered in the Xandarian uniform she took from a female soldier, now sleeping blissfully in an alleyway in her undergarments. <> she says. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' <"No! I-.. But.. But I've already start't hackin' it!"> Rocket complains to Gamora, ZAP "OWWW!" <"FINE!"> One step back, hand into a bag dangling on his side to grab a sticky explosion, <"But I can definitely hack the door..."> It's important that everyone realizes he's capable of doing it. Even while he complies, slaps the sticky bomb to the metal portal, and steps away with his back turning to the explosion... Which doesn't come. ''Clicky clicky'' He slaps it in his palm a few times, glances back at the bomb, then down at the detonator. ''CLICKY'' Nothing. Clawed fingers quickly unscrew the bottom, "DAMIT!" <"Who took the batteries out of my fusion detonator?!"> Grumbling, Rocket runs a lot further away, whips out a pistol and shoots the explosive plastered on the doorway.. Nothing, "Really? That really should've work't..." 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     <Mantis, you're ready? Okay that's a copy.> Says Peter into his comms as he lets go of the trigger and the ship's front stops spewing out plasma charged death down onto the pock marked runway and landing pads.     <On my waaaaay!> Peter warns as the ship tilts in the air and sweeps over towards the pick up zone they pointed out earlier.     <Rocket, just pick up the whole thing, Have Drax's huge ass do the lifting if you can't do it.> Peter says and then checks back in with the rest, <Gamora, Drax, lets hurry up before we have terrorizm added to our rapsheets. We're pushing our luck as it is with all these explosions.> Peter's thought isn't finished with the final kaboom from the runway. 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' Well, it was going very well there for a minute. Then again, if 'reckless haste' has been a successful tactic thus far, why would anyone expect it to suddenly STOP working? The explosive charge Rocket is using is called a 'shaped charge'. It relies on a carefully controlled detonation that works in one direction, forcing a significant amount of the blast against a single tiny spot. Extremely effective when properly done. When it's shot with a nine-gauge plasma blaster, things kind of go pear-shaped as the explosive charge detonates asymmetrically. It works, of course-- Rocket's demolition work errs on the side of 'no such thing as overkill'. In this case, the blast erupts with enough force to knock the cybernetic rodent tail over teakettle backwards a few dozen feet, despite his extra 'precautions'. The door goes flying off the rails. And most of the front quarter-right of the security office goes as well as the shaped charge violently blasts out several support struts. Inside is fire and wreckage. It looks like the usual array of confiscated goods. Illegally modified black-market weapons. Narcotics. A few plants that are now on fire and no longer a threat to the local ecosystem. The misshaped charge, combined with the highly flammable nature of some of the contents, doesn't leave a whole lot of 'value' to the 'valuable confiscated goods'. It's probably a lot less than they'd want it to be. Almost certainly not enough for them to completely pay off Yondu, at least not without some fast talking. In fact the singed Rocket finds only one thing that looks like it's remotely valuable. It's inside one of the smaller security safes, which was also blasted apart by the charge. The sole content is a dense metal box. It's warm to the touch and surprisingly heavy. Heavy means valuable, right? Warning alerts blare from the Milano's panels. The freighter and the other gunship are returning to the scene. All the Guardians get the alert simultaneously: time to am-scray! With time only to steal what isn't bolted down and on fire, Rocket and Drax get the lions' share of the goods to the Milano, and the group makes a hasty exeunt stage right minutes before the cops show up to a scene of utter calamity. At least they have *something* to show for their work-- and Rocket has his own little bauble, tucked in his vest where he can hoarde-- er, 'guard' it carefully. For later. Because he's such a sharing critter. 

}}

10118/Guardians of the traveling Pants

2019-12-16T17:17:08Z

Kirby:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/11/20
|Location=Burnout Pub, Garnet (Knowhere)
|Synopsis=The Guardians go to Knowhere, Grails there, Lobo shows up, everyone leaves really happy and eternal friendships are forged.
|Cast of Characters=155,1671,111,8638,1163,1742
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=[[File:Guardians of the Galaxy.jpg|x225px|center]] 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Knowhere, built into the head of a celestial! A city where people go to get lost, find stuff, or just be terrible to one another because it's legal and okay and pretty much expected. The Guardians of Galaxy call it a safe port-o-harbor, what with Rocket's shop, but most often they're found in the pub cus that's where the booze are. "-and I stand by my statement that whatever yer wearin' aint an appealin' scent, no matter how many units you paid for it.." Enter Rocket, engaged in verbal sparring with Quill. "Which was probably not nearly so much as ya say an' more than it was worth.. cus ya smell like a lasivarians big toe after ruttin season..." People are shoved out of his way, making a path towards a booth. Some recognize him, some don't, Rocket cares for the particulars in neither of these cases as he crawls up into the seat and flops down with a heady sigh. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis follows along in the wake of the others, lagging behind a little as she is caught up in the sights of the bar which are so many and varied. A foursome at a table are playing some kind of drinking game which seems to consist of shouting, "OOPA!" a lot and pointing fingers at one another and laughing as they toss back entire glassfuls of a green alcohol strong enough it would do wonders degreasing parts of the Milano's engine. Mantis stops and grins at the game and looks about to talk with them, when she realizes she's being left behind and so hurries to catch up with her team. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     Hands out, one full with a bottle of something as Peter motions, "I'm not wearing any scent!" Peter complains to Rocket and yet he keeps sitting next to the rodent. "Fine, Okay, the Xandarian said it has pheromones in it to attract women... Okay. I need all the help I can get with Gamora. Now will you shut your yapper before I have to space you like I did that pig earlier?" Peter says with a deep look towards Rocket followed by a quick copy of Mantis, "OOPA!" 

:'''{{#var:8638|Grail (8638)}} has posed:''' A little ways outside the pub, a scene like out of Terminator seems to play out. Electricity arcs through the air as trash begins to kick up and swirl in a wind that seems to have no source. Suddenly the boom happens and a portal opens up in the air like some kind of odd wormhole. She then walks out of the portal and on to the surface that constitutes a road in Knowhere. She raises her right hand and simply closes her hand and the portal slams shut behind her. The grey skinned woman raises up to her full height slowly and looks around a moment before shrugging a little and walking toward the pub. In her left hand appears to be a bag. A rather large bag with a couple of boxes inside. Soon the door to the pub opens up and a new smell starts wafting inside. For some it might seem good, for others it might seem bad. Grail walks toward the bar with a shake of her head as she walks. She raises up her bag and takes a deep smell of it and smiles but that smile falters rahter quickly. Her face scrunches up and she looks around the bar. "What is that? It smells like the excrement of something that died from eating the excrement of something that died..." She starts to slowly look around. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "You could staple money to your forehead and ya couldn't have less chance with Gamora..." Rocket continues to chide Peter, unafeared of his threats what on account of he's got most of the safety locks on the Milano specifically tied to his biometrics. Never let a Raccoon loose in your engine room. Especially not a bioengineered anthropamorphic Raccoon who may or may not be plotting everyones death. "You know that game's about you, right?" Said quietly to Quill. Eyeing Mantis when she pauses to converse with strangers, then hurries to catch up with them, "Don't talk to the locals, that's how you get space AIDS." Enter Grail, who clearly smells Quill, and who Rocket clearly already likes on account of he absently points in her direction, "Already helpin' with the ladies, aint it?" Big toothy, fang filled grin across the table. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis moves to take a seat beside Quill and Rocket. Though someone else is about to take it at the same time. Mantis tells the man, "I am so sorry. Please, take the seat." He looks Mantis over in a way that would probably cause Gamora's sword to be drawn if it were given to the green-skinned woman. "No, beautiful, you go ahead and sit right there," he says, patting the seat and dusting it off with his hand. Mantis's face lights up beautifully. "Thank you very much!" she tells him. She takes the seat and turns over to Rocket and Quill. "He seems very nice. I think maybe he'd like to be my friend," she says in an encouraged voice. Grail's arrival and comment gets a brief look from Mantis. She helpfull explains to Grail, "It's him," with point towards Quill. Oopa! 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     "Shut up." Peter says towards Rocket as he lifts the drink to his lips and lays his head back and points the bottom of the bottle up and takes a heavy drink. "Freakin' Xandarian..." Peter complains to no one as he wrinkles his nose as he caught another wiff of himself and swears he's going to have to burn these clothes afterwards.     Then the lady comes in and clearly is mocking him. "Sonnova..." Peter says as he stands up and storms past Grail and away from his table and out the front door in a hurry.     Though Quill stops at the door and keeps it open with his palm on the glass and he motions to Mantis, "That Oopa game isn't about me, is it?" 

:'''{{#var:8638|Grail (8638)}} has posed:''' A blink as she hears Rocket and then Mantis speaks up and Grail looks directly at Star-Lord, "A human? I don't recall any humans smelling like that..." She shakes her head, Grail blinking as he walks by and then she looks over at Mantis a moment and then back to Star-Lord before looking to the men playing the OOPA game. She hmms. She isn't sure what all that was about but she walks over to the spot that Star_Lord was in. She pauses and then moves down a little to a different stool and settles into it. Grail looks back toward the door and then shrugs as she sets down teh bag and opens it up. Inside is a pair of yellow boxes with various designs of meats and veggies on it. When it opens it up, the smell inside attempts to counter the smell Star-Lord was creating with the smell of a Stromboli filled with various meats. The other box has the same though this is the only one she opens. She then looks up and points at the bartender, "You, strongest drink." She nods her head and then looks over to Rocket and blinks, "Another Earth creature...?" She blinks in confusion, looking to Rocket and then Star-Lord and then back. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "OOPA!" Rocket shouts, pointing both first fingers at Mantis with a big ol' grin, that disappears at the retreating man what gave up his seat for her. The Raccoon is not wearin' blasters like a normal gunslinger type person, but rather a Neutron rifle that's about the size, if not longer, than he is. "Keep walkin' smiley or I'll vaporize you.." Thumb jerking back over his shoulder at the goonish turd, "The cheek of that guy..." he really didn't even do anything except be a proper gentleman. "Huh? There's a game?" Rocket WINKS at Mantis, shaking his head, "It's not about him is it Bug Lady?" WINK, shaking his head. "Not even a little bit." Likewise, when Grail starts to press luck in finding a seat at the table, Rocket looks up at her, "Can I help you find somethin'? Maybe a clue... I think I seen one over in Quill's back pocket where he keeps his sense of dignity on account of he aint got much... You should go as him about it." She's moving along though and even being called a hummie... "It's like that ball of trailor parks and fastfood chains jus' leant' over the galaxy an' shat out all their discontents on the rest of us..." 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis's response to Star-Lord asking about the game is a curious look, first directed over to the other table, and then to Rocket. "I do not know," she says, face showing consternation as to what the answer might be. She sits up straighter, face bright with an idea. "I could go and ask them if you like?" she suggests to Peter. The man who was eyeing Mantis, now eyes Rocket's Neutron rifle. He scowls a bit but moves off down the bar. Mantis seemed to missed the reason for it while she was talking to Quill. She turns back and sees the man retreating. "I guess maybe he did not wish to be my friend," she conjectures gloomily. Mantis looks over towards Grail at the talk of Earth. "Have you been to Star-Lord's planet?" she asks Grail softly. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     Peter walks in not more than a few moments later and is pulling down a new fresh shirt and buckling a new pair of pants. Are his knuckles bloody?     Peter tugs at the collar of his shirt to make sure it's sitting on his shoulders right as he sits back down and tries to sneak a whiff of his own armpit before he smiles back at his team. "Better." He nods sharply and with a quick plop back down on to his chair. "What'd I miss?" Asks the star-prince.     Seems he's not really paying attention having been bothered enough by the opinions of his stench. 

:'''{{#var:8638|Grail (8638)}} has posed:''' A blink and she looks over at Rocket directly, those large red eyes glaring at him before she states, "Are you...calling me human?" She asks and tilts her haed before she looks over at Mantis and then back to the raccoon, "I have been mistaken for many things...but not that." She then sits down and looks over at Mantis, "As for if I am from that man's planet? I do not know. If he is from Earth, than in a way, I am." She states. "At least half of me anyway." She then hmms as she looks at the food and is about to take a bite when Star-Lord walks back in. She looks up and blinks a few times at him before she look sback to Rocket and Mantis. She looks to Star-Lord again before considering, "...was he keeping pants outside? Like, just a full change of clothes outside in case he smelled like complete ass?" She takes a bite of the stromboli, blinking a few times at Star-Lord before shaking her head, "Well, I am now sure he is from Earth." 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:''' From the doorway comes an unusual sort of creature. The Guardians are used to this one, naturally: the hulking shape of the alien of herbal essence scent is slowly maneuvering his way through the pub. In one long, branch-fingered hand, Groot carries.... the things that Peter Quill just attempted to get rid of. And Groot is very proud. "I am Groot!" Groot announces as he comes to a stop behind Peter, lowering the missing clothing that smells just like Quill. Groot has a big smile! 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "No, I ask't if you were from trailer world.." Rocket looks down into his dirty drink and sucks some down with a back cant of his head when Peter returns in a fresh coat of pants (that's a sophisticatified play on words), looking to Mantis while smacking his lips noisely following said drink, "I don't think he does.. but that's alright cus you don't want to be his friend either. He's a Navari, they mate by puttin' plantin' eggs in a females stomach through fingers in their mouth.. and they don't believe in consent." "They're basically the bipedal equivalent of bug people.. now, not you kind of bug people, yer the okay sort, but the kind what don't know manners or decency or deserve to live." Sniffing the air around Peter, whiskers and muzzle shifting slightly, "Well, you smell better, but I wouldn't go so far as to say it's much of an improvement. Yer natural stink is offensive, ya understand..." Enter Groot! Helpful as ever. Enter Rocket laughing hysterically! One hand on his gut, the other slapping down on the table hard enough to rattle it, "He says you left your toilet clothes out by the dumpster..." Straining voice, slamming down into the table as he laughs, husky like a twenty year smoker, "Oh god..." Tears, there's tears. "Quill, you're such a loser..." 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' The bartender comes over, having already served Rocket, but now Mantis is sitting there too. "Want the same as him?" he asks. Mantis glances over at Rocket's drink and then gives the bartender a hurried shakes of her head while pointedly not looking at Rocket so he won't take offense to not sharing his taste in beverages. Lubricants? Whatever that is. "Do you have... water?" Mantis asks the bartender hopefully. He eyes her strangely for a moment then pours her a glass of water and sets it on the counter. Mantis takes it in hand, turning back to the others just to see Groot come in, the handsome tree returning Peter Quill's clothes to him. "Oopa!" she says, and tosses back her water. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     "The repairs on the milano are coming out of your cut." Peter says rather finally towards Rocket at the man huffs and takes his clothes from Groot and kicks them under the table with a frown and a grunt as that WASN'T Supposed to happen. "Yeah, oopa..." Peter crosses his arms and lowers his chin to his chest with a pout. "Why do I even bother going anywhere with you degenerates." Peter mumbles to himself before he lifts his finger to order another round for everyone, including the weird robot lady, thing... "I know what he said." 

:'''{{#var:8638|Grail (8638)}} has posed:''' A gasp of breath and Grail grumbles, "I am honestly glad now that I am not required to breath." She states simply and looks over at Groot and blinks, "I am not entirely clear what that is but why is bringing back your terrible clothes, Human?" She asks of Star-Lord before looking then to Rocket and then shaking her head as she looks then to Mantis and hten she considers, "I am not sure I follow but..." She raises her own drink upon its arrival and states, "Oopa?" She then drinks it and hmms. She considers the words of a Death God, a hairy Canadian, and a girl with odd pink hair a moment before she pulls out the box underneath her stromboli and sets it before Star-Lord, "You seem to either be pathetic or at least be having a pathetic day. Here. It is an Earth dish called Stromboli. I like it and you may have my other one in order to help with your bad day." She nods her head to him. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:''' The large trash-rescuing tree makes a soft noise at Star-Lord, all smiles, and moves his hand to attempt to pat-pat-pat his Peter on the shoulder. There there. He doesn't move to sit down; Groot just towers, though he does start towards Rocket's chair. Then, well, Grail speaks towards him. In that she asks about him. "I am Groot," Groot says towards Grail firmly, and then slowly turns and moves with infinite patience to join Rocket, settling in to looming in that location instead, like a lost piece of giant furniture. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket is having trouble breathing and pinches the bridge of his big doughy brown eyes right near their position on eitherside of his muzzle, "Because everytime ya' go somewhere alone, ya end up shot, arrested, or shot and arrested..." The tiny creature coughs into his balled fist and sits upright, finishing his drink quickly so that he can order another on Quill's dime. "/He/ is Groot..." Rocket clears up for Grail, pointing up at the massive tree creature, clammering out of her seat to climb up an arm until he's sitting dangly legged on Groot's massive shoulder. "An' before ya ask, he said... I am Groot... which is funny 'cus them's the only words he says.. I and am and Groot..." THe neutron rifle is removed from his back and slung on a piece of twiggy branch jutting out of Groot's back like a gun-rack. It probably makes all the natural prey of the wild predatory Rocket more comfortable that he's not carrying it directly. Looking down at the stromboli. "You're already startin' to look a little pudgy there, Star Tork, ya might wanna skip the bready stuff." 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis's antennae wave about a little more than usual as she explains to Grail, "It is a game." She looks at her empty glass and then back over to the bartender. "May I have another glass of water?" she asks. She turns to Groot as he joins them and motions to her glass as if to ask if he wants one. "Maybe make that two glasses of water please?" she asks the bartender. He tries to contain himself as he fills her glass, and one for the flora. He mutters something about, "working for tips" and "should have listed to mother and worked for the miner's guild". The two glasses are set down and he moves off. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     Peter reaches down, and plucks up the sintky clothes and nearly falls down as he is a little drunk and holding the shirt and pants to his chest Peter gives everyone in the bar the bird as he backs up to the door and sneaks out to run to the ship to get himself clean and think about leaving them all behind just so he can go back to making credits all by his lonesome, unmocked self. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:''' Groot beams at Mantis, but doesn't actually drink his water in any 'Oopa' method: he plays with the cup. There's a lot of focus there, like a child just given a coloring mat and crayons at the adults' table, as he draws the cup towards him, and little tendrils grow around it, making little soft noises like one might make around the mouth of a wine glass. Soft, pleasant musical hums. When Star-Lord salutes them, Groot does it back. HIS 'bird' grows a little flower on it though. It's cheerful. 

:'''{{#var:8638|Grail (8638)}} has posed:''' And then she hmms at Groot and Rocket, looking between the two before shrugging, "I am Grail." She nods before looking then to Mantis before hmming and then shaking her head, "Strange game." Of course, then Star-Lord is up and walking out and giving them the bird before she frowns, "I offer the man one of my new favorite foods and he does that." She shakes her head and then takes a breath, "Strangely I don't feel like killing him. In a way I'm not even upset." She then looks down at the food and hten over at the others, "Curious." She then looks over at Rocket and states, "Who are you people? I have seen him before at least." She points toward Star-Lord, "Briefly, on another world along with a green skinned woman." She nods her head, "We were fighting Daxamites from two different directions." She nods her head, "I was fighting a handful of them in space while they were planetside." 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket, from atop the mighty Groot, towers over all the land! Grinning toothily down upon all below him with a hand wrapped in one of Groot's head branches, "We're the Guardians of the Galaxy." He says it matter of factly, with very little fanfare or preamble, and none of the flaire Peter would have applied to it. Peter who is leaving, Rocket looking after him as he sulks his way out of the bar and probably back to the ship, the psychopath already shaking his head. "He's prolly gonna try and get in the ''green skinned womans'' pants while we're all out here doin' ''work'' in a ''bar''.." Quote/unquoting the pair of words as if he has no idea how quotes and unquotes work, since that aint things he needed to stress at all. Nor were they ''metaphorical''... "''Guardians'' of the ''Galaxy''..." That's more appropriate, but still no fanfare. He's just practicin' on his conversatin'. Eyeing Mantis, "Oh, right... everytime Quill does somethin' stupid or we wanna laugh at him without him knowin' we're doin' it cus he's a dumbass... we shout ''OOPA!'' and drink." Explaining the rules of the game, both for Grail AND Groot. "We kid him on account of he's half terran an' their all worthless." "So he's like a quarter of a half not worthless." Doesn't understand fractions either. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis looks happy as she sees an opportunity to be helpful. Rocket supplies the groups name. After which Mantis offers towards Grail in a helpful-sounding voice, "The man with the clothing is Star-Lord. And the green-skinned whore that you speak of is named Gamora." Mantis's delivery is very bright and warm as she adds, "She is my friend, and a great hunter of pig-beasts." Mantis has been spending too much time with Drax, perhaps. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:''' Groot 'helps' Rocket in a number of ways. He adjusted his back slightly to assist with Rocket's gun holstering: just to fix the angle to how he knows his fuzzy best friend prefers it (and so removing it doesn't rip bark off). He stands up a little taller as Rocket does his grandstanding, rotating to give Rocket a better stage presence as he announces to the room. Groot does a few of the hand-quotes with his leafy fingers, but it's delayed: like, a few beats behind when Rocket does it. So it's just a constant amount of quote-unquote between himself and the raccoon on his shoulder. "I am Groot," Groot offers to Rocket, and then turns his attention once more to his glass, siphoning the water out of it by sticking his hand in it. 

:'''{{#var:8638|Grail (8638)}} has posed:''' A look at Groot first and she hmms. She is wholly unsure of the giant tree but then that's probably common. She then listens to Rocket speak and at first seems fine but then she twitches a little. Her right eye twitching as she listens, "Terrans are...uesless?" She asks and tilts her head, "You mean, people from Earth?" She asks and nods her head, "I imagine you speak of all people from Earth." She shifts her chair a little, grabbing her drink and sucking in a sharp breath through her nose. She sips it and then looks to Rocket with a grin that spreads more, ever so slowly, "Do tell me more?" She asks of him before glancing over to Mantis. "Ah, Gamora." She nods her haed but then shifts her gaze back to Rocket, the metallic cup in her hand letting out the slightest of whines for some reason as if the metal was displeased with something. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Whatever it is that Groot says to Rocket, the Raccoon finds endlessly amusing. So amuzing, in fact, that he almost forgets to translate, which he still doesn't do on account of he's laughin' his fuzzy tailed ass off. When he finally has his sense about him enough to wipe the tears from his face with the forearm of jumper. Only once he's collected himself thoroughly enough to hang off his best friend without risk of tumbling, which he'd never do and Groot'd never let happen anyways, he takes several raspy breaths. The translatin' is further stalled, what cus he's staring down at Grail, "Yer one of them broads tha' get all high indignation when they hear somethin' don't tickle their particular opinion, aint ya? I'm callin' terrans, as in people from terra, useless.. an' they are. Like ticks on a Turvan... nipples on' a sandwich.. a whole heap of water purification tablets in a desert... but it's a ''generalizationing'' of people. I aint met them all, I'm sure there has to be one, maybe two if we count any refugees from other planets what call the trailer world home, that aint complete wastes of carbon.." his drink arrives, the bartender looking up and up at the Raccoon seated in a tree. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis sips her water quietly and just listens to the conversation between Grail and Rocket. One of her antennae's shifts about a little bit, angling off towards the conversation. She leans a little towards Rocket and Groot, perhaps about to share her observation on the emotions she's sensing are being generated by the conversation. But then Rocket pretty much addresses them. So Mantis just sits back in her seat, hands resting primly on her thighs except when she picks up her glass of water to take a sip. She says towards Groot, "They have good water here." 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:''' Groot looks over at the drink the bartender has. He opens a warm, broad smile to the bartender, politely thanking him with an "I am Groot," and accepts Rocket's drink on his behalf. Groot then lifts the drink up towards Rocket in a distracted way. This is entirely normal, and Groot hardly minds. The tree focuses on Mantis when she speaks to him, and smiles broadly at her, showing her his empty water glass. "I am Groot." 

:'''{{#var:8638|Grail (8638)}} has posed:''' And then she stands up slowly, "One...of them broads?" She asks and then she sucks in a breath through her teeth as she smiles and then looks more directly at Rocket, "My mother...is from Terra." She states and nods her head, "I was born on Terra, though not raised there." She grinds her teeth slightly even as the cup in her hand indents easily in her hand as she fights her own strength to not simply turn into a piece of useless metal crushed tightly in her hands. She is about to say more when the Navari walks back up and gives her a slap right on the backside and speaks, "Hey, is that furball pis-" That's about as far as he gets before she is turned on him hard, her glass hitting the ground as her left hand wraps about the wrist of the hand that hit her butt. Her right hand is gripping his mouth and face, clamping tightly enough to prevent his ability to talk. She looks into his eyes iwth that grin, "This arm is mine now." And then her right hand whips hard. The man is across the room, through a window and out into the streets. Where he landed...well, who knows? A spark flicks off the now apparently mechanical arm he had and then she frowns a little, "Aww, too bad. It wasn't real..." She then lets out a pleased sigh as she then tosses the arm on to the table and sits back down. 

:'''{{#var:1742|Lobo (1742)}} has posed:'''     From outside: "Ahhh, ahhhh! I've been disarmed, help me sir, please!"     Then, a gruff familiar voice: "HAW HAW HAW, well looks like I can't shake yer hand anytime soon, but...hey, hey you can't touch there without permission!"     After a sound like a wishbone snapping in half, and the sound soon after of high pitched squealing and screaming that was getting fainter and fainter as the sound was moving away from the bar at extremely high pace, and the doors to the pub were kicked open. In walks a bounty hunter dressed more 'casual' like, but dragged along the floor was an arm that looked like it had been ripped out right at the shoulder joint, and was currently leaking orange blood everywhere, its fingers still twitching every so often. The limb was tossed aside to scatter across one of the gambling tables, as the Main Man looks around with a cocky smirk on that face of his.     "Well looks like a couple'a sad sacks tonight!" 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket accepts the offered beverage from his buddy without saying a word and drains it while Grail is sorting out her particular emotional state regarding the sideways comment on her mothers homeworld, and indirectly, her own homeworld. "Do you feel triggered?" He asks down to her, unphased by her animation or puff uppancy what starts angled in his generalized direction, but ends up costing a Navari his arm. ... One furry brow perks up above a brown eyes the poor dumb alien goes flying right out the front window near the door and, basically, a bar brawl is now gonna pop off. "You gimme that arm an' I'll accept that maybe yer mom, an' half of you, aint as worthless as the majority of terrans are.." Rocket looks back towards the doorway, Lobo sauntering in all ''The Manish'', then hops down on Groot's arm, bends to grab a branch and swings off onto the table near the cybernetic.. side scurrying on all fours, "Ha. Ha. I think tha' dumb Navarian jus' got his other arm broke off.." The cybernetic is taken, hoisted, and waved at Lobo as if it were his own waving hand, "Did you take his other arm off? Cus tha' would be amusin'." 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis winces quietly as the Navari's arm is ripped off and he's thrown out of the window, her head ducking just a bit at the violence. She visually follows the former bar-patron's path to, and through, the window. So Mantis is still looking over there as as Lobo comes inside. Mantis sits up a little straighter, her antennae with fuzzy tips like a moth's rotating in two different directions. Mantis looks at Lobo. His color. Dark patches around his eyes. Darker hair upon his head and a bit of white around his face. Mantis looks at Rocket. His color. Dark patches around his eyes. Darker hair upon his head and a bit of white around his face. She looks back to Lobo. She looks back to Rocket. "Rocket? Is this your father?" 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:''' Groot quietly observes Rocket's movement, but otherwise is extremely passive for the moment: he's just taking in things as they come. He does, of course, wait for Rocket to climb back on to add the cybernetic to other things that Groot is already carrying. Groot never minds. 

:'''{{#var:8638|Grail (8638)}} has posed:''' She is about to say something to Rocket about the arm when Lobo walks in and then she gestures, "Have it..." She stands up again and grumbles something under her breath about being tested. She glares at him for a long moment before pointing at the bartender, "Another drink...now." She states and stares at him before looking over to Lobo again and she smirks a little, chuckling a little and then shrugging as she slowly sits back down. "Hey!" She calls out to Lobo and points, "I see your legs finally grew back." She nods her head, "How long that take?" 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "Oh, I was keepin' it anyways." Rocket props the arm on his shoulder when Grail indicates he can ''have it'', but he's already headed back to climb Groot's hanging arm when Mantis asks if the big ''Dude'' is his father, "Huh? Who? Lobo?" The Raccoon tilts, twist, kneels... even brings the cybernetic hand floppily up to shield his eyes against light that aint even that bright what he'd need shielding them from it. "He don't look like any scientist I've ever seen." That same shieldy flop arm is point at Mantis, "If I had a mom, she definitely would have been higher rate trash than' him." Pointing his own finger at Lobo, "She's have been one of them classy prostitutes that only dates upper lower to lower middle class Guild Mine officials.." A hop and a handhold, Rocket clutches the arm beneath his chin as he crawls back up onto Groot's shoulder, turns, and plops back down to dangle his feet. Ther arm is shoved into a bag hanging near his neutron rifle. Both his own arms stretch straight up, fists curled, muzzle opening wide in a big ol toothy yawn. "I don't guess Quill's contact is comin'. Unless his entire goal was to get us here so he could talk to them alone..." Narrowing beady eyes. "That's son of a..." 

:'''{{#var:1742|Lobo (1742)}} has posed:'''     For his part, Lobo made his way straight to the bar as well, kicking aside some stools and letting them clatter against the floor in a way that was surely a tripping hazard or something. But, the Main Man seem to care, and nobody was gonna tell him any different. This was done so he could lean against it in a cool looking manner, arms draped casually in a way that lifted up his dark leather jacket and show at least a few pistols and knives that were previously concealed. He snorted as he tossed a plastic credstick over to the already intimidated barkeep and waited for his booze, when he looked over and saw a few Guardians, and a face he liked far less.     "Yeah, he was stickin' out at me all, ay-semmetrical like, just didn't sit right with me. Well I always been a doer, so I did what came right ta me. An' speakin' of doin', if it ain't Wannabe Lobo Jr herself. Why you askin', you want another detached piece o'my anatomy ta snuggle up ta? Well prepare fer disappointment, girlie."     There was a wide smirk on his face as he looked around with his long messy black hair partially in his face, some stubble across his chin as his mustache looked a bit wilder, clearly he was inbetween barber visits. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:''' Groot considers what Rocket is saying, and turns his head a little bit. He wasn't sitting down, not exactly, but he wasn't fully standing. Groot 'stands': meaning he stops being quite as low of a tree, and asks Rocket very seriously, "I am Groot?" And then looks towards the door. "I am Groot." It's not quite a repitition, there's some inflection difference in each of the suggestions. Groot also picks up his water glass, and sets it kindly on the tray of some passing waitstaff. Groot will help clean up after himself, leaving the place a little bit better than he found it. Or at least equal. While waiting for Rocket's input, Groot continues his impression of a potted plant. 

:'''{{#var:8638|Grail (8638)}} has posed:''' Her eyes glow red a moment and Grail sits up a little, "Every time I see you..." She stands up and looks at Lobo with a twitch to her mouth on the right side, "Is it your goal for me to punch you through things?" She asks and nods her head, "I think you like the feel of my fist against your face." She then looks over at Rocket and rolls her eyes before saying, "Well, Guardians of the Galaxy, I think that is my queue to leave." She nods her head, "I can only stand so much annoying at once before I feel the need to rip apart the place I'm in completely." 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket's input is stalled in coming only long enough for him to look back at the entrance, scratching claws into his muzzle, "Yeah, we should probably go find him.. I seen him trying to pocket some job chips earlier, but nobody believed me.. maybe he's up to somethin', that dirty bastard terran pig faced-" This continues for a while. "-no good rotten-" Nope, not done yet. "Let's go find'em an' make sure he don't.. I don't know.. find a bunch of credits, then say my cut is smaller on account of I was lazin' around in a bar that it was his idea to go to.." It wasn't, it was definitely Rocket's. "Or get hurt or something, I guess." Tacked on, short laugh, grinning a little thinking about it. "So if he does, I can see it an' laugh at him." He'd never let anyone know he'd protect Quill, there shall be none of that. "Hey, Buggy, you comin'? Me'n Groot is gettin' out of here." Side eyeing Grail, "Bye glowy eyed lady." He turns and grabs the cybernetic to wave it down at her, "Imma miss you." WINK. WINK. "Yer gonna be missed." WINK. 

:'''{{#var:1742|Lobo (1742)}} has posed:'''     Lobo watches Grail make her opinions and emotions known, and didn't look all that intimidated, or worried. As she starts to walk away, he takes a bottle of booze/poison that was slid to him and chugs about a third of the bottle, before looking over to Rocket and saying loudly.     "Ya know, the spider people of Phieran Phobos, they tend ta eat their wives after the eggs are laid, then regurgitate 'em into a food paste fer their kids ta eat fer the next couple'a years. An' more and more I figure those guys got the right idea of marriage an' relationships. Really, I'd spend more time there if they weren't all creepy monster-faced weirdos."     A quick look at Groot.     "What about you, find any good, fertile, full-bodied dirt lately? Or are you not the 'set down roots' sorta...groot?" 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:''' Groot listens to Rocket, and had started to move, taking the swearing-chain to be mood music while they were going to head back to the ship. But then Lobo asks him some things. "I am Groot," Groot explains to Lobo extensively, taking his time to say his three words. Not really: it's just the three words as per usual, and there is just a cheeky, amused way that they are spoken this time. There might be a joke in there that's funny to Groot. Maybe to Rocket. Groot then extends one twiggy hand to show off Star-Lord's special middle-finger wave. Groot is all smiles, though: he may not be aware if it's offensive. When Groot does it, it just isn't. It's just one twig among lots of other twigs. Also it wasn't the right 'finger'. Groot then starts to lumber his way out. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis rises from her chair, passing the glass back over to the bartender's side of the bar. "Thank you for the water. It was delicious. I will be sure to tell people this bar's water is excellent," she tells him with an encouraging smile. She moves to follow Groot and Rocket then. "It is good to see that your game has caught on, creepy little rodent. Though I wonder how they will drink without Peter there..." She really should stop talking to Drax so much. 

:'''{{#var:8638|Grail (8638)}} has posed:''' A smirk back at Lobo and then a smirk at Rocket and she shakes her head. SHe then walks outside and frowns, "Well, I have places to be." She pushes something on her wrist and then gestures and the world swirls fo ra second before exploding and a portal opens up. She walks into the portal and looks back at the others before she heads on inside, taking it on her way back to Earth. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket definitely finds whatever Groot said to be a laugh riot and only manages to hold himself up from falling off his buddies shoulder by... holding on. "Hah! He don't want no scrubs." The tiny psychopath says patting his buddy on the crown of throny twigs when he shoots a .. well it aint no bird, but... when he shoots a finger at Lobo. "You stay classy, there, Lobo.. We gotta go see a horse about a Quill." Looking back at Mantis as Groot lumbers along with Rocket riding shotgun, "Everyone fergets the drinkin' part though.. how else are we suppose to stomach bein' in his presence if we're not constantly gettin' intoxicated? it defeats the very nature of the game! Now we're just shoutin' weird shit for no clear purpose!" Hands in the air, exasperation evident. "You shouldn't have to explain the rules this frequently with a game this simple.. An' they wonder why I want to blow everyone up or generally fill them with holes tha' dont' heal back so good." This is the entire trip back to the Milano. 
}}

10113/Guardians of the Milano's Bank Account

2019-12-16T17:16:59Z

Kirby:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/11/19
|Location=Cockpit - Milano
|Synopsis=Gamora does her Red Dead thing, while Peter Mantis and Rocket have a game of table tennis.
|Cast of Characters=111,161,155,1671
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=[[File:Guardians of the Galaxy.jpg|x225px|center]] 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     Still on the planet they rescued Peter from previously, the Captain (Actual captain) of the ship climbs out of his sleeping quarters and is wearing a bright pink Hello Kitty t-shirt across his chest after Peter got tired of hearing Rocket complain about how few chest hairs Peter actually has and tried to show off to the captain.     Walking towards the opening where most of the interactions and eating happens on the Milano, Peter holds in his hands a few data chips with various jobs he picked up at the settlement he was at and sits down on a chair before kicking his feet up onto the table and fans the chips out in his hands as he's about to read the list and figure out what order the team needs to take care of the tasks in. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' All the endless bickering, the taunting, insults, and other annoyances of living this close-quartered with so many 'colorful' personalities has Gamora taking some of their downtime on this planet to blow off some steam. So she'd lift the ship. She'd taken a long projectile rifle with her as well as the net-blaster she'd used on Quill, and a backpack with supplies and said 'I'll be back.' then rolled her eyes at the replies that had garnered. Some time had passed, quite a bit of it actually, but now the boarding ramp of the ship was opening and Gamora appears at the base of it, behind her she's dragging the net from the blaster, and inside of the net is a giant six legged pig-monster about four times the size of Rocket... its leaving behind a trail of purple blood from its head where a gunshot wound had ended its life. Gamora is dragging this pig-beast up inside of the ship. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket is sitting at the table with a box of parts, absently putting something together that is probably unwholesome and quite literally explosively dangerous. The fact he is very cavalier about it, twisting it around without any care in the world for OSHA standards, is troublesome. But nobody's dead. So, stop whinin'. Just as absently, the cantankerous Captain (The FURRY Captain) is ignoring ''Judy Blue Eyes'' playing on the Milano's loud speakers as he works, turning the device over in his palm, stiffling a big toothy yawn when Quill appears wearing his super gay pink shirt, "You look like a sweet sixteen party blew up on your manhood." The Raccoon says with a snort laugh. "It suits you." Immediately beginning to go back to his work until Gamora appears dragging a pig-lizard... "Bagged a new boyfriend huh?" 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     "You'll be lucky if you even see 16." Peter says with a nasty look as if he smelled what Rocket's been cooking or dropping, and yet he keeps his spot and isn't bothered enough to actually stand up. Instead Peter keeps looking at the data chips until he presses one and a hologram of a Kree's face lights up from the chip along with a number underneath, a number with a lot of zeros.     Peter's eyes light up and he closes that chip and tries to slip it into a pocket before anyone notices hopefully.     "Oh, don't drag that up here, there's a trail of goop from that things face likely ... how far did you go to find that thing?" Peter asks Gamora before he tries to kick at Rocket's chair for that boyfriend comment. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Once Gamora has the big-beast inside of the ship where she wants it on the widest open part of the floor she lets it go slack and starts to remove the net. She stands, steps over to the bulkhead and tosses the net-blaster down onto a table, then moves to pick up two buckets out of a foot locker. She glances from Peter, to Rocket, as she drops the buckets down then and draws a knife from her belt. She doesn't look angry, just... focused. At Rocket she first looks. "Yes." She replies in-short to his little tease, then stabs the beast right in its chest, and starts to cut... Her eyes then glance to Quill. "Three kilometers. We flew over a herd of them on our way in." What comes next is a series of things best not described, but what those within the proximity of what Gamora is doing will be treated to a veritable 'horror show' of pig-beast parts and skin removal, completely with terrible gore-y sounds and a very definitely raw and unenjoyable smell. "It should taste delicious." She announces, while throwing wet and nasty things into the buckets she'd gathered. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "Oh, ho ho... well lucky for you if I don't..." Rocket puts aside the explosive device he was building, "I'll leave you the Milano in my will." The demunitive psychopath pops up on his feet with a big ol fluffy tail hovering up near his shoulder behind him when he leans towards the chips to snatch the one Quill had been gandering with $_$ eyes. "Gimme that, you're too young to be makin' financial decisions without adult supervision." Maybe he had seen how many zeros there has been on that message. Because now Rocket has $_$ eyes. The horror sounds do not bother the crazy anthropamorphic raccoon, murderer. This is fine. This is all fine. "I love seered pig beast flesh." He agrees with her assessment of it ''tasting delicious'', "HEY! Watch it Captain Star Crunch... don't play footsie with me.. I see what yer doin'." Pointing a long, pointy clawed, finger at Quill. "She aint into you. She's only got eyes for guts and blood and people who aren't wearin' homosexual clothin' to hide their ''THREE'' chest hairs... ya probably named'em." "Weirdo." 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis has been familiarizing herself with the ship's systems since joining the team, by far the most recent addition. Today finds her sitting at a chair facing the group with a terminal monitor in front of her occupying her attention. As the sounds of Crosby, Stills and Nash ring out through the ship, Mantis's toes are tapping along with the song. Even more cutely, her antennae are swaying slightly in beat to the music. Perhaps less cutely, she's singing along with the song. It isn't so much that she doesn't have a good singing voice, as that she doesn't know the lyrics until she hears them. So she's repeating them with about a two second delay after the song, creating this near echo effect. But it seems to keep her content. She's sitting there focused on the screen. Suddenly her face lights up for a moment, and then goes back to the contented expression. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     Peter's eyes quickly shift from dollar signs to victims eyes. "Hey! Give that back!" Peter says trying to snatch the data card back from the raccoon as he too tries to avoid anything Gamora is doing.     The days having to hunt for Yondu and that crew... he had to bring it things roughly that size but more. MUCH more. That crew was huge and threatening to eat him if he didn't get them something to eat. He doesn't like it, never did, so now, he simply ignores it as just a piece of life.     "I didn't name them." Peter says as he hooks a finger in the collar and pulls it out to look down at his own chest and squints for a moment. "I have more than three anyways." Peter explains after a moment. Giving up on the data chip, Quill moves onto the next one and up pops a single head again, this time a Shi'ar girl's figure in blue and it spins again slowly with a number beneath it this one with nearly as many zeros on it as the one Rocket stole. Quill quickly tries to hide it from the rest of the crew again... 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Bones snapping, wet slop hitting the deck of the ship, the buckets being filled higher and higher until they're threatening to spill over themselves and Gamora just exhales heavily. "This song sounds like a cultist gathering on Veredix Seven, recruiting new desperate members through terrible music and weak minded sociopaths." She grumbles while wiping her knife off on a rag hanging from the handle on one of the buckets. The gutted Pig-Beast is staring at Peter and Rocket as they bicker, its eyes wide open even if there's no life left inside of them, its mouth partially open and its black tongue sticking out and laying against the deck near to its three-nostril'd snout. The buckets are picked up by their handles then and Gamora starts to saunter toward the boarding ramp again with them... 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "Yer holdin' out on us..." Rocket accuses, again leveling a savage point in Quill's direction, "Are you takin' work behind our back, ya Terran half-wit? Cus if you are, I'm gonna tie you down an' force you to watch Drax eat a whole bowl of cereal... you know how sensual he gets with his breakfast food, too." Narrowed, beady, eyes. "We gotta pay off your ''old boss'' afore he puts bounties on all our heads an' tries to sell Groot to the collector. He said he'd do that, but he didn't say anythin' at all about makin' me captain with my own Bloodleather coat." Which is a strange thing to deny. "Gamora! Quill is holdin' out... I told ya we should have sold him to Yondu!" Pointing, snarling, fangs visible beneath a whiskered sneer. "I got ya somethin' too, but now I'm not givin' it to you..." He huffs and jumps down off the table, pushing chairs out of the way as he heads towards the loading ramp. It's funny because he's too short to be seen over the tables edge, so it looks like chairs are just moving on their own until he passes through the bulkhead. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis looks up at Gamora's pronouncement of the cultish sound of the song. "It does!" she says with an expression a little bright and excited for the pronouncement. She goes back to watching the terminal screen. After a few moments her face lights up happily before returning back to a more relaxed expression. Matnis glances over at the talk between the rest of the crew, but doesn't offer any thoughts. She does sniff at the air a little bit, as the entrails pass by on their way out the door. Her reaction is a mild unpleasantness before the terminal draws her attention back, Mantis getting a happy look for a moment before slipping back into mere contentment. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     "This is work for all of us to do... as a team... not... Bring that Kree bounty back!" Peter says, finally standing up and moving around a few chairs of his own to chase down Rocket and yet, he slides a bit as his shoes get coated in that purple bloody goop.     "Oh..." Peter complains as he looks down to his boots and lifts one up. "Dang it! Get back here with that booty Rocket! We gotta fix the hull after your crap landing and you know parts ain't free!"     Peter does an expert job of ignoring both Mantis and Gamora when they're making fun of his Crosby, Stills AND Nash... Peter's trinity. He does look back at Mantis and then towards Gamora, but ... yeah he decides better of it, better keep bitching at the rodent. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' One of the buckets is tossed out into the dirt behind the ship. The other... Gamora looks over to Rocket as he arrives on the landing ramp and she looks at him, then down at the last remaining bucket. "That one is yours." She says. She'd specifically filled it with stuff she believed Rocket would want from the pig beast, but the rest of the crew would likely not want, or outright whine about if it was anywhere near them. She turns then and carries the single empty bucket inside of the ship. "We should get going from this spot. The scavenger birds on this planet will arrive to eat those entrails. They will likely come aboard and try to nest in here if we do not abandon this spot soon." The empty bucket is dropped in a cleaning tub, then she walks back to where the pig-beast carcass is and she unravels a towel to start to gather up the 'good parts' that will be cooked. "Quill isn't cheating us." She tells everyone. "He needs to talk to Yondu personally to get the precise details of what it is that is going on between them, and we can all go from there. We all probably have bounties on our heads anyway, somewhere." 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket stops, just beyond the pools of purple blood upon which Quill is struggling to gain his footing, with a big shit eating grin on his muzzle. The bounty chip is held up between clawed thumb and the knuckle of his index finger, "Oh look't everybody, somethin' embarassin' and bad happen't to Quill... poor dumb terran.. that's our new drinkin' game. Every time Star Gourd does somethin' dumb that leads to him lookin' stupid, you have to shout ''OOPA!'' and drink..." "Everyone put on yer surprised face... Our ''Captain'' is still a bumblin' idiot..." Rocket mocks Quill further by pulling a face, ears back, mouth agag, eyes big and wide and brown and beady which doesn't make sense but neither does anything on the Milano. "No, Imma hold onto it." The chip drops into his palm and the palm into a pouch on his belt. "HA. HA. HA. Yer so funny... if you'd remember't to put on your frakin' rocket boots like an adult, ya wouldn't need savin', an' I wouldn't have had to land the ship under unfavorable conditions to keep you from ''fallin' to yer DEA-" Gamora distractifies him with her bucket... Leaning down to peer into the bucket, "Oh, is that pancreas?" He actually sounds excited, sorta, for Rocket he sounds excited. "Thanks, Greenie." The chip flies directly at Peter's head, thrown at him, because Gamora is voice of reasons. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis looks up, smiling widely and she gives an energetic-sounding, "OOPA!" She looks around expectantly waiting for others to join in. When they don't, the excited look wanes. "I don't think they like the new drinking game, Rocket," she informs him in a quite voice. As if to avoid hurting his feelings. Mantis goes back to watching the terminal. She sits quietly, hands resting in her lap and then her face suddenly lights up in a big smile before it fades away and she goes back to her placid watching of the monitor. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     Peter points firmly towards Mantis and is about to give it to her, but he pulls his finger back and then gets smacked upside the head with a data chip and he only turns towards his head towards Rocket after it stops clattering on the metal floor. Quill then blinks rapidly and turns to grab the chip off the ground and the squeaking of his shoes is heard as he struggles to keep his footing in the blood.     Words fail the captain in pink as he stands back up, and starts to squint towards the furry one and the green one but instead he holds onto the data chip and drops them all onto the table before he moves up past Mantis towards the cockpit and the ships engines fire to life. "Where's Drax? We're about to leave in two." 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' With everything she wanted in the immediate sense, the stuff that needs to be stowed in the freezer, Gamora sets off toward the kitchen. As she passes by the wobbling and flailing Peter, she reaches out to grasp his arm by the elbow to steady him... then proceeds onward. "We're not taking you to Yondu and his people." She says, to everyone. "We'll get into flight and give him a long range call. Speak to him over comms. Delivering you to him might put us at a tactical disadvantage if he decides he'd rather take you as a prisoner. I am not playing an unwitting bounty hunter for Yondu and the Ravagers." With that said, Gamora passes by Mantis and offers her one of the pig beasts ebony fangs, its a fine gift to a woman like Gamora, and she thinks Mantis might like it too. But with that out of the way... she proceeds on toward the galley to stow the pig beast meats and 'goodies' where they can be prepared later. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket comes into the kitchen carting his bucket full of pig organs. Carrying it with both hands and some, but not a great deal, of effort in both tiny hands. In the galley, he goes about storing his delicious bounty for later consumption, humming to the new song playing in the Milano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5-rdr0qhWk "And wastin' all my crime..." That isn't the words, nor is it said in time. He isn't trying to mimic what they're saying either. He's just singing shit, anything to admit he doesn't actually want to sell Quill to Yondu, even for a smart bloodleather vest. "I guess your jus' gonna bleed't... when I shoot you in the knee..." Seriously, he's not even trying. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     The ship starts to close and the bay doors as Peter continues to prep the ship for take off. "We gotsta get dat money!" He shouts over the coms and without much further warning the ship is rolling backwards pitching teh nose skyward as the wing mounted engines rotate to keep the hover mode active on the ship the main thrusters explode to life as Peter kicks the ship up to space and onto their next score. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis reaches out to steady the data chips when Quill tosses them down on the table, keeping them from rolling off and into the purple pig goop that lingers on the floor until it gets a good hosing out. Gamora's approach draws Mantis's attention back from the monitor where it had just returned. The offered fang causes Mantis's already large eyes to grow wide. "A gift? A gift for me?" she asks excitedly. "I have never been given a gift before," she says brightly, holding the fang with both hands. A treasured thing, which earns Gamora such a smile from Mantis. As Gamora passes by, she might notice Mantis has the sensor readings for the ship showing on her terminal. One large part of the display is a little rendition of the Milano at the center of a space that would show contacts if there were any. It is presently empty. The display suddenly shows a pulse radiating out from the Milano as the ship sends one of its endless series of sensor pings. The moving display causes Mantis's face to light up excitedly as she watches it spread. Then it's gone, no sign of contacts, and she relaxes again back into quiet contentment as she contemplates Gamora's gift, turning fang over slowly in her hands. When a bit of connective tissue falls from it to splatter on the table, it doesn't diminish her enjoyment one bit. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora did indeed glance between what Mantis was watching and to Mantis herself. She'd shown her a soft grin at the gift part and nodded to the other. But, having moved on to the kitchen now she proceeds to put the items away into the freezer storage, one by one while Rocket misquotes the song being played on the speakers now. When the shift lifts up, she steadies herself a little after putting the items away. She steps past Rocket then and moves back toward the cargo hold. After a moment or two she speaks up on ship-comms to the cockpit. "The pig beast remains are in the airlock. You can jettison them now." And with that, she exhales and moves back deeper into the Milano. "I'll be in the shower." She announces to anyone within range of hearing that. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Once all the goodies are stowed, Rocket sucks blood from his claws and makes his way towards the cockpit by way of passing Mantis with her terminal, "What're you lookin' at you weird lil' p-..." Leaning over to see the screen, then looking, then looking back at the screen... "Okay." He doesn't even know what to ''say'' to it. A quick step catches him up to Gamora, scratching claws into his fur between both ears, "She's gonna kill us all in our sleep probably." Conversational, not at all concerned, as he breaks from Gamora's shower trip to join Quill in the cockpit where he crawls up into the copilots seat with both hands placed in the cushion and a little hop turn. He doesn't even try to fight for control! One big dysfunctional Guardians of the Family. 
}}

10093/Guardians of Quill's Dumb A**

2019-12-16T17:16:50Z

Kirby:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/11/19
|Location=Cockpit - Milano
|Synopsis=The Guardians guard Peter's life from himself and his own idiocy.
|Cast of Characters=111,155,1671,161,1575
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=[[File:Guardians of the Galaxy.jpg|x225px|center]] 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     Star Lord stands at the precipice of a daunting cliff overlooking a rather rundown and bummy looking outpost. One he called 'Most Elvis' over and over for no real reason when he fled off there like a giddy school boy. And now he's alone, looking down at the shit hole settlement and frowns with the tattered red duster blowing against the back of his calves. "Guess I should tell everyone they were right. This place is a dump." Peter frowns to himself and glances up towards the empty horizon and waiting against hope his ship appears. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "We don't /have/ to pick him up, that's all I'm sayin'.." Rocket's mutiny died before it every began, but that's not stopped him bringing it back up the entire trip to pick up their ''Captain'', "Maybe he found a family.. maybe we're flyin' in an' ruinin' a great turn in his otherwise shitty life?" Both hands rest on the controls of the Milano, alternating thrusters to bring the ship out of FTL in the system where Quill's signal indicated he'd be waiting for them. "This planet is a shit-hole. I can't wait to rub it in his stupid face." A short while later and they're breaking orbit, a blue and orange dot in the sky for Star Crunch to see well off in the clouds. "There he is, even tiny he looks like a giant red headed turd." 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis is sitting in one of the back seats, leaving the flying to those who didn't crash three times out of four while using the Milano's simulator mode. Even though two of the simulations didn't actually have another planet or ship that one could crash into. So she's mostly sat in the chair quietly, enjoying the ride, listening to Rocket try to talk Gamora out of going to retrieve the original captain. Mantis is also occupying herself sorting through packets of creamer and sugar that she picked up when they stopped for fuel on Kaltros III. She's carefully sorting them, the white ones with black lettering going in one pile, and the black ones with white lettering going into another. The blue ones with red lettering and red ones with blue lettering are left to the side in a pile. One can only take on so many tasks at a time. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora is seated in one of the auxiliary crew chairs of the cockpit and she's monitoring ship systems, specifically the sensors to make sure there's no incoming threats that are encroaching on them while Rocket flies them. She's also leaned back with one leather booted foot up on the edge of the console in front of her and in her hands is a bag of gold tinfoil... its the version of whatever Drax was eating the other day that doesn't have the ingredient in it that she has an allergic reaction too... its also the version of that food that Drax there-by utterly hates and wants to destroy all existence of it. "Oh stop it." Gamora says to Rocket. "You're wearing your jealousy on your fur, and it doesn't look good on you." For about the 50th time since they started this trip, Gamora's eyes glance over to Mantis to watch her doing her sorting of those packets... she's mesmerized by it... so confused. 'Is she going to murder us all in our sleep some night and put us in packets too?' is a random thought that goes through Gam's mind. But when she makes eye contact with Mantis, she just smiles at her 'friend' and looks forward. "Fly in and land near him." She says then to Rocket. "Near him, not on him." She reminds. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis looks up and sees Gamora looking over at her. She breaks out in a small smile and holds up a packet, looking from it to Gamora and back. It's green with red lettering. Mantis's smile grows more excited and she sets it aside, refocusing on what she's doing. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     "Oh looks it's tweedle Green and Tweedle Ass." Peter says as he holds up his gloved hand to shield his eyes from the blarring red sun above and the Star Lord starts to wave his hands around like that will actually do anything. It wont.     Peter starts to take a step towards the ship and the ground beneath him suddenly gives out and there's a huge plume of dust and red smoke as the cliffside starts to give way and Peter is going with it.     "Oshit! HALP!" Quill calls out over the comms as the space pirate turns and grabs onto the cliffside and that too doesn't hold very well so Peter is semi-swimming on dirt to try and stay alive. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket offers only minimal (a lot) of complaint in an 'under duh sea' tone, "Nobody'll know, Greenie... it'll be our secret.. I mean look't her back there?" Head nudging back in Mantis' direction, "She wouldn't know if we spelled it out in brightly colored letterin' and read it to her in seven languages." A glance back, just in time to see her holding up a sugar packet that is colored ala Gamora... One slow blink. "That's easily the most disturbin' thing I've seen all week an' I walk't in on Drax showerin'... HE STILL HAD HIS PANTS ON.. Who does that?!" The ship is coming in closer, Rocket staring out at Quill waving his arms over his head as if that'll do anything at all. It doesn't. "Yeah, ya big dumb ass, we see ya... you're wearin' a trackin' beacon.. no, please keep wavin' your hands. That totally doesn't make ya look like a slow kid tryin' to eat catch a cloud cus he thinks it's a marshmellow..." Then the cliff gives way. There is no alacrity at all from the Raccoon, "Welp, I guess we can leave now, right? I mean, we gave it our best shot..." He /is/ still bringing the ship in though, so that's a thing. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis is focused on her sorting, enough that she doesn't notice their fearless leader going over the cliff edge. Not until his voice comes over the comms and his moniker is changed to fearful leader. Mantis looks up, her face showing concern. "He didn't wear his rockets today?" she asks, her head tilting to the side and her antennae waving about a slight bit more than they usually do. She pauses for a few moments in thought. "I don't think we should leave," Mantis says, an apparent display of loyalty towards Peter Quill. "He might have the credits for the Kalaxian crystals on him," she adds. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora's peripheral vision catches the little 'gesture' from Mantis and she gives her 'friend' a side-eye stare, a quick smile... and then reminds herself to buy that new motion sensing alarm she'd seen back at the last port they'd stopped at. Gamora does show her best attempt at an amused - and completely not creeped out - smile though! Her attention snaps forward to the cockpit's view window when she catches sight of Peter in trouble. She'd heard all of Rocket's spiel but it goes mostly unacknowledged in the verbal sense. Gamora detaches her crash webbings and moves to stand up. "Turn us around." She tells Rocket. "Back us up with the ramp down, so he can fall down onto it. "Why isn't he using his rocket booats? Did he not pack his boots?" Does she sound like a concerned mother? Either way, she shares that question with Mantis, but starts to hurriedly move to the aft of the cockpit, ready to get to the back entry ramp to get it open and help him get inside if needs be! 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' Meanwhile, in the cargo hold of the Milano ... A blur of green speeds through the air like some rapidly deflating space balloon, an uproarious laugh echoing off the metallic bulkheads along with the roar of rocket boots. The blur doesn't have a great deal of control, more than once slamming into hull with a 'KLANG' and a 'THWONK' before speeding off in another direction. After a few moments, the rocket sound sputters to a halt and the laughter takes on a confused tone. Then, Drax falls from the air into a pile of crates. From the wreckage, a pair of feet wearing rocket boots several sizes too small (the toes have been pried up to make room) dangle in the air. "THAT WAS AWESOME!" 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "Keep your pants on... jus' not while yer showerin'. That's weird." Rocket says hurriedly to Gamora, whipping the Milano around in a twisting roll about-face that has the ship pointed in the oposite direction of the falling wall of rock. A hand snaps out to drop the loading ramp. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     "Can't believe I didn't wear my rocket boots." Peter grunts to himself with a groan as he keeps struggling to find something to hold onto but the Milano is in the air next to him and he cants his head, "God I wish you saw back to the future." Peter groans against despite his fate.     The man falling is screaming though and stupid enough to have left his comms on as he does so. "STOP BICKERING IN THERE AND HELP ME!" Peter does know his crew enough that the several thousand meter fall is certainly going to be enough to kill him if they don't hurry. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket stablizes the Milano after the about turn and the complaints over Comms, "Why didn't you wear your rocket boots? Next you'll manage to get yer shirt torn off..." Complaints ontop of complaints, holding the control sticks as larger bits of sliding rock-wall ''plink'' off the hull of the ships shielding, "Stupid Terrans always wind up without their shirt on in harrowin' circumstances like this... NOBODY WANTS TO SEE YER GROSS CHEST HAIR, QUILL!" The Milano cuts around, Rocket's muzzle pulling back from his fangy teeth with the effort of his tiny flexing arms, to fire afterburns and stop them dead in their ''Captains'' path. It also immolates huge sections of the more stable parts of the sheer rock wall which makes it less stable and more prone to falling, but whatever. We're all idiots here. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' While Gamora rushes out of the cockpit and down to the back ramp, Mantis follows but with smaller, dainty steps that take her a little bit longer to reach the ramp. She looks around the room and then goes over to the control panels for the ramp. Mantis surely knows how the ramp's controls work by now. The odds of her accidentally closing the ramp while Gamora is standing on it, and smooshing the green-skinned woman into a paste-like substance which would be easy to fill packets with, is probably fairly low. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora's eyes glance over to the form of the mighty Drax as he exclaims how 'awesome' something is, but she's not aware of what he'd done moments before she'd rushed past him. She just rushse past him, assuming he was looking at some kind of a comic book or who knows what, perhaps a pants catalogue. Either way, she gets to the back of the ship and starts to lower the ramp with a rushing of air transfer between ship and atmosphere outside, her purple strands of hair sweep about her face and shoulders. She glances back to see Mantis with her, but then just looks forward outside of the ship. Keying on her Comms, she speaks into them. "Reverse, just a few meters, Rocket." She shouts loudly enough for him to hear her over the sounds of the engines and atmo shifting around them in the cargo bay now. "Quill." She speaks to him directly. "We're going to angle so you can drop inside. We'll catch you." Probably. 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     Quill looks down in time to see the ship come beneath him and he smirks "You have seen back to the future!" He says before pushing away from the wall, planning on landing on the top and climbing into the cabin after a couple steps but then. "You idi-"     KLANG!!!!     Peter's chest hits the back of the ship and he snaps backwards as his legs keep falling down causing him to tumble and spin in the air before falling into the ramp. He makes a full turn just in time to see Gamora standing to try and catch him and yet he's falling uncontrolled and he shouts, "Gamo-"     THUD! 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "He's an idiot." Rocket watches it all play out on the Milano's exterior cams. He watches Star Falcon tumble down off the ramp what he expertly angled for him cus he wanted to look COOL and HEROIC, "See what that got ya? Now yer gonna get smashed on the ground an' Imma rename your ship the ''Peter Quill was a big stupid ass'' and fly exclusively for a mail order sex droid delivery service, in yer honor, of course.." He might be running off at the muzzle, but he's already getting the ship flying again. Both hands push forward on both yolks, feet slam on the thruster pedals, and they're off! Warnings /after the fact/ "Buckle up, we gotta go do somethin' stupid to save a jack ass from /himself/..." Wing over wing tumble, "When we go past him, hook him with the cargo net!" Into comms, back to Gamora, "Or don't... I'm still okay with that too..." 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Both of Mantis's hands go to cover her mouth as she gasps at seeing Peter spinning bodily like a pinwheel in the Endless Storms of Ciegrim 7. And then smacking into the cargo ramp with the force anything else caught in the Endless Storms of Ciergrim 7 would slam into something. Things like their fearful captain falling off the boarding ramp to plummet to his death are commonplace for the Guardians of the Galaxy, and Mantis reacts to it with the cool precision one would expect. She waves her hands and antennae around in the air frantically. "Gamora! Save him!" That's when Rocket's voice can be heard coming over the comms again. Mantis hurries over to pick up the cargo net launcher, used for snaring bounties, and she brings it to Gamora. She passes it over as she shouts towards the falling Peter Quill, "Don't worry! We're renaming the ship in your honor when you die!" 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora uses one of the safety harnesses in the lockers to attach herself to the ship... perhaps making sure that if Quill falls, she definitely won't also fall? Or she's just making sure they won't both fall, probably that. Either way, her hands go out to accept the net-blaster as Mantis brings it over and she reaches down to charge it it up just as Quill thuds into the landing ramp... he hadn't fallen quite like she'd envisioned he would (into her arms? That'd of been awkward) The net-blaster is raised up, its surface coming to life with bright glowing blue accent lines, a satisfying charged sound and then... *ZAP!* The net blasts out of the blasters nose and sizzles toward Quill, still connected to the gun, it aims to ensnare the man in the sizzling stunning net (she forgot to turn the stun part off) and means to grab onto him, so as he can be reeled back in by the weapon's tether system! 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     Dazzed by the last hit with the ship and now falling below it before it screams past via the expert piloting via Rocket, and the quick thinking of Gamora and Mantis have Peter getting caught in a net. Peter's slowly waking up before he's forced into consciousness with a scream as he's still falling and there's a non-stop shock as he's zapped by the net as it goes taught around him and hooks onto the bottom of the ramp for him to swing towards the belly of the ship with no way to brace himself and thankfully he doesn't smash into the metal, not this time.     "TURNITOFF!" Peter tries to scream through his gritted teeth while swinging back and forth hanging below his own ship in an electric net. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "Don't listen to him, he deserves that." Rocket can hear the shoutin' through the bulkhead and over comms and it's makin' him a little giddy knowin' Quill is sufferin', even if he's also kind of glad he aint dead, which he definitely wont ever say or tell or even hint at. The Milano levels out at the last possible second before nose diving into the rocky face of the ground far below, heroic ass music plays, womenz throw they shorts at the stage where Rocket is thrash metal style pounding out power ballods in the meat of his mind. "Ooooh yeeeaah..." Cooking rock with afterburns, pulling the ship around, and settling it with a ''crunch'' as something is definitely smashed what aint Peter cus, "Should I tell him I'm the new captain or would one of you like to?" 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis stands a little behind Gamora, up the ramp and in the doorway, leaning forward to see what happens with trying to snag Peter. Success! Mantis holds up both of her little fists in triumph. She turns and heads back into the cargo hold, the wind blowing past her in the doorway, stirring her dark hair. She moves over with her dainty steps to where Drax is sitting, going through a catalogue now that his rocket flight is ended. And looking like he has no clue what's going on with Peter. Mantis motions towards the ramp where Peter is being slowly reeled in after having such a tremendous fright. "I think maybe Peter is going to need a new pair of pants after this. Perhaps a pair of the shower pants you like so much?" 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora notices that she'd left the stunning part of the net-blaster on so... well, she flips a switch on the side of the weapon to deactivate it. "Oops." She quietly mutters which mostly just is mouthed out in the chaos of the moment. The reeling part begins, and it certainly wont' lead to Quill's head being bumped on anything... nope. Secured the bulkhead of the ship though, Gamora is able to have a steady enough time rolling their Captain back inside of the Milano. She'll secure the gun and then reach out and down to grab onto the net around Peter to use her strength to finish drawing him inside and once she has him... she smiles down at him. "Welcome back." Then she adds. "Rocket says he's the Captain now." 

:'''{{#var:111|Star-Lord (111)}} has posed:'''     The screaming stops when Gamora turns the net off and yet, he's still groaning after the CRUNCH that was the ship being parked by some animal. He knows that raccoon damaged something in the landing and yet Peter was lucky enough to not hit the ground on the impact he was dangling just enough to avoid the ground though there was still dust coming down from above off the cliff face.     Peter gives a stupid grin as he gets pulled up by Gamora and looks down as he has the net taken off and "Aw man... my ... fifth favorite shirt." Peter says looking at several tears in the fabric from the rocks and grit and the smack with the ship. "Okay Gamora look. Is my chest hair that gross? I mean, Rocket has--- ROCKET!!!" Peter shouts hearing about the mutiney and he storms past Gamora and Mantis and Drax to go give that short poop machine a piece of his mind.      

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket unhooks his safety harnass and hops down from the pilots seat in a fluid, easy motion. After a little groinal readjustment, on account of this jumper runs, he pads up the steps leading out of the cockpit stopping only long enough to take something out from a box beneath the chair Mantis had been sitting on. With everyone back in the cargohold, the demunitive psychopath saunters aft with his fluffy tail swaying behind him, carried on unhurried feet towards where Gamora is helpin' Captain Star Fire out of the cargo net. He leans a tiny shoulder up against the bulkhead, arms crossed, smart little SKipper hat set at a jaunty angle on his brow, and a smarmy smirk on his fangy face. "You shouldn't yell at yer ''CAPTAIN'' Star Pole. It aint' real respectful an' it's definitely gettin' you a demart for insubordination." 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis is busy looking at the catalogue with Drax. It's tough to tell exactly what they are looking at, but she can be heard to say quietly, "It seems like brown pants would make much more sense for him." 
}}

10064/Guardians of the Feelin'

2019-12-16T17:14:16Z

Kirby:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/11/16
|Location=Cockpit - Milano
|Synopsis=The crew of the Milano are intercepted by Yondu, whom they owe a lot of credits and/or drugs. Sans Quill, Rocket takes control of negociations and stages an unsuccessful mutiny with the arrival of Gamora. Drax's sudden unexpected arrival and expert diplomacy skills aid Mantis' gift giving forethought into a smooth transition back into normalacy. I. Am... Groot.
|Cast of Characters=260,1163,155,1671,161,1575
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=[[File:Guardians of the Galaxy.jpg|x225px|center]] 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' Ravager ships don't exactly conform to intergalactic safety standards. Not that there are a lot of them in space; Nova Corps has some basic practices adopted by most spacefaring corporations, for instance, and Kree designs heavily influence many vessels of war. Ravagers don't plan for a long shelf life for their crew. So their ships run fast and hot with minimal shielding and lots of power diverted to engines and cloaking devices. The /Milano/ is currently parked in asynchronous orbit behind a triad of cluster moons. It's an old smuggler's trick for dodging space-based scanners while engines recharge. It's also illegal to do it at that altitude due to the propwash from the inertia fields, but then again, who gives a shit? Yondu doesn't-- which is why the massive /Eclector/ pops into existence with minimal warning aside from a bowsurge of hyperspace bleed, a thousand yards from the smaller M-class ship. "<Milano! This is the Eclector. Hailing Milano, this is the Eclector, Milano do you-->" The video feed kicks on just in time to see the operator being kicked out of his chair. There's a flash of red and blue and then Yondu Odanta's broken teeth and narrow eyes fill the screen with a fishbowl lensing. "QUILL! You skimmy sumbitch, I know yer in there!" he roars in his raspy voice. "Get your hide out here before I skin you and mount you on my wall!" Yondu gives the camera a violent shake. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:''' The comm is flashing. And there's a visual, with Yondu asking very pertinent questions. Not to worry, for Groot has answers. He slowly bends, his head leaving the vicinity of the roof, and moves one leafy finger to slowly descend onto the push-to-talk button. Groot adjusts to be nicely over the mic, to be sure that he can be heard. And he explains the situation for Yondu: "I am Groot." 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' There's work to be done on the Milano, just some mnior repairs of the engine because ''someone'' wanted to fly too close to a collapsing star cus they thought it'd ''be cool'', it isn't cool Quill, it's stupid, you're stupid and you do stupid things... So with all this work to be done, Rocket is lounging in the pilots seat reading a magazine that he is definitely not holding upside down. Groot is there, he's being helpful, because Rocket was not going to be helpful. He was going to arm weapons and start shooting.. it's a habitual thing, no real malice. It turns out, at least for the sake of himself anyways, that weaponized Groot conversation is far more lucrative for the ''Rabbits'' nefarious plots, "Yeah, I bet they want to leave a message... You tell'em Quill is indisposed because he's a big stupid ass who doesn't know an engine indicator from a rad counter." Because he's reading, ya see. "I think he thinks he's actually on the screen..." More laughter, lots of laughter, fake laughter. It's a lot. "God he's dumb." He does /not/ now that Groot has not lifted his finger from the push-to-talk. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis is still familiarizing herself with the controls of the Milano. The last ship that she used just reacted in accordance with the will of its owner. The ship and Mantis sort of had that in common, actually. But the point is that she has some learning to do about how to fly a ship. And so she's going over the controls, learning what each of them does, and only garnering the occasional, "Don't touch that!" from one of the other crew. Then Yondu's communication comes in, causing her to turn away from what she's doing. Mantis blinks her eyes and looks up from the controls and over to Groot and Rocket. "Wouldn't paintings or pictures be a nicer wall decoration?" she asks them in a voice full of naive curiosity. 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' There's a very pregnant pause. "I kin /hear/ you," Yondu informs the partial crew in an icy voice. There's a *thrumming* as tractor beams lock onto the Milano and start drawing it towards one of the Elector's landing bays. "Ah'm comin on board. An' I'm gonna be leavin' with that crate of Kalaxian crystal dust Quill promised me." The camera zooms in on a slightly bloodshot eye that glares at the crew. "An' either I get my crystals, I get my credits, or I get t' feed the crew my new slaves." The connection terminates abruptly. It will take just a minute for the Milano to be pulled into the portside landing bay. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:''' Dark eyes from the woody colossi take in Rocket's running commentary and request. Groot slowly moves his mouth, making a quiet rustling noise, and then reorients towards where he knows the mic is. With a thoughtful, patient manner, Groot bends back down to it, considers how to rephrase Rocket's suggestions in a nicer way, and then politely answers Yondu. "/I/ am Groot." A smile flows, warm and comforting, onto his face. (Yes, the button is still down.) "I am Groot!" Groot approves of Mantis's suggestion, pleasantly, but isn't distracted from his call. Yondu still has full attention from Groot. Such as it is. But the kind tree is truly attempting to help Yondu out and soothe the upset Captain. Still, when the tractor beam starts, Groot frowns a little, and looks back at Mantis, then Rocket. "I am Groot," Groot says more sadly. He tried? 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' "I know you can hear it! I said it lo- oh, wait you heard all of it?" Rocket blinks owlishly, "Even the part where..." He makes a quiet ''tsk'' sound of tongue against the roof of his mouth and drops his feet off the control panel when the Milano lurches forward to the Eclactor by way of tractor beam. A hop takes him up on Groot's massive shoulder, patting his buddy reassuringly, "We live in a galaxy of trophies for attempt.. you did A plus plus negocifyin'..." BUT, "I don't know how we're gonna tell Papa Mohawk we done sold that dust and spent them credits, though..." A swift glance around, "Where /is/ Quill, he'd have a really bad plan that would probably get us all killed and... You know it might not be too late for you to get the paintin' on the wall, bug lady. I'm like ninty percent sure he's actually gonna shoot us this time." 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' The tractor beam locking on causes the Milano to give a brief but hard shudder. Mantis grabs hold of either side of the control console in front of her to steady herself until the moment passes and the ship begins to be drawn towards the much larger Ravager ship. Mantis looks over to Groot after the helpful tree offers his feedback to Yondu. "I thought it was a good suggestion," she confirms to Groot in a helpful tone. Mantis turns off the console she was working with and rises from her chair. She looks from the site of the Eclactor looming larger as seen out the cockpit windows, and then over to Rocket and Groot. Without another word she turns to hurry off into the rest of the ship. 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' The Elector's automated systems draws the Milano in and lands it on the hull with a low *thumpf*. Various boxes of cargo are strapped down inside the vessel, some bearing official government markings and some missing any marks of lading whatsoever. Seems Yondu's been hustling himself lately. Everything from engine parts to black market weapons to pharmaceuticals. The doors to the personnel deck slide open once the refractor shield's restored pressure to the bay. Yondu stomps forward the second they part. Behind him are a dozen of his personal coterie, some of the most vicious and brutal members of his crew. They're clearly ready for a fight. Yondu's long coat swirls around his ankles and in his wake with the hard forward step. "Quill! Quill you open this got-damn tin can up, right now!" Yondo rasps as loudly as he can. He jabs his finger at the access panel at the back of the ship but is stymied by a lack of response from the machine. ".. damnit boy, show up ten days late with my shipment-- I said open this ship up boy or I'm gonna come at it with a fusion cutter!" he howls. For good measure Yondu kicks the rear door, twice, with a steel painted boot. It doesn't even scratch the paint. "I'll cut it up an' sell it for scrap metal! Then I'm gonna skin that damn rabbit an' wear him for a HAT! I'll sell that big fellah to the Collector! I'll turn you into soup, skinny little shit you are!" "Open! The! Door!" he howls, and it starts to descend into blasphemies so sulferous that he'd probably be executed on a few different worlds just for uttering them. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:''' Groot leaves the console, heading slowly but surely through the interior of the Milano, protecting his rider as always, mindful of any headroom that Rocket may need if he remains with Groot. There's no reason to stay in the cockpit for Groot: clearly all the action is about to be down by the access. "I am Groot," Groot says in dismay to Rocket as he heads down to the doors, but otherwise only observes the whole of the disagreement with sadness. At least, until Yondu utters the blasphemies. Groot lifts both leafy hands to the sides of his head, shaking his head in abhorrence! Such filth! 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' All that colorful language is pumped into the whole of the ship too, so there aint even no place to hide from it! It was meant as a joke, see? Rocket had just crossed a few wires so he could force everyone to listen to him complain no matter where he was broadcasting from, but now he's kind of regretting it... It means he's gotta listen to Yandu complain the whole way through the ship. "Yeah, I think he probably is pretty ticked off..." Says Rocket from atop Groot's shoulders, expertly ducking and bending to accomodate not knockin' his head off on a low hanging barrier wall or access point. "I can't wait to see the look on his face when we don't got that Kalaxian dust, units, OR EVEN Quill..." he says he can't wait, he can totally wait. His voice sounds like he wishes they would wait. But he also knows Yondu will cut the door open and that means fixing it and that means he might have to conversate with some of the Eclactor's crew. "KEEP YOUR SHORTS ON!" Rocket clambers down in the galley to grab his favorite gun that's maybe almost as big as he is, and strolls along beside the much bigger tree to disengage the locks on the Milano's bay doors and stand at the top of the ramp all heroically pulling at his crotch. "Why you yellin', jeez... We can hear you. Quill can't, he's gone.. he has your Dust too.. also your units. He said f' you. That's why we're stranded, cus he abandoned us... I think his exact words were... Yondu is a dumb-ass, he'll never find me in the Cordiana system seven hundred light years from where we are now." Nudging Groot's leg, "Play along, this'll work." He did those in reverse order didn't he? 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis went elsewhere in the ship, leaving Rocket and Groot to deal with their 'guest', apparently. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:''' Groot does exactly as Rocket wanted: the words weren't really needed. Groot is always in a state of 'play along', when he's aware that he needs to be. And he is, at this time. So he's there in the frame of the door as Rocket opens, with his hands till over his ears. Very threatening. He slowly lowers them, though, and rises to something closer to his full height. He always has to stoop through these doors, so it still is that he's crouching a little. "I am Groot," Groot answers Rocket firmly, but steps partially up and over Rocket: he's much taller, so it isn't difficult, to frame Rocket with his body physically. 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' Yondu stares at Rocket with narrowed and thoroughly unimpressed eyes. A bold stride carries the Elector's commander up the ramp as if he owns the Milano. Groot's sudden looming presence behind Rocket slows the Ravagerr's pace, but not by much. Rather than charge into the ship he stops two paces away from them with one foot braced forward. Not towering over Groot-- few sapients can-- but definitely over Rocket. He sizes them up-- a pity that their inverted Pen & Teller double act is lost upon him, because the comparison's a funny one. Yondu sucks his teeth, leans to the side, and spits. "Uh-huh." A sweep of his wrist pushes his long coat behind him so he can rest a palm lazily on his thigh, half-leaning on the ramp. It also pointedly reveals the quadrangle tip of his arrow in the sheath on his hip. "Well in that case, rodent, ah guess the Milano's mine again," he proclaims in his wheezy rasp. Yondu looks back at his crew, then back to Rocket and Groot. "Seein' as how them crystals were promised an' sold already, /an/ he done taken the credits for the buy? I don't give a tinker's damm 'bout how you get it done, but I take some exception t' having to tell my clients that the hired labor absc-- abconder--" He looks behind him at a skinny Ravager. "Absconded, sir," the man says, and tugs his hook-billed nose at Yondu apologetically. "Absconded,' Yondu repeats with a nod. "I like that word. Nice fancy word. Since y'all part of his crew, and y'all /absconded/ with my goods, then I guess the only question I got left is what t' do with y'all. Somehow I ain't thinkin' you got fifty thousand credits in yer pockets, an' I'm damn sure you ain't gonna shit out five kilograms of K-lax on the way to the buyer's meetin'." 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:''' While Groot does not particularly give a fearful look to the arrow itself, the arrow can hurt those he cares about, such as Rocket. Groot grinds his bark-like teeth a little but stays non-aggressive: observing the situation, but with caution. "I am Groot?" Groot suggests to Rocket, voice low, a frown in the tone as well as his leafy face. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket glances up at Groot, "You wont lie to him? Buddy, I'm your translatin'er... and I got /zero/ problem's lyin'..." Or being subtle apparently. He keeps forgetting Yondu can hear him. "Dammit." "Bug lady might shit K-lax dust, I don't know her that well yet..." Rocket is helpful, this is him being helpful. It is also him not lookin' too terribly intimidated. EVERYONE towers over him, even near-human children, everything that walks on its legs basically is taller than he is... but not as tall as him and his gun OR MORE IMPORTANTLY, the threesome of him, his gun, and GROOT. "What if I tell you where Quill is? You can feed him to your crew, it'll be fun, everyone will have a laugh, especially me. It'll be my heroic laugh. The one I reserve specifically for when somethin' terrible happens to my ''Captain''." Another glance up to Groot, then back to Yondu, and back up to Groot, "I don't think we got fifty thousand units worth of nothin' he'd take..." Pause, "Except Quill's hair products..." To Yondu, "Will you take fifty thousand units worth of Quill's pomade?" 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' The quick patter of Mantis's footfalls presage the woman's rushed appearance as she hurries to the exit ramp to the ship. As she nears, the empath can feel the tension issuing forth from those at the doorway. It quickens her step, arriving behind Groot. She tries to gently squeeze past him with a quiet, "Excuse me, Groot." Mantis steps out onto the ramp, something large and flat held in hand, moving ahead of the weapon-wielding racoon. Mantis walks down the ramp and stops at Yondu's side, resting a hand on his shoulder if allowed and trying to empathically improve his reception of what comes next. "But you don't need to mount Peter on your wall," she says in her sweetly gentle way. "We have an art work of great significance for you. It would look much better on your wall than Peter would." Mantis slowly turns around the framed picture of great significance, retrieved from the wall of Peter Quill's room. https://i.imgur.com/oXrkFuL.jpg 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' Yondu just stares at Rocket and points at the subtle cybernetic crescent that sits where a dorsal fin normally would. His scarred scalp is otherwise depilated. "Do I farkin' *look* like I need po-made?" he inquires with a savage rhetoricism. Mantis is given a suspicious look when she approaches but the diminutive empath barely registers as a 'threat', particularly compared to the three-man team that is Rocket, Rocket's Gun, and his mobile launch platform that is Groot. "Piece of art, what the hell 'm I gonna do with..." Yondu trails off and examines it at arm's length. It's a faded poster of David Hasselhoff, wearing jeans and with laying recumbent just enough to show off some of his 1985 'fit guy' physique which has almost zero muscle tone. "This is, uh... art, huh?" Yondu looks at the painting left and right, twisting it, then turns and shows it to his yeoman, Kraglin. The skinny Ravager looks it over, then shrugs dubiously at Yondu. "I mean, it ain't bad composition," Kraglin says helpfully. "Th' monochromatic aesthetic really helps bring out th' contours an' you can see from the framin' that it's meant to create a contrapposto pose in that reclinin' posture." Everyone, including Yondu, stares at the yeoman. Yondu's eyes are narrowed and his jaw is a bit offset as if weighing his response. Kraglin coughs into his fist and stares fixedly at the distant stars behind the refractor field. "Well... I'm /keepin'/ it," Yondu decides, and rolls the poster up. "But it ain't worth no got-damn fifty thousand credits!" he declares savagely. He glares down at Rocket, leaning pointedly forward and ignoring Groot and Mantis. "You got two days, rodent," Yondu says. "You owe me money. I gave that lil' rapscallion Quill fitty thousand Nova creds for that buy," he reminds them. "That weren't no 'finder's fee' for a five-finger discount, neither. I want my money an' my dust back. That's fifty thousand for the dust, and fifty thousand fer the K-lax. With the vig, that comes to--" Yondu snaps and points at a goggle-wearing Ravager. "Two hundred and fifty thousand, skipper!" the bulky fellow declares. Yondu turns and stares at him. "No it ain't, you don't *multiply*," someone says, and cuffs the fellow. "The vig means interest. We do that compoundin', an' it's thirty percent, so they owe us thirty percent of fifty thousand, so that's, uh..." "Ten thousand!" someone shouts. The crew breaks down into bickering over the money. Yondu's eyes roll up into a wince of pain and he pinches the bridge of his nose with an exasperated sigh. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:''' "I am GROOT," Groot says, in woe, as Mantis gives up his favorite of Quill's strange pictures, branchlike hands extending towards it sadly. Is that not a picture of Quill's family? Can they do that to Quill? Look at the hair of the Terran in the picture, it is truly inspiring. Almost as much inspiration as the picture of the cat hanging on to the branch. Groot likes branches. And hair. Still, all of the uproar with the discussion over money is not something Groot will get involved in, so he just waits, with the patience of, well, a tree. He'll be there if Rocket or Mantis needs him. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket watches Mantis come in and hand over the picture to Yondu with a look of supreme satisfaction for havin' something of Quill's given away without him givin' permissions for it, "I like it when he suffers." The heavily armed, but tiny, Raccoon says desisively. That is until Groot chims in, "I know you loved that picture, buddy, but I tell ya what Imma do... Imma get you one of them poor-traits of a Monkey Lizard smokin' a pipe we saw at Nowhere." See? That's just love and friendship tied up like a perty bow. Not nearly so perty as them fancy words spoken by the Yeoman... everybody starin' at ya, even Rocket. Blinking once.. then he looks back to Yondu awaitin' reaction for this best of all possible gifts, "AW COME ON! Quill loves that picture.. he says it's his ''special night time'' picture where he needs the lotion an' a box of tissue papers. I don't know what the hell that means, but he always looks rela-" The Raccoon adjusts from one position to another, balancing his big gun on his shoulder easily. "Alright, so two days an' then we feed Quill to your crew an I get to be Captain? That's the deal, right? Cus we can skip the time jump an' go right to that if you want..." He has grossly misunderstood the terms of this contract. 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' As Yondu considers aloud whether the image is art, Mantis gives a very genuine, wide-eyed nod. "Peter once said it is one of the great artworks from his planet," she confirms to him. The artwork delivered, Mantis moves back up the ramp. She gives Rocket and overt wink while her back is to the Ravagers. His plan sending her to get something for Yondu's wall? Worked like a charm. Even if it was more rhetorical comment than plan. Mantis moves back behind Groot then, slipping back into the ship to listen quietly as the Ravagers try to work out compounding interest. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' From deeper inside of the Milano, a figure in black leather and with bright green skin emerges at the mouth of the ship's boarding ramp. She catches the tail end of what Rocket and Mantis are saying and when she hears Rocket speak of being Captain now, she glances to her side and then spots a brightly colored beach ball from a recent beach 'experience' that the crew embarked upon. She kicks it. At the back of Rocket's furry head. "What exactly is being discussed here?" Gamora asks of the others, her eyes sweeping across them all, finally resting on... Yondo, while her hands go to rest on her hips, thumbs on her gunbelt. 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' "SHUT IT!" Yondu bellows at his crew. It cuts off the nattering among them and he looks back to the Guardians to listen to Rocket's misguided proposal. A sudden broken-tooth grin splits Yondu's face. "Hee hee!" he chortles, and rubs his palms together briskly. "Yer ambitious. Ain't no love for your captain, you mutinous sumbitch," he scolds Rocket. "But a captain who can't keep respect of his crew, ain't worthy of bein' captain! Is he?" Yondu looks back at his crew expectantly. "Is he?" he repeats. "AYE CAPTAIN!" Kraglin shouts reflexively, and the rest of the crew joins in a tumbling chorus of 'ayes'. Yondu looks back in time to see Gamora sauntering into the dialogue. He grunts under his breath and gives her a leeringly appreciative head to toe. "We're talkin' about the money Quill done owes me, little lady," Yondu tells Gamora. "An' the merchandise y'all was contracted for. Since he ain't here fer me to take a pound of flesh, you better come up with somethin' t' pique my interest, or I'm givin' the Milano to someoen what better appreciates their duty." He looks back to Rocket. "Two days, rodent. You bring me a score big 'nuff to make up for my missin' merchandise, an' you kin fly the Milano under Ravager colors. Hell, I'll even give you a bloodleather coat of yer own. Maybe a nice lil' vest or somethin'," he suggests in his wheezy voice. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:''' The brightly colored ball moves, set to flight by Gamora's toe, and attracts Groot's dark eyes. He tilts his head at Gamora, moving aside on the ramp to give her clearance to move around himself and Rocket, though he's being watchful: Groot is on bodyguard duty. It may be necessary, considering what's been coming out of Rocket's mouth. "I am Groot," Groot welcomes Gamora, with a slow wave of huge hand, though his tone carries a sort of exhaustion. Peace negotiations could have been better. Groot nods slowly at Yondu, hearing the terms, and he angles his attention to his furry best friend, to pick up the cue from Rocket about if this resolution is one that he can live with. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket is grinning even if it just ammounts to showing a bunch of fangs and teeth, "Yeah?" Because he is ambitious and also murderous, and also would look Dapper in a bloodleather vest. Maybe he's imagining himself in it now, looking down at the orange and slate gray jumper he's wearing, smoothing one clawed hand down over his chest and tugging with delicate fingers at the jaunty smooth hem of an imaginary breast coat. "An' people'll tip their hat to me as I walk by... they'll say, There's Rocket, he knife'd that dumb ass Quill in the back, took his ship, an' made good works as a Ravager." All very quiet and to himself. He's caught up in the fantasizin' that the beach ball ''BLOMPS'' off his head as kicked by Gamora and draws him out of his revelry with a flailing that is made ultimately more dangerous by the neutron rifle he's slung up in one hand, "HEY! watch it, yer addressin' yer new ''CAPTAIN''..." Blinky eyes up at Groot, "I unno, buddy... I think they're goin' pretty well myself.. We find a ton of expensive shit that belongs to someone else, take it, sell it... give all that to our new best pal Yondu here an' we finally get our own ship.. Also we can shoot Quill out of a missile tube... He'll look like a big jack ass flailin' aroun' in space..." One hand up, claws wrapping around his own throat, "Heeeelp, I can't breath on account of I'mma weak terran who don't got space gils, what sudden an inevitable betrayal by that dastardly, but smartly dressed, Rocket who is better'n me at literally everythin' includin' bein Terran, which he aint." Rocket, for one, agrees with Yondu's terms. "On behalf of the entire Crew of the Trash Panda Express, we agree vehementaliatedly." 

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:''' Mantis's eyes widen and she gets an encouraging smile. In a voice intrigued by the notion, Mantis confirms to Rocket, "You would look good in a vest." She adds a somewhat eager little nod and looks back towards Yondu. Mantis loves it when things work out so well. On the downside they only have two days to come up with restitution. On the plus side, they get to write in the Milano's logbook, "No one was skinned, or fed to Ravager crews today." Mantis turns towards Gamora as the woman arrives at the ship's exit ramp and shares her encouraging smile with the woman. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora's stance has her in the center of her 'crew' with Rocket in front of her a few paces and Yondu and his people beyond that. Her eyes glance to Groot, then to Mantis who gets a small smirk before she gazes back down to Rocket after hearing Yondu's response. "And what would you do to me if I were to attempt to stop you, oh mighty Blood Pirate Trash Eater?" She chides the small, but very capable, Raccoon. "Look." There's a pause as she looks back up to Yondu. "Whatever money you think we owe you, we'll sort out. But we're not going to do that without Quill here to speak for himself, its only fair. You'd want the same, Yondu." Her eyes glance back down to Rocket then. "And. -We- make the most money, when -we- work together. You know that, you've learned that, its why you're still with us here. So drop the delusions of grandeur. At least for the time being. I'm sure you'll get your own Trashy ship to fly away in eventually. But in the mean time..." Gamora's gaze goes back to Yondu. "Lets try and be civil here. We're all capable people, who can earn a lot of cash, if we... again, put our skills to use as one, rather than divided and in disarray." 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' "The small, furry gun-beast will make an exceptional captain," Drax says suddenly, occupying space near Gamora that he almost (almost) certainly wasn't in a moment ago. In one hand rests a small foil baggy, and the other occasionally dips down to pick some sort of crunchy space confection from within and ferry it to his mouth. CRUNCH. Crunch. Crunch crunch. "Long have I waited to finally slay Thanos, my mortal enemy, on the blood-soaked field of battle. The gun-beast is psychotic and will bring us with haste to the fray. This is pleasing." Slowly, blue eyes shift sidelong to Gamora. He stares at her for a moment, then down to the foil baggy in his hands, "You are allergic to these. It is best that I eat them all." 

:'''{{#var:260|Yondu Udonta (260)}} has posed:''' Yondu blinks at Drax. "Damn, you're quiet," he grunts at the hulking man. "You been standin' there this whole time?" he wheezes. Drax is waved off-- the question's a rhetorical one. The Captain of the Eclector turns and strides down the ramp back towards his crew. "Two days, rodent!" Yondu shouts over his shoulder, and holds index and middle finger aloft. "An' don't get no idears about tryin' to run-- I'll have every blooded Ravager in th' galaxy lookin' for you. I don't care if I have t' pawn the Eclector to do it-- you'll have every bounty hunter in the Guild lookin' for you also." The crew follows Yondu back to the shuttlebay doors and they go back into the ship so the hull can be depressurized for the Milano to leave. Just before the doors shut, Kraglin gives Yondu a worried look. "You-- you ain't really gonna sell our ship, is you?" he asks nervously. "Don't be stupid, Kraglin," a man snarls. "Pawn is from chess. Captain gonna trade a pawn fer a -queen-. Like that drink of water from Sovereign, Queen Ayesha!" A chorus of 'whooohoos!' surrounds Yondu, and the last that can be seen before the door slams shut is him pinching his nose as if trying to fend off a migraine. 

:'''{{#var:161|Gamora (161)}} has posed:''' Gamora's eyes go over to Drax, she knew he was there... probably. Her hand reaches over and she slaps him on the shoulder with a subtle backhand. "Stop encouraging the mutiny." She chides the taller and much larger man. Her eyes then drop down to the bag he's holding and she reaches over to snatch it from him. "And stop ruining your dinner." Her eyes then go to Yondu and she watches him as he moves off, a glower comes from the green skinned woman and her right hand dips into the tin foil bag to take one of the space confections out to raise it up to her nose to sniff at it, it makes her recoil in disgust so she tosses the bag back to Drax and turns around. "Come on, we gotta get going. We have to rendezvous with the shuttle to pick up the CAPTAIN!" And this is punctuated with a glare over to Rocket. Gamora turns to head back inside the ship then... grumbling under her breath. 

:'''{{#var:1163|Groot (1163)}} has posed:''' Groot looks down at Rocket as rocket makes extensive fun of Quill. The tree doesn't really go along with it: Groot likes Quill. Groot likes everybody. "I am Groot," Groot answers Rocket, his tone fond, though, with a movement of a twig near Rocket's general upper-body zone. Still, it seems everything is settling down. What a relief. He bends a little automatically, expecting Rocket to join him, as he moves to agreeably follow Gamora. "I am Grooooot!" Groot encourages, perhaps glad to see the whole of the tense situation resolved. His smile fans over them, particularly onto Drax: as his arrival seems to have really turned the tide, and Groot is happy to give credit where it is obviously earned. 

:'''{{#var:155|Rocket (155)}} has posed:''' Rocket grabs hold of the extended twig arm and clambers up onto Groot's shoulders almost by reflex, settling down on the massive trees shoulder as the crew reboards the ship, answering Groot with a chuffing sound and, "No, I don't have space gills, but they don't know that unless we tell'em." Said plenty loud enough for everyone to have been thoroughly informed of his general lack of space breathing aparati. Once back onboard, Rocket glances around at the crew, grinning toothily. He may have missed the part where Gamora is definitely not referring to HIM as Captain, maybe because he's still looking down at his imaginary bloodleather vest, adjusting it imaginarily on his chest. "I'm gonna be so dapper.." To himself, this is Rocket time okay? 

:'''{{#var:1575|Drax (1575)}} has posed:''' "I am an unquestioned master of stealth," Drax answers Yondu between noisy crunching, immune to rhetorical questions, "I move with such calculated, deliberate motions that your untrained eyes cannot perceive me." Gamora's chiding, however, hits home and the hulking green spaceman that (no copyright infringement intended) nods his head firmly as though coming to some great and noble resolution. "Very well. There will be no mutiny." A pause, and then he speaks in a softer tone that might imply he doesn't think Gamora can hear him despite standing right next to her, "My decisive intellect and leadership skills clearly earmark me for greatness. Perhaps it is I who should be captain of the spaceship?" When Groot smiles at him, he frowns and furrows his brow: "Already the tree challenges my authority. It begins" 
}}

10452/Oils Well That Ends Well

2019-12-16T03:25:37Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2019/12/16 |Location=Garage - Xavier's School |Synopsis=Gwendolyn gets a motorcycle to repair, while Kitty changes oil, Samuel works on his project..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/16
|Location=Garage - Xavier's School
|Synopsis=Gwendolyn gets a motorcycle to repair, while Kitty changes oil, Samuel works on his project and Rogue does vaguely Rogue stuff.
|Cast of Characters=296,9029,16,8925
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' One of the benefits of the garage at Xavier's School is that it is often heated in winter. Allowing students to work on projects there, and in some cases for classes to make use of tools and equipment. Kitty Pryde is taking advantage of that today. She's got her deep blue 2026 Toyota Avalon upon a pair of ramps for doing oil changes. https://i.imgur.com/UJziT6Q.jpg Which is exactly what Kitty's about to do. She switched into coveralls and gets one of those boards with the wheels for sliding under the car. "Ok, flammable stuff, so no flames," she tells Lockheed who is sitting on a nearby barrel, scratching the back of his neck with a hind paw. Kitty dons some safety googles, not wanting to provide a poor example for the students, and then gets a drain pain and slides beneath the car until just her calves and feet are visible. 

:'''{{#var:9029|Gwendolyn (9029)}} has posed:''' Sunday at Xavier's means no classes, which means relaxation and, in Gwendolyn's case, exploration. She's only been here a little more than two months and she still hasn't made it out to the garage. Hearing about such a place led her to think of a small, enclosed space full of oil-stained tools and dirt floors with hanging overhead lights flickering in the afternoon gloom. When she arrived at what is called the Garage on campus, she's shocked at the opulence. Sure, there are a few vehicles, here and there, in various states of repair, but this place is mostly used for storage of the vehicles used by the campus and staff, but it's nothing like she expected. Being sunday, it's relatively deserted, with some of the vehicles being taken out to go to town or for other various reasons, but the familiar voice coming from berth 3 gets her attention. "Hello?" she calls, peering around the divider and into the stall where Kitty and Lockheed are working, stepping out into the open so she can't be accused of skulking around. "I thought I heard someone." 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' The garage leads to another feature of Xavier's School beyond vehicle storage, and that is the double wooden doors that open up and give passage into the horse stables. Those two large doors are open today and at the far end of the garage the view of the stables is quite visible. It too has polished stone floors and fancy dark wooden stalls for the horses to be kept and cared for inside of them, with crystal chandeliers hanging from the vaulted ceilings above and between the two rows of face stalls. And the tell-tale sounds of a horse can be heard in fact, in the form of one walkign down the center aisle with a single person leading it by its leather harness. Rogue had gone out on a ride today, with her favorite of the six horses that reside in Xavier's School's stables. She's wearing a brown leather jacket, blue jeans and some tall leather western boots, on her head is a straw western hat to complete a casual cowgirl look. Rogue glances inside the garage as she goes on about her way to stable the horse in his stall. She spots Kitty and presumably one of the students in the garage and offers them a wave on her way, disappearing off to the side in the other room. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Over here," Kitty calls out from beneath the car. The urge to phase through it to see who is there is strong. But she's always careful around electronics and doesn't know what might be running through the floor of the car. She loves that car for sentimental and other reasons and doesn't want to risk damaging it. Though that didn't stop her from tearing across Westchester fields to get to Robin when he was bleeding out. The things you do for adoptive family. Kitty slides out on the roller and sits up to see who it is. "Hey Gwendolyn," she says. "Just doing an oil change and some other maintenance," she says, patting the blue Toyota lovingly. "Hey AM!" Kitty calls out, waving towards Rogue as she calls out her initials. "Going for a ride, or coming back?" she asks before lying back down on the board to slide beneath. "Gwen, did you have any interest in doing a project bike?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:9029|Gwendolyn (9029)}} has posed:''' Gwen looks comfortable, leaning against the partition in her jeans and oversized sweater. She's gone without her coat today since most of her time was spent indoors with brief sprints through the cold and the snow to other heated areas. Her head swivels from the sound of hooves on granite floors to the scraping of rollers going into action, watching as Kitty emerges from the depths beneath her car. "Hey there, Kitty." They're not in school so she's going first names with the phasing girl. "And hey to you too, Lockheed." The little dragon gets a couple of fingers waggled in its direction playfully. She looks over at AM who is someone she's not sure she's properly met. sure, she's seen the white stripe making its way through the halls but never actually had enough time to say hi, since ships passing in the halls during class meant that there was a destination with a time limit. This could be interesting. "A...project bike?" She looks over at the jumble of bikes taking up one of the bays, some covered with blue tarps or canvas covers in shapes that could, technically, be motorcycle-like. "I didn't even know that was a thing." 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue is out of sight for a little bit, but not too long, she had the horse's stuff all set aside waiting for their return. Once she's got it setup she closes the stall door and starts out toward the garage entrance. "Hey. Arrivin'. Comin' back. Whatever ya wanna call it." Rogue states with a soft grin as she moves to close the two doors to the stables, so the heat will keep the animals inside nice and toasty in this cold December air. Once they're shut, she turns and starts to walk toward Kitty and Gwen, aaand Lockheed, and grins at the dragon. "Stop bein' so damn cute, would ya?" She tells him before she looks to Gwen specifically, nodding to her with an upward chin tip. "Whats cookin', Sugah?" She asks, offering Gwen a gloved right hand. "I'm Rogue. Seen ya around, haven't had a chance to introduce myself." Her voice is laced with a thick southern honey to it. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' The small purple dragon perks up as others come in. He gives a few little flaps of his wings to draw attention, which is the extra-terrestrial dragon equivalent of a neon sign saying 'This Dragon Available For Petting'. Kitty gets the oil to draining into the pan and then slides back out, letting Isaac Newton complete this step of the oil change for her. Kitty tells Gwen, "Yes, since last summer we've been bringing old junk bikes we buy around the area. A lot of people restored some over the summer, and the first part of the school year," she says. Kitty pops up to her feet and walks over to a 1960s Vespa scooter, with original cream paint and stickers of flowers all over her. "This is Daisy," she says patting the scooter fondly. She motions towards the stall where there are still spare bikes that can be worked on. "Pick one out if you'd like. Kitty asks Rogue, "How was the ride? Are all the scorch marks from the lightning out back cleared up yet?" she asks, assuming the snow isn't covering them at present. 

:'''{{#var:9029|Gwendolyn (9029)}} has posed:''' When Rogue approaches - the AM that Kitty was referring to, obviously - Gwendolyn does her best to draw herself up to her full height of 5'6" but, sadly, since her boots with the neat heels that give her a few extra inches currently sit in her closet, she's got to look up a little more than she'd like. Still, the gloved hand is taken carefully with another similarly-gloved hand, except hers are fingerless and a quite firm handshake for a girl her size is exchanged. She does give Rogue a smile, though. "Pleasure to meet you, Miss Rogue. S'far as what's cookin'?" She shrugs and looks to Kitty and her car. "Oil Change an' recruitment to the bike repair club here. Gumbo an' cornbread when we get to the kitchen if you're interested." Lockheed is close enough for Gwendolyn to reach out with her left hand, offering an arm to act as a perch for the violet dragon. "So you get the bikes, we provide the labor and then...we keep them? Like, they're ours?" She leans over to peer at Daisy, then over at the pile of mangled bikes. One can almost see the wheels turning in Gwen's head as she studies them and it does take a moment for her to realize that she's still shaking Rogue's hand. "Ah, sorry!" She steps back, blushing around her goggles a little. "Still gettin' used to social cues 'round here." 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue steps over to Lockheed after his little display. "I see that flirtin', ya Ham." She teases him back and settles down to sit beside him and to pet at his nose and the side of his face with her left hand, it incased in a nice soft winter weather glove that is fuzzy for Dragon enjoyment. The Belle's green eyed gaze goes to Kitty and she has to process that question for a second, then glances back the way she'd come. "Is that what those were?" She asks then, eyes returning to Kitty. "I seen'em from a distance but didn't ride over there. Figured it was just..." Slowly she shakes her head. "'This place' and its people." A soft smirk is shown then whilst she gives the 'Heed some fuzzy gloved pettings. When Gwen offers her arm to Lockheed, Rogue drops her hand from the dragon then and looks to the other still being shook by Gwen which makes the Belle grin softly until its released. "Don't sweat it, least its gloved, right?" She figures someone has probably told Gwen about her mutation, thats how it used to work when she was a highschool student here, lots of whisperings about her when she first arrived at this school almost 3 years ago now. Rogue moves to stand up and at the offer of food in a bit, she winces and slowly shakes her head. "That kinda food usually comes with a certain someone around here that I just... don't really go around no more. The offer is totally appreciated though." Whilst saying that, Rogue wanders slowly around Kitty's car, glancing it over. "You tearin' this thing apart, Wild Driver?" She asks Katherine. 

:'''{{#var:8925|Samuel (8925)}} has posed:'''     Speaking of social cues and lack of perception thereof, out of the school proper and into the garage a wild Bean appears. Black coveralls? Check. Knee pads? Check. Fancy gloves? Check. Goggles perched on forehead? You betcha. It's a solo act today, it seems, Bear for once being nowhere in sight. His step falters a moment when he sees the gathering, but resumes soon enough and he approaches with a raised hand. "Afternoon everyone. Did I stumble on a lesson, or did something important break?"     Without waiting for an answer, he gives a separate wave to Lockheed and then unlocks the door to 'his' stall. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty grabs a rag to rub at a bit of mud that clung to the underside of her scooter, Daisy, before heading back over to her much more modern car. https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1CjJ_HpXXXXaZapXXq6xXFXXX5/220792997/HTB1CjJ_HpXXXXaZapXXq6xXFXXX5.jpg Kitty grins and says, "Still have avoided anything other than the tiniest of dings. Though if I hadn't gone crazy with the wax by coincidence when I had to off-road a bit, I'd have scratches all over." Kitty waves to Samuel as he comes in. Lockheed is soaking up the affection from the ladies. "Such a flirt," Kitty says with a grin. She tells Gwendolyn, "Rogue and I were roommates when we were students. Careful about touching her skin, has an effect on people you don't want to experience," she says. Though it doesn't stop Kitty from moving over to give Rogue a side hug, carefully making sure to touch closed areas, if Rogue allows. "So by the way, AM, how's your car doing? Was it just the dead battery?" she asks. She tells Gwendolyn and Samuel, "She killed it while hunting bears." 

:'''{{#var:9029|Gwendolyn (9029)}} has posed:''' Gwendolyn uses her fingertips to scratch beneath Lockheed's chin, being careful to not hit any spots that might inadvertantly send a jet of flame flying elsewhere, so little spots on belly or at the base of his tail are carefully avoided. She's assuming he works kind of like a dog or a cat with spots that are good and bad to touch and, more than likely all the touching is being absorbed like a sponge. "Yeah, gloved." Gwendolyn looks at her gloved hand instead of Rogues, rubbing her hands over her arms nervously for a second or two. "I'm actually getting better with my ability. The gloves are just for safety's sake. I can get away without mine pretty regularly now." Samuel and his leather-clad arrival gets a giggle and a wave. "Hey there, Sammy." she calls, watching him in his World War I outfit striding through the garage on a mission. "Just conversation and maintainence." she replies, turning to Kitty. "Having a car and just letting it sit is just sad." Gwendolyn looks over at the car wistfully. "There was a guy who had an old Mustang back where I lived. He always said he was going to fix it up, even though it was rusting into the swamp. Lotsa good metal just going to waste because he didn't know he couldn't do the work, so..." She smiles. "Keep driving your car, keep it clean, keep it pretty and maintained. Don't let it die." 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Rogue returns the offered side hug to Kitty and smirks at her. "Yeah, my car is fine. Took it in t'get fixed, flirted with the mechanics, ya know, the usual." Her attention is then shifted over to Samuel as he arrives. She'd driven him here from the Triskelion in Manhattan, but hadn't seen him since. She gives him a nod as well. "Good t'see ya, Miste'ah." She says at the young man, offering him a soft smile. When Gwen mentions the gloves, Rogue looks back to her. "Oh yeah, fellow Glove Wearer huh? Color me jealous if'n you're figurin' out ways t'not hurt people by not wearin'em." A small smirk is shown then before Rogue glances down at her phone after pulling it out of her jacket pocket. She glances over to Kitty then. "I'm gonna be goin' up t'Mackenzie Station here soon. Carol has details on this... space... thing, she wants my help for. Not sure how long it'll have me away for." 

:'''{{#var:8925|Samuel (8925)}} has posed:'''     "I've heard people hunt bears with rifles, shotguns, pistols, slingshots, knives and nail clippers..." One of these things is not like the others... "...but never cars. Sounds like it needs a special license." Either Bean has grown a sense of humor in the last few months, or he has some odd notions about what people get up to. He turns on the lights in the stall and pulls the tarp off his almost-but-not-quite-finished Honda Shadow VT. The transmission has been taken off, the custom cut mounting bracket ground off and the original mounting re-drilled. It just needs the original gearbox now, sitting in its box on the work table. Sitting there, and not being installed. After gazing at it for a few moments, the tarp goes back over.     "How do Gwen? What are we maintaining?" And the answer comes in the form of more complete observation of the area. Kitty in coveralls, a car with an oil drain pan underneath, a trolley recently used. Honestly, he should have seen that coming in. "Taking on a project and not finishing it, letting a good vehicle just fall apart... lack of discipline, it's shameful."     And then, of course, Rogue casually mentions space. He does his best not to look too interested, or to be honest too jealous, and shoots for a perfectly neutral expression. "Sounds like quite a trip. And I know it's probably something you've looked into already, but I've got a few spare pairs of operator gloves. Might give you a better tactile sensation." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty's car is a 2026 Toyota Avalon which she has kept in cherry condition. It's new enough this probably her first oil change, at that. "And yep, Gwen. The school brings in the old bikes. Students, and staff, pick out ones to work on. You get to keep it. But, have to ride them responsibly to keep them. Helmets. Appropriate precautions for other things." She doesn't put the thought of going over jumps in people's heads, but then what many of the mutants students can do is more dangerous than that. Lockheed does indeed have spots, turning to help the ladies fingers find them, though Rogue knows them all. As Rogue talks about going into space, Kitty makes a sound, eyeing her space-averse friend. "Just remember. If you get alien eggs implanted in you, find a dead Acanti Prophet-Singer and free their racial soul from its brain. Clears you right up better than a shot of penicillin." She's obviously joking. Right? Kitty pauses to give Lockheed a little pat. She'd have never made it to that aforementioned brain but for the little dragon coming to her aid on the occasion she first met him. Kitty pats her car and tells Samuel, "This was a present from my old boyfriend's father. So I could get out of town to see him easier. And it means a lot," she says of the car. She goes to get the new oil ready to go in. "how's your bike coming, Sam?" 

:'''{{#var:9029|Gwendolyn (9029)}} has posed:''' "Yeah...I don't hurt people so much as get their entire memory dumped into my frontal cortex if I let my palms get in contact with an inanimate part of them." Gwendolyn wiggles her fingers. "I'm getting more of a damper on it. It's always on, kind of like Nathaniel's, but I'm starting to be able to turn it off, but it gives me a headache if I keep the brakes on." Bean's comments about bear hunting - and Rogue's comments about flirting with mechanics - builds an interesting scene that may or may not be true but is still quite entertaining. "So did you hit the bear with a car while driving it or did you pick the car up and hit the bear? I don't know your abilities but in this school? It's a possibility." she asks Rogue, turning to Bean with a Lockheed still getting scritched. "I'm being recruited to build a motorcycle or, at least, fix one up out of the pile." The way she's talking, it sounds like she's interested at least. The mention of space does get her attention, and the station up there that everyone has heard about, mostly. alien eggs? She shivers. "Ick, I'd love to go up and see the world from up there, but alien eggs? Is that a thing I really will need to worry about?" 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' Back to Samuel, Rogue looks and at the offer she lets a soft grin slide over her lips. "Thanks, but I got boxes'n boxes'a gloves that I imagine are pretty similar. I've scoured the internet, high'n low for special types." She raises her hand up to wiggle her fingers inside of those fuzzy ones she's wearing now. "Like these that let me use a phone still, for instance." Kitty's comments draw her attention back and she grins at her. "You're tryin' t'freak me out and make me not wanna go, aren't ya? That Moon thing changed my tune on space, but... really I'm only goin' cause Carol's there. She won't let nothin' happen t'me. Alien eggs or nothin' and I already forgot everythin' you just said, so its imperative that Carol remains there, and me at her side at all times, clearly!" There's a short pause then, some internal thoughts processed and she speaks again. "Or this is Carol's Master Plan for leavin' me for dead in deep space somewhere..." And that is followed by a small frown. She takes a second before looking over to Gwen again. Her hands, with her phone, go back into her coat pockets and she starts to slowly walk toward the windows near the backyard, glancing out of them for lighting scorches on the grass. "Nah... I used t'be with the Avengers." She explains. "So I got contacted online by this family that was bein' plagued by some bears around their cabin home. Took my car and some friends up there, loured the bears outta hidin' by stuffin' a buncha McDonald's inta the cab, then left it on with the heat blasting t'shoot the smell'a those McFries out inta the night. Took awhile, but the bears did show up. Now they've been safely'ish transported t'a much more remote location." She glances back to Gwen then and smiles softly. "Only death on the trip was my car's battery. So I flew it back here." Which hints at some more of her abilities, without out-right detailing them. 

:'''{{#var:8925|Samuel (8925)}} has posed:'''     "In this school, the latter is more plausible." Bean comments to Gwendolyn with what might very well be a grin. "And honestly, pick out a bike you like, get working on it. It's not just a lot of fun, you actually get a free bike out of it afterwards. I mean... if there's a catch, I haven't found it yet." He pats the bike under the tarp with some affection. All of the metalwork had been chromed to various degrees, and the tank had been left an unadorned glossy black. The helmet on the work table has also been coated in a glossy black, but a selection of papers nearby may very well hold scribbled designs for some decoration. It all looks very much in order, except for that one box with a refurbished original Honda Shadow VT transmission sitting forlorn and actually getting dusty.     "It's nearly done." He mentions to Kitty, with as genuine an expression as he can fake. "Been working on the train most days now, and as soon as I can get with Forge, we should be ready to start laying tracks."     Rogue's story... well, it gets some attention. Perhaps not as crazy as hitting a bear with a car, but it's really the next best thing. "So you wrestled bears, plural, won against them, and then flew them elsewhere, after which you flew your car back to have the battery changed? I... can see why someone might want your help in space." As for the egg thing? Yeah, no comments. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty Pryde gives Gwendolyn a quick shake of her head. "Haven't had an alien infestation here," Kitty says. Before adding, "Not in years now." She lies down on the roller thing and slides back under the car. "That we know of." She continues talking from under the car. "Yes, that glories of Xavier's School. So Ororo and I are sitting in her attic having hot chocolate when Rogue, and her car, go flying past the roof on the way to the garage. I was half expecting Harry Potter and Ron Weasley to lean out the windows as they avoided the Whomping Willow," Kitty says. "Rogue, I totally trust Carol. She'd never kill you and leave you in space. I mean if she killed you, it would totally be here on Earth. You know. To send a message." Kitty's grin can't be seen, but it can be heard in her voice. She slides back out. "Ok, ready to fill it up," she says, wiping her hands clean and stopping to give Lockheed a little scritch of her own. 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' As the others talk, Rogue walks slowly around the car that is leaking oil into a pan and she ends up back around near Gwen. She offers her a little smile. "Well, I'm glad t'know someone who has similar issues as me. Sounds like our mutations came from the same cloth, or somethin' close to it, yeah? I get memories too... among other things. All kindsa stuff I don't want... floatin' around up here from others I've touched." She taps the side of her head after saying that. Back over to Samuel and Kitty now, Rogue just smirks. "I was just tryin' t'help this family out. I mean, I know, I get it... its the bears home too. But there's plenty'a land out there, I just needed t'show'em where they could go and do their Bear-stuff and be less likely t'get shotgunned t'death by some angry rich folks. I mean, they had all these weapons ready t'shoot the bears. Bows. Rifles'n such." She figures she probably owes a bit of explanation now after all of this, so she glances between Sam and Gwen. "I used t'be with the Brotherhood'a Mutants. I got sent on a mission t'attack Captain Marvel. I fought her, absorbed her and put her in a comae, then tried t'save her life after I regretted doin' it. I was a dumb kid... didn't know what I was doin'. We're good now though, Carol's a friend. Like a sister really, if I knew what havin' a sister felt like anyhow. So yeah... if she asks for my help, its the least I can do now." 

:'''{{#var:8925|Samuel (8925)}} has posed:'''     "Harry Potter and Ron Weasley? Are they students that get in trouble a lot? Don't think I've met them yet..." Argh, popular culture, Bean's bane. All the talk of alien infestations is taken as just so much stuff, probably intended to scare students from making a home-built rocket and exploring the stars on a shoestring budget. There are many other good reasons not to, mind you, but the alien infestation malarkey clearly works well enough.     "Honestly, I wouldn't trust a bow against a bear. Too much mass, not enough stopping power. Good thing you found another way. Not everything needs to end in violence." Doppelganger check please?     He listens to Rogue's confession and then nods, understanding. "Old debts to repay. They come due eventually, you can't dodge them. But keep in mind that maybe she's got other motives? As in, she might genuinely believe you're the best person for the job, rather than someone that owes her a favor."     A quick glance to Kitty's car, and he bites his lip for a moment, before saying what he was debating saying regardless... "Just, keep the drain pan under the drain plug, alright? Those things have a habit of never tightening as far as you think they did." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty looks over at Rogue and repeats, "if I knew what havin' a sister felt like? Rogue. Oh you wound me," she says, clutching her hands over he heart like she'd been stabbed there. The plug is back sealing the oil reservoir below and so Kitty goes over to fill the car back up. "That's right, nothing but the best for you," she tells the car. She hasn't actually named it. That anyone knows. Once the oil is in the car, she seals up the opening and then closes the hood. Kitty goes over to wash her hands in a sink, scrubbing thoroughly. "Harry Potter and Ron are characters from the Harry Potter book series. And movies. I suggest you see the movies first and then read the books, Samuel, as there's a lot more detail in the books. Leaves you something new to find out that way even once you know the plot." She leaves the sink and walks back over, taking hold of her coveralls and just pulling them off, and through, her body, revealing a pair of blue jeans and a t-shirt beneath, bearing the Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon cover on it. 

:'''{{#var:9029|Gwendolyn (9029)}} has posed:''' "I remember seeing that movie!" Gwendolyn pipes up from somewhere in the depths of the pile of motorcycles. There's a rustling of plastic and an 'ah!' that follows before the girl hefts the discovered bike over her head effortlessly and slowly starts making her way out of the pile, picking her steps as she goes, maintaining her balance with a motorcycle held over her head. "An' there ain't no shame in that, Miss Rogue..ack." Oil from a cracked pan drips into her hair and down her face and she scrambles to set it down with a pan underneath it to catch any other drips that were disturbed. One of the ubiquitous red cloths that live in garages everywhere are procured and she makes a show of trying her best to get the oil off of her face. Her hair? That's going to require a shower definitely. "Ain't no shame in fessin' up to whatever you did in the past. Helps people know that you can make mistakes and learn from 'em. Not a lot of people do that, or even can." 

:'''{{#var:9029|Gwendolyn (9029)}} has posed:''' Gwendolyn's bike that she wrestled from the pile? 1977 Kawasaki KZ1000. 

:'''{{#var:16|Rogue (16)}} has posed:''' On her way over to one of the garage doors, Rogue reaches up to tap the panel and let it rise up. She then glances back to the others and watches Gwen lift that bike up. "Careful now." She warns with a soft smirk. As soon as Kitty turns around to wash her hands off at the machine sink she darts up into the air and flies right over to Pryde to give her a good hard slap on her backside! *Smack* "See ya, Sis. Goin' over t'dads for dinner! Welcome t'come if ya don't go nothin' else goin' on!" And with that said, Rogue, in mid-air, spins around and starts to shoot out of the garage. "Bye now, trouble makers!" She calls out on her way out! 

:'''{{#var:8925|Samuel (8925)}} has posed:'''     "I'll... add those to the list." A list that's getting pretty long these days, but with items ticked off every couple of days. Bean treats his lack of cultural knowledge as any other lack of skill, and is treating it accordingly. Practice, repetition, study... Quite pleasant study, most of the time, but serious study nevertheless.     Until just now, he hadn't known that Gwendolyn was quite that strong. Another item to go on quite another list entirely, but that's a passing thought, most of his attention on the bike. "Ooh, nice spot. That's going to look great when it's running again. And fun to drive too. Just watch the..." cue oil drip. "... yeah, that."     As for confessing what you've done in the past? There's no comment on that, aside from a momentary dark look that takes away his easy smile for just a few seconds. It's back soon enough, as if it never left. "See you later, Miss Rogue." He'll never forget the people that got him from the Triskelion. Some debts still need to be repaid... 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Sees the smack coming but with her hands under the water she fails to evade it. "Alright, I should be able to swing by. Will text when I'm on my way," Kitty says of dinner with Rogue and her father. Ever since his unexpected appearance, Kitty has tried to help her old roommate as she reconnects with her long-absent father. Kitty eyes Gwendolyn's ability lifting the bike as she goes over to reach out an arm for Lockheed to scamper up so he doesn't have to fly to relocate to her shoulder. "Everyone with the super strength," she teases. "Gwen, good luck on the bike. There should be maintenance manuals online, and Peter can help with fabricating parts if needed. Or Lorna if she's around, though using the machines yourself is a good idea." Kitty smiles over to Samuel softly. "really nice job there Sam. Both of you, have a good evening," she says before departing. 

:'''{{#var:9029|Gwendolyn (9029)}} has posed:''' Samuel gets a look that says 'don't say anything' without saying a word. Gwendolyn scrubs the oil from her face as best she can, managing to not get any on her clothes luckily. Thank goodness the oil pan was mostly empty, and this was just the little bit of oil left inside that was jostled free. "Bye, Miss Rogue!" She calls out, dabbing at her chin. "Bye Sammy. Bye Kitty an' Lockheed." She waves as they all depart. And that leaves Gwendolyn, in a barn, covered in oil, with a project sitting in front of her. 
}}

10439/A Picture's Worth A Thousand Words

2019-12-15T23:50:35Z

Kirby: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2019/12/14 |Location=Queen Consolidated, Starling |Synopsis=Oliver looks at Felicity's photography despite his assistant's interference. Ollie's gi..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/14
|Location=Queen Consolidated, Starling
|Synopsis=Oliver looks at Felicity's photography despite his assistant's interference. Ollie's girlfriend walks in on the meeting.
|Cast of Characters=1361,181
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity had tried to get some time on Oliver's schedule to show him her photo album, as requested. But that proved a more daunting task than she had expected. Oliver's schedule was pretty heavily booked. Of course Felicity can't see what the items are. Could be a meeting with the board. Could be a block of time with some fake reason while he's out Hooding around town. It was a great source of consternation for Felicity on what to do. She didn't want Oliver to think she was dodging him. She tentatively set up a meeting for 7pm, seeing he had an opening there and knowing from past experience how late he could be around the building. "What's the worst that could happen, he turns it down and thinks I'm an idiot for cutting into his evening?" she asks herself aloud. Jenkins's voice comes from the doorway. "Or fire you," he suggests. "If there's no time to fit you in during the day probably means you don't really warrant the time in his book, doesn't it?" he asks. Felicity pushes her glasses up and gives Jenkins a stare as he comes into her office and around to her side of the computer. "Very funny. Your boss's boss's boss's... ok we really need to check the org chart sometime to see how many of those to put in. Anyway, when the CEO tells you to set up some time, you do it." Jenkins replies, "Then do it," and he reaches over and taps her touchscreen over the Send button on the calendar invite. "No!" Felicity says, covering up her face as it's too late. "Glad I could help," Jenkins says, heading back out. And now it is the appointed evening of the meeting. Felicity grabs her tablet and an old fashioned book photo album. She glances down at herself, realizing just how much time she spent deciding what to wear today, and feeling silly for it. "I hope I look ok," she says as she heads for the elevator and heads up to the top floor. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' It's been just one of -those- days for Oliver, a booking of "Annual performance reports" which was just what the name showed, a boring recap of the year's performance of the company. As if Oliver doesn't run through the numbers often enough... But investors need to be appeased. Then there was the "Meeting with a potential investor", which instead of being a nice, normal meeting was instead a cover for some more cracking up heads on the investigation he is doing on those drug dealers. Captured a couple of mooks, got sore on the shoulder after a cheap shot from one of them to remind him he is not twenty years old anymore and then he is ready to just get this day over... But there's still something on his schedule.., he hadn't noticed it earlier. He pops it open and lifts his brows. "Meeting with Felicity." Well, seems she went ahead and scheduled it afterall. He smiles faintly. Ellis has been running things precisely, it's what he does, it's what he was hired to do. And he never fails. Nothing goes by that he does not personally approve, at least where it comes to Mr. Queen's appointments. Though he does have a lot of meetings with investors that never turn up into anything .... He puts it away as the man not being that charming, not as much as he at least! But then, what's this?! A 7pm appointment with ...., he pulls up the employee's data..., a level 2 IT?! And approved already without his say so! Well, this won't do. He lingers on the top floor, waiting by the elevators. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' The elevator doors open and Felicity walks out onto the dark marble floor, her short heels clicking softly. She's wearing a black skirt and a white blouse, with a gold necklace visible where the blouse's top buttons are undone. Looking professional enough but Felicity did spend awhile in front of the mirror buttoning and unbuttoning, and then blushing as she realized what she was doing. She walks down the hallway, the glass walls that surround Oliver's office visible ahead. The glass able to be 'smoked' for privacy, but otherwise just clear glass that leaves the office feeling even more spacious than it already is. Felicity smiles to herself as she nears the door, having found herself looking forward to this meeting, if a little nervously perhaps too. And then suddenly Ellis is there. Stepping out in front of her and before the door, from Felicity isn't even sure where. He looks at her in an expectant way that doesn't need words to make Felicity feel she has to justify her presence. "Yes, I have a meeting with Mr. Queen. He wanted me," she says, and then realizes how that sounded. "Wanted me to set up a meeting with him," she clarifies awkwardly. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Finally! Oliver is done with all the meetings, nothing more on the agenda .., now just relax on his chair and --- Is that a phonecall? He frowns and picks it up. His mother? Sure thing, he picks it up, "Hello, mother." ... "Yes, all is being arranged for the christmas party. Still pending on Dinah's acceptance and .." ... "Yes, I know you don't like her but .." ... And so they go. Meanwhile, Ellis has been like a vulture, lying in wait, that little unpleasant smile on his face, bit of a shine to his eye and a tablet in his hands. Immaculate suit and manners. Yes, the man means business. "He wanted you, is it?" a smile, showing teeth, "I believe you are Ms. Smoak, correct?" he flips his tablet as if he was looking at her file, as if he hadn't already a few times once he noticed the schedule. "From level 2?" yes, he makes it sound as if level 2 isn't a good level. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity is definitely ambushed and it takes her a moment to recover. "Yes, Ms. Smoak," she tells him. Felicity reaches down to her Queen Consolidated ID badge. Unlike most pictures taken for IDs, Felicity's is actually nice looking. She has a huge smile on her face, happy to have been hired by a first with such opportunities. "Felicity Smoak," she adds, looking around and still feeling awkward. "Level.... two," she says, the last word delivered in a hesitantly cute fashion as she indicates with her index finger to where it has IT2 on the corner of the badge to identify her position. "Mr. Queen asked me to bring him some materials," she says, motioning to the tablet and the photo album folder she's carrying. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Ellis takes his time, first inspecting the badge through squinted eyes, lingering there. A little mmhmm in reply to what Felicity says, the whole posture a touch dismissive, "Yes, I can read." when she points at the badge and what her level is. Neck remains slightly craned forward and then it's back to the tablet, "I am Mr. Ellis. Mr. Queen's aide." and no, he doesn't mention his level. Maybe he thinks himself too above such things. "This is all quite out of the ordinary. This meeting did not go through me." Then his eyes skip down to the album, "And what materials would those be?" Meanwhile, Oliver continues to be assailed by his mother. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity hears not enthused Ellis's reaction to her trying to use some cute humor to defuse the situation. Which removes exactly half the weapons in Felicity's arsenal. The other half, flirting, is the kind of thing someone with better social skills might do. It seems more likely to blow up in her face than be useful, so she just tries to look prim and proper instead. Felicity glances down at the tablet and portfolio, not really wanting to admit to the personal nature of them, even if Oliver did ask for them. "Some artwork that Mr. Queen asked for specifically, for me to go over with him," she says. There, specifically. So indicating they aren't important would be going against Oliver's wishes. And including herself in that so he can't just try to take them off her. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' So the girl is smarter than he had originally thought. Ellis squints his eyes, feeling the trap as it closes in and makes it so he can't just take the items and have her go on her way. But he doesn't look too happy with that, nope, not at all. "Very well." he concedes the first point, but there's a feeling that the war has just begun. He walks to the door that leads to Oliver's office and knocks, "We will see what Mr. Queen has to say of this." His last try, that Oliver will make him right, that a level 2 has no place to be so up here! And specially not having a meeting past his--- The door opens and Oliver is there, "Ah, Felicity. Come in. I am glad you could make it this late." Ellis just looks on, fully defeated now, "Ellis, it's fine, go home, you look tired." 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity's face lights up slightly. It could be just for being given the go ahead to pass Fortress Ellis. Though that isn't the only reason for it as she keeps her smile for Oliver low key. "Thank you Mr. Queen," she says, and she starts to say something complimentary about Ellis to try to avoid any hard feelings from him, and realizes she doesn't know his name. "Very friendly staff up here," she says, avoiding needing to use Ellis's name. Felicity moves inside the office then, moving over to Oliver's desk carrying the portfolio and the tablet. "Apologies for it being so late, it was the only time I could find on your schedule," she tells him. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Ellis stays by the door, that smile back on his face, plastered on it. Hands go behind him, "Of course, Mr. Queen. Thank you. Have a good.., meeting." then a bow of his head while the door is closed. Oliver goes back to his desk. "Sorry, on a call. Just one sec." he holds up a finger, going around the table to pick up the phone he placed on mute. "Yes. Sorry, I am about to start a meeting. We will talk later, ok? Sure, love you too." then he hangs up, phone back on it's resting place and he can finally give his full attention to Felicity. "Hopefully Ellis didn't give you too much of a trouble. He can be very protective when he wants to." That seems to amuse him somewhat. It was one of his mother's hires, but so far he has been rather competent. At least when he is present, "Seems it's becoming a constant for us to meet after-hours, I am fine with it being this late." then his eyes travel to the tablet and photo album, "That's quite old school." 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity gives a little wave of her hand and says of Ellis, "Just doing his job." She looks down at what she brought and says, "I know, I work in IT, so everything needs to be on the computer. But, there's something nice about having an actual photograph in hand and not just an image." Felicity gives a little self-conscious shrug and smile. "Or, I feel that way, anyway," she says. She looks to see where Oliver wants to take a look at them, turning on the tablet and unlocking it and opening an app that has rows after rows of pictures in it. She glances up, looking around, but not seeing any sign of Ellis, or anyone else on the floor for that matter. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' It's a rather large office, and now that it's night there's quite the beautiful view of a starlit city under them from those full windows on the end of the office. Oliver smiles faintly, leaving his desk to join her on the other side to look over the pictures. "It makes them feel more real, doesn't it?" he says when Felicity mentions having an actual photograph instead of all in the computer. He settles down on the side of the table instead, a bit sideways and not exactly as a CEO should sit! But then again, he doesn't need to be that formal now since they are going through something more personal than work related. His eyes start to roam through the various photos on the tablet, curiosity there. "As I told you before, I am curious as to what you have found beautiful in our city to take pictures from. May I?" he asks of the tablet, extending one hand to it. Ellis is nowhere to be seen anymore, off to lick his wounds, though it's not as if he greyed the windows for privacy, the corridor still visible. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity finds herself distracted as she gets a glimpse of the view out the window. "Something like this would be amazing to capture," she tells him, offering Oliver the tablet as she says, "I have prints of each, but you can see more at once on the tablet." She moves over to one of the windows next to the leather couch along that wall. The blond young woman stands looking out at the city lights, that are bright enough to cast shadow and light on the contours of her face. "I don't know that I could ever get tired of looking at a view like that," she says as she looks out the window at Starling below. After a few moments of revelry there she finally turns back to him, opening up the portfolio and sitting down on the couch to be able to rest it on her knees as she looks for a page in it. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Oliver picks up the tablet, fingertip brushing over the screen while he watches the images, a smile to his face, he always enjoys watching parts of his city, specially through other people's eyes. Gives him perspective, and makes him know there are more out there that find the city beautiful. But then he casts his eyes up, taking a glimpse of Felicity's face on the shadow. He finds himself looking at her instead, blue eyes watching her until he blinks owlishly, re-focusing. "You are right, I think I'd prefer to see them as actual photographs." he steps out of his seat on the table and instead moves to join her by the window, a glimpse down to the city, a faint smile to his lips. He is liking this, relaxing, and in good company. She always brings a smile to him. But then a glance down to the portfolio and her apparent search, curious as to which particularly one she is looking for. "You are free to take a picture of the view if you want." 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity glances over to the window. "I'd like to, I'll have to bring in a camera for it. Another time that I wouldn't be a nuisance?" she asks him, glancing over to Oliver as he sits down beside her. Felicity put on perfume today, another of those uncommon occurrences for her with it. She goes slowly through the book once Oliver sits down and can see it. It looks like anything that catches her eye may get snapped and preserved. A wheat field with mountains in the distance. A small daisy growing out of a crack in a desolate ground. A dog jumping in the air to catch a frisbee. She stops on one and pulls it out of the portfolio. "I ran into her at a craft fair," Felicity says, showing a picture of an aged Native American with very wrinkled skin but a lovely smile on her face, and a light in her eyes. "She was excited I wanted to take her picture," Felicity says, leaning towards Oliver a little and offering him the picture. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "Of course. I can even let Ellis come here to take the picture if you so wish. If I am not around. We will figure something out." Oliver replies, now settled next to the blonde woman, eyes down on the portfolio. He does catch a whiff of that scent though, looking up at her briefly but then back down. No comment about it, wouldn't be proper. Instead his focus goes to the pictures being displayed. "Lots of moments that you are capturing." a smile at the dog on the jump and the others that seem to have caught her fancy. He finds himself grinning while he goes through the various pictures, finding himself enthralled by them. "You have quite the talent for finding those simple, yet beautiful moments." But then they get to the picture of the native american, he looks it over curiously, reaching to take the picture from her fingertips so as to look more closely, making it so he has to lean a bit as well. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' As Felicity holds the photo over for Oliver and his eyes go it, the young woman's blue eyes lift to look out through the slightly horn-rimmed glasses at the man instead of the photo. "Thank you," she says, eyes still on his face. "I guess I've never really thought of myself as being very good at it," she tells him. Felicity looks back down to the photos. "I actually haven't ever shown them to anyone before," she says. "Like... not ever," she adds, eyes moving away, anywhere but on Oliver's for a moment. She looks back to him after a moment and says, "There's one... some candy," she says, looking in the portfolio again. She turns through slowly, letting Oliver look at each. One is a photo of a very fit, handsome young man walking on the beach in a pair of board shorts. "Ah, not sure how that got in there," she says sheepishly, advancing to the next page. "Here it is," she says. A colorful disc-shaped lollipop with a swirling pattern that is half the size of the head of the kid holding it. The little boy's eyes are wide as the looks at it. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "I don't know if being good or not applies." Oliver muses, his lips pursed together a moment, "I have never been the type to appreciate those photography shows, where some of the photos can be so worked over that they don't feel real." fingers then running over the picture of native woman. "But this one feels authentic. It's different." When she mentions that she never showed the pictures to anyone that makes Oliver arch an eyebrow. He hadn't realized how personal these would be to her. It makes him look at her directly, studying her expression, and how she seems to avoid him for that moment. He can't help but let out a chuckle of the fit young man, "Ah, he puts us all to shame." he jests, continuing to go through the pictures with a grin on his lips, shoulder to shoulder almost as he needs to stay close to look at those. But then they reach the one with the lollipop, "Do you think he was wondering how he would eat it all or that they even made lollipops that big?" Vera decided that he'd pay Oliver a surprise tonight. He so likes to stay up to work late! And perhaps she can convince him to go out and buy some presents.., she has been eyeing those beautiful shoes downtown and --- Ah, focus. The clickclack of her heels is heard through the parking lot, passing a fleeing Ellis and then to the elevators. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity smiles as he asks about the lollipop picture. "It was in a store and he was just... oggling it," she says with a soft laugh. "I could tell his mother was going to buy it for him already, but she kind of made him wait and want it a little bit. So when he finally got it... it was just beautiful," she says. "I wish I could have gotten her expression at that moment too," Felicity adds, her smile growing as she recalls the moment. She forgets for a moment she's sitting next to her CEO. Heart lightened by the warm memory, as she passes the photo to Oliver her fingers brush against his. Not on purpose, but there's a hesitation where she doesn't pull them away yet as the sit, legs against each other, and shoulders nearly touching. "I don't do much processing. Sometimes, there's some techniques which can be nice. I did a lot of that early on, but eventually I preferred to just, let the picture speak for itself," Felicity says, eyes lifting back to Oliver as she sits near to him, eyes going to his. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "You still have it in your memory. Sometimes that's what's important." Oliver says in return, continuing to examine the lollipop image with an amused smile to his lips. He can picture it already. The touch on their fingertips lingers for a moment as well, also from his part, feeling the warmness of that touch. There's a mirror of hesitation too from his part but he eventually lets his hand settle back down on the album, watching a few more, distracted for a few moments as if it took some time for him to re-focus. But he eventually does and looks back up to her, "Being authentic." as if she had just confirmed what he said earlier. "It is what I like about you." then a pause, it probably sounds bad. "About your pictures." just in time to amend it. Ufff! But his eyes stay on hers, blue on blue. Vera continues on her relentless approach, her dress more appropriate to a gala (a minor one but still...!), long and dark, showing shoulders and hugging to her rather elegant curves. Make-up that enhances those sharp traits on her face, that give her both a dangerous and alluring look. It's a long tedious journey to the top floor but it eventually arrives and the doors open. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity looks like she's touched by what Oliver said, her smile that results has a soft, warm glow to it. The same is reflected in her eyes. "I'm glad you wanted to see these. If... if I was going to show them to someone for the first time, I like that it was you," she tells him. She's looking into his eyes, perhaps leans just the smallest amount, a centimeter or two, when Felicity catches movement out of the corner of her eye. She straightens a little, turning to the door, but it isn't Ellis. The stunning brunette opens the door and sways in. No Ellis to intercept /her/. "Ollie, there you are, figures you're still here. You're /such/ a hard worker," she says, her tone making 'hard work' something she herself would not be likely to be caught doing. Felicity was conscious of how closely she and Oliver were sitting before, but now that awareness takes on a different form. She rises from the leather couch quickly, slipping the lollipop picture back into the portfolio but not saying anything, letting Oliver address the stunning woman. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' The smile is returned with one of his own, perhaps not with a glow as indeed he has a more reserved nature, but more open than his usual at least, which is always a bonus. Oliver continues looking at her, "You have me an higher consideration than I perhaps deserved. I hadn't realized these were so--" but then he pauses, noticing that look to the door and he also shifts a bit on the couch to glance at the door. Did Ellis forget something? No, the man never does. Instead it's Vera. That surprises him, he wasn't expecting her here tonight, they hadn't been exactly in the greatest of terms last couple of days but here she was, "Hello, Vera." he rises, but not quickly, giving Vera an assuring smile. "I am always hard at work as you know." not taking the innuendo bait, "Though I am glad you could take some time off your own doings to visit. Dinner tonight?" he suggests. And then a gesture is given towards Felicity. "This is Felicity Smoak, she works with us here at Queen Consolidated. Our resident IT genius." then he introduces Vera, "This is Vera Martinelli." Then an interjection from Vera, she speaking with a feline smile. "Ollie's girlfriend." 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity puts on a smile for Vera, trying not to focus on the woman has perfect teeth. And a perfect nose. Her eyes are a color that make her seem like some kind of exotic creature. And then the body. Oliver sure can pick them. "Nice to meet you, Miss Martinelli," Felicity says, offering her hand to the woman, the portfolio shifting to her other hand. She doesn't pay close enough attention, tipping it forward while it's not fully closed and photos start to fall out of it. Vera shakes Felicity's hand briefly before discarding it, and paying the blond no more mind as Felicity lets out a small eek at the photos falling to the ground, a good dozen of them. Vera's attention is back to Oliver while Felicity kneels and begins picking them up. "Dinner sounds great, I'm absolutely famished, Ollie," she tells him. "Shall we?" 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' Oliver watches the interaction between the two women, his face having now turned to a more serene expression. But why is he having to make the effort? That gets him to ponder until he notices the photos beginning to fall out. A press of his lips to a line and then he eases himself down on a knee to help pick up the photos, "Soon enough. We are but getting finished here. I thought we could go italian tonight." he continues speaking up to Vera, perhaps a distracting maneuver so as for him not to be forced away, still having to finish his meeting with Felicity. As the photos are being handed back to Felicity for safekeeping he smiles faintly, he knows how important they are to her. But then he is back up and turning to face Vera, "Do you mind giving us a moment? Just so we can get finished here." Vera arches one rather finely-trimmed brow, "Mmmm, very well, but let's be quick. I still wish to go downtown. I saw these marvellous shoes that I think would go wonderfully with my dress for the christmas party." 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity takes the photos back, slipping then back into the portfolio and, once they are inside, securing it better than before. Her eyes flit to Oliver for a moment, a grateful expression as he hands them over. She doesn't say anything as Oliver and Vera speak, just gets back up with a brief dusting of her knees. Felicity holds the portfolio in her hand, up against her torso protectively. She drifts away, giving Vera and Oliver the illusion of privacy at least, like a good employee, even if she's there in the room with them. When Vera makes to leave Felicity gives her a nod of her head and then picks up the tablet, turning back to Oliver quietly. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' The door is closed behind them, the clickclack of heels heard just outside as Vera picks up her phone, apparently calling a friend. Voices are muffled though so nothing can really be perceived, one way or the other. Oliver turns his eyes to Felicity when Vera leaves, a smile stays on his lips. "I didn't expect her to be here tonight. I apologize, I wish we'd have had more time to go through your photos. Perhaps another time?" he says, apparently not having lost his humor, he enjoyed what little time they had together. He walks over to the couch to pick up the tablet and hand it back to Felicity. "Thank you for showing me a piece of the city that I often cannot see in such a manner." The tone is genuine, eyes down on Felicity. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity smiles to Oliver and says, "Thank you for your kind comments on them. If you'd like," she says of going through them another time. Though she isn't sure if he means that or is saying it to be nice, so there won't be another meeting set up for it of her doing, at least. Felicity looks up to Oliver. "I liked having you see them," she admits to him, but then glances towards the glass door and wall, as if worried she might be showing too much on her face. "Vera's very lovely. You're a lucky man," she says, forcing a brave smile to her face to congratulate him. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "Mmmm.." Oliver mentions about the 'lucky man' part, but then eventually offers a nod, even if only to answer Felicity's words, "Depends on the day, I'd say. But thank you." he says, then questions in a conversational manner. At least without any kind intention behind it. "Do you have someone that makes you happy as well?" a bit of a personal question perhaps, but then again they have shared enough of their persons that they have a bit more than a simple work relationship. He then walks to his desk, picking up his phone, jacket. "Shall we be on our way then? Vera will have my head otherwise." he is probably kidding. 

:'''{{#var:1361|Felicity Smoak (1361)}} has posed:''' Felicity holds the portfolio and tablet not unlike a schoolgirl with her books, both arms around, held against her body. Oliver's neutral answer about his luck is noticed though Felicity tries not to show too much on her face from it. The question to her about someone in her own life, yields a quick shake of her head. "No. I mean, there's a delivery guy who always brings a little treat but... don't think that's the sense you meant," she says, expression showing just a little bit of humor. The blond woman nods and moves towards the door with Oliver. "Yes, I don't want to mess up your evening," she tells him. "Thank you," she tells him before they pass out through the door. 

:'''{{#var:181|Green Arrow (181)}} has posed:''' "A treat? Well, it would depend if it's chocolate or not." Oliver says with some levity to it, "I just discovered the chocolate cherry flavor a couple of days ago, I was quite impressed." but he doesn't explain how it was through a energy power bar given by Carrie after he got himself a good beating by her Sifu, because they reach the door, "You did not mess up my evening. If anything you did brighten it. I will be thinking of lollipops." and then the door opens and they are out. Vera turns off the phone, "There you are. Shall we?" a simple brief smile to Felicity and then off to the elevators they are. 
}}

10430/X-men: Irresistible Force vs Immovable Object

2019-12-14T05:05:43Z

Kirby:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/12/14
|Location=Robert Moses Niagara Dam, Lewiston, New York
|Synopsis=Blob and Juggernaut's partnership comes to blows, and the X-men arrive to save a dam and power plant from being collateral damage.
|Cast of Characters=296,1258,169,56,1157,18
|Cast of NPCs=282
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' The alerts on the communication devices of the various X-men had gone off on the chilly December evening. Professor Xavier's face, voice, or words appeared depending on the device the member of the team had handy. "My X-men. I've detected a mutant-related disturbance to the north, at the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant. Fred Dukes escaped from prison recently and is involved, but I've not yet been able to ascertain more than that. Take the Blackbird and investigate the situation, apprehending Dukes and returning him to jail if you are able," Professor Xavier told the team. Kitty Pryde sprinted through the school, not bothering with the elevator but phasing down through the floor to get to the X-men base once she was overtop of it. A quick change in the locker room had her X-man uniform on and then she was rushing to the Blackbird along with teammates. "We stopped Blob and a pair of other mutants from robbing a bank... what, two months ago? He probably won't be happy to see us since we're responsible for him landing back in jail," Kitty says. Lockheed settles down on her shoulder and Kitty waits for everyone to be readied that is coming on the plane, before launching the SR-77 down the long tunnel that lets it take off away from the school. Soon the stealth craft is tearing through the skies, towards the nearby Canadian-US border. 

:'''{{#var:1258|Samuel Guthrie (1258)}} has posed:''' Samuel Guthrie has heard the call, and grabbed his uniform, and is on his way down to the jet. He is hopping on one foot tugging his boot on. He looks over to the group and says "Who were the other two, and do we know if they broke out or if anyone else did with him. Might give us a heads up on him not being alone. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' Settling into his own jumpseat designed for his tail, Kurt sighs, having teleported into the hangar to help not smoke out the jet, lookin to Kitty as the craft is set in motion. "They need to put him somewhere he can't just... burst out of. This frequent? Either their not paying attention, or he's being let out, ja?" 

:'''{{#var:56|Ororo Munroe (56)}} has posed:''' Ororo moves swiftly as well as soon as the call comes out. A signal that she's on the way to the Blackbird, and moving as fast as she can. The weather goddess jobs up the ramp in bare feet, her boots in her left hand and a little knapsack in the other. "Seats and seatbelts," Ororo reminds everyone. She steps into the co-pilot seat and helps Kitty with the pre-flight checks before the jet takes off. 

:'''{{#var:1157|Dani Moonstar (1157)}} has posed:''' Dani Moonstar sits down on her seat, and straps in. Her eyes look over the team for a moment, as she struggles to determine why she was coming on this mission. She hears the call, and responds, especially when Ororo calls for seatbelts. Nodding without looking, she hears the "click" as she follows orders. "I know, right?" Dani says to Kurt, as she agrees with him 100 percent. Then, Sam, "I am sure it is his normal friends in the Brotherhood. It seems like they run thicker than water." A brief glance at Kitty, and she was good to go. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty has the airplane heading for Niagara, which is close enough it will be a short trip. She pulls up what news there is on the jailbreak. "No mention of the other two. The Designer and the Shrinker they called themselves. Think Shrinker was just using technology, don't know if he had a mutant power," she says. "And, sounds like Blob was broken out. Says here... the fences were torn down and large holes smashed through the walls all the way to the cell of Dukes, under the cover of some enormous gas cloud that obscured all the cameras, allowing him to escape." The jet flies in over the destination at a low altitude for a jet, but still away up in the air. Beneath, the Niagara River flows on. The famed falls are several miles distant. A dam constructed on the river here is home to the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant that supplies electricity to much of the region. As the plane flies in low, the X-men will quickly get an idea who might have smashed through prison thick walls to get Blob out. It's Juggernaut. Only Juggernaut and Blob seem to be squaring off against each other, nearby to the dam. Juggernaut grabs a pickup truck and hurls it at Blob. Fred Dukes lets out only the smallest cry of pain from the impact, the truck bouncing off his blubber. Juggernaut yells, his voice picked up by the Blackbird's surveillance suite, "I should have known breaking you out and partnering with you was a mistake! You're pathetic!" Blob grabs hold of a vehicle of his own, this one a small gasoline truck. "I didn't even need your help to get out! I had it handled! But you're botching the whole plan!" He throws it at Juggernaut, who runs at it rather than just letting it hit him. He smashes through, the truck exploding but Juggernaut coming out of the other side of the fireball. Kitty looks back at the team. "I'll fly down low to drop everyone off, then go land the plane," she offers. "We have to contain them. Especially with that dam nearby. If they damage it, it could send a flood down river, take out all the tourists at the dam!" She does so, bringing the plane in for a drop off near to the fight. 

:'''{{#var:1258|Samuel Guthrie (1258)}} has posed:''' Samuel Guthrie will ride beside Dani as he chats with her along the way. He will look to Dani. "Old School ride to the ground?' He will ask her as he stands once he is there offering his back to his team mate. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' "Verdammnt..." Kurt actually swears at the sight of it, expression drawn out... Muttering under his breath he stand and stretches. "I am heading down to scout... when you need a distraction let me know, I'll do what I can, ja?" turning on his comms and then BAMF! He disappears into smoke. 

:'''{{#var:56|Ororo Munroe (56)}} has posed:''' Ororo unbuckles her safety harness. "Make your best speed back, Kitty," Ororo advises the woman. She clasps Kitty's forearm with a familiar affection and gets to her feet. Already her eyes are filming over. She opens the rear bay door, the wind tugging at her mohawk'd white hair. "Everyone, remember to be careful. Blob is very difficult to injure and Juggernaut is nearly impossible to stop. I will need a few minutes to ready the field," she advises them. "Be careful." She steps into the air and takes off in silent flight. Overhead, newly forming stormclouds lurk with ominous intent. 

:'''{{#var:1157|Dani Moonstar (1157)}} has posed:''' Dani watches as Kurt disappears, wrinkles her nose, and says, "Now, how does that help?" Unbuckling her belt, Dani stands, and supports herself against the chair carefully. Listening to the "briefing" she nods. "Thanks Kitty! No way to get down there without some help! Brightwind is home safe and sound, and without him, I don't fly." Then, Ororo flies off. Cursing, Dani makes her way to the hatch, and looks down. "Well now, isn't that just perfect. Juggernaut. Blob. Two immovable objects. Perfect. Remind me why I cam along again?" Looking over her shoulder. "Guess I'm coming with you Sam? Old school ride it is! One more for the road?" She offers one of her oldest friends her right hand, and puts it over his shoulder, followed by her left, trust evident in her eyes. "I hate this...." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Lockheed goes with the rest of the team. Once everyone has departed the Blackbird, the engines whine and there's the heat distortion beneath as the engine output increases to lift the black plane back higher into the sky. It begins moving forward and peels off, heading for the outskirts of the power planet to a parking lot which is empty enough to make for a good parking spot. Juggernaut and Blob are facing off across a stretch of road. The main buildings of the power plant are behind Blob, about 40 feet away. Generators are likely below ground inside the dam. Behind Juggernaut is the dam. It is a 200 feet drop from the top down to the water. White water roars out of the dam to spill into the river and continue on towards the Falls a few miles distant. There is a road across the top of the dam, and a few small maintenance buildings with entries to the substructure. Along the road that is serving as the battle ground, all sorts of vehicles are parked. From the sedans and SUVs of employees, to maintenance and fuel trucks. Burning fuel from the exploded gasoline truck sends a tower of dirty black smoke into the sky. Blob turns to look at the Blackbird as the engine's roar is heard. "Oh, the X-men! I owe them something good!" he shouts, smashing a huge palm into a fist. Juggernaut doesn't seem to care though. He charges at Blob, who turns back to just in time to see the attack. The collision is a marvel to see. Blob's fat jiggles like a bowl of jello in an earthquake, while Juggernaut flips forward, up and over Blob to land on his stomach in the road, now closer to the power plant and Blob closer to the dam. 

:'''{{#var:1258|Samuel Guthrie (1258)}} has posed:''' Samuel Guthrie will drop out of the plan and after a moment or two he kicks in his blast field. He will call to Dani. "You and me on helmet head?" He will ask her. "Ah will keep him busy, and try to knock the helmet off, and you come up from behind and pry it off if Ah don't get it knocked off. Then you put what ever he fears between him and the damn?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' BAMF! Kurt appears, clinging to Duke's back, "Fred! Fred! Calm down! You were doing something illegal ja?" knowing there's little he can do to harm him to knock him out, Wagner taps him on the head with his tail, "Come now Fred, come quietly and we'll get ice cream on the way back to where you are supposed to be! I promise!" He does. Everyone deserves forgiveness... and rocky road. 

:'''{{#var:56|Ororo Munroe (56)}} has posed:''' Ororo calls down a heavy torrent of rain the second the moisture in the air allows her. It's a concentrated deluge as heavy as a hurricane's precipitation, in an area perhaps fifty feet wide. The water sluices over the smoking gas fire and helps squelch the flames and fumes before it can expand any more. "Nightcrawler!" Ororo says over their communications equipment. "Can you teleport the two of them away from the buildings?" she inquires. Overhead, far beyond anyone's perception, an icy wind starts to form. Kurt's powers are far from insignificant, but Fred and Cain are... massive, to put it bluntly. 

:'''{{#var:1157|Dani Moonstar (1157)}} has posed:''' "Sounds like a plan Sam." Dani says while gritting her teeth. This was a part she hates. Not flying under her own powers. "Drop me off and I will see what I can do." Dani watches as the ground gets closer, fast. We make a great team Sam...okay...good to go when you are!" Dani hangs on tight, and readiers herself for the drop. Watching the battle, things slow down a bit, as her vision comes into focus. A swift, precognitive vision hits her, as she sees that people were going to be hurt if they didn't stop these villains, asap. "Dammit...rain..." Dani watches as Ororo lights things up. "I hate the rain..." She spots Kurt as he bamfs onto Blob. "This is going to get messy..." Her right hand twitches, but right now, it was hanging onto Sam for dear life. "Why do we do these things Sam?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Blob's head is ringing after being hit by Juggernaut. He staggers and turns, seeing Juggernaut face down, but quickly getting back to his feet. "Hah! You fargin' pansy!" Blob yells, though he's swaying just a bit. "I-" Kurt's sudden appearance on Fred Dukes' back brings with it that scent of brimstone which makes Blob grimace. "Nightcrawler!" he exclaims, he tries to twist about and reach the blue mutant where he's clinging to Blob's back. "I'll serve you ice cream through a straw after I break your face!" he says, swinging a huge first towards the mutant on his back. Juggernaut gets up, the sudden rainstorm drawing his attention. "Storm, you X-men can't just leave well enough alone, can you!?" he yells. He points a huge hand back at Blob. "And them showing up isn't getting you off the hook either!" Juggernaut jogs over to where a few cars are parked. He grabs an SUV on either side of him, and hurls first one, and then the other towards Blob. Kitty meanwhile is hoofing it, still a distance away. Lockheed circles overhead, waiting for a moment he can help out advantageously. 

:'''{{#var:1258|Samuel Guthrie (1258)}} has posed:''' Samuel Guthrie comes in low slowing down just enough for Dani to jump off, and not get hurt as she does it. "Cause it is the right thing to do, that or we are just crazy and enjoy chaos." He will smile over to her, glad for his goggles in the rain. Once Dani is off, he will head straight for the Juggernaut and is prepared not to do much more than get his attention. He does aim for the blow to hit the helmet, expecting to be bounced off at an angle. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' BAMF! <"Copy Storm. I can get one, but it's going to take it out of me... and they'll be hurt. But I can get one of them. Just let me know who?"> It's probably Cain, he's going to have to jump on Cain's face, he just knows it. This is going to be like teleporting the Hulk or something. He's already up on one of the buildings, watching the two mammoths, smoke blowing away from where he was and now is. 

:'''{{#var:56|Ororo Munroe (56)}} has posed:''' Judgement call time. "Get Fred out of here," Ororo tells Kurt. "I can at least slow Marko down. We can attend Fred later. X-men! The terrain is going to get a little slippery," Ororo warns them. "Moonstar, Cannonball! Keep Juggernaut off balance for me!" The rainfall increases rather suddenly. Such is her skill that it lands almost exclusively around Juggernaut. A controlled motion brings icy winds whipping up around him in an attempt to frost Juggernaut over and freeze the ground underfoot into an icy slick. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' Having not been at the mansion when the call went out, Psylocke is able to make it to the location despite that. Took a few jumps to reach her destination but it worked out in the end. Although, of course, she's late to the party. Out of a shadow near one of the vehicles, a form begins to rise upward. It is nebulous at first then takes the shape of a human. Then a woman with glowing eyes and a red tattoo flaring over one of them. A moment later, Psylocke manifests. She speaks into the comms. "Ever so sorry for my tardiness. Telepathic communication available if you wish to utilize it." Or they can stick to comms. She's easy either way. "I may be able to take Blob out of the fight if I can get close enough. Not sure if he is resistant to a psiblade. Now as for Juggernaut, without that helmet being removed, he's untouchable by my powers. Unless.." She ponders. "I can get him into a shadow and port him somewhere else." She moves around the car she was near. "Gentlemen, there is no need for fighting, I'm certain. Try using you words instead of your fists." She is drawing the attention of the combatants if she can to give her teammates openings. 

:'''{{#var:1157|Dani Moonstar (1157)}} has posed:''' Leaping off Sam's back, Dani smiles. Perfect spot. "Thanks Sam!" Dani salutes, and takes a moment to get her bearings now that she was no longer travelling at 300 kph. Watching as Sam charges ahead, she takes a moment to shake her head, smile, and then get herself ready. Maneuvering behind Juggernaut, Dani reaches behind her, to the sheath that she keeps her most potent weapon. Bequeathed to her by Odin himself, her fingers wrap around the handle to Gugnir, the Spear of Odin. With a deep breath she draws the spear, at this time keeping it small and ready to spring into action. Hopefully, it wouldn't be needed, as her mutant powers should be able to take care of this. Dani starts to concentrate, but knows that Cain's helmet was problematic. However, Sam's blow did not dislodge the helmet. With a deep breath, she swings Gugnir at the crevices between Marko's head and the helmet...not to kill, but dislodge the helmet! 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Cannonball slams into Juggernaut, staggering him but the blow fails to remove this helmet as hoped. Perhaps it loosens it though as he pulls it down on his head more tightly. "I'll break you in half, little man!" he screams at Cannonball. Blob's hamlike fist misses Kurt as Nightcrawler ports away to the side of the building. The first SUV that Juggernaut threw at him hits Fred in the head and staggers him, but his feet lock to the ground after that and the second car just bounces off, the Jeep Bronco cartwheeling until it comes to a stop on its side. Juggernaut hears Psylocke's suggestion to use words instead of fists. "How about if I use a Volvo instead," he says, grabbing a nice yellow classic 1985 Volvo that poor Mike in Accounting has spent a lot of time restoring. Juggernaut's fingers dent the metal as he sends the car spinning like a frisbee as it is thrown at Psylocke. "Yeah, who do you think you are telling us what to do!?" Blob yells. He grabs one of the damaged SUV's and hurls it into the air towards Storm! Meanwhile the rain is lashing down around Juggernaut, wetting the area, and then the chill winds come sweeping down out of the sky, starting to freeze it over. "Oh that's cold, Storm!" he yells, and is about to grab another car to join the assault on Storm, when Dani's spear hits him in the back at the bottom of the helmet. It starts to pop up and off, though Cain Marko grabs hold of it as it is leaving his head, able to keep from losing it, but for the moment it's removed. 

:'''{{#var:1258|Samuel Guthrie (1258)}} has posed:''' Samuel Guthrie flys off Juggernaut's helm in an odd angle. As he flies away he goes near a flag pole, and he will grab it as he cuts his power. This is a move Kurt taught him. Momentum swings him around and he is kicking his power back in to head towards Juggy. This lets him come back much quicker than he would normally with a much sharper turn. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' Just breathe. Concentrate, breathe. Like Charles has said. Confidence. Kurt stands sideways on the building hands folded for a moment, lips moving as he draws himself up mentally. <"Copy, Storm."> a quick breath. Another. Once more. Another prayer on his lips, BAMF! Kurt appears on Blob's chest, face to face with Fred. "DEEP BREATH!!" shouted as if trying to warn someone about a bomb going off, hoping he can get Dukes to do just... one thing before he slaps the locator beacon on his belt and; BAMF! Fred and Kurt are gone. The sound is like a thunderclap, and the smoke in their wake is like an indigo fog bank rolling down the road. So much mass moved at once, so much air displaced, there is nothing subtle about the teleportation. A quarter mile away, in a field he saw nearby, BAMF! Fred Dukes and Kurt Wagner reappear. Kurt is smoking and Fred's eyes are glazed and his face is a rictus of agony as everything about him hurts, from his skin to his bones. When the Man who Cannot Be Hurt starts to tumble, so to does Kurt. Hitting the grass and curling into a fetal position, tail tucked in, a few clicking sounds from his throat making it out onto comms. 

:'''{{#var:56|Ororo Munroe (56)}} has posed:''' Ororo deftly avoids the car flung up at her. At that distance it's like watching a softball being lobbed to the outfield. She dances sideways in midair and keeps that howling stream of ice and water steady on Cain's location. <Psylocke!> The psychic cry is one Betsy would hear quite audibly. <I can keep pressure on Cain. Get to Kurt and get him to safety if he needs help. We'll deal with Blob later, it'll take him a minute to get back to us. Everyone else, keep Cain off-balance. He'll drop eventually!> 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' As the vehicle comes toward her, Psylocke does what any wise person would do. She hits the deck, landing on her toes and hands as the vehicle goes overhead. She leaps back to her feet, frowning. "This is why we continue to be at odds. You refuse to act in a civilized manner." She was about to call on Kurt for a teleport to try to reach Blob but instead, Kurt removes him from the field. She frowns and lets her powers reach out, starting close and moving outward in a circle in an attempt to locate the elf, even as Ororo reaches to her telepathically. <On it.> When she finds him, she leaps for the nearest shadow, as though diving into a pool. Her body shifts to a shadow form as she touches it then disappears beneath the surface. A moment later, she is appearing by the Blob (who is large enough to create a nice shadow) and rushing to Kurt's side. "Are you alright?" 

:'''{{#var:1157|Dani Moonstar (1157)}} has posed:''' Dani Moonstar shivers. Not just from the rain hitting her, not just from the cold that was seeping through her costume, but from the use of the spear as it strikes Juggernaut's helm. Something was there, a barrier, and she felt it right down to her fingers. A magic feedback that /almost/ makes her drop the spear. "Ouch!" Dani screams, as though her fingers were burned. That didn't stop her though, as she brings her full empathic powers to bare, even through the pain. That, she would deal with later. Now, she unleashes agony and fear and pain and death upon Cain Marko, the Juggernaut, under his helm, a plethora of darkness from the mind and spirit of a Valkyrie. A gift, from Psyche. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' The flagpole maneuver works brilliant as Cannonball does a 180 and zooms back at Juggernaut, hitting him with a resounding CRACK! and sending the helmet flying from Juggernaut's hand. The man's face is exposed now, ice building on his eyelashes and on one side of his head where the cold winds are blowing from. "C-C-Christ, w-w-woman!" he curses at Storm, his earlier joke about her being cold not seeming as funny now. His feet slips on the ice as he tries to run and pick up speed, heading towards the dam as if to create something for the X-men to deal with besides himself. The ice is doing a good job of slowing him. Dani Moonstar's emotional influence strikes just then. Cain grabs at his head, blubbering. "No, you always loved Charles more," he sobs, and then cringes, stumbling and falling on the ice as he covers himself up as if he were taking blows capable of hurting him. "Father, I'm sorry," he bawls, memories that match the emotions dredged up by what he's feeling. Meanwhile, Kurt moves a MASSIVE amount of man through the Brimstone Dimension. Blob sags forward, gagging and wretching. "You... feh... gah... how do you stand it," Blob says. And then he vomits. Three of the Big Blaster Burger value meals from Big Belly Burger, plus four fruit pies and three of the molten chocolate mini-cakes. All gone just like that. Blob staggers back to his feet. "Gonna murder you now, Kurt," he says. "Your ma can be mad at me," he says as he takes a step towards Nightcrawler, only to find Psylocke rushing to the blue mutant's aid. "Ok, two for one," he says, still a bit dazed from what he went through. He charges at Psylocke. He's normally freakishly fast and dexterous for his size, but is a bit off from what he breathed in. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' "Ja... ja. Thank you Betsy. It's a lot of mass to move, I'll be fine... Just... drag me to a tree to lean against?" Breath in hard drags, the glow of his eyes dim, Kurt doesn't try to move himself - there are jagged balls of razorblades in all of his joints, his skin is three sizes too tight, and every breath tastes like copper and fire. Then Fred is moving again, and Kurt's chest sags as he watches the man. "Betsy... I'm going to need a drink..." getting shakily to his feet... "Shadow move with me... Get yourself up to speed... be ready to hit him hard... you'll know when." 

:'''{{#var:56|Ororo Munroe (56)}} has posed:''' Ororo keeps the bulk of that rain and wind driving down onto Cain Marko. There's only so much even her exceptional control allows, but the weather goddess does make best effort to spare Sam and Dani from all but the fringes of the blizzard she's calling down on Cain. Water hits him and instantly freezes. It seeps down his collar and into his armor. Joints bind and *crack* as they impede his movement more and more. Thirty seconds later, Juggernaut's almost completely entombed in a cocoon of ice two inches thick. <Dani! Sam! Help Betsy deal with Fred-- I will ensure Mr. Marko doesn't rejoin us,>" she instructs the other two mutants on the ground. 

:'''{{#var:1258|Samuel Guthrie (1258)}} has posed:''' Samuel Guthrie turns again,this time it takes him a bit wider to make his turn, and since it is going to be a wider turn, he will come around and will come back at Jugs from the direction of the dam. As he gets lined up there is a moment he feels bad for the man, but he knows the man has to be stopped. Then Storm calls him off before he can kick in the speed and he will fly over the man without hitting him. He will reach down to catch Dani if she is ready for it, making sure not to go to fast not wanting to hurt her, when he grabs her. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' "Kurt, sit. Rest. I have this well in hand." Even as she hears the telepathic link, Psylocke is rising and walking toward where Blob is resting. <You can focus on Juggernaut. He is the more dangerous threat. I have this well in hand. Or mind, perhaps would be a better statement.> One moment she is there for Blob's perceptions, then next she is gone. She uses her telepathy to hide herself even as she runs that distance to him. A hand is raised up near his head and she taps into the sum totatality of her psychic powers, the psiblade appearing and trying to simply insert blade into head. It should be enough to knock him out if she manages it. 

:'''{{#var:1157|Dani Moonstar (1157)}} has posed:''' "Ouch." Dani can feel the blizzard that Ororo is pulling down on Marko. Looking up at Storm, Dani frowns, and says, "You are the boss!" While heading towards the Blob, she concentrates on Marko as well, trying to keep him in his fantasy nightmare a little longer. To help Storm deal with him. As Sam swoops down, and catches her, Dani looks up at him, and smiles. "Thanks for the assist Sam. Always good to have a friendly face move me where I need to go!" Then, her eyes look at the target. The Blob. "This one should be a lot easier than Juggernaut..." Watching as Psylocke does the psychic dagger, and wincing in pain at the thought of that weapon hitting her. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' Nodding and laying back, Kurt groans and lays back again, ready to port to safety if he needs, otherwise letting the shadows grow around him, hiding him. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Cain's lost in the memories of the beatings given to him by his father, allowing Storm time to pile on thicker and thicker amounts of ice. Even when the emotional influence wears off, the cold makes it harder for him to get any part of himself moving to gather momentum, trying to use his strength to shatter the ice but Ororo has had too much time to build it up. Meanwhile Blob is just about to tear himself an Asian girl in half, to his thinking, pulling back a huge fist to clobber her with, when Psylocke disappears. The psychic powers assaulting him are ones that Fred J. Dukes has little defense against. He cries out, hands going to both sides of his head, face contorted in pain before he finally succumbs and tips forward. When he hits the ground the earth almost seems to jump a little bit. << I've called SHIELD and let them know we've got Dukes captured again, >> Kitty sends to the team. << And that there's a bonus prize. They have units enroute, 10 minutes out.>> Way off in the distance, a large cargo VTOL with a pair of quinjets flying escort can be seen, tiny dots in the sky for now, but working their way closer. 

:'''{{#var:1258|Samuel Guthrie (1258)}} has posed:''' Samuel Guthrie will land with Dani, as it seems they are not needed in the fight. "Cannoball express aims to please Chief." He will tell Dani. He stands near her, and says "You heard anything from Doug lately? Ah think he has been working too hard again lately, aint seen him much. Ah thought he was over it but worried a bit about him. As Storm calls them back to the blackbird he offers Dani his back again for the trip up. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' At the news from Kitty, Kurt sighs and clicks his comms, <"Tell SHIELD I'll get the paperwork filed after I wake up... I'm..."> the next sounds from him are deep breathing as he slips into exhausted sleep in the grass. 

:'''{{#var:56|Ororo Munroe (56)}} has posed:''' <Back to the Blackbird then, everyone,>" Ororo declares over the telepathic link. She speaks rather firmly. "<Let's be on our way before the SHIELD assets get here. I'd prefer not to have an awkward conversation with the constabulary about why we were in the area at all. Is anyone injured?>" Concern fills her voice, and Ororo flies over her wards as the team assembles and starts the walk back to the Blackbird. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' "If you trust me, I'll do the telepo--" Psylocke doesn't get to finish the sentence as Kurt passes out. <I'll be bringing in Kurt. I think he has just exhausted himself but he should be checked over.> With that, the shadows open to swallow them, only to have them reappear inside the Blackbird a moment later. 

:'''{{#var:1157|Dani Moonstar (1157)}} has posed:''' Dani Moonstar lands as Sam lets her go. She moves to stand beside Psylocke, and nods her approval. "Nice work. Remind me not to piss you off." Dani looks over at Cain and Storm, and says, "Or her." Dani slowly puts Gugnir away, and shivers, as though hit again with a premonition. It was like Odin was whispering to her through the spear...so far away. With a shake of her head, Dani turns, and smiles at Sam. "Thanks for the lift, Cannonball Express. Always fun flying the friendly skies. Nope, haven't heard anything...why is he okay?" Finally, with a glance at Kurt, Dani adds, "You okay Kurt?" Hearing Kitty and Ororo, Dani says, "Away, away we go." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Once the team is reassembled in the plane, and Kurt is strapped in and medical treatment started, the black stealth aircraft lifts back into the sky, invisible to the sensors on the incoming SHIELD aircraft. The plane accelerates away, flying off well away from the school. They'll loop around a long path before finally coming back, just showing caution as is normally done. Down below, Cain Marko shivers in ice, silently vowing revenge in his head. Being captured was one thing, dredging up the old memories was another. Frederick J. Dukes? He slumbers, drooling out on the snow. It'll take a pair of SHIELD agents in mandroid armor to lift him into the transport. And across the countryside, the people of Southern Canada and Northern New York enjoy their evenings inside of heated homes. They'll hear about a fight in the area on the news, but most will not give much thought to how they could have been affected had there not been heroes on hand to intervene. 
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