United Heroes MUSH - User contributions [en]

Lady Blackhawk

2020-10-14T21:07:47Z

Simone1:

{{CharacterNew
|NameOnMUSH=Lady Blackhawk
|Color=#333
|TextColor=#c1c1c1
|Char_id=817
|Img=https://tinyurl.com/ybmae3md
|FullName=Zinda Blake
|Gender=Female
|Species=Human
|Theme=DC
|Chartype=FC
|Active=Approved
|Occupation=Pilot/Adventurer
|Citizenship=American
|Residence=Metropolis
|Education=Bachelors at University of Alabama.
|Groups=[[Birds of Prey]]
|Quote=
|PAge=107
|AAge=107
|DOB=7 November 1920
|Height=170 cm (5'7")
|Weight=53 kg (117 lb)
|Hair=Blonde
|Eyes=Blue
|Actor=Kirsten Storms
|Song="Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins
|Profile=The last surviving Black hawk, the highest scoring female ace of all time. She was featured on recruitment posters, magazine covers and even painted on Combat aircraft the world over. Then in the twilight hours of the war, she vanished over the pacific without a trace. Until now, that is.
===Current Player Approved: August 10, 2020===
|Description=
'''Description:'''
 
Zinda Blake has been called an awful lot of things, but nobody ever accused her of being "too subtle" and it shows. Skin as white as alabaster, a complexion as clear as crystal. She's a younger thing then, clearly in her twenties and gifted with a lean athletic build. Her proportions are straight out of some kind of fourties pin up, and well thats no joke. Bright blue eyes, and the sort've smile that could melt steel beams. That long curly blonde hair of hers left in lazy sausage links, the package is decidedly classical then. The outfit of course, doesn't help dissuade from that opinion. A short black pleated skirt that doesn't get anywhere near her knees, calf high boots trimmed with neat brass rivets. A tight black T-shirt, and a beat up charcoal grey flight jacket with that distinctive bright orange liner and all.
|History=
'''History:'''
 
The Blake family was once upon a time best known for it's Bourbon, and was for a time one of the wealthiest families in Alabama. Abraham (Abe) Blake was born to wealth and privilege, though Abe himself was perhaps best known for his gambling habit. However when World War one kicked off, he used his family's influence to swing himself juicy posting. Whilst he might have become an aviator initially if only to get chicks, Abe fell in love with the flying more than anything. He'd go on to serve with distinction, by the end of the war he'd made Ace. Peacetime life however was hard on Abe, robbed of any adventure he eventually found himself headlining aerial circus acts across the US. It's there he met Annabelle Lisowski, a Polish Immigrant and wing walker. The couple married after just a few months, and by 1920 their daughter Zinda was born. Prohibition came later that same year, and officially at least it put "Blake Bourbon" out of business. The family resorted to bootlegging just to stay afloat, and of course Abe was hardly opposed to flying booze to wherever it needed to go. Zinda's childhood was a whirlwind of cross country trips, and flights to clandestine landing strips on her father's lap. When other girls were playing with dolls, Zinda was building scale models and helping her father wrench in the hangar. By 33' The family had enough booze money saved up to purchase Granville Aviation. By day she had the best tutors money could by, and then she'd slip down to the factory to help build aircraft. By 1936 not all was roses for Zinda, if only because she was stonewalled in her attempts to score her official ticket. Technically speaking "Zinda Blake" never got her pilot's license before the war, but "Blake Zinder" did. Even with her ticket, she was never taken seriously on account of both her age and her gender. So it was in stolen family hardware she entered the 1937 Bendix air race, and won. The victory was enough to open her entry into next year's race, but still she was up against a united front. She couldn't find sponsors, most major air races wouldn't permit her entry. 1937 was declared a fluke, and for 1938 she was placed in the unlimited class. There it was felt her machine would fail to compete, and her skills would come up short. Putting an end to all this nonsense, which had caused already a slow increase in women's attendance in flight schools nationwide. However her chances in 38' were lukewarm at best, her airplane was already borderline obsolete by 37' and the course for 38 was nearly double the distance. So she set to work, working with a limited budget with a looming deadline. The resulting "clipped Wing Killer", was considered unflyable at the time. With the deletion of most of the safety gear, much of it's structural reinforcement, the reduction of wingspan and control surfaces, and the addition of fuel tanks basically everywhere they fit? Competitors and race organizers alike begged her not to compete, She was going to get herself killed. When Zinda finally landed she had to be pulled out of the cockpit, and would go on to spend another week in the hospital for smoke inhalation, burns and a partially dislocated shoulder. However she had the 38' trophy in her room to keep her company, and finally sponsorships started popping up. Only war was looming on the horizon, and air racing was getting kind of stale really. So she flew to England to enlist, if only because it's what her father had done and well War seemed like a whole lot of fun. The Brits turned her down, as did the Free French, and the Polish Squadrons. She heard about the US entrance into the war in the lobby of a hotel in Stalingrad, after the Russians too had turned her down. She was going to miss the war at this rate. That's when she heard about the Blackhawks, and their activities in North Africa. They were an NGA, so surely they didn't have a rule against a woman joining right? So she made her way to Cairo, "borrowed" a beat up Ford Trimotor and headed into the desert. Only it wasn't the Blackhawks she ran into first, it was the Luftwaffe. Ordered down by a flight of 109s, she played along. A few of the pilots had heard of her racing exploits in America, and she's a woman so obviously she's no threat. So they had her for dinner, and they brought out the drinks. At which point Zinda abandoned her role as a civilian, and got to work. She drank half the base under the table, and then in the early morning hours snuck out of the mess tent. She snagged an armful of maps on her way, and "borrowed" a parked ME-109. Making good her escape in the predawn darkness, she used a lighter to plot a course to a patch of desert where the most 109s had gone down. Sure enough she didn't have long before she was intercepted by a flight of XF5s, with a white handkerchief held out the window to signal her surrender she was escorted to a remote airfield. Unfortunately Blackhawk himself wasn't sold on the idea, but with half the team down with busted hardware he didn't turn her away. Her spirits rallied by the prospect of having a shot, she spent the rest of the day and most of the night proving her mechanical expertise. It wasn't enough to get the whole squadron back in the air, so by the next morning she'd painted the captured 109 in Blackhawk colors and pressed for a chance at a tryout. From there she was granted provisional status, using her 109 to run recon flights and eventually seeing combat. Within a week of seeing her first combat, Zinda had four kills to her name and all doubts of her ability were erased. February of 1940, Zinda Blake put on the uniform for the first time and became "Lady Blackhawk" for the first time. As the war went on, slowly the thrill of aerial combat began to fade. Underslept, underfed, and bouncing between drunk and adrenaline withdrawals. She flew over mass graves, over masses of men drowning as burning ships sank beneath the waves. The howl of allied pilots as they were snuffed out, by 42' She'd stopped reading the newspapers. She stopped writing letters home, then she stopped reading those her parents sent. Gradually she disconnected herself from everything outside of the Blackhawks, but she never stopped flying. She developed steadily from a great pilot, into a true ace. The squadron gradually became family, her fellow pilots like brothers and she their sister. Enthusiasm became grim determination, and so came that legendary cool of hers. Even by 45' with the end of the war looming, there was no talk of retirement from anyone. Just quiet professional discussions about air bases in China, and the Red menace they all knew was coming. With the end of the war so close, she was drafted for a recon run over a chain of islands south of Tokyo, looking for evidence of mine laying. Mission complete, she radioed back she'd spotted a pair of zeroes and was engaging. 8:27AM September 1st, 1945 Lady Blackhawk herself goes missing. There was an exhaustive search performed, and though records revealed two zeroes were missing only the wreckage of one could be located. There were rumors of her capture, that she'd defected to the russians, been abducted by aliens, had fled and retired to obscurity somewhere. No trace of Zinda was to be found however. 77 years passed, and there had been books, comic books, even a few movies about her. Her home town of Randolph Alabama even erected a statue of her, albeit with a longer skirt for obvious reasons. The Blackhawks got old, ceased military operations in the late 50s and started flying freight. Granting Zinda 1/8th share should she or her descendants ever come forward. Then at 8:28AM September 1st, 2022 Zinda came back. The JSDF intercept ended in a near furball, until a USAF F-22 could get on scene and talk her down. There was a brief explosion of publicity whilst she was in Japan, before she was able to slip back into America under relative obscurity. Culture shock was real, but she had a veritable cornucopia of lovely new aircraft to keep herself occupied with. Since her return she's been somewhat adrift, flying freight isn't really her thing. Air racing is pretty much extinct, proper wars are muddy ugly things without the dignity of a proper air war. She went to college, got her Bachelors in Aerospace engineering. Spent some time getting her A&P certifications back, finally got a proper pilot's license under her legal name for the first time. Bought a house, bought some airplanes but for the most part Zinda's been somewhat adrift.
|Personality=
'''Personality:'''
 
At the bottom of it all, Zinda has a warriors heart. As Lady Blackhawk the flying ace, Shes cool, collected and utterly ruthless when necessary. Shes been shot, stabbed, tortured, brainwashed and killed more men than anyone should ever have to. As Zinda shes a hard drinking party girl,bubbly, kind and considerate. What ties that all together is a profound appreciation for just how fleeting and delicate life can be. It should be protected at all costs certainly, and enjoyed to its fullest otherwise. So she does indeed tend to give out somewhat accidental "Mother hen vibes", it's not her fault nobody knows how to cook worth a damn anymore.
|Abilities=
'''Blake Special 003:'''
 
The 003 is a cleansheet advanced propeller fighter aircraft, put together shortly after Zinda's return to keep herself busy. There were no shortage of aviation engineers and even a few companies who were eager to lend a hand with some of the more technologically intensive bits, but the majority is Zinda's work. Constructed primarily from carbon composite, aircraft aluminum, titanium and powered by an Inverted supercharged and turbocharged V-12 driving a contrarotating propeller through an infinitely variable gearbox. For a prop driven plane the 003 is quite fast, capable of nearly six hundred miles an hour at altitude and capable of almost nine thousand feet a minute in a climb. It's G rated well in excess of what a human skeleton can survive, and lacks any digitized flight control scheme save for engine management. The result is an aircraft which is borderline uncontrollable by anyone but Zinda, and more than able to keep up with a pilot of her caliber. It's war load is fully removable, and fairly light by WW2 standards. A pair of fifty cals in the wings, and a rail gun mounted centerline firing through the propeller hub. There are hard points for additional bombs, drop tanks and missiles when necessary. The resulting Ferry range is around 1900 miles, or 450 on internal fuel only. There is space for a passenger behind the cockpit, but it's pretty cramped and intended primarily for important luggage like booze and smokes. Painted in the distinctive blue and Red of the Blackhawks, it might be a fearsome prop plane but it's hardly subtle.
|Skills=
'''A&p:'''
 
Zinda's family business was aircraft, and she spent most of her free time in the factory helping out. She was a certified A&P before the war, played mechanic throughout the war and got recertified when she returned. She builds aircraft from scratch for fun, so wrenching on the odd car or fixing the coffee maker is no problem. Whilst she's no wizard with most of the advanced aeronautical systems in aircraft today, she's more than able to work her way through the problem given enough time. 
'''Ace Pilot:'''
 
If it flies, Zinda can fly it. She's been around aviation her entire life, and has the accolades to prove it. Certified to fly virtually every type of aircraft in circulation, a national championship air racer, aerobatic pilot and of course fighter pilot. Her stick and rudder skills were legendary to begin with, and were honed to a razor's edge during five years of full scale global warfare. WW2's confirmed deadliest female ace, and one of the top aces overall of the war. From biplanes to stealth fighters, if it flies she's dangerous. 
'''Brawler:'''
 
Zinda's never been trained by mysterious kung-fu masters from far away lands, and she has no idea what to do with a sword. She was shown how to box during the war, but beyond some basic instruction she's had mostly on the job training. She knows to keep her hands up, has a pretty amazing right hook and can zing a bottle of booze with remarkable accuracy. She's more than able to lay out your typical thugs, but against well trained opponents she tends to run out of skill fairly early. Not that she's above using a pair of brass knucks to level the playing field a little of course. 
'''Marksmanship:'''
 
She was raised in rural Alabama, so yes of course she knows how to shoot a gun. Her skill with a pistol, or even a pair of them at the same time is downright exceptional. Like most great fighter pilots she's downright surgical with a shotgun, more than able to bust clays or fast moving enemies when the need presents itself. She's quite familar with battle rifles, automatic weapons and even heavier man portable things like flame throwers and rocket launchers. 
'''Strategy:'''
 
Zora's understanding of strategy is largely confined to air combat, but it's quite in depth. Even in an age of guided missiles and stealth technology, the basics elementals of fighter strategy remain. She understands on a visceral level how to conduct air combat in both the tactical and the strategic sense. Whilst that does translate somewhat to broader ground wars, it becomes more simplistic as the area of expertise diverges of course.
|Resources=
'''Blackhawk Aircraft:'''
 
In addition to a hangar full of old busted planes, and one hotrod Zinda's been busy buying aircraft for the Blackhawks. Most of that is surplus fighter aircraft, which is more than enough for the usual low intensity work the Blackhawks specialize in. Theres also a 737 Freighter gutted to carry her Blake Special, a pair of PC-24 and a smattering of helicopters. All in all it's mostly out of date, but it's likely enough to get a new Blackhawks air wing started. 
'''Blackhawk Freight:'''
 
The core business concern of the old Blackhawks evolved into Blackhawk Freight, a large multinational Freight airline. The Corporate side generally is not thrilled that Zinda is back, or that her skirt is dramatically shorter than was previously believed. Zinda likewise doesn't much like the airline being run by a bunch of businessmen who aren't even pilots. Whilst the pilots who work for Blackhawk, and many in management think the world of Zinda corporate is more than eager to pay her to stay away. She maintains access to their fleet of aircraft, and supply lines for parts and equipment. Generally this just means she can collect fairly fat paychecks, and get a discount on more "conventional" aircraft purchases. 
'''Blackhawk Island:'''
 
The island was kept somewhat operational as a matter of contract well after the Blackhawks stopped flying sorties, though it took Zinda's return to get it in shape oncemore. Above ground the Island looks just as derelict as it has for many years, and it's still absent from the majority of flight charts in ciculation. The Runway has been repaired and strenghtened to cope with modern aircraft, the control tower was brought back online and the radar replaced with more modern kit. The hangars, generators and living quarters were all moved below ground with aircraft access via a large elevator. The Island is in international waters, and remains outside of US authority. 
'''Fame:'''
 
The Lady Blackhawk is rightly, famous in some circles even today. She was a contemporary of the original Black Canary, knew the original Spy smasher. Her image graced recruiting posters, and tales of her exploits made their way into comic books and movies. She broke barriers for women in Aviation, and she had the concrete accomplishments necessary to back up all that praise. She's been painted on American combat aircraft since the second world war, and even now is happy to drop by officer's clubs and military dive bars when invited. As a result more than a few pilots both former and retired, are quite willing to extend her a favor now and then. Even a hot tip if they think she needs it. A modern fighter jet of her very own, or free roam of a military base? No. Free hangar space, help finding spare parts or a free drink? Certainly. 
'''Petting Zoo:'''
 
The Blackhawks kept buying combat aircraft well into the early years of the cold war, and were eager buyers of surplused combat aircraft from the second world war. The result is a collection of aircraft in varying states of disrepair which spans aproximately 1939-1950. Zinda continues to "adopt" discarded surplus aircraft to this day of course, resulting in an impressive collection of vintage air power. The majority of these are far from operational, but they are complete and ready to be restored when she has the money and time.
|Weaknesses=
'''Cocky:'''
 
Like any good fighter Pilot, Zinda knows she can win this no matter the odds. That sense of boundless self confidence is probably legit when she's in the cockpit, but there really isn't an off switch. Superhuman, Mutant, enormous terror beast? Yeah if she thinks it needs fighting, she's liable to wade right in there and get to swinging or shooting. No matter how obvious it should be that she's overmatched, that the odds aren't in her favor and that it's hopeless? She's likely to keep going until the bloody end, never doubting that somehow, someway she'll catch it on the river card. That sort've swagger also tends to come off as either arrogant or downright stupid, and really it's as essential as air to her being. 
'''Oldskool:'''
 
She's done an admirable job really, but she's still only somewhat computer literate. She can get online and surf the web, she knows how to run diagnostics on an aircraft or work a modern cockpit. However still pecks at the keyboard, is occasionally baffled by her smartphone and has absolutely no grasp of programming. She misses pop culture references left and right, finds much of modern slang baffling, and some social conventions still don't sit right with her. To a hacker she's an easy target, but thankfully her relative discomfort with modern conviences does limit just how destructive they might be.
}}
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[[Category:Birds of Prey]]

Lady Blackhawk

2020-10-14T21:05:25Z

Simone1:

Lady Blackhawk

2020-10-14T21:04:37Z

Simone1:

Lady Blackhawk

2020-10-14T21:04:03Z

Simone1:

Lady Blackhawk

2020-10-14T21:02:30Z

Simone1:

Lady Blackhawk

2020-10-14T21:01:16Z

Simone1:

Lady Blackhawk

2020-10-14T21:00:48Z

Simone1:

Jennifer Kale

2020-07-30T15:28:01Z

Simone1:

{{CharacterNew
|NameOnMUSH=Jennifer Kale
|Color=#333
|TextColor=#c1c1c1
|Char_id=1733
|Img=https://i.imgur.com/zEFHS93.jpg
|FullName=Jennifer Kale
|Gender=Female
|Species=Magician
|Theme=Marvel
|Chartype=FC
|Active=Dropped
|Occupation=Student / Sorceress
|Citizenship=United States of America
|Residence=Bludhaven
|Education=College Student / Sorcery Training
|Quote="Excuse me, there's a dimensional breach. The talking ducks again."
|Groups=[[Scooby Gang]], [[Mystic Arts]]
|PAge=20
|AAge=20
|DOB=31 October 2005
|Height=168 cm
|Weight=55.3 kg
|Hair=Blonde
|Eyes=Blue
|Actor=Heather Graham
|Song="Devil's Teeth" by Muddy Magnolias
|Profile=Jennifer Kale is a direct descent of the Atlantean sorceress Zhered-Na. She was raised in a magical tradition and further instructed by the near-immortal sorcerer Dakihm. With her education, her lineage and reading from the Tome of Zhered-Na, Jennifer has become one of the most power mystics on the planet. There's very little that Jennifer can't do except, it seems, get past her freshman year in college.
|Description=This woman stands between five and a half and six feet tall, depending on the shoes. Blonde hair tumbles down her back in long, curly locks and parted down the center. Dark brows arch over big, blue eyes. Her features are exotic, with a Patrician's nose and prominent cheeks that dimple when she smiles. Full lips and a strong jaw also make her lineage difficult to ascertain. She is slender, with the toned build of a dancer. The blue top has cap sleeves and a plunging neckline that shows a glimpse of cleavage. It's cropped high, tucked just under her bosom to completely bare her midriff. Bell-bottom jeans fit snugly, riding low on her hips. The snap is open to give a glimpse of black cotton in front. Flaring wide, only toes of her black boots peek out when she moves. A green dragon tattoo writhes along her left upper arm, its tail curling just past her elbow. Her only jewelry is a small charm on a thin necklace chain and wide, silver bracelets on each wrist.
|History=* In the last days of Atlantis, the sorceress Zhered-Na is given knowledge of all magic and records it in her grimoire. Worried that such magic is too powerful for humans, the gods of the time bind the Hellphyr, a magic eating creature, to the Tome of Zhered-Na. While any of Zhered-Na's descendants can open the Tome, the Hellphyr will attack unless both a child of heaven and a child of hell are also present. * Zhered-Na founds a cult to pass on her teachings to. The cult, and her family line, eventually becomes the Kale family. The Kales settle in Citrusville, Florida, on the edge of the swamp that houses the Nexus of All Realities. * Jennifer Kale and her brother Andrew, steal a mystic tome from their grandfather, the head of the Cult of Zhered-Na. Jennifer attempts to summon the demon Thog the Nether-Spawn. However, she does not cast the spell correctly and instead summons a minor demon that she cannot control. Jennifer and Andrew are saved from the demon by the Man-Thing, guardian of the Nexus of All Realities. * As the weeks go on, Jennifer develops a psychic connection to the Man-Thing. Dakimh, the last surviving member of the original Cult of Zhered-Na, kidnaps Jennifer and the Man-Thing to another dimension and tests them. Finding them worthy, Dakimh sends them back to Earth. * The Tome of Zhered-Na goes missing. This leaves the Earth vulnerable to invasion from Thog the Nether-Spawn and his legions. Jennifer works with Dakimh and the Man-Thing to recover the Tome and stop defeat Thog. Dakimh takes Jennifer as his apprentice. * Jennifer has a number of other adventures, forming a team of sorts with the Man-Thing and several other mystics. At one point. Dakimh dies but his spirit continues to tutor Jennifer in the mystic arts. She enrolls in college numerous times, having her studies interrupted each time by various supernatural emergencies. During her adventures the Tome is stolen and Hellphyr is released, then defeated again (with the help of others). The Tome of Zhered-Na was then returned to Jennifer, since it belongs to her family.
|Personality=Cultist: Let's be clear. Jennifer Kale was raised outside the traditional Judeo-Christian, hetero-normative, two-parent family. She was raised as a member of the Cult of Zhered-Na. She believes in good and evil but her morality isn't perfectly in-line with traditional Western culture. Like Romani and other "outsider" cultures, what some see as a crime, Jennifer sees as just part of the world. Good Old Girl: Jennifer Kale grew up in the swamps of Florida. While she's been exposed to the world at large she isn't what one would call refined and cultured. She knows how to mind her manners when she wants to but she's much more comfortable speaking her mind. Jennifer's just as happy to run with the guys as go shopping with the girls and her southern charm shows through in her accent, every time she speaks. Sarcastic: Jennifer tends to speak her mind. In fact, there are times when she could use an internal censor. To others, there are times when she seems dismissive and sharp tongued. She can't help making a pun or letting fly with what she considers a witty comment, especially when stressed. Sense of Duty: Despite herself, Jennifer has a strong sense of duty. Time and time again she has abandoned her own plans to build a better life in order to help a relative, a friend, or an ally. She has continued her magical studies, even when she wanted to give it all up, because she understands it is both her duty and her destiny to master to magics given to her ancestor, Zhered-Na. Stubborn: Jennifer tends not to give up. She tends not to do what she's told if she thinks it isn't right. She will happily and willfully stand up to authority if she feels it is the right thing to do. There are, in fact, times when she should back down and won't.
|Abilities='''MASTER SORCERY''' Jennifer is one of the most powerful mystics on the planet. She has both a large amount of raw power available to her and a great deal of training. She was raised in a magical tradition and further instructed by the near-immortal sorcerer, Dakihm. She has also had time to study the Tome of Zhered-Na. As a result, her mystical ability is great. With time and resources, there is little she can't accomplish. Her magic can be used to open portals, summon and control both energies and entities, shield, ward, and protect, analyze and observe, and more. Specific examples include the following: FLIGHT: Like many mages, Jennifer has mastered the basics of levitation. She knows several quick, easily castable spells that will lift both herself and others into the air. The spells don't involve a great deal of speed, however, and she can only fly roughly as fast as a bird flies. MIND CONTROL: Some of the most basic magic Jennifer knows involves befuddling the mind. This power can be represent as simple as mental domination or more complex, such as illusionism. She has skills in both, though she is not an expert in either. As an illusionist, her constructs are believable but often lacking in important details such as scent. As a mentalist, she can basically perform hypnosis spells that remove inhibitions or convince people to do what they might already be inclined to do but not act against their will. (Note: consent is required for use against PC's) MYSTIC BLAST: After the second time she got kidnapped, Jennifer made sure to memorize a number of offensive spells. They all boil down to a basic ray of magical force. Jennifer's basic mystic blast spell is about as strong as a rifle shot or a sword thrust. TELEPORT: Jennifer knows a very nice teleport spell that will allow her to travel several hundred miles in the blink of an eye. Not quite enough to go from Florida to New York City in an instant but enough to turn a journey of hours into a journey of minutes. '''SUPERNATURAL SHIELDING''' Jennifer has practiced and practiced and practiced her shielding spells so often and well that she can bring them up in a split second with a simple gesture. Her shielding spell is quite strong and provides a great deal of protection, turning away bullets and even blows from super-strong characters such as Spider=Man or Beast. Stronger characters blast directly through the shield, otherwise the limitations are based on her human-level endurance. The shield only works if she is conscious, of course.
|Skills='''DANCE''' Jennifer Kale is quite the dancer. In fact, that was her major during her longest stint in college. It helps that she grew up running around the swamps of Florida, leaping over downed trees and swinging around in the ones still standing. If she put her mind to it, Jennifer might have a chance at a pro dance career. '''MYSTIC KNOWLEDGE''' Jennifer was literally raised in the legacy of magic. A member of the Cult of Zhered-Na from birth, she learned magic at the same time she learned her ABCs. When she was older, she learned from one of the oldest and most powerful mages around, Dakimh. Since then, she has only expanded her knowledge and now it can be confidently said that she knows as much as most master sorcerers. Only the truly learned are her better in this field. '''NATURE EXPERT''' Born and raised in the swamps of Florida, Jennifer's learned quite a bit about survival and the outdoors. Her magic studies have helped as well, since many an herb, plant, or animal part has a use in potions and spells of all kinds. There really are magical uses for newt eyes, believe it or not. '''PROFESSIONAL STUDENT''' Jennifer has started and re-started college half a dozen times now. Despite being a little older than your average Freshman, she has never gathered enough credits to make it beyond that level of university life. Every time she enrolls, she ends up picking a new major and a new set of classes. Even though she doesn't seem to get a lot of traction, college is a really good source of information. '''PSYCHOLOGY''' Jennifer's had a chance to take a psych class or two in college. More importantly, she's studied the magic of the mind. In learning hypnosis spells and illusion spells she has gained a firm understanding of what motivates many people. How desires, wants, hates, and loves shape who we are and view our world. In addition, Jennifer's got a big mouth but under the right circumstances she can be a lot of fun. Something of a party girl, she enjoys a good time and her general joy can infect others. Of course, when it comes to a battle of wits, she's pretty good on her toes and has been known to win an insult contest or two.
|Resources='''CULT OF ZHERED-NA''' The Cult of Zhered-Na is one of the oldest mystical teachings on the planet, going back to the time of Atlantis. While the modern-day Cult doesn't have the same global presence that it once did, there are small communities of the faithful in most every major city. Jen can count on them for food and shelter in a pinch. '''DAY JOB''' Okay, so technically it's a night job. Whenever she's hard up for money (which is fairly often), Jen works as an exotic dancer at a place called the Juicy Orange in Citrusville. Her stage name is Witch Woman, and her costume is a metal bikini. '''MAN-THING''' Man-Thing was once a man, but is now a semi-sentient mass of vegetation that is nearly indestructible. Jennifer has a psychic connection to the Man-Thing and can always count on the swamp walker for aid. She communicates with it and in the course of being put into a combat arena for testing, they've established a good rapport. She considers Man-Thing as a companion and treats with it on equal terms. The distance for this communication is limited to a few miles without magical aid, such as spells and a handful of Man-Thing's native swamp mud. '''MYSTIC COMMUNITY''' Jennifer Kale is a member of Earth's mystic community. She also knows dozens of mystics, either personally or by reputation. Jen has even worked directly with some of them. In addition, she has the sort of pacts with extradimensional entities that are common among mages of high level and can call on them for power or aid if need be. '''TOME OF ZHERED-NA''' Jennifer is the sole heir to one of the oldest mystical traditions on the planet. She is the guardian of the Tome of Zhered-Na and is keeper of the legacy of ancient sorceries. Zhered-Na's disciples transcribed her prophecies into the tome, revealing secrets about two spirit worlds at opposite ends of infinity and many predictions in between. The tome is protected by an enchantment which only allows one of the Kale lineage to retrieve and use it, and only then if a representative from both divinity and underworld is assisting. The demon Hellphyr is trapped within its pages and will appear if this condition is not met.
|Weaknesses='''ENEMIES''' Over the years, Jennifer has made any number of enemies. The list starts with potent demons and moves straight through any number of guys calling themselves Satan. And that's just the ones she's personally ticked off. There's also any number of mystics, demons, and entities who would happily kidnap her, kill her, or worse for her power or because of her connection to the Man-Thing. '''ONLY HUMAN''' Jennifer is a mage of some power, however she is still human. Her power doesn't work well when she's asleep or unconscious or otherwise incapacitated. When she suffers extreme mental stress, she might well shut down and lose access to her powers as well. '''WEIRDNESS MAGNET''' Jennifer has tried to live a normal life. It just doesn't happen. Something always comes up. When you have as much magical power as Jennifer, weird stuff just continues to happen to you no matter what. Even when she's not involved, chances are she's going to be dragged in by some freak and random occurrence.
}}
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[[Category:Scooby Gang]][[Category:Mystic Arts]]

Jennifer Kale

2020-07-30T15:27:25Z

Simone1:

{{CharacterNew
|NameOnMUSH=Jennifer Kale
|Color=#333
|TextColor=#c1c1c1
|Char_id=1733
|Img=https://i.imgur.com/zEFHS93.jpg
|FullName=Jennifer Kale
|Gender=Female
|Species=Magician
|Theme=Marvel
|Chartype=FC
|Active=Dropped
|Occupation=Student / Sorceress
|Citizenship=United States of America
|Residence=Bludhaven
|Education=College Student / Sorcery Training
|Quote="Excuse me, there's a dimensional breach. The talking ducks again."
|Groups=[[Scooby Gang]], [[Mystic Arts]]
|PAge=20
|AAge=20
|DOB=31 October 2005
|Height=168 cm
|Weight=55.3 kg
|Hair=Blonde
|Eyes=Blue
|Actor=Heather Graham
|Song="Devil's Teeth" by Muddy Magnolias
|Profile=Jennifer Kale is a direct descent of the Atlantean sorceress Zhered-Na. She was raised in a magical tradition and further instructed by the near-immortal sorcerer Dakihm. With her education, her lineage and reading from the Tome of Zhered-Na, Jennifer has become one of the most power mystics on the planet. There's very little that Jennifer can't do except, it seems, get past her freshman year in college.
|Description=This woman stands between five and a half and six feet tall, depending on the shoes. Blonde hair tumbles down her back in long, curly locks and parted down the center. Dark brows arch over big, blue eyes. Her features are exotic, with a Patrician's nose and prominent cheeks that dimple when she smiles. Full lips and a strong jaw also make her lineage difficult to ascertain. She is slender, with the toned build of a dancer. The blue top has cap sleeves and a plunging neckline that shows a glimpse of cleavage. It's cropped high, tucked just under her bosom to completely bare her midriff. Bell-bottom jeans fit snugly, riding low on her hips. The snap is open to give a glimpse of black cotton in front. Flaring wide, only toes of her black boots peek out when she moves. A green dragon tattoo writhes along her left upper arm, its tail curling just past her elbow. Her only jewelry is a small charm on a thin necklace chain and wide, silver bracelets on each wrist.
|History=* In the last days of Atlantis, the sorceress Zhered-Na is given knowledge of all magic and records it in her grimoire. Worried that such magic is too powerful for humans, the gods of the time bind the Hellphyr, a magic eating creature, to the Tome of Zhered-Na. While any of Zhered-Na's descendants can open the Tome, the Hellphyr will attack unless both a child of heaven and a child of hell are also present. * Zhered-Na founds a cult to pass on her teachings to. The cult, and her family line, eventually becomes the Kale family. The Kales settle in Citrusville, Florida, on the edge of the swamp that houses the Nexus of All Realities. * Jennifer Kale and her brother Andrew, steal a mystic tome from their grandfather, the head of the Cult of Zhered-Na. Jennifer attempts to summon the demon Thog the Nether-Spawn. However, she does not cast the spell correctly and instead summons a minor demon that she cannot control. Jennifer and Andrew are saved from the demon by the Man-Thing, guardian of the Nexus of All Realities. * As the weeks go on, Jennifer develops a psychic connection to the Man-Thing. Dakimh, the last surviving member of the original Cult of Zhered-Na, kidnaps Jennifer and the Man-Thing to another dimension and tests them. Finding them worthy, Dakimh sends them back to Earth. * The Tome of Zhered-Na goes missing. This leaves the Earth vulnerable to invasion from Thog the Nether-Spawn and his legions. Jennifer works with Dakimh and the Man-Thing to recover the Tome and stop defeat Thog. Dakimh takes Jennifer as his apprentice. * Jennifer has a number of other adventures, forming a team of sorts with the Man-Thing and several other mystics. At one point. Dakimh dies but his spirit continues to tutor Jennifer in the mystic arts. She enrolls in college numerous times, having her studies interrupted each time by various supernatural emergencies. During her adventures the Tome is stolen and Hellphyr is released, then defeated again (with the help of others). The Tome of Zhered-Na was then returned to Jennifer, since it belongs to her family.
|Personality=Cultist: Let's be clear. Jennifer Kale was raised outside the traditional Judeo-Christian, hetero-normative, two-parent family. She was raised as a member of the Cult of Zhered-Na. She believes in good and evil but her morality isn't perfectly in-line with traditional Western culture. Like Romani and other "outsider" cultures, what some see as a crime, Jennifer sees as just part of the world. Good Old Girl: Jennifer Kale grew up in the swamps of Florida. While she's been exposed to the world at large she isn't what one would call refined and cultured. She knows how to mind her manners when she wants to but she's much more comfortable speaking her mind. Jennifer's just as happy to run with the guys as go shopping with the girls and her southern charm shows through in her accent, every time she speaks. Sarcastic: Jennifer tends to speak her mind. In fact, there are times when she could use an internal censor. To others, there are times when she seems dismissive and sharp tongued. She can't help making a pun or letting fly with what she considers a witty comment, especially when stressed. Sense of Duty: Despite herself, Jennifer has a strong sense of duty. Time and time again she has abandoned her own plans to build a better life in order to help a relative, a friend, or an ally. She has continued her magical studies, even when she wanted to give it all up, because she understands it is both her duty and her destiny to master to magics given to her ancestor, Zhered-Na. Stubborn: Jennifer tends not to give up. She tends not to do what she's told if she thinks it isn't right. She will happily and willfully stand up to authority if she feels it is the right thing to do. There are, in fact, times when she should back down and won't.
|Abilities='''MASTER SORCERY''' Jennifer is one of the most powerful mystics on the planet. She has both a large amount of raw power available to her and a great deal of training. She was raised in a magical tradition and further instructed by the near-immortal sorcerer, Dakihm. She has also had time to study the Tome of Zhered-Na. As a result, her mystical ability is great. With time and resources, there is little she can't accomplish. Her magic can be used to open portals, summon and control both energies and entities, shield, ward, and protect, analyze and observe, and more. Specific examples include the following: FLIGHT: Like many mages, Jennifer has mastered the basics of levitation. She knows several quick, easily castable spells that will lift both herself and others into the air. The spells don't involve a great deal of speed, however, and she can only fly roughly as fast as a bird flies. MIND CONTROL: Some of the most basic magic Jennifer knows involves befuddling the mind. This power can be represent as simple as mental domination or more complex, such as illusionism. She has skills in both, though she is not an expert in either. As an illusionist, her constructs are believable but often lacking in important details such as scent. As a mentalist, she can basically perform hypnosis spells that remove inhibitions or convince people to do what they might already be inclined to do but not act against their will. (Note: consent is required for use against PC's) MYSTIC BLAST: After the second time she got kidnapped, Jennifer made sure to memorize a number of offensive spells. They all boil down to a basic ray of magical force. Jennifer's basic mystic blast spell is about as strong as a rifle shot or a sword thrust. TELEPORT: Jennifer knows a very nice teleport spell that will allow her to travel several hundred miles in the blink of an eye. Not quite enough to go from Florida to New York City in an instant but enough to turn a journey of hours into a journey of minutes. '''SUPERNATURAL SHIELDING''' Jennifer has practiced and practiced and practiced her shielding spells so often and well that she can bring them up in a split second with a simple gesture. Her shielding spell is quite strong and provides a great deal of protection, turning away bullets and even blows from super-strong characters such as Spider=Man or Beast. Stronger characters blast directly through the shield, otherwise the limitations are based on her human-level endurance. The shield only works if she is conscious, of course.
|Skills='''DANCE''' Jennifer Kale is quite the dancer. In fact, that was her major during her longest stint in college. It helps that she grew up running around the swamps of Florida, leaping over downed trees and swinging around in the ones still standing. If she put her mind to it, Jennifer might have a chance at a pro dance career. '''MYSTIC KNOWLEDGE''' Jennifer was literally raised in the legacy of magic. A member of the Cult of Zhered-Na from birth, she learned magic at the same time she learned her ABCs. When she was older, she learned from one of the oldest and most powerful mages around, Dakimh. Since then, she has only expanded her knowledge and now it can be confidently said that she knows as much as most master sorcerers. Only the truly learned are her better in this field. '''NATURE EXPERT''' Born and raised in the swamps of Florida, Jennifer's learned quite a bit about survival and the outdoors. Her magic studies have helped as well, since many an herb, plant, or animal part has a use in potions and spells of all kinds. There really are magical uses for newt eyes, believe it or not. '''PROFESSIONAL STUDENT''' Jennifer has started and re-started college half a dozen times now. Despite being a little older than your average Freshman, she has never gathered enough credits to make it beyond that level of university life. Every time she enrolls, she ends up picking a new major and a new set of classes. Even though she doesn't seem to get a lot of traction, college is a really good source of information. '''PSYCHOLOGY''' Jennifer's had a chance to take a psych class or two in college. More importantly, she's studied the magic of the mind. In learning hypnosis spells and illusion spells she has gained a firm understanding of what motivates many people. How desires, wants, hates, and loves shape who we are and view our world. In addition, Jennifer's got a big mouth but under the right circumstances she can be a lot of fun. Something of a party girl, she enjoys a good time and her general joy can infect others. Of course, when it comes to a battle of wits, she's pretty good on her toes and has been known to win an insult contest or two.
|Resources='''CULT OF ZHERED-NA''' The Cult of Zhered-Na is one of the oldest mystical teachings on the planet, going back to the time of Atlantis. While the modern-day Cult doesn't have the same global presence that it once did, there are small communities of the faithful in most every major city. Jen can count on them for food and shelter in a pinch. '''DAY JOB''' Okay, so technically it's a night job. Whenever she's hard up for money (which is fairly often), Jen works as an exotic dancer at a place called the Juicy Orange in Citrusville. Her stage name is Witch Woman, and her costume is a metal bikini. '''MAN-THING''' Man-Thing was once a man, but is now a semi-sentient mass of vegetation that is nearly indestructible. Jennifer has a psychic connection to the Man-Thing and can always count on the swamp walker for aid. She communicates with it and in the course of being put into a combat arena for testing, they've established a good rapport. She considers Man-Thing as a companion and treats with it on equal terms. The distance for this communication is limited to a few miles without magical aid, such as spells and a handful of Man-Thing's native swamp mud. '''MYSTIC COMMUNITY''' Jennifer Kale is a member of Earth's mystic community. She also knows dozens of mystics, either personally or by reputation. Jen has even worked directly with some of them. In addition, she has the sort of pacts with extradimensional entities that are common among mages of high level and can call on them for power or aid if need be. '''TOME OF ZHERED-NA''' Jennifer is the sole heir to one of the oldest mystical traditions on the planet. She is the guardian of the Tome of Zhered-Na and is keeper of the legacy of ancient sorceries. Zhered-Na's disciples transcribed her prophecies into the tome, revealing secrets about two spirit worlds at opposite ends of infinity and many predictions in between. The tome is protected by an enchantment which only allows one of the Kale lineage to retrieve and use it, and only then if a representative from both divinity and underworld is assisting. The demon Hellphyr is trapped within its pages and will appear if this condition is not met.
|Weaknesses='''ENEMIES''' Over the years, Jennifer has made any number of enemies. The list starts with potent demons and moves straight through any number of guys calling themselves Satan. And that's just the ones she's personally ticked off. There's also any number of mystics, demons, and entities who would happily kidnap her, kill her, or worse for her power or because of her connection to the Man-Thing. '''ONLY HUMAN''' Jennifer is a mage of some power, however she is still human. Her power doesn't work well when she's asleep or unconscious or otherwise incapacitated. When she suffers extreme mental stress, she might well shut down and lose access to her powers as well. '''WEIRDNESS MAGNET''' Jennifer has tried to live a normal life. It just doesn't happen. Something always comes up. When you have as much magical power as Jennifer, weird stuff just continues to happen to you no matter what. Even when she's not involved, chances are she's going to be dragged in by some freak and random occurrence.
}}
<gallery>
JenniferSwamp.jpg
</gallery>
[[Category:Scooby Gang]][[Category:Mystic Arts]]

Jennifer Kale

2020-07-30T15:24:44Z

Simone1:

{{CharacterNew
|NameOnMUSH=Jennifer Kale
|Color=#333
|TextColor=#c1c1c1
|Char_id=1733
|Img=https://i.imgur.com/zEFHS93.jpg
|FullName=Jennifer Kale
|Gender=Female
|Species=Magician
|Theme=Marvel
|Chartype=FC
|Active=Dropped
|Occupation=Student / Sorceress
|Citizenship=United States of America
|Residence=Bludhaven
|Education=College Student / Sorcery Training
|Quote="Excuse me, there's a dimensional breach. The talking ducks again."
|Groups=[[Scooby Gang]], [[Mystic Arts]]
|PAge=20
|AAge=20
|DOB=31 October 2005
|Height=168 cm
|Weight=55.3 kg
|Hair=Blonde
|Eyes=Blue
|Actor=Heather Graham
|Song="Devil's Teeth" by Muddy Magnolias
|Profile=Jennifer Kale is a direct descent of the Atlantean sorceress Zhered-Na. She was raised in a magical tradition and further instructed by the near-immortal sorcerer Dakihm. With her education, her lineage and reading from the Tome of Zhered-Na, Jennifer has become one of the most power mystics on the planet. There's very little that Jennifer can't do except, it seems, get past her freshman year in college.
|Description=This woman stands between five and a half and six feet tall, depending on the shoes. Blonde hair tumbles down her back in long, curly locks and parted down the center. Dark brows arch over big, blue eyes. Her features are exotic, with a Patrician's nose and prominent cheeks that dimple when she smiles. Full lips and a strong jaw also make her lineage difficult to ascertain. She is slender, with the toned build of a dancer. The blue top has cap sleeves and a plunging neckline that shows a glimpse of cleavage. It's cropped high, tucked just under her bosom to completely bare her midriff. Bell-bottom jeans fit snugly, riding low on her hips. The snap is open to give a glimpse of black cotton in front. Flaring wide, only toes of her black boots peek out when she moves. A green dragon tattoo writhes along her left upper arm, its tail curling just past her elbow. Her only jewelry is a small charm on a thin necklace chain and wide, silver bracelets on each wrist.
|History=* In the last days of Atlantis, the sorceress Zhered-Na is given knowledge of all magic and records it in her grimoire. Worried that such magic is too powerful for humans, the gods of the time bind the Hellphyr, a magic eating creature, to the Tome of Zhered-Na. While any of Zhered-Na's descendants can open the Tome, the Hellphyr will attack unless both a child of heaven and a child of hell are also present. * Zhered-Na founds a cult to pass on her teachings to. The cult, and her family line, eventually becomes the Kale family. The Kales settle in Citrusville, Florida, on the edge of the swamp that houses the Nexus of All Realities. * Jennifer Kale and her brother Andrew, steal a mystic tome from their grandfather, the head of the Cult of Zhered-Na. Jennifer attempts to summon the demon Thog the Nether-Spawn. However, she does not cast the spell correctly and instead summons a minor demon that she cannot control. Jennifer and Andrew are saved from the demon by the Man-Thing, guardian of the Nexus of All Realities. * As the weeks go on, Jennifer develops a psychic connection to the Man-Thing. Dakimh, the last surviving member of the original Cult of Zhered-Na, kidnaps Jennifer and the Man-Thing to another dimension and tests them. Finding them worthy, Dakimh sends them back to Earth. * The Tome of Zhered-Na goes missing. This leaves the Earth vulnerable to invasion from Thog the Nether-Spawn and his legions. Jennifer works with Dakimh and the Man-Thing to recover the Tome and stop defeat Thog. Dakimh takes Jennifer as his apprentice. * Jennifer has a number of other adventures, forming a team of sorts with the Man-Thing and several other mystics. At one point. Dakimh dies but his spirit continues to tutor Jennifer in the mystic arts. She enrolls in college numerous times, having her studies interrupted each time by various supernatural emergencies. During her adventures the Tome is stolen and Hellphyr is released, then defeated again (with the help of others). The Tome of Zhered-Na was then returned to Jennifer, since it belongs to her family.
|Personality=Cultist: Let's be clear. Jennifer Kale was raised outside the traditional Judeo-Christian, hetero-normative, two-parent family. She was raised as a member of the Cult of Zhered-Na. She believes in good and evil but her morality isn't perfectly in-line with traditional Western culture. Like Romani and other "outsider" cultures, what some see as a crime, Jennifer sees as just part of the world. Good Old Girl: Jennifer Kale grew up in the swamps of Florida. While she's been exposed to the world at large she isn't what one would call refined and cultured. She knows how to mind her manners when she wants to but she's much more comfortable speaking her mind. Jennifer's just as happy to run with the guys as go shopping with the girls and her southern charm shows through in her accent, every time she speaks. Sarcastic: Jennifer tends to speak her mind. In fact, there are times when she could use an internal censor. To others, there are times when she seems dismissive and sharp tongued. She can't help making a pun or letting fly with what she considers a witty comment, especially when stressed. Sense of Duty: Despite herself, Jennifer has a strong sense of duty. Time and time again she has abandoned her own plans to build a better life in order to help a relative, a friend, or an ally. She has continued her magical studies, even when she wanted to give it all up, because she understands it is both her duty and her destiny to master to magics given to her ancestor, Zhered-Na. Stubborn: Jennifer tends not to give up. She tends not to do what she's told if she thinks it isn't right. She will happily and willfully stand up to authority if she feels it is the right thing to do. There are, in fact, times when she should back down and won't.
|Abilities='''MASTER SORCERY''' Jennifer is one of the most powerful mystics on the planet. She has both a large amount of raw power available to her and a great deal of training. She was raised in a magical tradition and further instructed by the near-immortal sorcerer, Dakihm. She has also had time to study the Tome of Zhered-Na. As a result, her mystical ability is great. With time and resources, there is little she can't accomplish. Her magic can be used to open portals, summon and control both energies and entities, shield, ward, and protect, analyze and observe, and more. Specific examples include the following: FLIGHT: Like many mages, Jennifer has mastered the basics of levitation. She knows several quick, easily castable spells that will lift both herself and others into the air. The spells don't involve a great deal of speed, however, and she can only fly roughly as fast as a bird flies. MIND CONTROL: Some of the most basic magic Jennifer knows involves befuddling the mind. This power can be represent as simple as mental domination or more complex, such as illusionism. She has skills in both, though she is not an expert in either. As an illusionist, her constructs are believable but often lacking in important details such as scent. As a mentalist, she can basically perform hypnosis spells that remove inhibitions or convince people to do what they might already be inclined to do but not act against their will. (Note: consent is required for use against PC's) MYSTIC BLAST: After the second time she got kidnapped, Jennifer made sure to memorize a number of offensive spells. They all boil down to a basic ray of magical force. Jennifer's basic mystic blast spell is about as strong as a rifle shot or a sword thrust. TELEPORT: Jennifer knows a very nice teleport spell that will allow her to travel several hundred miles in the blink of an eye. Not quite enough to go from Florida to New York City in an instant but enough to turn a journey of hours into a journey of minutes. '''SUPERNATURAL SHIELDING''' Jennifer has practiced and practiced and practiced her shielding spells so often and well that she can bring them up in a split second with a simple gesture. Her shielding spell is quite strong and provides a great deal of protection, turning away bullets and even blows from super-strong characters such as Spider=Man or Beast. Stronger characters blast directly through the shield, otherwise the limitations are based on her human-level endurance. The shield only works if she is conscious, of course.
|Skills='''DANCE''' Jennifer Kale is quite the dancer. In fact, that was her major during her longest stint in college. It helps that she grew up running around the swamps of Florida, leaping over downed trees and swinging around in the ones still standing. If she put her mind to it, Jennifer might have a chance at a pro dance career. '''MYSTIC KNOWLEDGE''' Jennifer was literally raised in the legacy of magic. A member of the Cult of Zhered-Na from birth, she learned magic at the same time she learned her ABCs. When she was older, she learned from one of the oldest and most powerful mages around, Dakimh. Since then, she has only expanded her knowledge and now it can be confidently said that she knows as much as most master sorcerers. Only the truly learned are her better in this field. '''NATURE EXPERT''' Born and raised in the swamps of Florida, Jennifer's learned quite a bit about survival and the outdoors. Her magic studies have helped as well, since many an herb, plant, or animal part has a use in potions and spells of all kinds. There really are magical uses for newt eyes, believe it or not. '''PROFESSIONAL STUDENT''' Jennifer has started and re-started college half a dozen times now. Despite being a little older than your average Freshman, she has never gathered enough credits to make it beyond that level of university life. Every time she enrolls, she ends up picking a new major and a new set of classes. Even though she doesn't seem to get a lot of traction, college is a really good source of information. '''PSYCHOLOGY''' Jennifer's had a chance to take a psych class or two in college. More importantly, she's studied the magic of the mind. In learning hypnosis spells and illusion spells she has gained a firm understanding of what motivates many people. How desires, wants, hates, and loves shape who we are and view our world. In addition, Jennifer's got a big mouth but under the right circumstances she can be a lot of fun. Something of a party girl, she enjoys a good time and her general joy can infect others. Of course, when it comes to a battle of wits, she's pretty good on her toes and has been known to win an insult contest or two.
|Resources='''CULT OF ZHERED-NA''' The Cult of Zhered-Na is one of the oldest mystical teachings on the planet, going back to the time of Atlantis. While the modern-day Cult doesn't have the same global presence that it once did, there are small communities of the faithful in most every major city. Jen can count on them for food and shelter in a pinch. '''DAY JOB''' Okay, so technically it's a night job. Whenever she's hard up for money (which is fairly often), Jen works as an exotic dancer at a place called the Juicy Orange in Citrusville. Her stage name is Witch Woman, and her costume is a metal bikini. '''MAN-THING''' Man-Thing was once a man, but is now a semi-sentient mass of vegetation that is nearly indestructible. Jennifer has a psychic connection to the Man-Thing and can always count on the swamp walker for aid. She communicates with it and in the course of being put into a combat arena for testing, they've established a good rapport. She considers Man-Thing as a companion and treats with it on equal terms. The distance for this communication is limited to a few miles without magical aid, such as spells and a handful of Man-Thing's native swamp mud. '''MYSTIC COMMUNITY''' Jennifer Kale is a member of Earth's mystic community. She also knows dozens of mystics, either personally or by reputation. Jen has even worked directly with some of them. In addition, she has the sort of pacts with extradimensional entities that are common among mages of high level and can call on them for power or aid if need be. '''TOME OF ZHERED-NA''' Jennifer is the sole heir to one of the oldest mystical traditions on the planet. She is the guardian of the Tome of Zhered-Na and is keeper of the legacy of ancient sorceries. Zhered-Na's disciples transcribed her prophecies into the tome, revealing secrets about two spirit worlds at opposite ends of infinity and many predictions in between. The tome is protected by an enchantment which only allows one of the Kale lineage to retrieve and use it, and only then if a representative from both divinity and underworld is assisting. The demon Hellphyr is trapped within its pages and will appear if this condition is not met.
|Weaknesses='''ENEMIES''' Over the years, Jennifer has made any number of enemies. The list starts with potent demons and moves straight through any number of guys calling themselves Satan. And that's just the ones she's personally ticked off. There's also any number of mystics, demons, and entities who would happily kidnap her, kill her, or worse for her power or because of her connection to the Man-Thing. '''ONLY HUMAN''' Jennifer is a mage of some power, however she is still human. Her power doesn't work well when she's asleep or unconscious or otherwise incapacitated. When she suffers extreme mental stress, she might well shut down and lose access to her powers as well. '''WEIRDNESS MAGNET''' Jennifer has tried to live a normal life. It just doesn't happen. Something always comes up. When you have as much magical power as Jennifer, weird stuff just continues to happen to you no matter what. Even when she's not involved, chances are she's going to be dragged in by some freak and random occurrence.
}}
<gallery>
https://imgur.com/L0x4MtD
</gallery>
[[Category:Scooby Gang]][[Category:Mystic Arts]]

Jennifer Kale

2020-07-30T15:23:56Z

Simone1:

{{CharacterNew
|NameOnMUSH=Jennifer Kale
|Color=#333
|TextColor=#c1c1c1
|Char_id=1733
|Img=https://i.imgur.com/zEFHS93.jpg
|FullName=Jennifer Kale
|Gender=Female
|Species=Magician
|Theme=Marvel
|Chartype=FC
|Active=Dropped
|Occupation=Student / Sorceress
|Citizenship=United States of America
|Residence=Bludhaven
|Education=College Student / Sorcery Training
|Quote="Excuse me, there's a dimensional breach. The talking ducks again."
|Groups=[[Scooby Gang]], [[Mystic Arts]]
|PAge=20
|AAge=20
|DOB=31 October 2005
|Height=168 cm
|Weight=55.3 kg
|Hair=Blonde
|Eyes=Blue
|Actor=Heather Graham
|Song="Devil's Teeth" by Muddy Magnolias
|Profile=Jennifer Kale is a direct descent of the Atlantean sorceress Zhered-Na. She was raised in a magical tradition and further instructed by the near-immortal sorcerer Dakihm. With her education, her lineage and reading from the Tome of Zhered-Na, Jennifer has become one of the most power mystics on the planet. There's very little that Jennifer can't do except, it seems, get past her freshman year in college.
|Description=This woman stands between five and a half and six feet tall, depending on the shoes. Blonde hair tumbles down her back in long, curly locks and parted down the center. Dark brows arch over big, blue eyes. Her features are exotic, with a Patrician's nose and prominent cheeks that dimple when she smiles. Full lips and a strong jaw also make her lineage difficult to ascertain. She is slender, with the toned build of a dancer. The blue top has cap sleeves and a plunging neckline that shows a glimpse of cleavage. It's cropped high, tucked just under her bosom to completely bare her midriff. Bell-bottom jeans fit snugly, riding low on her hips. The snap is open to give a glimpse of black cotton in front. Flaring wide, only toes of her black boots peek out when she moves. A green dragon tattoo writhes along her left upper arm, its tail curling just past her elbow. Her only jewelry is a small charm on a thin necklace chain and wide, silver bracelets on each wrist.
|History=* In the last days of Atlantis, the sorceress Zhered-Na is given knowledge of all magic and records it in her grimoire. Worried that such magic is too powerful for humans, the gods of the time bind the Hellphyr, a magic eating creature, to the Tome of Zhered-Na. While any of Zhered-Na's descendants can open the Tome, the Hellphyr will attack unless both a child of heaven and a child of hell are also present. * Zhered-Na founds a cult to pass on her teachings to. The cult, and her family line, eventually becomes the Kale family. The Kales settle in Citrusville, Florida, on the edge of the swamp that houses the Nexus of All Realities. * Jennifer Kale and her brother Andrew, steal a mystic tome from their grandfather, the head of the Cult of Zhered-Na. Jennifer attempts to summon the demon Thog the Nether-Spawn. However, she does not cast the spell correctly and instead summons a minor demon that she cannot control. Jennifer and Andrew are saved from the demon by the Man-Thing, guardian of the Nexus of All Realities. * As the weeks go on, Jennifer develops a psychic connection to the Man-Thing. Dakimh, the last surviving member of the original Cult of Zhered-Na, kidnaps Jennifer and the Man-Thing to another dimension and tests them. Finding them worthy, Dakimh sends them back to Earth. * The Tome of Zhered-Na goes missing. This leaves the Earth vulnerable to invasion from Thog the Nether-Spawn and his legions. Jennifer works with Dakimh and the Man-Thing to recover the Tome and stop defeat Thog. Dakimh takes Jennifer as his apprentice. * Jennifer has a number of other adventures, forming a team of sorts with the Man-Thing and several other mystics. At one point. Dakimh dies but his spirit continues to tutor Jennifer in the mystic arts. She enrolls in college numerous times, having her studies interrupted each time by various supernatural emergencies. During her adventures the Tome is stolen and Hellphyr is released, then defeated again (with the help of others). The Tome of Zhered-Na was then returned to Jennifer, since it belongs to her family.
|Personality=Cultist: Let's be clear. Jennifer Kale was raised outside the traditional Judeo-Christian, hetero-normative, two-parent family. She was raised as a member of the Cult of Zhered-Na. She believes in good and evil but her morality isn't perfectly in-line with traditional Western culture. Like Romani and other "outsider" cultures, what some see as a crime, Jennifer sees as just part of the world. Good Old Girl: Jennifer Kale grew up in the swamps of Florida. While she's been exposed to the world at large she isn't what one would call refined and cultured. She knows how to mind her manners when she wants to but she's much more comfortable speaking her mind. Jennifer's just as happy to run with the guys as go shopping with the girls and her southern charm shows through in her accent, every time she speaks. Sarcastic: Jennifer tends to speak her mind. In fact, there are times when she could use an internal censor. To others, there are times when she seems dismissive and sharp tongued. She can't help making a pun or letting fly with what she considers a witty comment, especially when stressed. Sense of Duty: Despite herself, Jennifer has a strong sense of duty. Time and time again she has abandoned her own plans to build a better life in order to help a relative, a friend, or an ally. She has continued her magical studies, even when she wanted to give it all up, because she understands it is both her duty and her destiny to master to magics given to her ancestor, Zhered-Na. Stubborn: Jennifer tends not to give up. She tends not to do what she's told if she thinks it isn't right. She will happily and willfully stand up to authority if she feels it is the right thing to do. There are, in fact, times when she should back down and won't.
|Abilities='''MASTER SORCERY''' Jennifer is one of the most powerful mystics on the planet. She has both a large amount of raw power available to her and a great deal of training. She was raised in a magical tradition and further instructed by the near-immortal sorcerer, Dakihm. She has also had time to study the Tome of Zhered-Na. As a result, her mystical ability is great. With time and resources, there is little she can't accomplish. Her magic can be used to open portals, summon and control both energies and entities, shield, ward, and protect, analyze and observe, and more. Specific examples include the following: FLIGHT: Like many mages, Jennifer has mastered the basics of levitation. She knows several quick, easily castable spells that will lift both herself and others into the air. The spells don't involve a great deal of speed, however, and she can only fly roughly as fast as a bird flies. MIND CONTROL: Some of the most basic magic Jennifer knows involves befuddling the mind. This power can be represent as simple as mental domination or more complex, such as illusionism. She has skills in both, though she is not an expert in either. As an illusionist, her constructs are believable but often lacking in important details such as scent. As a mentalist, she can basically perform hypnosis spells that remove inhibitions or convince people to do what they might already be inclined to do but not act against their will. (Note: consent is required for use against PC's) MYSTIC BLAST: After the second time she got kidnapped, Jennifer made sure to memorize a number of offensive spells. They all boil down to a basic ray of magical force. Jennifer's basic mystic blast spell is about as strong as a rifle shot or a sword thrust. TELEPORT: Jennifer knows a very nice teleport spell that will allow her to travel several hundred miles in the blink of an eye. Not quite enough to go from Florida to New York City in an instant but enough to turn a journey of hours into a journey of minutes. '''SUPERNATURAL SHIELDING''' Jennifer has practiced and practiced and practiced her shielding spells so often and well that she can bring them up in a split second with a simple gesture. Her shielding spell is quite strong and provides a great deal of protection, turning away bullets and even blows from super-strong characters such as Spider=Man or Beast. Stronger characters blast directly through the shield, otherwise the limitations are based on her human-level endurance. The shield only works if she is conscious, of course.
|Skills='''DANCE''' Jennifer Kale is quite the dancer. In fact, that was her major during her longest stint in college. It helps that she grew up running around the swamps of Florida, leaping over downed trees and swinging around in the ones still standing. If she put her mind to it, Jennifer might have a chance at a pro dance career. '''MYSTIC KNOWLEDGE''' Jennifer was literally raised in the legacy of magic. A member of the Cult of Zhered-Na from birth, she learned magic at the same time she learned her ABCs. When she was older, she learned from one of the oldest and most powerful mages around, Dakimh. Since then, she has only expanded her knowledge and now it can be confidently said that she knows as much as most master sorcerers. Only the truly learned are her better in this field. '''NATURE EXPERT''' Born and raised in the swamps of Florida, Jennifer's learned quite a bit about survival and the outdoors. Her magic studies have helped as well, since many an herb, plant, or animal part has a use in potions and spells of all kinds. There really are magical uses for newt eyes, believe it or not. '''PROFESSIONAL STUDENT''' Jennifer has started and re-started college half a dozen times now. Despite being a little older than your average Freshman, she has never gathered enough credits to make it beyond that level of university life. Every time she enrolls, she ends up picking a new major and a new set of classes. Even though she doesn't seem to get a lot of traction, college is a really good source of information. '''PSYCHOLOGY''' Jennifer's had a chance to take a psych class or two in college. More importantly, she's studied the magic of the mind. In learning hypnosis spells and illusion spells she has gained a firm understanding of what motivates many people. How desires, wants, hates, and loves shape who we are and view our world. In addition, Jennifer's got a big mouth but under the right circumstances she can be a lot of fun. Something of a party girl, she enjoys a good time and her general joy can infect others. Of course, when it comes to a battle of wits, she's pretty good on her toes and has been known to win an insult contest or two.
|Resources='''CULT OF ZHERED-NA''' The Cult of Zhered-Na is one of the oldest mystical teachings on the planet, going back to the time of Atlantis. While the modern-day Cult doesn't have the same global presence that it once did, there are small communities of the faithful in most every major city. Jen can count on them for food and shelter in a pinch. '''DAY JOB''' Okay, so technically it's a night job. Whenever she's hard up for money (which is fairly often), Jen works as an exotic dancer at a place called the Juicy Orange in Citrusville. Her stage name is Witch Woman, and her costume is a metal bikini. '''MAN-THING''' Man-Thing was once a man, but is now a semi-sentient mass of vegetation that is nearly indestructible. Jennifer has a psychic connection to the Man-Thing and can always count on the swamp walker for aid. She communicates with it and in the course of being put into a combat arena for testing, they've established a good rapport. She considers Man-Thing as a companion and treats with it on equal terms. The distance for this communication is limited to a few miles without magical aid, such as spells and a handful of Man-Thing's native swamp mud. '''MYSTIC COMMUNITY''' Jennifer Kale is a member of Earth's mystic community. She also knows dozens of mystics, either personally or by reputation. Jen has even worked directly with some of them. In addition, she has the sort of pacts with extradimensional entities that are common among mages of high level and can call on them for power or aid if need be. '''TOME OF ZHERED-NA''' Jennifer is the sole heir to one of the oldest mystical traditions on the planet. She is the guardian of the Tome of Zhered-Na and is keeper of the legacy of ancient sorceries. Zhered-Na's disciples transcribed her prophecies into the tome, revealing secrets about two spirit worlds at opposite ends of infinity and many predictions in between. The tome is protected by an enchantment which only allows one of the Kale lineage to retrieve and use it, and only then if a representative from both divinity and underworld is assisting. The demon Hellphyr is trapped within its pages and will appear if this condition is not met.
|Weaknesses='''ENEMIES''' Over the years, Jennifer has made any number of enemies. The list starts with potent demons and moves straight through any number of guys calling themselves Satan. And that's just the ones she's personally ticked off. There's also any number of mystics, demons, and entities who would happily kidnap her, kill her, or worse for her power or because of her connection to the Man-Thing. '''ONLY HUMAN''' Jennifer is a mage of some power, however she is still human. Her power doesn't work well when she's asleep or unconscious or otherwise incapacitated. When she suffers extreme mental stress, she might well shut down and lose access to her powers as well. '''WEIRDNESS MAGNET''' Jennifer has tried to live a normal life. It just doesn't happen. Something always comes up. When you have as much magical power as Jennifer, weird stuff just continues to happen to you no matter what. Even when she's not involved, chances are she's going to be dragged in by some freak and random occurrence.
}}
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[[Category:Scooby Gang]][[Category:Mystic Arts]]

8306/Blind Date Night

2019-07-14T13:39:19Z

Simone1: Batwoman has her dating site post answered. Meets a new heroine.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/07/13
|Location=Gotham City
|Synopsis=Batwoman has her dating site post answered. Meets a new heroine.
|Cast of Characters=7666,193
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:7666|Kally (7666)}} has posed:''' It was kind of weird for her in every way. She really hadn't had a dating life thanks to her raising and general oddness of her powers. Now, she saw an opportunity to not only meet more heroines but lso go on a date. However, she really never pictured one of her first real dates being on a rooftop in downtown Gotham at midnight. She really expected anything else. Now, she's standing here in her costume as Omnis, looking around slowly and then considering, "Really..." She looks at her phone and then looks up, "I mean...really." She sighs and then shakes her head. Even as a clocktower in the distance tolls midnight, she shakes her head slowly. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate Kane was admittedly a bit skeptical about an 'all superhero' dating site that was 'authenticated', no less. Which is why she proposed, through the intermediary, a neutral meeting on a rooftop. And she arrives early, of course. In fact, she waits for Omnis to check her phone and shake her head before making her presence known. The black and red shape separates from the shadow of a chimney overhang on the roof, the movement hitting the blonde's peripheral vision. The red cape flutters, and Batwoman offers a wide smile. "Sorry for the evasiveness, but I didn't last this long in the business by being careless." Her costume voice is usually full of gravel, but tonight it's more... husky. 

:'''{{#var:7666|Kally (7666)}} has posed:''' A blink as she hears the voice and sees something. She stares in surprise at Kate and then looks around before blinking, "How'd you..." She then looks down and considers, "Of course you are..." She then blinks a little, "So, umm, Batwoman, then." She nods her head a little and then takes a step toward her, smiling some, "I understand. I'm Omnis." she nods her head, "It's good to meet you." She nods, trying to switch gears from surprised to a little more mature as she walks a little closer, "I can't say this isn't a surprise." She nods her head as she looks over Batwoman a moment before looking back up, "Unexpected but not unwanted." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate Kane chuckles softly at the reaction, stepping slowly closer. "Trade secret." she replies lightly. And as if suddenly aware of the scrutiny that is likely less than... professional... her steps become a bit more playful. Slower. More deliberate. "Omnis? Not ringing any bells over here, I'm afraid. Then again, I don't get out of Gotham much." At least not as Batwoman. "I honestly wasn't sure how this thing would work, since most of us have at least one face we don't like to share." 

:'''{{#var:7666|Kally (7666)}} has posed:''' A shift of her eyes and she shrugs, "Well, I didn't know how it'd work either. I really didn't think..." She looks over at the city and then back at Kate, "Should have guessed it was someone like yourself though." She nods her head and then she frowns some, "And yeah, I'm not exactly super well known yet but then I guess you probably already saw how I arrived." She had actually left from a rooftop about a block away to this spot, "Right?" She nods her head, "So, I assure you I am a superhero and not just some weirdo who climbed up here." She smiles as she puts a hand on her hip and shifts her weight to one leg. She's flexing, yes, but then again this is sort of a date. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Batwoman's red lips pull back into a wide smile, the mask giving her face and almost beak-like visage. "I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, in any case." she offers. Step, sway. Step, sway. Step. And now the redhead in the tight, black costume is within the blonde's personal space. "So you didn't expect that Batwoman would be a skirt-chaser. I'll admit that I posted the ad partially to test the system." Pause. "But also partially because I'm bad at relationships, and I -am- a skirt-chaser." 

:'''{{#var:7666|Kally (7666)}} has posed:''' A slight blush paints her cheeks, hard to see through the mask but not invisible. She looks up at Batwoman, her eyes looking at the woman's whited out eyes. At this range, Kate can feel the air is cool. Cooler than before. It's almost seeming to radiate from the girl as she stares before she takes a slight step back with her right foot and her lips part ever so slightly. Her teeth slide along teeth as she does her best to stay calm, "Well, honestly, it is a surprise but the..." She looks away and to the right for a moemnt before looking back to Batwoman, "I mean, even a super site like that, who really expects to run into /the/ Batwoman?" 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "I like to think I'm full of surprises." Batwoman replies back. She eases a bit closer, nodding slowly. "I feel a bit of a chill. Is that you?" she asks casually. "I promise that I won't bite. So tell me, Omnis. What were you expecting, exactly? Aside from a cute redhead, that is." 

:'''{{#var:7666|Kally (7666)}} has posed:''' A smile as she doesn't step back this time, shifting a little forward. She bites her lip slightly before looking up to Kate, "Well, part of me had no idea. I knew that you were a redhead. I knew Batgirl was but I thought..." She looks back to Kate, "...how likley would it be taht they'd be the one to show up." She then looks down, kinda resting her eyes on Kate's chest a moment but as the eyes come back up, it was clear she was more looking down than looking at, "Part of me thought that some woman in a store bought suit might come walking out." She smiles a little wider and then she blinks, "Oh and yes." She raises up a hand, "That cold is me." She looks from her hand to Kate and offers it, "Warm to the touch, cold all around. It's part of who I am." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "I know Batgirl as well, but I promise you that we're not the same person." the older female Bat replies. "If you still think I'm some woman in cosplay outfit, I could jump off the side of the building." she offers. The smile beomes a soft chuckle, then. "Warm to touch, cold all around. Not sure that would work as a profile tag-line, Omnis." 

:'''{{#var:7666|Kally (7666)}} has posed:''' A chuckle and then she looks to the building's side, "I think maybe that outfit is a bit too impressive to be from a store." She then looks down, "Well, that's kinda why I am not putting it on my profile." She smirks as she looks up, "Hope it doesn't run you off. I can tone it down but I can't really get rid of it." She shrugs and looks up, "Still, what were you expecting?" 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' The black fabric is certainly unusual, especially the liquid sheen when it catches the light just so. Some sort of coating, no doubt. Batwoman shakes her head, adding a light shrug that flutters the red cape. "What was I expecting? I'm honestly not sure, but I'm pleased so far. Pretty blonde. Nice smile. Costume is a bit bright for me, but it suits you rather well. Fits well, too." Grin. "Now that we're both pretty comfortable that this isn't some sort of setup, you want to get coffee or something. Be a bit problematic in costume, of course." 

:'''{{#var:7666|Kally (7666)}} has posed:''' A hmm and then she looks to the side, "I suppose that'd be good." She looks up to her and then looks at her own costume, "True." She nods her head, "I always keep a change." She nods her head and looks over at Batwoman a moment and then hmms, "Though, I suppose that'd mean we'd need to meet each other in more than just costume." She nods her head and then she shrugs, "I don't mind, I haven't a lot to hide. What about you?" 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Batwoman considers for a moment, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "You should know that my 'secret' face is a pretty famous one." she offers. "There's a coffee shop in Old Gotham. Let's meet there in, say, an hour?" She gives the address as well. "Some of us can't fly, and I do want to primp a little." 

:'''{{#var:7666|Kally (7666)}} has posed:''' A blink and then she considers, "An hour..." She looks to the side and then nods, "Yeah, I can do an hour." She grins, "That'll give me time to get cleaned up as well." She nods. A big part of her excited, her wallet already crying as she gets an idea. Either way, she looks to Kate and then looks to the side of the building, looking down and nodding, "Meet you there." She then looks back with a smile. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Batwoman returns the nod, watching Omnis before returning the grin as well. It only takes a moment for the blonde to look away, and then Batwoman is just... gone. No sound, no words. Nothing. Gone. She might be hiding somewhere on the roof, waiting for the other woman to leave, or she might have just lept off of the building. Trade secret. In forty-seven minutes there's a red, 1953 Porche 550 Spyder parked outside a quiet little coffee shop in Old Gotham. Inside, at a booth near the back, sits Gotham socialite Kate Kane in a pair of sleek, black calf-length pants and a red camisole. Coincidence on the coloring? 

:'''{{#var:7666|Kally (7666)}} has posed:''' She had gone to find a store that was open late. She ended up settling on a big box store. She grabbed a new blue polo shirt that is drawn tight across her form. She had bought a pair of tight new blue jeans, nicer than any she owns so far. She went all out. Spent a full 40 dollars on them. She kept her red leather belt on for it. A pair of black boots finish her outfit, however, when she arrives she stares at the car out front and blinks several times. She seems unclear as to what she is getting herself into. Either way, she walks inside and looks around for a minute before she spots the one pale redhead in the whole place and starts toward the booth and smiles upon arrival, "Hey." She nods her head, "I was supposed to meet a cute redhead here." She nods her head, "Seen her?" 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:'''     Kate was watching for a blonde, of course, guessing that Omnis didn't opt for a wig (like Batwoman). Kate's hair is red, of course, but worn in a bob rather than a tumble of curls. She extends a shapely leg, rolling the ankle lazily as she replies with a smile. "No, but if you want to join me we can watch for her together." she offers. The flats she's wearing are designer label, and there's no coincidence that the lipstick is all Batwoman. "I'm Kate." 

:'''{{#var:7666|Kally (7666)}} has posed:''' That leg extension is not missed. She settles into the booth, looking over her face before saying, "And I'm Kally." She nods her head as she turns her head to look outside again and then look back, "That your car outside?" She asks and hmms as she tilts her head, "It's nice." She chuckles and nods her head before she reaches over to grab the small menu, "If my date doesn't show up, you can take her place." She nods and winks. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate Kane tilts her head, the smile becoming coy. "Well I -did- say that I was a socialite." she replies. "It's one of my cars." Taking a menu as well, Kate opens it while her gaze remains on Kally. "As it happens, I'm waiting for someone as well. Pretty blonde. Cool exterior, but warm to touch." 

:'''{{#var:7666|Kally (7666)}} has posed:''' A smile is given in return as she nods her head, "You did, I suppose." She nods again, "Though, I hardly expected that level of socialite." She nods her head even as the whole place grows just a bit colder. It only lasts a moment though the barista looks up with a blink of confusion. She then looks over at the pair before shrugging as the air begins to return to normal, "Well, I am at least warm. I can be cool, too, though." She nods her head as she takes a breath and then looks down, "So, shall we order some coffee?" She asks and then raises a hand to wave down the barista before looking to Kate, "If you are nice I'll show you my ride." She nods and waggles a brow, "It's a ten speed." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate Kane's nostrils twitch as the chill seeps from Kally, her expression remaining mostly neutral. Except for the coy twitch of her upper lip, that is. "So you said." she replies. "Hopefully your being cool doesn't extend past the physical." Putting the menu away, she laughs at the mention of the ten speed. "Tell you what, Kally. I'll give you a ride if you return the favor." 

:'''{{#var:7666|Kally (7666)}} has posed:''' A smile, "Sounds like a plan." She nods her head as she then looks over at the barista. She orders a latte with caramel. She then looks over at Kate, awaiting her order. Once finished, she looks back to Kate and leans forward, "So, what is a woman like you doing with such an interesting night life?" 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate Kane orders a double espresso. Black. And once the barista starts working on the order she leans forward, elbows lightly touching the table's edge. Shrugging, she replies. "You've read the papers, I'm sure. Daddy's a retired Colonel. Step-mother is an heiress. West Point. Dishonorable discharge. Partying. Drug use. One night stands." She pauses, easing back a little. "I was mugged one night. Almost. Batman was in the neighborhood, and I suddenly had a purpose." 

:'''{{#var:7666|Kally (7666)}} has posed:''' A blush and she looks to the side, "I uh..." She looks back, "I had a bit of an interesting upbringing and on the west coast." She shrugs, "I hope this doesn't come off the wrong way but yeah, I have heard of you but only sorta." She nods her head, "I really don't follow such things." She looks down and then up, "I do hope that the one night stand portion of things is over..." She nods her head and then looks around the table a little at one of those legs, "Though, I can't say it would be the worst thing to happen to me..." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate Kane smiles wryly, nodding. "That's actually refreshing to hear, Kally. I'm used to having my reputation preceed me." Kate looks down at her hands, then, lacing her fingers together. The nails are short, for practical reasons with a professional manicure. She extends her long legs again. "I can't make any promises, other than I'll be honest with you. I am who I am, and I've stopped trying to change that a long time ago." 

:'''{{#var:7666|Kally (7666)}} has posed:''' A look over at the barista a moment and then she looks back, "I guess that's all I can ask." She nods her head, "We all have our quirks." She smiles before she looks down at her hands a moment as she places tehm on the table and then looks up again, "Well, I have two dads who are, well, interesting. I was home schooled and then I ran away, basically." She shrugs, "Now I'm a delivery girl and a heroine." She nods her head, "Not much else to say. I certainly didn't do a lot of partying." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate Kane looks up from her hands to Kally's eyes, the smile warming. "Can't choose our family." she replies. "And you wouldn't be the first runaway to choose the hero business as a side job." Reaching out, she takes Kally's hands in her own. "This can be as public or as private as you want. No partying required." 

:'''{{#var:7666|Kally (7666)}} has posed:''' A smile as the hand is taken and she looks up, "I'd like private...to start with." She chuckles, "I really would prefer not to have my parents looking for me right away." She nods her head as she nods her head, "I don't want to deal with my family right away." She nods her head, "Either way..." She reaches out and takes the coffee with a smile, thanking the girl before looking back to Kate, "I am up for getting to know you better." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate Kane's expression goes wry once more and she nods. "Of course." she replies. Releasing Kally's hands after a brief squeeze, Kate takes her own coffee and raises it to sip as well. Slowly, watching the blonde over the rim of her cup. "Let's trade numbers, and I'll talk you through a -discreet- way to get into the Kane Building." She pauses, then adds. "Believe it or not, I can be discreet when I want to be. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better as well." 
}}

8275/Risky Business

2019-07-12T17:25:31Z

Simone1: Damian approaches Kate about stepping outside the lines.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/07/11
|Location=Gotham City
|Synopsis=Damian approaches Kate about stepping outside the lines.
|Cast of Characters=973,193
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:''' Damian sits thinking about things in what he must admit is a rather confortable chair. He looks around at the suite that is obviously not his with a sigh thinking to himself about what his goal was here. He had planned to do this alone, but Batman had mentioned Kate, and it was not wise to ignore him. He had done his due dilligance looking into her, as he does not sleep much he had a lot of time to do so. He would be wearing a League outfit that had the black padded clothing with the black leather like jacket over it. It looked old, but if one really looks the fiber would be strange as it isn't just cloth, and leather alone. He had the cloak down, and the white mask that covered all of his face off sitting in his lap as he sat in the dark. Finally deciding it was time to approach her he had waited for her to leave at night where he could get in. Not many look out the window anymore it seems so other then some quick motions to get away from the neighborhood watch ladies it was not difficult to get in. Given for him that just ment there wasn't any laser fields, or those creepy teeth things all over the floor. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Security in Kate Kane's penthouse apartment is high-end, but nothing nearly as fancy as the Bat Cave, or Oracle's Clocktower. That's by design, of course. After all, when one poses as a rich socialite, it wouldn't do to have a CIA-level security system in one's home. She returns early, at least by HER standards. Actually it's good that she returns at all instead of sleeping... elsewhere, truth be told. Returning after dinner and drinks, Kate is alone when she keys open the door. Wearing a strappy cocktail dress of green silk, she is putting the key into her matching clutch purse as she gives the apartment a once-over. Chair. Dark figure. Mask... off? By the time her brain registers that it's Damian, the purse drops to the floor as a distraction and she's holding a neat automatic in a military shooter's stance. The gun lowers and the redhead smirks. "People die that way, you know. Get you a drink, Damian?" 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:''' Damian hears her coming it isn't like she is being quiet so he waits with a quiet sigh. She opens the door, and as soon as he is spotted the light comes on as he pulls the cord. As he watches her he notes, "If you pulled the trigger I would of chosen incorrectly." after a moment he adds, "Water is just fine." then falls to silence in the chair. He is sitting more towards the edge so he isn't swinging his feet, already feeling short enough. He waits for the water before he continues, "I have a request, but it is dangerous despite your training, and I am wondering if you can, or should hear it." he takes a sip just telling her what is on his mind directly. He watches her, and would listen or just fall to silence if no words follow for a moment thinking before he continues. "It is to protect Gotham from a future threat before it escalates. It is pre-crime prevention which... is not really in the 'bosses' wheelhouse." he assumes she would figure out who he was talking about though he had no idea how bugged this place was. He takes another drink with a sigh, "And if you just want me to leave it will still get done with or without you. So I can go at any time." finishing it with a determined look on his face. He would go at it alone if needed, so she at least had the choice. He tried to be as clear and as percise as he could with his information though his tone was a stern one, as was his general look. Occastionally when he sighed he did get a thoughtfull look like he was trying to translate something, thinking hard about what to say before he says it. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate Kane thumbs the safety and raises the barrel to a 'check' position before slipping the gun back into the clutch purse. "If I would've pulled the trigger it would've been because I was sloppy." she replies. Heels click-click-click on the tile as she saunters towards the kitchen. Kate returns with two bottles of water, offering him one before sitting within close conversation distance. She's had wine this evening, the lingering aroma of stale cigarette smoke speaking of a possible club as well. He sips and she sips. And no, from her expression she doesn't seem to take offense when he questions her training. Kate nods slowly when the conversation takes a particular turn of direction, and she lifts a finger before rising. Crossing the room, she touches a button on what looks like a wall intercom... probably for the door or the garage. "White noise generator." she explains, returning to her seat. Damian is always serious, but this time he's even MORE serious than normal. "Military doctrine does not preclude pre-emptive actions. If this is big enough for -you- to seek assistance, then count me in. But I want as much detail as you can share with me. I like to plan my campaigns, not simply react to surprises." 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:''' Damian falls silent of course when she messages him to, but that isn't hard for him really as he hasn't said much yet. He nods to the military doctrine, though thinks about it for a moment, as she continues. He finally starts with what he does know, "There is a criminal organization moving into Gotham. I don't know much about them, but from what I have seen I want to say international." he shrugs a bit at that, "Normally no-one cares, they move in the Bats fight back, and everything goes to hell." He has seen it too many times already as he sips his water thinking about not the psychos not the thugs, but the groups of people who had plans for Gotham. "I do not know if you know much about me, but at one point I was the Heir to the Demon." he shakes his head at the thought of it "When my Grandfather stepped down I would run an organization of Assassisans.. They call themselves LoA or League of Assassins." He stands up, and moves a bit closer to the wall to look at some bobbles while he continues to talk, "I am not in it still, but they are a powerfull force. I plan to act like their spokesman here in Gotham. I need to convince this mysterious organization that they are stepping on the Leagues turf." Giving a small grin he adds, "They think it is LoA, and back off maybe after a little convincing, and no new people in Gotham. Bad guys still would be out there, but at least we can keep them from coming in here.." he shrugs to himself this time.. "All I have is a contact that is going to meet me, and tell me how they got ahold of them. A local." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate Kane settles back in her seat, stretching those long legs out as she takes another sip. She listens, putting on her 'impassive' face. All of the Bats have -that- face, of course. Being former military, it's one thing that comes easy for Kate. "I'm familiar with the League of Assassins, of course." As is everyone in Batman's organization. Swirling her water bottle, she grins a little as well. "You're putting a lot of weight in the League's reputation being able to spook this international organization, Damian. I know your Grandfather's reputation, as does almost everyone in the business. It's risky, but worth it." Kate pauses for a moment, then she asks the question. "What do you need from me, in all this?" 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:''' Damian nods, and thinks about it though she had to of known he wasn't sure if she had known that much so wanted to be clear early. He thinks about how to respond to the League comment, and nods. "It may not work you are right, but in the end I see three outcomes. Two are benificial, the third was going to happen anyway." he turns and looks at her, "Let me ask you, if we are posing as League members and we upset him, who is he going to go after?" he holds up a hand, "Assuming not us of course." He turns again not wanting to go into more as she already saw it was worth it so moved to her final question he paused before he answered. "Another set of eyes, I have a way of handling things that are rather.." he stops and thinks about it "Final.. I reconize you do not hold back either so you are a good limiter. In a way you would be the Jimmy Cricket to stop if things go to far. Second you have a different way of looking at things, and I don't know if it is a military or private organization." He shrugs to himself, "And if it goes to hell, I mean real bad misery loves company I guess." and gives a short small laugh at that one. Look at that Damian was even cracking jokes. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate Kane chuckles softly, crossing her feet at the ankles. "The real League, of course." she replies. "Who will deny everything, and potentially trace this all to you." The redhead pauses for a moment, before adding. "Then again, it's not like they've forgotten about you after all this time, have they?" No, she doesn't expect him to be worried. Her expression becomes more neutral, then. "I try to stay within the bounds set by your boss, of course." It's Batman's city, after all. "But yes, I do recognize that there are often times to make exceptions. But let's go in with a plan and contingencies. We're both good at improvising if the conversation goes sideways." 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:''' Damian nods, and looks at her, "No... no they have not. I have not told the other Bat Family as they worry about things that they do not understand." he shrugs a bit, "Well unlike him I do believe in sharing information, so I will let you know the location, time, and that the first person we are going to meet is Penguin." He goes back to his chair to sit, "It is rather simple someone paid him to let them in. It has to be him as no-one else has shown any influx of money from an outward source. And it is Penquin he would sell any thing or one." Damian looks at her, "The plan is to go in ask him nicely to tell us with implied threats and kind words." he looks at his hand, "If he doesn't then I say start with the pinky until he does." He makes a fist, and puts his hand down, "Though I doubt it will come to that thankfully he is also a coward. After what he tells us is when we can plan, but before that it is just guess work." Damian didn't like guess work and maybe he was like her in that regard. He also gave an address to an abandoned warehouse that was far enough out of the way that no-matter what happened there it would be undisterbed. Strangly enough knowing the Bat-Routes it is not on any that one might of seen so he also took into consideration avoiding the capes. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate Kane lifts a crimson brow, upper lip twitching a little at the mention of Penguin. "Am I to assume that Mr. Cobblepot has been keeping to the terms of his parole, then?" She almost looks amused at the possibility. "So you'll be the mouthpiece for this exchange, and I'll be the silent muscle?" Kate has sparred with Damian, and she finds that to be even more amusing. "If so, then I'll need some details to make a convincing costume. May take a little while, since you're not exactly my size." 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:''' Damian nods, to her slowly, "If that is what you prefer.." he reaches under the chair to pull out a duffle bag that was obviously there the whole time just pushed a bit back. "Your mesurements were on a medical file of course so I got something that would fit." he doesn't hand it over at first opening it instead. He reaches in and something jingles as he pulls out what looks to be rope. All over it are bells old used bells that still ding but it is a dull ding now after so long. He looks up at her, and holds out the rope for her to take. "First though you need to move like one of us." He pushes the duffle back under the chair and looks at her, "It is very simple.. If you want to act like a League member all you have to do is wear this.. and not make a noise" He shrugs, and looks at her, "It is cheesy I know, but it helps you learn to move differently without noticing it." He looks at her seriously, "I know you can do it as a Bat, but can you do it constantly.. Go a day without noise and you will be ready.. Oh, and just incase." he opens his cloak to show those same bells laying softly against the padded armor. When he got up, and walked about they did not make a sound. "The rest is just having the clothes so is easier." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate Kane chuckles softly, gaze lowering to the duffel with a knowing smile. No, she's not surprised in the least. Reaching out, she accepts the rope and gives the bells a light jingle. Amusement returns. "Does it always have to be about passing tests with the male Bats?" she quips. "I'll work with it." Yeah, challenge accepted. "Just so I can plan my social schedule, what is our time window for this meeting?" Passing the bells from one hand to the other, she opens the duffel to look inside at the costume. 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:''' As she pulls it out she would see while it to is padded armor it was a bit different from his. To Damian it was what his mother always wore so he thought absolutly nothing of it, though it was going to be a tight fit at least it had the cloak to go over it. Also thankfully it covered head to toe part of the clothing extra on the shirt to be pulled up to cover even the bottom of ones face. It also seemed to have what looked like a garter that would cover ones stomach, on it was a vast assortment of knives, vials, and other small throwable blades. Damian catches you looking at it and speaks up, "Don't mess with the belt yet.. Inside of the clothing is a list of everything on it. Some are posions, others are acids, all of it is ment to kill another living person." he knew she would not treat it as a toy, but one should know what is dangerous. Damian notes, "There is no mask, as this one is special." he pats the white mask he had earlier. "If you decide to use one, do not pick something silly or in anyway like this one. There is only one in the League, and I left with it so any other would give us away." He falls to silence thinking about it, "We do not use guns, do you know how to use a bow? If not it might be best to practice at least with the knives. I figure they would be more to your comfort." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate Kane handles the costume carefully, her hands professional dispite the cocktail dress and the well-heeled Jimmy Choo's. "I'll brush up on my knife-work, but it's been a little while since I've shot a bow." Special Forces use crossbows more often than bows, but it's all part of a well-rounded training regimen. Kate smirks as she checks out the various accessories. "Of course the League has their own form of 'utility belt'. Why not?" Carefully lowering the costume to her lap again, she considers. "My martial arts training is the standard mix of military styles, which would likely give me away in a protracted fight. We'll just have to be quick and make sure no one has the time to pay close attention." Kate takes another sip from the bottle, finishing it. "My face is in the tabloids every other week, so I want to cover it with something. I'm thinking something like a surgeon's mask over mouth and nose, covering everything but the eyes. If that works, then I just need to sharpen my skills." 
}}

6994/Meanwhile, Back in Club Mjolnir

2019-03-22T18:58:27Z

Simone1: Silver meets a real Valkyrie!

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/03/22
|Location=Club Mjolnir
|Synopsis=Silver meets a real Valkyrie!
|Cast of Characters=351, 1414
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:351|Silver Sablinova (351)}} has posed:''' For Silver, she's become a regular fixture at Mjolnir. It helps that the Wild Pack and her personal bodyguards like the atmosphere. It's not far from the UN if they're needed urgently across the water but it's on the other side of the invisible line of demarcation that makes the UN Assembly building 'sacred territory' where mere mercenaries are not allowed to relax. Silver's dressed in white today, white business slacks, jacket, periwinkle blue blouse with a white tie. The blouse's sleeves are rolled back over her jacket cuffs and three-inch spike bootheels peek out under the perfect cuff of her trouser leg. She's sitting at the bar in a place where her back's to the wall and she has clear line of sight to the door, and is eating a cold meal with a distracted hand while working on something on the tablet in her other hand. This task seems to be commanding most of her attention and she sets the tablet down with a sigh so she can rub her eyes. "Please, another beer?" she requests of the waitress as she walks past. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn has only -heard- of Club Mjolnir, but it's really not something she could pass up. At least to stick her head inside. She's been wandering Midgard pretty much ever since Ragnarok and the founding of New Asgard, although she finds her steps more often lingering in the Tri-State Area. The dusky-skinned woman steps inside, pausing to look around. Dark eyes brighten, a twitch of a smile forming on her lips as she checks out the decor. Boot heels scuff on the floor as she heads towards the bar. She's dressed in biker leathers, boots and jacket, with well-worn jeans and a Metallica t-shirt. Climbing up onto a stool a couple away from the white-haired business woman, Bryn rests an elbow on the bar. "Ale, unless the mead doesn't suck." 

:'''{{#var:351|Silver Sablinova (351)}} has posed:''' Silver glances over at Brynn. She's given a flickering head-to-toe. Less lascivious, though, than thorough. Hands, waist, ankles, wrists, ribs, face. Looking for concealed weapons or violent intent. "Make mine mead as well," Silver prompts the waitress before she starts drawing the drinks. They're pulled from an authnetic keg behind the counter and froth with a merry comportment despite being more or less 'mortal friendly'. "The mead here *is* good," Silver assures Brynn. "But as far as I know they serve nothing here that isn't exceptional." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn isn't carrying any weapons, although the attire might suggest otherwise. Her demeanor is casual and confident, sprinkled with plenty of amusement. The scrutiny is returned, Bryn's upper lip twitching a bit as she surveys the white suit. "Wasn't aware that this was a formal place." she offers. The bartender gets a nod on the mead. Settling back a bit on the bar stool, she takes another long, slow look around the place that ends with the replica of the legendary hammer mounted over the bar. "Pretty good likeness, that." she offers. "How long's this place been around? I don't get this way very often, but that could change." The dark-skinned woman has an accent, but it's difficult to place unless one is familiar with Asgardians. 

:'''{{#var:351|Silver Sablinova (351)}} has posed:''' "A month, I think," Silver says, answering Brynn's question. "Miracle Elle is the proprietor. I think Fisk is the owner, though," she remarks. "And no. Not formal wear. I come here from work, so going and getting changed is just a lot of detouring. If I get called back in, I might not be sober, but I won't be underdressed," she says, and hefts her mead a half-inch in salute to Brynn before taking a sip. "Nice jacket. What sort of bike do you ride?" she inquires conversationally. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' "Thanks. It's an Indian." Bryn replies. "Found me a vintage Chief a while back. You ride?" Her mead is set down and she raises the tankard for a taste. Brows lift and she nods. "Not bad at all. Yeah, I've heard a lot about Miracle Elle alright. Stories are mostly bunk, though, I'd wager." 

:'''{{#var:351|Silver Sablinova (351)}} has posed:''' "A little." Silver sips her ale again and folds her tablet cover shut to protect the device. She eases back as if the act of closing the cover had relieved some pressure on her shoulders. "Mostly cross-country." Her heavy Baltic accent definitely marks her as a visitor to New York. "Little bit of highway travel. On a BMW mostly." Definitely European, then. She glances at Brynn again. "I'm Silver," she says, introducing herself to the woman finally. "Your accent sounds familiar," she tells the woman, cautiously. "Perhaps from a new settlement in Norway, ya?" It's a cagey invitation to let Brynn volunteer details without pinning her down with too much personal information in mixed company. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' As Silver turns more towards her, Bryn does the same. Raising her tankard, she drinks deeply of the mead while the white-haired woman talks. Setting it down heavily onto the bar, she licks her upper lip and flashes a knowing smile. "I'm Bryn. And yeah, you've got a good ear for accents. What do you know of New Asgard, then?" She slips out of her jacket, setting it onto an adjacent bar stool. Her arms are well-toned; someone who gets plenty of regular exercise. And there's a tattoo on the inside of her right forearm, near the elbow. A stylized 'V' with wings at the top, the point ending in a long blade. "You're not -from- there." It's not a question, either. 

:'''{{#var:351|Silver Sablinova (351)}} has posed:''' "I've met a surprising number of transplants," Silver demures, shaking her head. "I have not been to that holy place though. Perhaps when you welcome visitors, I will make of it a pilgrimage." "Lord Thor is here quite often. But it is a small matter for you to come here, no?" she asks of Brynn. "Thor seems to come and go like the storm itself. Around the world in hours. Minutes, even," she says, enviously. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn gives a small snort at the use of the word 'holy', but she nods. "Thor's not the only one with the gift of travel." she offers. "I've personally not actually -been- to New Asgard. But I was... involved... in the events prior to its establishment. If you take my meaning." Taking another deep draught of the tankard, she leans against the bar and swirls it casually. "I know Thor, and I know many other Asgardians. But what I don't know is your interest in them. You don't strike me as the 'fangirl' type, and if you come here regularly then you're probably alright. But I do consider New Asgard, and all of Midgard, under my protection. If that colors your actions any." 

:'''{{#var:351|Silver Sablinova (351)}} has posed:''' "The old ways are not forgotten in some parts of the world," Silver assures Brynn. "We respect our forbears and the worship of the God of Thunder. It is... no, not the 'fangirling'," she agrees. Something like a smile tugs at the corner of her mouth. "I know some who see him as a man, no matter how exceptional." "Admittedly I'm uncertain how New Asgard came to be," she tells Brynn. "At least from the perspective of the gods. Why Earth? Of all the infinite worlds and places to live, what brings you to frigid Europe for a permanent settlement?" 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn shrugs at the question of Earth. "Not really sure on that one. I wasn't driving, see? Old Asgard was destroyed in Ragnarok, the last battle. I fought there. We lost. Mortals sometimes can't wrap their heads around whether the Nine Realms are really dimensions or more like planets. But it's something of both." Draining her tankard, she sets the empty on the bar with a bit of a rattle, and gives the bartender a knowing look for a refill. "It's something of both. Thor piled the last of Asgard's population into a ship and set course for Earth. They crashed in Norway and founded the colony. I left before then to do my own exploring." 

:'''{{#var:351|Silver Sablinova (351)}} has posed:''' "I confess the idea of a colony ship is ... not terribly romantic," Silver hedges. "I mean no offense. The stories of old speak little of other than the royal family and their cousins and friends. I am trying to resolve... the difference between Asgard as mystical afterlife and Asgard as a literal, physical place." She frowns and wiggles her tankard at the bartender as well, nodding thanks. "Let alone that it is in Norway. I like Norway. I might have picked Key West," she confesses. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn laughs softly at that, nodding. "Or the Bahamas." She nose-wrinkles, then. "Actually, that's too commercialized. But if you know the old stories, then I'll say that all stories have some basis in fact." she offers. "You ever hear stories of Valkyries? Because they're as real as Thor." 

:'''{{#var:351|Silver Sablinova (351)}} has posed:''' "I've always thought it bad luck to speak of the Valkyriad casually," Silver tells Brynn with a tugging smile again. "Choosers of the slain. Time comes for all mortals," she allows, and reaches for her mead to take a deep draught. "I have seen good soldiers quit the fight staring into something only they could see. I like to think the Valkyrie soothe the pain of the worthy and ease their way to Valhalla. I think I am, perhaps, not ready to be chosen," she informs Brynn with a dry humor. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn regards her curiously for a moment, then shakes her head. "No, it's not your time." she replies in a softer voice. A knowing voice. "The Valkyrjur can't really ease the pain of those who die, but they -do- take them to a better place." "You are a Believer. I like that. My full name is Brynnhildr, like in the Wagnerian opera. But without the brass boobs." She points to the tattoo on her forearm, then. 

:'''{{#var:351|Silver Sablinova (351)}} has posed:''' Silver almost drops her mead at Brynn's casual name-dropping. She hisses between her teeth but more in reaction to the bomb dropped on her than the mead splattering the bartop. "I hope yo-- ah. Yes," she says, checking her instinctive reaction. "Not my time, as you say." Still she sits like a woman on a live wire, and though she doesn't give an inch of space she still goes a little rigid in the manner of someone expecting violence. "I ... suppose I should give you thanks. A drink, if it's not disrespectful," she says, and beckons the waitress over. "Bourbon. The Pat van Winkle," she says, pointing at a bottle behind security glass. "Two." "You've no doubt taken more than a few of my comrades over the years. Symkaria has many of the faithful yet." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn laughs softly at the woman's reaction. "Yeah, you can relax. And please don't take my humor wrong. I'm flattered, truly. Just a bit surprised, is all." And for all that, the thought of bourbon is certainly a welcome one, based on her expression. "Symkaria? Yeah, I've definitely heard of the place. Thought your accent was familiar. There are quite a few of your kinsmen in Valhalla." 

:'''{{#var:351|Silver Sablinova (351)}} has posed:''' Silver closes her eyes and takes a slow breath. Meditative. "Thank you," she tells Brynn, simply. Bourbon's passed over. "Absent friends," she offers, and waits for Brynn before sipping the shot. It's far too fine a bourbon to slam back. "It's a bit of a stopper," she admits. "I mean, meeting a Valkyrie. Face to face. And knowing that... good men and women went to their just desserts. They did not just go into the darkness alone and scared and in pain." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn raises her glass as well, clinking softly. "Absent friends." she murmurs with a nod. And yes, the Asgardian even sips the bourbon. Her tongue slips out, wetting her upper lip thoughtfully. Savoring the taste. "They did. And they fought valiantly alongside our forces at Ragnarok." Lowering her glass, she toys with it for a moment. "The Valkyrjur lost many at Ragnarok as well. Plus, when Asgard was destroyed we had to move Valhalla to another Realm. So. On top of everything else that's going on, I'm recruiting. As it were." 

:'''{{#var:351|Silver Sablinova (351)}} has posed:''' Silver tries to process that, looks at her bourbon, and then throws it back with a gulp. "Two more," she coughs, and waves the waitress over. "I'm afraid that we're pushing against the limits of my understanding of physics. Or theology," she confesses. "I struggle with the notion that Valhalla is 'a place' at all, let alone that it can be... moved. This seemed much simpler five years ago," she tells Brynn, rather dryly. "I command my troops, we offer praise to Odin and gratitude to the worthy who the Valkyrie... well, you," she amends, "escort to their afterlife." "Adding geography to the mix complicates things tremendously." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn smiles almost wickedly at that, chuckling. "More booze won't exactly help with the understanding, I'm afraid. Not a bad idea, though." When Silver orders two more, the Valkyrie slams back the rest of her own bourbon as well. "Just don't think on the details. Asgard is now New Asgard, in Norway. Valhalla has been moved. And Valkyrie can travel freely between them both. Yeah, my -other- ride is a winged horse." She taps her fingers upon the bar, then. "So tell me about your troops. Wasn't aware you were a commander." 

:'''{{#var:351|Silver Sablinova (351)}} has posed:''' Silver digs in her jacket breast pocket. It's a masculine cut, for someone with an eye for fashion, but softened with the white and pastel tones. She produces a business card and hands it to Brynn. It says: Silver Sablinova. Owner, Silver Int'l. Below it, a long international phone number and a domestic US number with email. On the reverse: "Wild Pack". "We're the largest paramilitary contracting agency in the world. Operations on every continent including Antarctia," she says, proudly. "Peacekeeping, security, bodyguard work. We recruit some of the finest soldiers and professionals in the world and hone them into the best there is. The Wild Pack are the elite. My personal bodyguard and operational teams. They regularly shame many special operations groups all over the world. Reasonable rates, too, though I imagine they'd need some reassurances about becoming Einherjar for hire." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn looks at the card, keeping her gaze on that while Silver elaborates. "Being a valkyrie ain't a weekend job, Silver. It ain't for starry-eyed glory-seekers, not that I'm saying you are. And we don't work on commission." "I don't doubt your boys and girls are good, but I'd want to talk with them personally. I want to see them work. Go along on a mission or two, to see how you operate." She flashes a wide smile at the last. "And I won't charge for my services." 

:'''{{#var:351|Silver Sablinova (351)}} has posed:''' Silver balks. "Wait, are... you can't be recruiting *me*," she tells Brynn, uneasily. "I am competent enough, but... by mortal standards." In truth, Silver might be one of the most effective soldiers operating in the world today, even at her young age. "And I am surely not worthy to serve among such noble warriors, or escort the honored dead to Valhalla." But a grin tugs up the corners of her mouth, dimpling near her eyes. "*My* people work for commission. So they'll certainly welcome a ready gun hand who works for free. There may be some work that you might be suited for," she tells Brynn. "We've been contracted to provide village peacekeeping support in Senegal. Mostly poachers, but some of them are old tribal warriors pushing for blood. A nice tidy sort of fight with a good payout and not a lot of complicated ethical issues." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn lifts a hand, then. "No promises and no obligations either way, Silver. For now, this is just me saying I'm interested in getting to know your Wild Pack. You're Believers, that's sure enough. But Frost Giants and Fire Giants are Believers, too. For very different reasons." Listening to the mission briefing, Bryn nods slowly. "Sounds easy enough, then. As for what I might be suited for...?" Dark eyes sparkle, her smile becoming a touch wicked. "Bring it." 

:'''{{#var:351|Silver Sablinova (351)}} has posed:''' Silver laughs at Brynn's words. It's a short chopping chuckle, but compared to her glacial deliberation it's almost a belly laugh. "Easy enough for a Valkyrie, I'm sure," she tells Brynn. "If you feel unchallenged, I can fish for some more ambitious contracts. The Wrecking Crew, for instance. Filching pocket change from von Doom's castle. You know. Weekend fun instead of the 'nine-to-five' grind." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn laughs as well, shaking her head. "Nothing too crazy, thanks. Remember, I'm only along as a 'consultant'. Or, if you'd rather, call me a new recruit or something. Don't think of me as some hero who's there to save the mission or anything. I want to watch." 
}}

Valkyrie

2019-03-20T13:28:20Z

Simone1:

{{CharacterNew
|NameOnMUSH=Brynnhildr
|Color=#333
|TextColor=#c1c1c1
|Char_id=1414
|Img=https://goo.gl/eCVY53
|FullName=Brunnehilde
|Gender=Female
|Species=Asgardian
|Theme=Marvel
|Chartype=FC
|Active=Approved
|Occupation=Chooser of the Slain
|Citizenship=Asgard
|Residence=Asgard
|Education=Asgard
|Groups=[[Asgard]], [[Pantheon Assembly]], [[Defenders]], [[Space-OOC]]
|Quote="I am ancient history! Do you dismiss me?!"
|DOB=1 May
|Height=163 cm (5'4")
|Weight= 145 kg (320 lbs.)
|Hair=Black
|Eyes=Amber
|Actor=Tessa Thompson
|Song="Riding the Storm Out" by REO Speedwagon "Ride of the Valkyries" by Richard Wagner
|Profile=One of the greatest warriors of Asgard, Brunnhilde impressed Odin so muchwith her prowess and heart that he made her one of his Valkyjur - the choosers of the slain that ferry Odin's half of fallen warriors to his hall called Valhalla. Valkyrie has also proclaimed herself the defender of Midgard. Woe betide any being that seeks to despoil Earth or its realm.
===Current Player Approved: March 10, 2019===
|Description=At five feet and four inches tall this woman is a more imposing figure than her size would suggest. Her shoulders are strong but fairly slender, her body well-muscled and athletic without being bulky. Despite being on the slight side for her height Brynn is far from being delicate. Her face is classically stern but manages to give a demure impression even when she is serious, slightly seductive despite her imposing gaze. Brynn has a small, amost button nose, and wide, intense grey eyes that match her mocha skin. She wears her wavy black hair in a long, loose tail down to the middle of her back. Right now Valkyrie is dressed in black leather armour. Gauntlets run from her knuckles to her elbows, and her shoulders to her waist are covered by a matching tunic that leaves muscular triceps exposed. It is belted at the waist in a medieval style, boned with metal, and matched against black leather pants, and knee high gleaming silver-white metal boots. On her thigh is a silver hilted sword that almost glows in moonlight and there are daggers in her belt. Across the woman's back is a spear measuring about a foot longer than she is tall.
|History=Brynnhildr was born several thousand years ago. She was one of the first women to take up arms in Asgard. Proving to be skilled and extremely confident she was given a role in Odin's armies. When Odin turned against Midgard it was Brynnhildr who convinced him to honor the slain warriors, becoming one of the first Valkyrja. She helped choose others as well, becoming one of the most renowned warriors in all of Asgard. She is older than Thor and saw his meteoric rise among the Gods. Her own path left her among hr sisters. Ultimately what undid Brynnhildr was her meddling among the humans. She was exiled from Asgard for centuries thanks to breaking Odin's law against interfering with humans. Now, however, she is back and restored to her lofty position. Brynn also calls herself the guardian of Midgard. It's become clear there will be no more souls to take to Valhalla if someone does not defend the living as well as the slain. The Valkyrjur have already taken her back.
|Personality=Brunnhilde is an Asgardian - she is boisterous and joyful, honest to a fault in most cases, and also extremely loyal. She is quick to anger, though her temperament has been somewhat altered by years in exile. Brynn is often jaded but it doesn't stop her from behaving like a true Asgardian - she's just more likely to mistrust in the recesses of her mind and often holds a grudge. Brynn loves a challenge and takes her duties as chooser of the slain incredibly seriously. She'll gladly leap into an impossible battle for her own amusement.
|Abilities='''ALLSPEAK''' Brynnhildr understands all languages thanks to the power of the All-Father, something which is intrinsic to her being. '''ASGARDIAN DURABILITY''' Brynn is resistant to most mortal weapons, including anti-vehicle weapons and explosions. Supernatural beings find her similarly difficult to kill. She is also immune to most poisons, resistant to magic and telepathic influence, and heals at an astounding rate - "lethal" wounds taking hours to regenerate. Brynn even ages at a tiny fraction of the human rate. '''ASGARDIAN REFLEXES''' Brynnhildr is one of the oldest and most celebrated Asgardian warriors. She is even faster than other Asgardians and has even been known to dodge bullets. '''ASGARDIAN STRENGTH''' Brynnhildr can lift approximately 50 tons, perhaps more if she is in desperate straits. She is one of the strongest Asgardians in existence, surpassed primarily by Thor. '''DEATHGLOW''' As a Valkyrja Brynnhildr can see the 'Deathglow', a mystical aura surrounding living things, the the brightness of which shows how soon the target will die. Impending mystical danger will also be sensed as it brings with it the possibility of death from outside mortal means. '''TRAVEL TO ASGARD''' Brynn can bring herself or others to Asgard or Valhalla at will, though the latter is generally reserved for the spirits of dead warriors.
|Skills='''CLASSICAL EDUCATION''' Brynn has been alive for thousands of years and knows all about human history, classical science, music, and warfare. Having been on earth for hundreds of years she is much more knowledgeable about human affairs than other Asgardians tend to be. '''COMBAT''' Among a race of ancient mystical warriors Brynnhildr is a renowned combatant. She can use bows and thrown weapons but her skills are most suited to spears, swords, and her own body. Brynnhildr is considered to be one of the finest Asgardian warriors, and probably the most skilled female combatant among them. She trained many of the other warriors. She has also been away from Asgard for quite some time and as a result she is very adept with modern weapons of war in a way most of her compatriots are not.
|Resources='''ARAGORN''' Brynnhildr has a flying horse by the name of Aragorn. He is quite tough and long-lived thanks to his life on Asgard. He is not usually employed except for on formal occasions. '''ASGARD''' Brynnhildr has access to Asgard and can travel there at will. She will find supply and respite there and the Asgardians will support her endeavours. It is a safe place in which she can find refuge and allies. '''DRAGONFANG''' Brynnhildr has an indestructible sword called 'Dragonfang' created by the ancient wizard Kahji-da. She can use it to deflect energy attacks, destroy enchantments or defend against magic, and can even absorb electricity blasts of any magnitude. The sword can also change her clothing at will. It is invisible while sheathed. '''GEIRR''' Brunnhilde has an Asgardian spear called 'Geirr'. It is an uru weapon that is magically sharp. While not as tough as Dragonfang it is more than capable of injuring nearly any foe. '''VALKYRJUR''' Brynnhildr can call upon the other Valkyrjur for assistance if necessary. They can call her as well and she is obligated to answer. She has a psychic rapport with her sister-Valkyrjur which extends across the various dimensions. They are not her servants but she has some authority with them.
|Weaknesses='''DUTY''' Brynnhildr has to help oversee the Valkyrjur and collect the souls of the dead. She defends both Valhalla and Earth, and she is pledged to serve Odin. She has a lot of duties which sometimes conflict. '''PRIDEFUL''' Brynn's pride often blinds her and she doesn't take a challenge laying down. Of course, she usually wins which can often make the situation worse given her supernatural nature. Even if she's not angry she's always competitive. '''TEMPER''' Brynn is quick to anger and often holds grudges. She will sometimes hold off on following them but all debts come due. She will launch herself into fights at even slight provocation as well.
}}
[[Category:Asgard]][[Category:Pantheon Assembly]][[Category:Defenders]][[Category:Space-OOC]]
<gallery>
Valkyrie-TA.jpg
</gallery>

6961/Mutant Town Cleanup

2019-03-20T13:21:49Z

Simone1: Bryn and Warren meet in Mutant Town. Coffee and Pie ensues!

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/03/19
|Location=Mutant Town
|Synopsis=Bryn and Warren meet in Mutant Town. Coffee and Pie ensues!
|Cast of Characters=1414, 182
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Still wandering Midgard, Bryn finds herself back in Mutant Town. There's something about haters of ANY kind that really grates on the valkyrie, especially those who express themselves with guns. The short, dark woman has gone native, in black leather with jeans and a metal-band tshirt. She's also more alert today, and has finally stopped hauling around a personal bottle of hard liquor. Standing in a doorway of a rundown apartment complex, she leans against the frame with arms folded while watching the passers-by on the street. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' Most of those in Mutant Town - despite knowing that they are among their own kind - tend to try to hide their mutations from the world. It's just the way it is. Be it upbringing, pride, fear. Warren was one of those that did the same. Now? The location that Bryn is standing in front of is about to have visitors. Pulling up on the street are a few vehicles, and as the people are getting out, they're looking around. Curiousity, apprehension. The nice business suits and skirts stand out in the milling city streets. They're waiting for someone, and he makes his entrance. A shadow above them - a man with wings, as Warren cuts his speed and makes his way to the sidewalk. The full sixteen feet of his wings is on display for a moment as he makes his landing. Dressed in a tailored Dolce and Gabban suit, it's cut specifically for his wings as he adjusts his tie. "Good morning." he greets. "This is the Rockman's Apartments. One of the many tentaments in Mutant Town. And for too long, this is how people believe that my kind should live." comes the address to the group. "This is going to my first investment in taking back Mutant Town and returning it to how it should be. Look around. Get a feel for it. And get a feel for how it should be. Not the prison without walls - but a place where those with the extraordinary can strive to be what they /want/ to be." He steps away from the group to let them talk amongst themselves as he notices the young woman standing in the doorway and gives her a polite nod, and a warm smile. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn lifts a brow, a slight head-tilt the only other sign of life or attention. All those vehicles? The nice suits? Not normal for this neighborhood, at least not since she's been haunting it. She spots the shadow overhead, already tsking softly as Warren lands. Those dark eyes are watching him openly, her lips pulled back into a half-smile. A shrug of her shoulder pushes her away from the building, her stride loose and casual as she moves slowly towards him. "Could you -BE- any more conspicuous, love?" she asks casually, her accent likely difficult to place. Waving an index finger around in a lazy circle, she adds. "Any minute now, the haters with guns are gonna roll in. But you just carry on with your meeting. I've got it." Right. This girl is, like, five and a half feet tall on tiptoes. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' There's a small chuckle that comes from Warren as Bryn addresses him. "In this area? It's a given." he responds, as he glances down the street. "I have been fighting that type since these first developed. And trust me, men with guns? The least of them." In reaction to Bryn, Warren's wings give an annoyed little flick, the techno-organic constructs very much seeming to have a life of their own. Then he turns his attention skywards. "That's where the true threat will come." he says to her, a tug on his suit jacket. "Our very government and their sanctioned concentration camp guards." he rumbles softly. "Change has to be made somewhere. And it will start here." His attention turns to the dynamic young woman as his arms settle across his chest for a moment. "But yes. If there were to be trouble - I'm sure you have it." There's a wink of a gorgeous sky blue eye at her. And he might actually believe her - Warren tends to never underestimate anymore. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn shifts her weight, cocking one hip as she regards the winged man. Looking up. "So you're from around here, then, are you?" she asks casually. "Got sort of an upstate accent going, unless I miss my guess." Her attention goes to the wings for a moment. She points towards them, nodding once. "But THOSE are unique. Not that the rest of you isn't, of course." Her gaze follows his upward, weight shifting to the other side for a moment. "You mean the flying robots, right? Forget what they're called; never had much use for the news channels. I can't fly, but I'll make do. So you're here for some kind of rally, then?" 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' "Not from around here, neccessarily." Though he catches onto Bryn's flirt and chuckles. "They're part of me, you can always give them a tug to make sure." comes Warren's response, and then his wings spread slightly, as if showing off for her. "They sometimes have a mind of their own, I swear." shaking his head, he gives a chuff of amusement, before she returns his attention to the skies. "Sentinels. That what Trask calls them. And they are making him very rich in the name of fear, bigotry, and segregation." he rumbles. "I hope I can fly with these things." he comments flatly, before a slight clearing of a throat interrupts him. "Mister Worthington?" Turning his attention back to the group that was waiting for him, he notices a slightly older man. "Yes, Mister Williams?" he asks, a lifgt of a blonde brow. "We thought over your proposal. And we think it's a noble one. We know that you want to help. But this isn't the kind of thing that your father's company..." "My company." Warren corrects. "Right.. your company. It's not what we do, Warren. We improve aircraft. Fuel. We don't build. It's not what we're geared towards." he tries to explain, which brings a frown to Warren's face. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn unfolds her arms, reaching out as if seriously considering whether to take him up on his offer to touch the wings. "Sentinels. Right." Yeah, she remembers now. The short woman steps slowly closer as his attention is caught by the meeting again. She angles over to where she can see both parties as well. And before he can respond, she answers first. Not like she was invited, of course. "So what you're sayin' is that you're not gonna let HIS company stand up to fear, bigotry and segregation? That all these people should just brace themselves and prepare to be wiped out the next time a flock of..." she looks to Warren, snapping her fingers a couple of times. "...Sentinels, flies over and starts shooting. That it? Suppose someone actually DOES take a stand, here? Take a stand and wipe those buggers out. What then?" 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' Warren was just about to respond, when Bryn speaks up so elegantly. A chuff of amusement comes from him, as the older board member bristles. "Mister Worthington, this is better discussed in the board room!" he manages, stammering in his speech and red-faced at the accusation. He looks between the two. "With the rest of the board. This.." he gestures to the building. "..can be handled better than just /buying/ it. There's the upkeep and the repairs, and then where do we stop? Do you want us to buy all of Mutant Town?" "It's not a bad idea..." Warren muses, glancing towards Bryn. "What would you do?" he asks her curiously. Hey, she spoke up, she might as well be given the spotlight for the moment. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn steps slowly closer, not intimidated in the least by the expensive suits and presumably-fancy titles. She squints at the older board member for a moment, then looks back to Warren. "For starters, I'd replace THIS lot with a group that's maybe -got- a pair between the bunch of 'em." Ignorning the board for the moment, she addresses Warren solely. "Seriously? These are your so-called advisors?" She shrugs, then. "Look. I don't have much of ahead for business, but I know a few things about people. Give them just a -chance- to show what they're made of, and I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised. Right now, though? They haven't got a snowball's chance in Muspelheim." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' "Young lady, you aren't part of this meeting." says Mister Williams when he visibly blanches at Bryn's comments. And when it becomes clear that Warren's not going to defend them, he bristles. "We are under contract with the Worthington Foundation until Warren..." he says the name as if addressing a child. "..decides to stop his globetrotting as a super-hero and settle down to just run the business. And until such time, we have the final say in what the company's funds are used for. This is not something we are going to do, Warren. But we will make a donation in the Foundation's name to the appropriate charity." With that, Mister Williams and the board are husting off to their cars to get the hell out of the neighborhood before Bryn flips their car or something. Warren's wings stand up, the tips of them flashing silver as the group leaves. For a brief flash, there's a blue hue to his screen. "Gutless, spineless.. they should be culled and replaced.." he rumbles darkly, before forcing it all down and he takes back on the more angelic appearance of his human form. "We're going to have /words/." Called to the retreating cars, his attention returns to Bryn. "I didn't catch your name." he says with a chuckle. "Though your beauty only seems to make your firey attitude better." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' "I didn't give it." the woman offers, simply. "But call me Bryn. And I'll do the culling if you're ready to do the replacing." This is said even as the cars pull away. The wings distract her again, and this time she -does- manage to brush a few metallic feathers with her fingers. "You're a bit overdressed for this neighborhood, but I wouldn't say no to a cup of coffee and a piece of pie. Fred's has really good pie." She turns towards the diner, then asks. "So those really work? For flying, I mean, not just looking pretty." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' The feathers feel real in this form - soft and downy. Probably the best pillow ever. "They do an excellent job of running the company. And they are probably right. But there should be more we can do here. For each other. But they're scared. Any company that starts business in Mutant Town is frowned upon in the markets. Which is why they don't exactly embrace me as the owner." Warren lets out a breath, "And as long as they do the other things they need to do, I still want to keep them around." "A pleasure, Bryn. I'm Warren. And yes. They are very functional. Do you want me to pick you up and fly you around? That'll cost more than a cup of coffee and a piece of pie." There's a grin towards her before he tucks his wings back to allow Bryn to lead the way to Fred's. "You don't really know who I am?" he asks curiously. "I'm used to being noticed, and this is actually.. refreshing." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn shakes her head slowly, grinning up at the tall, angelic businessman. "Not a clue, I'm afraid. Don't watch the news, much. Caught the 'Worthington' bit, though. Have to check you out, now." She does step closer, sizing him up while considering the offer. "When I fly, I'm not usually picked up and carried. I'd want to sit on your back and steer with my knees, but I'm not sure you'd be exactly okay with that." Reaching out again, her fingers rub his lapel and she grins. "Pretty sure it wouldn't do your suit any good, either." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' "It seems that your idea of checking me out is not pulling up my web profile." Warren responds as he watches Bryn at work - though the admiration and observation is mutual of the young seeming woman. The remark about riding brings an all-out laugh, warm and deep as he feels the gentle tug on his lapel. "You make it sound like a suit would be involved." he quips back, before shaking his head. "Though now I know how a prized horse feels when it's rider is first deciding upon it as a mount. Want to make sure my teeth are straight?" he asks her teasingly, his arm brushing against her shoulder, a hand reaching to tuck against her cheek as he walks with her 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' "I never check a horse's teeth before the first ride." Bryn offers casually. "A suit would be involved? You have one of those fancy, superhero-type fighting suits? I've seen one or two around here. Great way to draw attention to yourself, I'd say." Walking along with him, when his arm brushes her shoulder she rolls it to return the favor. Her hand flies up when he reaches to brush her cheek, but she checks the motion at the last moment. "So are your dental records online, then?" 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' He notices the motion and he withdraws his hand, as Warren chuckles. "You're not from around here, then." he says, catching on to something as he opens the door to the cafe to let her in first. "Costumes? They're supposed to inspire, you know. Draw hope or something like that. I think that someone just thought guys and girls that look good in skintight spandex should flaunt it." he responds with a shrug. "Pretty much anything is online if you want to find it. Everything from cat videoes to sex tapes." he rolls his eyes. "Just depends on what you're looking for." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn chuckles at his response, but knows enough to wait while he holds the door for her. "Costumes that inspire. Yeah, I know the concept alright." Stepping inside, she gives a wave to the waitress and looks around for a table. "But I'm from further up north. Much further." She turns to look at him, then. "What do cat videos have to do with sex tapes? And no, there isn't any punch-line; it's a question." Spotting a table near the window, she leads the way. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' "Way up north? I usually expect blonde hair from that far north. Not a complaint." Warren responds as he steps into the cafe after Bryn, then shakes his head. "Just almost thing you want to find. But I get the feeling that you're familiar with all of that." He heads to the bar, to ask for a stool. "The chairs here aren't exactly made for my wings. Unless you want a booth so you can lean against them." There's a smirk at that. "See any place to sit that you want?" he asks, following her lead as he glances towards the pies on display 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn pauses on her way to the table, chuckling as she looks at his wings. "Hadn't thought of that. Wings and chairs, I mean." she offers, finding a table and setting one of the chairs aside to make room for the stool. "You're normally this familiar with women, aren't you? Guy like you in a suit like that is probably used to getting whatever he wants, whenever he wants it." She settles into a chair, then. "Except his way with the Board, that is. Pie here is excellent, by the way. I've become something of a regular these days. Kept a few misplaced youths from busting up the place." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' "Have to make up for it somehow. And if I recall, you were the one checking me out." Warren responds to Bryn as he sets down the stool to settle upon it, tucking his wings behind him. "Though you make it sound as though I'm trying to have you. Could just be getting to know you better." he offers with an innocent spread of his hands. They both know he doesn't mean it, but it sounds cute. "Which one would you suggest, then, since you're the expert?" As he asks this, the waitress comes by to get their order. She would be a normal teenager if it wasn't for the fact that she has small metallic scales for her skin. "Coffee, I don't use cream and sugar, but my companion might." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn gives a light snort at that, stretching her legs out under the table. "Yeah, you keep coming back to that." she replies. "Me checking you out, I mean. I'm -sure- it was only one-way, too." Settling, she doesn't look at the menu before replying. "The apple pie is good. With ice cream, for me. Coffee with sugar." Bryn turns back towards Warren, then. "You sure you want to get to know me better? That's a really long story." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' "Oh, I by no means didn't say it wasn't a mutual admiration." Warren responds. "I'll have the same pie, thanks." he offers to the waitress, before his attention turns back to Bryn. "I was definetly checking you out." There's a shrug of his shoulders. "Who wouldn't notice an atractive woman coming to his aid and then asking him out?" His wings give a little shake as he gets comfortable and he lets out a sigh of breath. "It's nice. To just enjoy this, you know?" "And I don't mind long stories. My own isn't all that short either." Though not like centuries, as hers probably is. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:'''     The dark woman flashes a grin at his admission. "Yeaaaah, you were." she replies knowingly. Leaning an arm on the back of the chair beside her, she considers for a moment. "How well-read are you on mythology? Norse, preferrably. Because my story follows a lot like some of those." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' "I know of New Asgard. The school I help support just had a recent trip there." One that wasn't sanctioned at all, but Warren's not going to mention that part. "I've done some reading on Thor and the like. Are you a Valkhyrie, then?" he asks with a curious lift of a brow. And a tone in his voice that she is not the first one that he's met in his life. "I didn't realize that they only get more attractive." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn watches him as he explains, and when he mentions Thor she unsnaps the wrist cuff of her leather jacket. The right one. She doesn't push it up, however. Her expression becomes more serious, then. "You've visited New Asgard and you've read about Thor, Loki, Odin, and the rest. That's to your credit. Tell me what you know about the Valkhyrie. And choose your words carefully." All this, and she still dodges the question. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' "I know one of the students - former students - at the school I was at was made into one. Or at least held her powers." Though he hasn't heard from Dani Moonstar in a while. There's a lift of Warren's brow. If she's preparing for a fight, it doesn't show on the mutant's face exactly what his reaction will be. "As for the rest - I know of what I read - they visit those in the last moments of their lives that have been chosen worthy of a place in Valhallah, and that they enjoy a good battle almost as much as they enjoy a good drink." And that's when the pies and coffee arrive. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn considers for a moment. "Dani Moonstar..." she muses softly, as if remembering. Looking back to him, then, she nods. "You know the stories well, Warren. It has always been the ancient duty of the Valkyrior to select the souls of the most valiant, the most worthy, and transport them to Valhalla. Asgard has been destroyed and Valhalla has been moved, but that does not diminish the duty." She pushes the sleeve up past the elbow, then, showing a tattoo on the inside of her right forearm. It's a stylized 'V' with wings at the top, the point descending like a dagger. "I am also searching for worthy recruits like Dani. Our numbers were thinned greatly at Ragnarok." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' "May I?" And if she allows, Warren will reach over, touching the tattoo and tracing his fingers along it. "Well, I have the wings right, but nothing else." A rumbling chuff of laugheter comes from him as he withdraws his hand, brushing her palm before returning to the pie. "I have heard stories of what happened there - but nothing that was first hand. If you want to talk about it, I will listen. But I'm not going to force, and that may be a third date activity." A tease brushes his voice as he considers. "I didn't get the wings until I was thirteen. And I hated them. Hated me. I wanted to be a normal kid. I didn't want to be a mutant. My parents scorned me. They tried to hide what I was. It took a long time for me to get used to what I am. Even longer to embrace it. Maybe just a blink of an eye for you.. but I'm still getting to the acceptance. They were taken from me and replaced. I was made into an instrument of destruction.. and just now back to being myself." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn allows the touch, her exposed skin soft while the tattoo is slightly raised. "The details are full of glory and death, triumph and tragedy, victory and loss." she replies in a soft voice. "Definitely third date material." smirk. Bryn draws her hand back and pushes the sleeve down, pausing to take a sip of coffee. "Wings were taken and replaced." she echoes. "Sounds to me like you skipped straight to loss and death. That's a lot of darkness for a mortal." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' "What, only demi-gods and gods are allowed to have epic tales that may take time to tell over multiple dates?" Warren responds. "It could have just been the teaser trailer of my life, after all. As we agreed. Third date material." The smirk is returned as he tucks into the pie. "So how were you chosen?" he asks curiously. "In my case, it was just the genetic lottery - but did you do some epic idea or quest to draw the atention of Odin to bring you into the ranks?" 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn sips her coffee, then reaches to cut a bite of pie with her fork. "I was one of the first women to take up arms in Asgard. I was the one who convinced Odin to honor the slain warriors, and he made me the first Valkyrja. From that time on, I was charged not only with my duty but also with the duty of selecting others to join me and become my sisters." She regards him more closely, then. "So you are one of these mutants that I protect." Not like she seems surprised. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' "Then I am before royalty?" Warren asks with a lift of his brow and a grin. "Don't think I've ever dated a demi-goddess." Giving the woman a wink, he continues to work on his own pie, keeping his legs mainly to himself beneath the table as he considers the woman across from him. "I assure you, though. Most of us mutants can also take care of themselves." A smirk is offered as he continies to eat. "Even us that wear nice suits." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn laughs, and it's a short, barking sound. "Thor is royalty." she corrects, working on her own pie. "I've just had the benefit of long life." Among other things, to be sure. "I've seen a few mutants fight the haters, yeah. They have a lot of spirit, this lot." Which may be why she's here as well. 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' "That they do. They want to make this their own. That's what I was hoping to get the board to see. But it's clear that they are not going to do things how I want them done." Warren sighs at that, leaning back in thought. "Which means I will need to find another way to get what I want out of my own company - without stepping on toes." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' "The board is short-sighted." Bryn offers. "But that is your battlefield, not mine. I can only keep this neighborhood safe." Which, granted, is no mean feat by itself. "Let me know if you ever need someone at your back." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' "You seemed to do much better by my side. But if you wanted to check out my rear, you only had to ask." Warren responds as he finishes off his pie and uses a napkin to clean up before he reaches for his wallet to pay for the meal. "Do I get to pick the place we dine at next time, or was this a one time thing?" he asks curiously of her. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn laughs softly at that. "I meant to -guard- it, not to check it out." she replies, gaze lowering all the same. She finishes her pie about the same time, taking a deep drink of coffee. "You can pick next time." she replies with a nod. "Nothing too fancy, however." 

:'''{{#var:182|Warren Worthington III (182)}} has posed:''' "Scared to wear a dress?" Warren asks with a lift of his brow. "I'll keep that in mind." Finishing off his own coffee, he sets down the mug as he rises to his feet. Placing a few bills on the table, he takes out a card and a pen and writes his number on it. "Don't know if you have a number. But that's my direct line. Call me when you want to go out again." Hopefully sooner, than later. With that, he's rising to his feet and departing. 
}}

6894/Slipstreaming through Mutant town

2019-03-20T13:20:04Z

Simone1: Bryn and Slipstream meet in Mutant Town

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/03/14
|Location=Mutant Town
|Synopsis=Bryn and Slipstream meet in Mutant Town
|Cast of Characters=1353, 1414
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1353|Drake (1353)}} has posed:''' With all the sentinel attacks on mutants recently and the news becoming oversaturated from both sides on how mutants should live their lives, Drake, the youngest Young Avenger is out on patrol overnight and into the early morning hours. Settled on a roof top in mutant town with his floating robot Snowball at his side, he taps away on his flat screen phone with his thumbs as he logs his night's activities. So far it's been fairly quiet. He's wearing his black Avenger leather jacket, an Overewatch symbol shirt and a pair of torn blue jeans with a tactical vest beneath his clothing. "I'm bored, Snowball. But being bored is a good thing. Means I'm not gonna get punched in the fa---..." From down the steet comes the sound of screeching tires, followed by a loud bang as it seems whatever vehicle was peeling out just ran into something. He can hear the sound of gunshots ricochetting off metal followed by a loud scream of pain. ".. So.. I need to stop talking outloud." Pushing up to his feet, he leaps off the roof, blurs out in a blink of blue streaky light, then lands on the sidewalk. He quickly blinks a few more times as he activates his speed powers to warp down the block, tugging his tactical goggles over his eyes in the motion. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Valkyrie has been wandering Midgard since Ragnarok, and currently finds herself in the urban jungle that is commonly referred to as the 'Tristate Area'. Bryn, as she prefers to be called now, is walking along streets and alleys somewhere in Brooklyn. After Ragnarok she's no longer drinking so much that the world around her is a blur, but the woman still like a bit of a buzz. Wearing jeans, a leather jacket, and a heavy metal t-shirt, Bryn saunters along with a half-full bottle of cheap whiskey dangling loosely in her grip. The short, dusky-skinned woman steps out of an alley and pauses, head turning to follow the sounds of screeching tires and gunshots. "Well that can't be good." she offers, mostly to herself. Pausing to take a swig, she turns and heads in that direction. 

:'''{{#var:1353|Drake (1353)}} has posed:''' As Drake blurs down the street, the world around him rushes by in short blue bursts that would make one think of a Star Wars warp speed effect. He is /fast/. Maybe not Flash fast, but he is starting to feel like he may get there soon if he puts in the work. As he blinks into view, in front of him is an aged Sedan ran into a light pole, smoking at the hood with a young man bent forward across the steering wheel. He is covered in blue scales and what appears to be a mohawk of feathers, a mutant of obvious physical deformities. Across the street is a pair of men, one with a machine gun as the two high five each other. They're wearing dark red shirts with white crosses upon the chest, symbolizing the Friends of Humanity cult, a mutant hating organization who has been popular in the media lately. The man with the gun starts to cross the street, looking to finish the job as he locks in another mag into the weapon. "Woah, hey! What the hell are you guys doing!?" Drake calls out, then lets out a loud noise of surprise as a shower of bullets sprays in his direction as he blurs and zips left to right to avoid them. "Oh come on! It's too early for this!" 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn -walks- up, following the sounds of the gunfire. She's approaching the 'accident' from the other side as Drake, pausing to watch as the machine gun opens fire again. Brows knit and the short woman frowns. "Oi! Cut that shit out, right!" she yells out. Almost as an afterthought she flips the mostly-empty whiskey bottle towards the guy with the machine gun. Except Bryn is still a good thirty meters away. The side-armed throw beans the gunner in the head, shattering the bottle on impact. He goes down. Hard. "Ruddy waste of booze..." she mutters, sauntering closer now. 

:'''{{#var:1353|Drake (1353)}} has posed:''' The gunman lets out a loud noise of surprise and pain as he hits the ground with a thump, his head bleeding from the impact. Drake glances over to the woman, then back to the other man as he pulls a revolver out from his pants. It only takes a half second for him to cross the street in a blur, swinging out a fist and connecting with his jaw, followed by a snap kick to the back of the knee as he topples over. Kicking the machine gun to the side, he glances over to his floating robot. "Snowball, put 'em on ice." There is a loud whirling 'doo-da-doo!' from the adorable Overwatch robot come to life via Stark Tech as she floats above the pair, spraying them down with a coating of insta-freeze as she wraps them in a block of ice. Taking his communicator out, he taps along the screen, then starts to speak. "Slipstream of the Avengers calling in a medical emergency on .. fifth and grant. Two gunmen and an injured citizen. I'll stay on scene." With a glance to Valk, he gives two thumbs up in her direction, grateful. "Thanks!" He hollers over. "You should play for the Yankees!" 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn continues her slow, casual approach as the robot sprays down the gunmen. At least she's walking in a straight line. The robot has her attention now, and she points towards it. "Nice little toy you've got there." She shakes her head, then deadpans. "Thanks, but naah. I'm too short to play baseball." Brows knit as she takes in the scene up-close, now, and she gives Drake a curious look. Check the jacket, then check the robot again. "You're one of the Avengers? Ever hear of Thor? Big bloke with blonde hair. Likes hitting things with heavy objects." 

:'''{{#var:1353|Drake (1353)}} has posed:''' Patting Snowball on the head, she makes a cute u.u expression on her LED face, then bumps herself up against Drake's shoulder. "I don't know, I think pitchers can be short as long as they hit the strike zone with an arm like that. I do know Thor. He's my teammate. Dude is awesome. He's the greatest at a party." Running his hands back through his hair, he continues on towards the car where the injured party is. "I may need help here. You up to giving me a hand? I wanna make sure the car won't blow and to get him out." As he rounds the car, he gives a few hard tugs of the door handle. "It's locked." He steps to the side and then slaps his arm into the back window of the car to crack it open, then reaches in to pop the lock, climbing in. "Hey buddy, you okay there?" He calls out the blue scaled mutant. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn wrinkles her nose, flashing a wry smile when Drake mentions Thor. "Yeah, he's okay. Can't hold his liquor, though." she offers. As Drake starts messing around with the car, the short woman follows him almost casually. "Here, now. Step back a moment." The woman walks slowly around the damaged front of the car, checking it out. "Nothing is smoking, but I do smell gas." The hood is crumpled, but she gives it an upward tug all the same. Metal creaks in protest, then shrieks violently as Bryn raises it anyway. "Turn off the engine." she calls out. "And lemme know if you need a hand moving him." 

:'''{{#var:1353|Drake (1353)}} has posed:''' Climbing from the back to the front seat, Drake reaches over to turn the keys off after putting the car in park, then jerks up the emergency brake. Shifting around, he looks over at the man, frowning. "He's bleeding." He says as he reaches past him to pop the lock up off the front door. "He's also unconscious. I hope the ambulence comes." He nudges the passenger side open and crawls back out, then rounds the back of the car. "How do you know Thor by the way? Ex girlfriend? Kinda figured he'd date a girl who's super strong." Snowball follows after him, making light chirps here and there. "Snowball says they are about five minutes out, hitting some traffic. Police are on their way also." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn nods as the engine is cut off, stepping around to the driver's side of the car. She tugs on the door, finding it stuck from the accident. Then she pulls harder and wrenches it open anyway. At least she stops short of tearing it completely off. "Girlfriend? Ha!" she calls back with a smirk. Leaning into the car, she looks the unconscious mutant over. Touching lightly here and there, she give him battlefield assessment. "No gunshot wounds, and doesn't feel like any internal damage. He should live." she offers. "And let's just say that Thor and I are kinsmen." 

:'''{{#var:1353|Drake (1353)}} has posed:''' "Oh! Are you from his homeland, uh... Raganrok, right? I think it's what they call it? He and his bro Loki and um... Zeus, right? I'm Drake by the way. I go by Slipstream. Kinda the new guy on the team. I'm sorta speedy like that.. and... that's it." The Young Avenger says as he unbuckles the man and carefully leans him back, checking for his pulse. "Poor guy. Mutant hate is on the rise and now people are being scared and acting like idiots for no reason. It's terrible. I've been patrolling mutant town for the last week and I'm seeing more of this. Those guys are from the Friends of Humanity. Religious whack job cult that thinks God wants normies to kill all mutants. Genetic cleansing. Nazi types. They're crazy." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' "Asgard." she replies. "Or New Asgard, technically speaking. After Ragnarok, what was left of Asgard's people settled here on Earth." Stepping back, she folds her arms and leans against the car while they talk. "I'm Bryn." The dark woman purses her lips, then. "Friends of Humanity? Yeah, THAT doesn't sound like a supremacist group at all. Politics were never much my thing, but I have a pretty low tolerance for haters." She points to the cross emblem on one of the frozen FoH'ers. "I'll keep an eye out for THAT symbol, at least." 

:'''{{#var:1353|Drake (1353)}} has posed:''' "That's right! Asgard. Oof. Sorry to hear that you all got displaced." Drake carefully drags the injured mutant out of the car and on to the ground after tucking his jacket under his head for support. He can hear the sirens in the distance now, tilting his chin upwards. "Cops and medical are always slow to get out here. It's like no one cares anymore if these people get hurt. I heard half the calls go unanswered. It's starting to become a bit of a warzone out here." He says as he lets out a heavy sigh. "I wonder if I didn't use Avenger protocols if they woulda came." He kicks at the ground a few times with his foot. "It's good to meet you, Bryn. Thank you so much for the help. Do you live around here or just kinda taking a long walk home?" 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:'''     Bryn shrugs lightly. "I only lived part-time in Asgard, really. Spend a lot of my time here on Midgard, and some time in Valhalla." And that's as far as she'll go with the explanation, it seems. She steps in to help carry the unconscious mutant from the car as well. Once he's set, she looks back to Drake and replies. "Right now I'm getting reacquainted with Midgard... Earth. I've been making my way along the East Coast. Sort of like camping, you might say. This IS still the US, right?" 

:'''{{#var:1353|Drake (1353)}} has posed:''' "Yup, this is New York City. The Big Apple. Where everyone comes with a dream, then ends up living in a nightmare." Drake says as he gives a look about, lifting a hand at the sight of the ambulence and the pair of police cars. "Hang on one moment." He says as he starts over towards them, lifting up his Avenger credentials from his pocket. He engages with the officers for a bit, pointing towards the two gun men. A few minutes later he heads back over to Bryn and grins. "Welp, we're good to go, no need to stick around." He says as he waits for the EMT to take the young mutant into the car for support so he can retrieve his jacket. He brushes it off, then slides it back on his body. "Have you ran into Thor since you got back to Earth? I can always hook you two up if you're looking to touch base. I see him all the time." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn starts to step away from the car as the police roll up. She doesn't seem wary or skittish, just like her presence is no longer needed here. Watching while Drake talks with the police, she stuffs hands into jacket pockets and lingers a bit. The short woman smiles at the offer, and it seems pretty genuine. Her voice lowers, becoming somewhat softer. Even more serious. "Tell him, when you see him, that the Valkyrjur remain vigilant. And we will answer his call." Something occurs to her, then, and she pulls a cell phone from her pocket. "Give him my number as well. Let me text it to you." 

:'''{{#var:1353|Drake (1353)}} has posed:''' "Sure, I don't mind giving him the message. He won't freak out and punch me or anything if I do, right? He can hit /really/ hard. I sparred with him once and I think he sent me into the next zip code with a jab. I probably shouldn't have been taunting him. Called him Goldilocks. Was trying to get him to laugh so I can sucker punch him. Didn't work." Drake takes his phone out and rattles off the number to her. "What about you joining the team? You're obviously of the super strong, maybe super hero type, right? Never thought about throwing on spandex and beating up bad guys for a living and what not? I kinda fell into this by accident and Mister Stark gave me a chance to prove myself. It's the best feeling in the world being able to help others, and to hang out with Captain America." 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn snorts at the description of Thor's punches. "Well if he ever punches you again, give me a call." she offers. Yeah, the woman stands a good foot shorter than Thor. Really scary. She thumbs his number into her phone, then pushes 'send' to fire off the text. "Spandex really isn't my thing, but thanks for the thought. I'll keep on my own path for a while, at least. 'Goldilocks' knows who I am, and he'll understand. But I took an oath to defend Midgard, and I never break my oaths." She pauses, then adds. "Fare thee well, Drake." 
}}

6874/Who's Saving Who

2019-03-20T13:18:38Z

Simone1: Bryn and Helena meet while fighting a gang together.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/03/12
|Location=Gotham City
|Synopsis=Bryn and Helena meet while fighting a gang together.
|Cast of Characters=1414, 166
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn is... not sure where she is, exactly. In a city, somewhere in North America. Near the ocean, from the sounds of the waterfront. And from the smell, she puts heavy bets on New Jersey. Everything has been a bit fuzzy since Ragnarok. Since Asgard fell, its surviving population taking to the stars. That might have something to do with the vast quantities of liquor she's consumed since then, of course. As Valkyrie, she fought in the last battle for Asgard. They lost. While New Asgard was being established in Scandinavia, the warrior took the opportunity to reacquaint herself with Midgard. To walk the Earth, as it were. So now Bryn wanders the back streets of a place called Gotham, armored in jeans and a leather jacket. Armed only with a mostly-empty bottle of cheap whiskey. Does she realize that this isn't a good part of town? That she's probably being stalked by local predators? Perhaps, or perhaps not. But in any case, it doesn't seem to concern her unduly. 

:'''{{#var:166|Helena Bertinelli (166)}} has posed:''' Helena Bertinelli, for her part, has very little awareness of such goings on in the universe, or that proverbial aliens are immigrating to Scandanavia. It would probably give her pause to know these things but, really, it isn't in her backyard after all. Plus, she's been out of the country for almost seven months, so catching up on world news will have to wait a little bit longer. At the moment Helena is returning from a grocery run, restocking her condo's 'fridge for the first time since her arrival. She carries two grocery bags in one hand and one in the other. Turning the corner she notices the woman making her way toward a darker alley - followed by a half dozen figures of questionable cleanliness and intent. It brings a frown to her face and she begins to make her way toward the corner of the alley to get a better look. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn isn't singing and her footsteps aren't weaving, but from the jaunty sway she definitely looks like the bottle she's holding wasn't the first of the evening. Pausing for a moment, the dusky woman glances back over her shoulder and flashes a grin. Does she see her stalkers? Yeah, it's pretty likely. She heads down the alley anyway. Might as well have sent up a flare with an invitation. 

:'''{{#var:166|Helena Bertinelli (166)}} has posed:''' Helena Bertinelli misses the loook and the grin, but reaches the alley in time to see the group with ill intentions following her. She sighs and looks down at her freshly bought groceries before following the parade into the alley. She picks the cleanest filthy place on the ground to set the bags before closing in slowly on the group from behind. She'll wait for the moment. Maybe it's not what it looks like. But it certainly looks like the start of a bad situation. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' About halfway into the alley, Bryn turns to face her pursuers. Dark eyes flicker from one to the next to the next, sizing up the small gang. Almost casually she raises the bottle, tipping it high to drain the last of its contents. When it's finished, she flashes that grin again. "Right. Everybody ready to get started, then?" She tosses the bottle absently at a dumpster a good thirty feet behind them. It hits the mark and shatters, causing a couple heads to turn. 

:'''{{#var:166|Helena Bertinelli (166)}} has posed:''' Helena Bertinelli groans inwardly. She could have just ran off. Why didn't she run? This really isn't the time to play tough girl. Bad odds. six opponents and drunk? Sighing, Helena stepped closer. "C'mon, kids. This isn't a fair fight. How about we even it up just a little? If it's embarrassing to get your ass kicked by a girl, will it be twice as bad with two of them?" Her blue eyes flicker as she watches the group instinctively split its focus onto both women now. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn doesn't wait. As soon as the group's attention is split between her and the newcomer, she strides right towards the middle of them. One of the kids draws a knife, brandishing it as the dark woman approaches. "Just... give us your money!" he calls out, two buddies flanking Bryn. When she shows no sign of stopping, the kid panics and stabs at her. Bryn looks more concerned about the woman to set down her groceries to help out. "Oi! Watch yourself, duckie!" she calls to Helena. Rolling a shoulder back, she dodges the stab attempt and catches the kid firmly by the bicep. Using him as both a weapon and a shield, she half-flings him into one of his partners, which then propels the both of them into a wall. 

:'''{{#var:166|Helena Bertinelli (166)}} has posed:''' Helena Bertinelli sees just enough to at first worry for the other woman's sanity let alone safety, then to realize maybe Bryn can handle herself. Then there's no time to worry as she has three of her own would-be muggers to address. As the three approach her, she just smiles and reaches behind her back with her right hand and produces a collapsible staff. With the press of a button it expands in both directions to a length of five feet. She spins it a few times, "You all could have walked away. You may not walk for weeks after this." The bravest of the three growls and draws a gun only to have the staff smash into his wrist as it begins to raise the weapon. "Oh no. We're keeping this to an old school beat down. No firearms allowed!" The staff spins around and strikes the mugger in the back of the head and he drops, stunned, as the other two try to outflank Helena. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Okay, so Bryn's not the only one who can take care of herself, it seems. Helena's staff comes out and she drops one of the muggers, which earns a smirk of approval. She turns towards the last of her attackers, drawing a breath and exhaling sharply. "Right. Let's finish it. And if you run, it'll only hurt worse." This is NOT AT ALL working out how the muggers intended. The kid stares at the shorter woman while the tall one with the staff starts her beat-down. Bryn would need to wear heels to top 5'6", but her size makes her no less scary as she eases into a slight crouch. The mugger attacks, flipping open a switchblade at the last moment. He starts stabbing, quite rapidly. And Bryn turns every thrust aside with the back of a hand. The more he tries to stab her, the faster she counters him. 

:'''{{#var:166|Helena Bertinelli (166)}} has posed:''' Helena Bertinelli laughs at Bryn's attitude on the situation. "Sounds like you're enjoying this" Helena asides as she uses the staff to jab one of her opponents in the sternum to knock him back and give a little space. She turns to the other one and grins, "Don't worry. I haven't forgotten about you." She rolls away from a skilled kick from her attacker but uses the staff to jab down between his legs and trip him up, Tugging the staff upward he spills to the filthy alley hard. Timing is everything and Helena's timing was good, but the former attacker's is just a fraction better - this time. He grabs her from behind, hands trying to loop up under her arms to get her into a head lock. But he can't quite overpower her enough to complete it. Given the vicious kick to his left kneecap that buckles his leg, he never gets the chance as she spin kicks him in the jaw just as he calls to his knees. Brushing her hair back, she glances to Bryn to make sure she's still doing okay. 

:'''{{#var:1414|Valkyrie (1414)}} has posed:''' Bryn has her attention split between watching Helena and blocking those fast stab attempts. The more she blocks, the more frantic the kid with the knife becomes. A dark brow lifts as Helena is grappled, but the grin returns when a kick finishes things. The rhythm of the thrust-block, thrust-block, thrust-block continues, and somewhere along the way Bryn takes away the knife. An elbow out of nowhere drops the kid, then she is bending over him with the point towards his throat. "You need to find yourself another hobby, I think. And stop playing with knives, because you're not very good at it." Straightening, she gestures towards the entrance of the alley with the point. "I'm allowing you to walk away this time, so you can tell your friends how two *girls* took down six of you. Now go!" The kid struggles to rise, tripping over himself as he runs out of the alley. 
}}

6227/Ill-Met by Moonlight

2019-01-20T04:56:53Z

Simone1: Three unlikely heroes cross paths and converge upon a mystery!

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/01/20
|Location=New York City
|Synopsis=Three unlikely heroes cross paths and converge upon a mystery!
|Cast of Characters=7494, 1733, 1852
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:7494|Zombie-Girl (7494)}} has posed:''' Zombie-Girl walks briskly down the streets of Kingsbridge. She wears a long coat with a hood up and over her head in an attempt to at least somewhat obscure her strange appearance. Dark goggles obscure her eyes. She seems to be looking around at the buildings. In her hand she holds a pen and a tattered notebook. 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale has been back in the New York area for a little while, now, and ever since her return something has felt... off. Not something she could easily put a finger on; more a general feeling. It feels stronger at night, so tonight she decides to skip work and do a little searching. Weaving a divination spell together with a teleport, she finds herself in Lower Yonkers. Not that the Florida native has a clue where that really is. It's all a jumble of streets and buildings to her. Jennifer steps out of an alleyway into the street, wearing a cropped top and baggy, bellbottom jeans. The figure in the long coat with the hood gets only a brief glance, at least at first. 

:'''{{#var:1852|Alek (1852)}} has posed:''' Alek is staring into the window of a electronics store, his eyes have a faint blue glow to them, as if they were internally lit, he seems to be gesturing with his hands and is dead silent, it's not unheard of in New York to be wierd but it stands out a bit. 

:'''{{#var:7494|Zombie-Girl (7494)}} has posed:''' Zombie-Girl bumps into Jennifer. She keeps her head down to try to keep attention off of her the best she can. She's a solid thing and the bump is a solid thump. "Yeah sorry, " she says pushing past. Unfortunately she doesn't realize that she's dropped her notebook after the bump, seeming only to put some distance between herself and the other woman. 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Perhaps Jen was distracted by the guy with the glowing eyes, but when the girl in the hooded coat almost knocks her down the reaction is instinctive. There's a brief surge of magic as her shield-reflex triggers, keeping her from landing on her butt. Since she's surprised, there's an amber flash as well. Shit. Seeming to recover her balance, Jennifer notices the notebook. "Hey! You dropped something." She calls out. And that's when she catches the whiff of necromancy. 

:'''{{#var:1852|Alek (1852)}} has posed:''' Alek is in his own little world, not noticing or paying attention to those who are wandering by. The flash however does bring him out of whatever trance he is in. He glances around a bit, "What was..." he skims right over the two nearby woman, he's not sure what it was.. he looks up at the sky, maybe it was lightning? 

:'''{{#var:7494|Zombie-Girl (7494)}} has posed:''' Zombie-Girl wheels around when she catches sight of a weird flash out of the corner of her eye. That and being told that she dropped her notebook. She tries not to look up, but cautiously retraces her steps. The notebook seems to have some very peculiar things in it. Drawings of magic sigils of a decidedly demonic origin with an address written below each one. She walks back to Jennifer and quickly leans down to scoop up the book. 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale looks down at the notebook as well, and as the other girl leans down to scoop it up the blonde rises slowly along with her. "I recognize that writing." she offers softly. "But you have nothing to fear from me. I have seen dark places and have returned." Hearing Alek, she speaks more loudly. "Everything's fine over here." 

:'''{{#var:1852|Alek (1852)}} has posed:''' Alek eyes dance around the two, "Umm, Okay.. Everything is fine over here too." he looks back at the electronics in the window but he seems to sigh, as if they have lost their attraction for him. He looks around the area, his eyes not really settling on anything, "Normal noise.. nothing interesting.." he mutters. 

:'''{{#var:7494|Zombie-Girl (7494)}} has posed:''' Zombie-Girl looks between Alek and Jennifer. She stands back up with the notebook in hand. "Well I don't envy you knowing that language," she tells Jennifer. "I don't know how much I should trust someone who does," she adds. She shoves the book in a pocket. 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale meets the girl's gaze evenly, replying simply. "My name is Jennifer Kale, and I'm a sorceress." It's said a bit louder than she probably should have, at least on the streets. "Whether you choose to trust me or not is completely up to you, of course. But ask yourself this: if I had ulterior motives would we still be talking?" 

:'''{{#var:1852|Alek (1852)}} has posed:''' Alek pauses a second his head tilted to the side, the light burst came from below not from the sky, it came from.. he pans over to Jennifer Kale. He ever so slowly begins to walk in that direction, he mutters to himself, "Photons came from below not above." He looks to Jennifer and Zombie-Girl, "You see a whole lot of photons.. they kinda were yellow I think. I thought it was lightning.. but it came from down low and over here." 

:'''{{#var:7494|Zombie-Girl (7494)}} has posed:''' Zombie-Girl tries to consider Jennifer's logic. But a world-class intellect she is not. "I... guess not?" she replies as she tries to work out the logic of the statement. "I just know someone's been tagging up the sides of buildings with those symbols. Does that sound like regular gang banger behavior to you?" She glances back at Alek and his rambling that she doesn't fully understand. 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale turns towards the buildings for a moment, looking over the graffiti. "Shit, you're right." she replies softly. "How could I have missed that...?" Alek approaches, then, speaking of photons. Things are getting complicated, and fast. She turns towards Alek, then, offering a small smile. "Hi there. And yeah, you've got a good eye. Definitely a bit of a light show over here, but nothing out of the ordinary." Unlike his eyes. "I'm Jennifer, and this is..." No, she never got the other girl's name. "You do know that your eyes are glowing, right?" 

:'''{{#var:1852|Alek (1852)}} has posed:''' Alek says, "I'm a Mutant. Something I've been since I was born. I emit photons from my eyes. Having your own headlights is useful at times." he smiles a bit, "Okay, so everyone saw it. Usually I'm the only one who sees things, I mean I understand, we have our handicaps." His eyes never meet with yours, they are always looking towards something else, his body language also seems odd, as if he's unsure how to stand while talking to someone." 

:'''{{#var:7494|Zombie-Girl (7494)}} has posed:''' Zombie-Girl crossess her arms, she still isn't quite looking up to meet Jennifer's eyes. Still if one were to look directly at her, they would see that her skin is the color of fresh concrete. "I'm Ay..." she starts to say but stops herself as she thinks better of laying that card on the table with people she's just met. "Zombie-Girl. You can call me Zombie-Girl." She grins at Alek and lifts up her goggles. Green light pours out of her eyes, like a pair of burning coals wreathed in hellfire. 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale folds her arms over her chest, shifting her weight to one foot with a small smile. "A mutant and a zombie. Well that does explain a lot." she offers. "You have a name? I mean most people don't like to just be called 'Mutant' or something." Looking from one to the other, she adds. "So how about we start with the infernal sigils in the graffiti? That's definitely not your standard tagging." 

:'''{{#var:1852|Alek (1852)}} has posed:''' Alek says, "Zombie? Like.. eat brains zombie?" he looks towards Zombie girl.. and then to Jennifer, "Alek is my name. Not sure on yours... You guys know each other?" he looks between the two." 

:'''{{#var:7494|Zombie-Girl (7494)}} has posed:''' Zombie-Girl shrugs, "Don't know much. Heard on the grapevine there was a turf war going on at a meth house. Went in to see it filled with dead thugs, and with the symbols painted on the walls. One guy was torn the fuck open. I think his heart was missing, but I can't say for sure. It was a mess." She arches a brow at Alek and says, "I don't eat brains." 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' "Just met, actually. I'm Jennifer, and I'm a sorceress." Might as well, since everyone else is wearing hearts on sleeves. "And Zombie-Girl is unique, Alek, at least near as I can tell. But this isn't really the time or the place for such a discussion." Jennifer shakes her head slowly. "Gangs and meth dealers don't write notes using infernal script. They're not generally that bright. There's definitely something bigger going on here." 

:'''{{#var:1852|Alek (1852)}} has posed:''' Alek says, "I'm sorry for the ... racism? They do that to mutants too.. We're not all wanting to take over the world and stuff." He looks between the two, "I'm missing a conversation here? Meth, Gangs, and Symbols?"" 

:'''{{#var:7494|Zombie-Girl (7494)}} has posed:''' Zombie-Girl pulls the notebook back out of her pocket and starts to flip through the pages. There are the Zombie-Girl's crude renderings of the demonic graffiti that she's come across in back alleys across the city. "Yeah. Stuff that you aren't going to pick up in the tourist trap magic shops. It's some serious blasphemy, but it's also graffiti. So it's like they are claiming the city while defiling it." 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale crooks a finger to beckon Alek closer, tilting her head to take a better look at Zombie-Girl's notebook as well. The blonde touches a fingertip to the symbols, tracing along the writing as if reading it. She's careful not to actually -speak- any of it, however. "You're right. It's not as effective as burning dung and sprinkling it with fresh blood, but it's certainly a lot less messy." Turning towards Alek, then, she clarifies. "These symbols are demonic, and they don't belong here. The fact that someone even *knows* about them is troubling. That they're being spread around in graffiti is even worse." "Zombie-Girl, have you been keeping track of where the symbols are, as well as what has been written?" 

:'''{{#var:1852|Alek (1852)}} has posed:''' Alek blinks a bit.. "I should pay attention to the walls more.. I remember stuff with my hands more then my eyes." he reaches out to touch the notebook, "mind if I touch it? Maybe I can be on the look out for the symbols? Maybe help somehow?" 

:'''{{#var:7494|Zombie-Girl (7494)}} has posed:''' Zombie-Girl nods and points to the addresses below each notation. "Yeah. Probably gonna need like a map and some pushpins or some crap when I get a chance. I do know that whoever these guys are have the other gangs spooked pretty good," she notes. She holds the notebook out to Alek, "Knock yourself out." 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' "Detective work really isn't my thing." Jennifer admits, "But I think Zombie-Girl's right. This would probably make a lot more sense if it was posted on a map." She looks around for a moment, pursing her lips. "Where the hell are we, anyway? Feels like New York, but not exactly New York City." She watches Alek very curiously, then. "Your power is tactile. Interesting." Looking around, Jennifer adds. "Give me a sec to get my bearings." Eyes close and she concentrates for a moment. 

:'''{{#var:1852|Alek (1852)}} has posed:''' Alek reaches out and touches the notebook, his glowing blue eyes twinkle like a hard drive light on your desktop a moment before he lets go, "Hmm, good quality paper. I guess, but yes, interesting symbols." he states plainly, "I can probably post this online for you if you want. But, it's secrets right, you don't want people running around drawing demon symbols right?" 

:'''{{#var:7494|Zombie-Girl (7494)}} has posed:''' Zombie-Girl shrugs and says, "It really ain't my thing either. But demonic activity is really really bad for the continuation of my unlife." She sighs and says, "I just need to find someone to do the thinking part for me so that I can cut straight to the punching." She shakes her head to Alek and says, "We don't need copycats picking up on this stuff. Though I guess most people wouldn't be able to decipher it anyway." 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale shakes her head at the offer to post the symbols online. "Yeah, I don't think that's a really good idea. And if you post them online, you might actually be spreading their influence to the internet." Something occurs to her, then. "So, Alek, can you access a map of where we are? And maybe add the locations of the graffiti to it? We don't have pushpins and string, but a virtual map should do just as well." 

:'''{{#var:1852|Alek (1852)}} has posed:''' Alek says, "I have alot of maps of New York, actually have them back to when it was New Amsterdam. I did alot of researching when I was bored at the library. Where we are... that's easy. And... what other positions did you want me to put on this 'virtual' map?"" 

:'''{{#var:7494|Zombie-Girl (7494)}} has posed:''' Zombie-Girl riffles through the pages, "I guess just all of these locations. The first page is the symbol that I found with the ritual killing, so I don't know if it has more meaning than the others or what." 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Blonde brows lift at the extent of Alek's data, and she whistles low. "Score one for Research." she offers softly. When Zombie-Girl flips through the pages, Jennifer interjects. "The ritual killing? Yeah, let's go back to that. There is a lot of power in death, as you well know. A ritual killing must have been done for a reason." She looks at the symbols and then the street location. "Anyone up for taking a closer look? I can get us there quickly. Perhaps there are still mystical traces left behind..." 

:'''{{#var:7494|Zombie-Girl (7494)}} has posed:''' Zombie-Girl doesn't know exactly what Jennifer is talking about as far as getting there quickly, but she shrugs, "Sure. I'm game. Though the place has been picked over by Johnny law by now." 

:'''{{#var:1852|Alek (1852)}} has posed:''' Alek says, "Ooh, these locations. From the notebook." He nods, "I can do that. And.. You can get us there quickly? Umm, how?"" 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale steps between the two, offering a knowing smile. She slips an arm around Zombie-Girl's waist, the other easing around Alek's. "It's called 'teleportation', but that's really all you need to know about it. It's quick and almost instantaneous. An alteration of time and space, if you want to think of if that way." Jennifer alters her thoughts, adopting the proper frame of mind. The address of the first location comes to mind after a few deep breaths. "Okay, here we go..." 
}}

6057/Midnight Coffee

2018-12-28T04:53:22Z

Simone1: Kate Kane stops to visit Barbara Gordon for coffee.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/12/28
|Location=Gotham City
|Synopsis=Kate Kane stops to visit Barbara Gordon for coffee.
|Cast of Characters=193, 58
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:'''     There are some habits that the Bat family needs to kick. There are some habits that even those in Bruce's close-to-inner circle find bothersome, annoying, or frustrating. This is one of those habits. When Barbara arrives at her clocktower 'penthouse' of sorts, Kate has been in the living room for a good five minutes.     Did she trip the alarm systems? Of course she didn't. Did she trip the secondary alarm systems? Why on earth would she be so gracious? It's the kind of thing only the upper echelons of Bats would do- the kind of happening that you never really get -used- to but always seem to expect when you know the Bat himself... Though Batwoman breaking in without a trace is a slightly more frustrating happening, despite that it's more of a friendly, perhaps even competitive gesture. She's having fun and testing Barbara as much as herself. At least she didn't throw a potted plant through a window.     The lights flip on and there stands the imposing figure of the Batwoman, the red and black nigh invisible in the darkness, and still somewhat intimidatingly looming in a darker corner than the rest. The cowl's still on. Is this a business call? Is she here to be angry about something? Is she on a case- or, rather, on a case that requires Barbara's attention?     Is she staying silent and broody just to make Barbara sweat for a moment because something serious could have happened? That's something you never have to worry about with the others, but Kate is -just- playful enough that... Yeah, it's that. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     The younger redhead returns to her apartment with a bag of groceries cradled in one arm, the other hand still holding her key card as she flips on the light. Spotting the dark figure looming in the corner, Barbara's reaction is instinctive. The key card flutters to the floor, catching the light with every turn. It's a distraction, of course, and only a Bat-professional would notice Babs slipping out a Batarang from somewhere on her person. As she comfortably fingers the missile weapon Barbara registers who the dark visitor really is. "You know, SOME people wait for me to get home before breaking into my place instead of lurking in the dark to scare the crap out of me." Barbara steps towards the kitchen, setting down the bag. "Is everything alright, Kate?" 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:'''     Kate stands in the dark for a few moments longer, in that same stoic silence. She's reading Barbara as best she can, though there are some difficulties as Barbara is no slouch in the poker-face department. The casual nature of the situation helps somewhat- that Barbara probably doesn't feel like she needs to hide anything from Kate. After a few moments, when the Oh No response starts to work its way in, Kate takes a more casual posture.     Stepping foward, and pulling off the wig-helmet combo, Kate almost seems to be smiling- that imperious, confident sort of smile when one is, for example, amused by their own joke. Her tone is soft and friendly, even though for a moment she was as grim and dark as she could be, "Yeah, I'm sure some people do. But some people never get to see that look on your face."     The helmet goes under her arm. "I was in the area and finishing up the first half of the night. I have a few hours left, but it's been a little quiet." Apparently, a little quiet is at least two small-caliber rounds, lodged in the impressive fibers of her batsuit. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Barbara smirks when Kate finally speaks, casually tucking the Batarang back into the back waist of her jeans under the light jacket. "You're teaching me bad habits, of course. By all rights I should automatically throw something at tall, creepy, shadowy types who I find waiting in my place. Except when you run down the list of possibles who even KNOW about this place, much less who can break in without tripping my alarms, that cuts things down to pretty much 'family'."     Giving the costumed woman a sweeping once-over as the -real- Kate is revealed, Barbara starts putting away groceries. "Bad guys still carry .38's these days?" she asks almost casually.     And for all that, Barbara does relax noticeably in Kate's company all the same. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:'''     "I would have caught it." she states, with no small amount of confidence in herself. There's a pause for a moment at Barbara's statement, and Kate reaches up to one of the rounds stuck to her suit, plucking it free with a pair of thickly gloved fingers. "Well," she begins, "The trick is to sell it. If they think the bullets hurt, then they still use the lower calibers." She leaves the bullet on one of Barbara's countertops for the moment, and sets the helmet down beside it.     Taking a lean, then, she looks Barbara right in the eyes. "If I'm the one teaching you bad habits, I have to wonder what's become of your night life." There's a small laugh, there. "I figured you could use a little bit of company anyway. Nobody needs to be worked to the bone during the holiday season. Coffee?" she asks, playing a chipper role in comparison to Barbara, for the moment. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Barbara chuckles at that, barely restraining a snort as she turns to give Kate a -look- over her shoulder. And if she had glasses she'd be peering over them as well. "Yeah, I know the whole 'street presence' routine." she replies, opening the fridge to put a few things inside.     "My night life? I still put on the costume, if that's what you mean. But we've got quite a few little birds who are still testing their wings, so I do more training than real action these days." Nudging the fridge closed with a bump of her hip, she draws a deep breath and exhales slowly. "Coffee would be great, thanks. Would you mind? You know where everything is. These flats are part off the 'quiet librarian' look, but not nearly as comfortable as my boots." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:'''     "It's certainly not the kind of faking it that I thought I'd have to figure out, and learning to roll with a bullet is a little rougher than learning to roll with a punch, but that's all part of the act. Pretending you're getting more than bruised." She moves over, letting Barbara finish up and starting to prepare the coffee. The cape she detaches- popping the clasps off of each corner of the bat so that she can drape it over the back of a chair, though the balancing act is a little more finicky than it seems like it would be.     "I happen to like quiet librarians." she states, setting up the coffee and making use of the liberties she's taken. It's not that she wasn't allowed to learn the layout of Barbara's apartment, but more that the level of what she's learned is probably just a little more than one would be comfortable with... Not that that isn't just a Bat habit. Pretty hard to break.     "I know the feeling. We have more out there now than we ever have, which makes things... Really complicated. We're getting crowded." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Barbara settles heavily onto a sofa and kicks off her shoes, one at a time. She chuckles at the 'faking it' comment. "I wouldn't think that you'd have to fake it at all, really." Babs quips back lightly. "I mean, women are so much more attentive than guys. From what I've heard."     Letting out a long, low sigh she chuckles again. "Sorry about that; pretty rude of me to assume." At least without apparent first-hand knowledge. "And you're right, Kate. It IS getting crowded around here. On the one hand it's nice to have the extra hands. But I worry about these kids. I just know how I'd feel if something happened because *I* sent them out on a mission unprepared." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:'''     Kate isn't necessarily going to shy away from that kind of topic, and her response comes rather quickly. "You've -heard-, huh. Librarian's not so quiet." she remarks, setting the coffee on and turning away from it to face Babs proper. "You're not really assuming much of anything." Pushing off of the counter, her heavy boots thud against the floor despite the grace of the person walking with them.     "Prepared. What a good joke." she responds, dryly. "I defy you to name a person who walked into this forest fire prepared in -any- way. If you try, I'm calling you a liar." she takes a seat, then, in position to take the coffee off once it's done. "I still don't like it. We were doing fine, now we have all of these kids to look after. I figured it'd take longer and that there'd be paperwork involved before I was doing this much babysitting." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Barbara gives the *look* again, only this time her freckled cheeks are coloring a bit. "This librarian has done her research on a WIDE variety of subjects, is all." she quips back, with a bit less bravado than she normally would.     Shaking her head, Barbara stretches her legs out and props her stocking feet on the coffee table. "For my part, I was lucky that I didn't die about every third time I went out during my first year." She lets her head fall back onto the sofa, reaching up to pull out the scrunchy holding her ponytail in place. "I like to think that things ARE different, though. We never had someone like Oracle watching over us."     Of course Kate does know who Oracle really is. Not all of the Birds, especially the younger ones, have been let in on that secret. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:'''     "Oh we're calling it -research- now. Last I checked, most people don't need to bypass library firewalls to do research but I guess you could be doing it on your own time. Let me know when you need to start expert interviews." In contrast, Kate's bravado is escalating quite nicely.     "Every third time? Sounds pretty lucky. It's all that ballet." she states, folding her arms quietly, and tilting her head as she looks over Barbara for a moment. "We've never had someone like Oracle watching over us, and trust me, I'm sure everyone out there is thankful for that. But. Now we have an even greater margin for error when people's heads get big. Now overconfidence has backing, it has substance to it. The hole has been dug deeper. It's harder to fall into, but when you fall in..." she sighs, then. "I don't play well with others, sorry. Plus half the catchphrases we could use for the team mean a couple different things to me." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     A soft groan, and as Babs lifts her head up she manages a rather nice eye-roll. "One of these days you'll catch me in the right mood to take you up on that." she replies. And dispite the wry grin she's blushing furiously.     Barbara clears her throat softly, sitting up and then leaning forward along those long legs. She grips the soles of her feet, stretching briefly before releasing. "I hear you, though. You and I both know that Oracle isn't *really* omniscient. In many ways, by me taking up Her mantle I can't help but feel I've only raised the stakes."     Another sigh. "You'll find a bottle of Bailey's in the freezer, when the coffee's ready." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:'''     "Yeah, I just have to catch you on the rebound from jetsetting adopted billionaire heir-apparents, and probably halfway intoxicated. Not my usual game." Kate turns, then, making her way into the kitchen. She noticed the blush, but isn't about to bring it up. As well, she saw the stretch coming and figured it'd be inappropriate to linger around the living room.     "She's as close as it gets, which is probably all we can hope for. Any more, and you'd have to be stuck in front of the computer. I'm pretty sure you'd kill somebody. Great for research, though."     Kate fetches the bottle of Bailey's, and for a moment, she's almost gleeful- then, she remembers the cape, and that brings her back to the reality of the fact that she's had issues in the past. Barbara gets what she asked for, but Kate keeps the coffee black. Not by preference, but by design.     Turning back toward the living room, she sets down the mug near the couch Barbara was laying on, and takes a seat nearby with her own. "There you go." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Barbara doesn't *look* tired, but Kate would definitely pick up on the signs. It's part of what they DO in the Bat-family, after all. Smiling as the mug is set down, she reaches for it without hesitation. "So long as we have people in the field, I can't allow myself to get muddled." she replies.     "And I'm *sure* I don't know WHO you're referring to." Or at least which adopted billionaire. "I mean we tried that once, and found it too complicated." she adds, in a rare admission. Taking a sip of coffee, she wiggles her toes and lets out another sigh.     "Thanks, Kate. I'm really glad you stopped by. I just hope your -own- social life is going better than mine these days." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:'''     Kate has less of that particular tired, but she knows the signs. She's been around the family enough to recognize the years of burning the candle at both ends, and how the body adapts enough that it doesn't -look- tired, yet it almost certainly is. "I don't know if I believe your statement, but I'll take your word for it that you've never met anyone quite like that." There's a pause, "Yeah, he seems like a complicated person." As if they're not -all- complicated people.     Now, it's Kate's time to sigh. "Yeah, my social life is great. I sleep during the day, hurt people at night, and sometimes I beat up bad people who shoot at me. There's really nothing I could possibly ask for." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Babs smiles a bit wanly. "He is friend-zoned, by mutual agreement." she raises her mug before taking a sip. "To the friend-zone!" She drinks deeply, breathing in the alcohol vapors a bit too quickly but managing not to sputter.     "Look at us, will you? Couple of hot gingers staying up late together and crying in our coffee." The next sip is slower, and she keeps eye contact with her houseguest. "I think I'll put on the cape and cowl tomorrow night. Get a little physical exercise." Her gaze wanders a bit, as if lost in the past.     Babs looks back to Kate again. "Fatigue and bruises aside, it was always good for clearing my thoughts." 
}}

5906/Letting off Steam

2018-12-04T15:29:14Z

Simone1: Cassie and Kaldur talk in the Danger Room

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/12/03
|Location=Titans Tower
|Synopsis=Cassie and Kaldur talk in the Danger Room
|Cast of Characters=976, 1164
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' Up on the 6th floor of Titan's Tower is the Danger Room; a place where the team can pit their skills against holographic opponents. Cassie Sandsmark is practicing in the room right now, with the difficulty level set fairly high. Wondergirl is clad in yoga pants and a sports bra, barefoot and armed with only her bracers and golden lasso. The blonde teen is pitted against wave after wave of zombie soldiers, in a scene straight out of any one of a dozen apocalyptic movie settings. The lasso whirls, fists and feet lashing out to keep a clear area around her. 

:'''{{#var:1164|Aqualad (1164)}} has posed:''' Kaldur enters into the danger room and watches Cassie from afar, but doesn't directly interfere just yet. Instead, he watches and waits, looking at Cassie's form and battle stance. Well trained. Then, the Atlantean hybrid smiles and draws his waterbearers in the shape of swords, cutting down a zombie that was directly behind her! "Hello Cassie." 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' Cassie Sandsmark isn't fighting rationally. It's not like her style is slipping, but it's more that she takes bigger and bigger risks. The lasso lashes out again and again, lightning crackling along its length. Ozone grows thick in the air, as does the smell of burning, dead flesh. Hearing the voice behind her, the girl starts and hovers about fifteen feet off of the ground. She calls out loudly. "Simulation Pause!" Descending lightly, she coils up her lasso and replies. "How're you doing, Kaldur?" 

:'''{{#var:1164|Aqualad (1164)}} has posed:''' Kaldur strikes down a few more beasts before the simulation ends, putting his waterbearers back in their holsters as he looks to Cassie. "I'm doing good. how are you? I have been meaning to ask you something, but saw you in training." He smiles then. "You're fighting style has significantly increased. well done." he nods approvingly. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' Cassie Sandsmark's face is still clouded, her angry expression slowly settling as she hovers back down again. "Thanks. I think it's because I'm unhappy with Moon-Moon. He's so... judgemental. And condescending." Her expression clouds again, lightning crackling along its length before she takes a big, deep breath. She exhales slowly, relaxing more and more by the moment. Tucking blonde hair behind her right ear, she actually smiles. "So what's on your mind, Kal?" 

:'''{{#var:1164|Aqualad (1164)}} has posed:''' Kaldur'ahm smiles to Cassie, nodding a little bit. "I have not met him yet, but from what I hear, he is not very friendly." he sighs. "I pray his attitude improves." Aqualad looks upon Cassie at her question and he sighs lightly. "Oh,so um... I was wondering...and you know, we don't have to..but I was wondering if you wanted to go out to eat sometime? like a date?" Now he waits for the inevitable denial. the retreat in her expression. Kaldur has always liked Cassie, but he was never brave to tell her. now it was the moment of truth. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' Cassie Sandsmark shrugs on the subject of Moon-Moon. "It'll either improve or I'll mop the floor with him. Arrogant little..." The blonde is caught mid-way through that thought when something else Kal says rattles around inside her head. She stops short, turning to look directly at Kal. And she smiles. "You mean like a date-date?" Blue eyes are bright, and the lasso isn't crackling with lightning anymore. A good sign. 

:'''{{#var:1164|Aqualad (1164)}} has posed:''' Aqualad laughs, despite his usually cool and calm demeanor. He found it funny, as he doesn't quite laugh much. It's a quick thing, a smile to her as he blushes and they stand near each other. "Well, I think Amarak will do what he should. He didn't get put on the team for no reason." then the question of the date. "Y-yes...like a date-date." his hand moves to try and touch hers, some of his atlantean tattoos visible as his blue eyes find hers. Good sign that she isn't trying to destroy him with a lightning lasso. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' Cassie Sandsmark shrugs at the side line on Amarok, her attention more clearly on other matters now. Her focus is on his eyes, those blue eyes that contrast so much with his darker skin tone. When he reaches for her hand she doesn't pull back, and fingers curl a bit with his own. When SHE blushes it's very, very apparent. Living with the Amazons did a lot for Cassie's tan, but she's still a whole lot lighter in skin tone than Kal. "Then yes." she replies, voice becoming softer. 

:'''{{#var:1164|Aqualad (1164)}} has posed:''' Cassie had Kaldur'ahm's full attention, looking her directly in those perfect eyes that he fell so hard for long ago, and when he felt the warmth of her hand curl around his own? It was like that smile truly touched his features. Letting his fingers tangle with Cassie's, he moves just a little bit closer, leaving little distance between them. "I'm glad." His voice soft and affectionate, never looking away for even a moment. To him? It was as if all else faded to black. "Where would you like to go? We could go out for dinner?" 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' Cassie Sandsmark's nostrils flare when he steps up close, her fingers tightening in response to his own. Cheeks are still darker and her lashes lower as their personal space closes. "It... I wasn't expecting anyone to ask." She pauses for a moment, adding. "Me out, I mean." Chuckling softly, her own discomfort passes after a few moments. "Think we could go somewhere other than a pizza place? Much as I like pizza, it's sort of become a staple around here. And I'm pretty sure that's not natural." 

:'''{{#var:1164|Aqualad (1164)}} has posed:''' Kaldur sees her flare her nostril,s uncertain if it was due to an uncomfortability due to the space or because she felt nervous and charmed. He was never quite good at reading body language when it came to females. Bud he does feel her hand tighten around his own. He chuckles at her words. "Well...it keeps things interesting, doesn't it?" A small show of humor. "Of course. I am not too much of an admirer when it comes to pizza, I was thinking more like...steaks. A steakhouse? or perhaps a buffet? Or we can walk along the beach." 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' Cassie Sandsmark's grin broadens, gaze lowering as the blush remains. "Interesting." It's only one date, Cassie! Yeah, it really is. "Yeah, it really does. Not that it's, like, anyone else's business, of course. I mean I don't mind if they know, but you know how they all can get." "Steak house and then a walk along the beach? I really do like the sound of that. The beaches are probably one of my most favorite things about Themyscira." 

:'''{{#var:1164|Aqualad (1164)}} has posed:''' Kaldur smiles to her warmly, holding her hands as their fingers played together. An Amazon and an Atlantean. What a pair. But, Kaldur seems to be utterly attentive to Cassie, nodding softly to her. "Steak house and a walk along the beach it is. Perhaps...tonight, or some other time this week?" he asks curiously, wanting to have a gauge for her time this week. Though, his eyes fall to her lips, and he becomes very tempted. But he refrains. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' Cassie Sandsmark's focus is on him as well, or at least upon the attention he's giving her. Fingers lace together and she raises up onto tiptoes, balancing lightly. "Well you're the one who's doing the asking." she replies teasingly. "Why don't *you* decide, so that I can clear my calendar?" Yep, it's all about Cassie still. And if she notices his gaze lowering to her lips, she's either too oblivious to notice or too caught up in the moment to react to it. 

:'''{{#var:1164|Aqualad (1164)}} has posed:''' All about Cassie. Well, when she top toes up to make herself more level with Kaldur,who tries to wrap an arm around her waist to help her keep her balance. "How about tonight then? I have no plans." Though his eyes fall back to her lips, and temptation overcomes him. This was the woman who long had his heart, after all. He starts to lean his head forward. was he going to try to kiss her?! and even more pressing: how would she react?! 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' Cassie Sandsmark can fly, so balance really isn't a problem for her. Not that she tries to pull away, either. Free hand falling to his shoulder, her gaze meets his own as proximity removes all other distractions. He leans in. Her lips part. Lashes lower. Breathing quickens. Her hand squeezes his shoulder, then, and Cassie slips a bit to one side. Just a moment *before* it's too late. "I should really get a shower." she offers softly. "If we're going to go out tonight, that is." And just like that, she's disengaged herself and takes a step towards the door. Looking back over her shoulder, either to check his reaction or to make sure he's looking, she calls out. "Looking forward to it, Kal!" 
}}

5870/Something Doesn't Add Up

2018-11-28T21:41:58Z

Simone1: Batgirl finds Spoiler at a safehouse.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/11/28
|Location=Gotham City
|Synopsis=Batgirl finds Spoiler at a safehouse.
|Cast of Characters=58, 1134
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Part of Barbara's function as Oracle is to keep tabs on the Bat-family. This includes not only the ones currently residing in Wayne Manor, but those of the extended family as well. And their assets, which can be extensive. But that's what an over-watch agency does, right? So when Barbara's network notices some unusual network activity coming from one of Tim's safe houses, the redhead figures it's worthy of a follow up. If it's just Tim, she could stop by in her civilian garb. But if it IS just Tim, he's familiar with her Batgirl costume as well. Time to put on the cape and cowl! The Batgirl cycle takes her across town in good time, and since she's in costume Barbara decides to hone her skills by climbing the building's exterior to check in a window. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Spoiler wasn't sure how fully she trusted Red Robin. Or whatever his new vigilante name was. THe fact he knew who she was in her regular life really didn't sit well. But he did offer her a few upgrades last time. And he gave her access to a safe house. She half expected bars and spikes to erupt all over the place the moment she stepped inside. But the system disarmed for her as he'd shown and GCPD didn't roll up on the place so.. maybe he was being truthful with her. Mostly. Sitting at the computer she began some research on a local shipping company. All-Ways Transport. On paper they seemed clean. Family owned and operated. No ties to criminal organizations. No workplace issues. No labor complaints. It was entirely too clean but Spoiler just wasn't finding anything to prove otherwise. Not for the lack of trying. But even the best efforts of the unpracticed and untrained will be cumbersome to a trained eye. Like bashing through a brick wall when simply entering through a side door would have worked just as well and with less attention. "c'mon... c'mon. Give me SOMETHING. Do I have to beg?" Spoiler huffed as yet another Giggle search came up empty. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Clinging to the window frame outside the building, she's hard to see from inside with the lights on. Blonde hair and blue eyes. Younger than Barbara, but about Tim's age. Give or take. A girlfriend? Well wouldn't Bruce find THAT to be amusing? Watching for a few moments as the girl gets frustrated at the computer, Barbara quickly and quietly lets herself in through the window. Tumbling to the floor, she does a smooth shoulde-roll that puts her in the middle of the room near the computer desk. This isn't her first rodeo. "Well you're not entirely who I was expecting to be here." Batgirl offers, long cape parting enough to show the trademark emblem upon her chest. Her voice is low and husky, not quite a growl. Another Bat-trait. 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown was so focused on trying to figure this search out that she had no prayer of noticing she had company. COnsidering the heritage of said company, she'd never have a chance to notice first. Ever. Silly rookie mistake. Or costly. A blind and the blonde haired would-be vigilante looks up at "-- Batgirl?" A blink. "Uh. Hi. I didn't know this was such a popular clubhouse.." She had pealed her hood and mask back to see better while working on the computer. She had assumed she'd be alone. Now it was not only too late, she didn't even realize she'd left her mask off as she gawked at the armored redhead standing just beyond arm's reach. "Oh SH...ooooot....!" she says, trying to correct her words in real time as she also tries to grab her mask and tug it on. Terrible rookie mistake. SHe gives up when the mask proves to be rolled up upon itself behind her head and just won't cooperate. Stephanie sighs, "Well. That could have gone better." Looking up cautiously at Batgirl, she offers a pensive, "Hi? Red Robin said I could use this place to do investigations. But. You're gonna kick me out, aren't you?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl's smile is wide and full of amusement that reaches her green eyes. Not that her eyes are visible beneath those starlight lenses. Stepping forward, her boot heels are soft and gloved fingers cool when she touches the back of the blonde's hand. "Relax. Red Robin should've told you that we have this habit of checking up on each other as well. I also know that the security system in this place would've booted you a long time ago if you weren't welcome." Glancing over at the screen, she crouches a bit to get more onto Stephanie's level. "So. You figure out how to get the training wheels off of this thing yet?" 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown is more shocked she's not tossed to the curb than anything else. She nods dumbly at the questions and observations. ".. yeah. Make sense. I'm Spoiler, by the way. Or. Well. I should be. Right now I'm just spoiling private life I guess." She adds, "I'm Stephanie. But I'm sure you probably already knew that or will know it soon anyway." Looking back to the screen she explains. "I know how to use computers, sure, but he didn't show me how to use any of the techno-widgets you guys use. So I'm just trying to find what I'm after with searches. And -- not finding anything. Obviously." She sighs in frustration. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl tilts her head to get a better look at the blonde's face, lips curling into a wry smile. She speaks, and it's pretty apparent that she's talking into a headset. "Oracle, give me a full workup on Stephanie. Female. Human. Approximately 19 years of age. Uploading image from lens-cam now." A moment later she looks directly at Stephanie, then adds. "I'll have your full bio when I get back, if that makes you feel any better. Which it probably doesn't." Still crouching close, Batgirl offers. "Everything you're telling me only supports the fact that Red Robin let you in, of course." Yeah, Barbara knows that Tim would overlook some of the details. Like, say, telling people that he's letting someone use a safe house? "So what're you researching? Maybe I can help?" 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown rolls her eyes and shrugs. "It's no different than what Red Robin pulled. So I wouldn't expect any less. Just. DOn't judge me by my dad, okay? I'm nothing like him. At all." She frowns. "And my mom is trying. She may as well be a single parent and the stress is hard on her." Leaning back in the chair, Steph shrugs, "I can't tell you anything else that will make you believe me. I helped him stop a group of ninjas that were attacking him. Okay. -I- stopped one. But I really kicked his aaaaaass---butt..." she tries to correct after it's too late. VIgilantes are supposed to be polite right? She's trying. "After that, he brought me here and set up access for me. For all I know the custom programs on here I can't run anyway. So I just went standard search. Giggle works for everyuthing else. I figured it had to give me something. But I figured wrong." She pauses, "I'm trying to look into the records for All-Ways Transport. I heard on campus that a few Gotham U students went to work there as interns then suddenly dropped out of classes and really just disappeared. The company seems to be clean. But -too- clean, you know? Like they're trying too hard to be perfect. It's like.. Pleasantville sorts of perfect." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl tilts her head at that, pursing her lips a little. "No one likes to be judged by their parents, no matter how good they are." she replies, voice becoming softer and even more normal. The redhead listens to the account, nodding a couple times and then offering. "So you took out a ninja by yourself? That's a lot more impressive than most people think, Stephanie. But if you're serious, perhaps we can see about setting up a training regimen for you. Sparring partners, that sort of thing." She lets the offer hang in the air for a moment before turning her attention to the computer. "All-Ways Transport? Here. Would you mind if I try a couple of things? Scoot your butt over a bit." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown starts to reply with her usual snark but bites her tongue before words get from knee-jerk response to tongue. It'll smart later but it's better than what she was about to say. She pauses and nods, "Red Robin talked about that too. I'm serious. I'm not stopping. I haven't got the equipment that you all have. Or the support. Just the drive to make a difference in this city and stop as much crime as I can. I'll get better gear soon. I think. Hope.." She shrugs. It doesn't matter as sub-par gear and protection won't stop her anyway. She then moves to stand, arms crossed over her ribs. "Go for it. I wasn't getting anywhere with what I was trying." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Believe it or not, the drive and the will to make a difference is more important than a whole trunk-load of fancy gear." Batgirl replies softly. And when Stephanie gets up she wastes no time in sliding into the seat. Off come the leather gloves, set neatly on the desk by the keyboard. The palms are worn from climbing ropes. Nails are short and painted red. Professional manicure. One hand drives the mouse, minimizing windows and opening a few others. The typing sounds like a machinegun, and then more windows open. Sites that Stephanie likely hasn't even heard of. Barbara is being careful, for all that. She COULD have just logged in with her Oracle credentials, but that's a part of her identity she doesn't want to compromise. A status bar begins ticking, very slowly, and she looks over to Stephanie while they wait. "So you met Red Robin while fighting off ninjas?" 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown stands there watching. Trying to make mental notes of what programs and commands were used. In the end it'll all end up as a pile of mental spaghetti she'll have no prayer of untangling into useful knowledge anytime after, oh, the next three seconds. Aaaaand it's all confused as of -- now. She sighs silent and just watches. She glances to Batgirl as the question is asked. "mmmno. We met once before that. Probably two months ago. He told me to get off the streets. I told him to jump off a building because that wasn't going to happen. So he challenged me to take out the purse snatchers we were both following, as quickly as I could. When I did, he told me I wasn't good enough and was going to get myself hurt or killed and threw another ultimatum at me to quit and then he left." She smirks. "I have problems with authority. Or. Those who think they have authority over my life and my choices and don't." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl nods slowly to that, letting the search engine percolate a bit. She crosses one leg over the other, leaning back a bit in the chair as well. "We all got our start pretty much like that." she admits, exhaling a low sigh. "And don't you dare tell anyone else I told you that, either. But we've all made mistakes. We've all either gotten hurt or have seen others get hurt. It's just his way of trying to protect you, really." Batgirl rises, then, smoothly and without pushing up with her hands. "Listen. I won't throw down the challenges or tell you to stop what you're doing. It's apparent that you're already well beyond that. I can help you get better, but it won't be easy." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown smirks at the 'threat' not to tell anyone about how 'everyone' started. But she nods, "I won't." And she means it. She looks back to the computer and listens. "It may be that. It's nice. But it's not his job or his right to tell me what I can or can't do. I accepted the risks and danger when I first put this... costume on" she says as she looks down. "But yeah. It's really pretty lame and useless in a gunfight.." she notes ruefully. A nod. "None of this has been easy. I don't expect it to ever be easy. If it isn't hard, then I'm not really making a difference as far as I'm concerned." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl steps aside with a swish of the cape, picking up her gloves as she yields the chair back to Steph. "It's never easy." she replies simply. "We all have our share of scars; not all of them physical." Patting her belly, then, she adds. "Kevlar helps quite a bit, but not if someone's using a magnum round or a rifle. Or a knife, for that matter." Raising a hand closer, Stephanie can see that the gauntlets are armored. "I'm not one to string you along, I promise. But I'd like to give you the opportunity to earn a better suit, all the same." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Stephanie Brown watches, admiring the armor. Because, who wouldn't? It's the zenith of badass. She nods. "Thank you. I appreciate it. Any training would help me get better. I have some gytmnastics and track history but just JV stuff. Never made Varsity. But it's something." She offers a faint smile. "Thanks. For.. not kicking me out." She then tugs her mask down over her head, two white ovals allow her to see through without giving her features away. Not like it matters here and now any longer. But she's trying to be mindful. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl smiles again as the hood is pulled down, nodding once. "You'll get your data shortly." she replies. "Gymnastics and track are a really good start in this business. When you're ready to start a hard martial arts regimen, give a call." Her hand slips back and beneath the cape, pulling out a burner phone. "The number is in the phone. We'll tell you when and where to meet." 

:'''{{#var:1134|Stephanie Brown (1134)}} has posed:''' Spoiler takes the phone, looking at it then nods. "Alright." She tucks it away in the pack she carries. "Again, thank you. Batgirl." 
}}

5857/Peace Offerings

2018-11-27T16:27:00Z

Simone1: Cassie visits Raven; huge privacy invasion!

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/11/26
|Location=New York City
|Synopsis=Cassie visits Raven; huge privacy invasion!
|Cast of Characters=976, 141
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' There's a knock outside Raven's door, soft and yet firm. A familiar voice calls out as well. "Raven? It's Cassie. I'm, uh, back from Themyscira and thought we could catch up. Or something." Cassie didn't come alone and unarmed, either. In one hand she clutches a couple of coke bottles by the necks. In the other is a bag of hot, freshly-popped popcorn. Raven can probably smell it. 

:'''{{#var:141|Rachel Roth (141)}} has posed:'''     The door opens after a moment of silence. Cassie's plan is solid. Soda and popcorn help break the ice, and since Raven hasn't left her room in at least a couple of days, they could probably branch out into a movie or something in the common room. It's a rather brilliant play, but Raven might just be one step ahead.     When the door clears, though, Raven's hands are in her pockets. Despite the fact that her room is practically pitch black, her hood is up around her head. She has the look- as much as one can see with her hood up- of someone who hasn't slept in... A while. Who knows how long Raven would have to deny rest in order to actually be sleep deprived, but it looks it.     "I am fasting." she admits, after a moment. "But your offer is appreciated." This will probably take more brute force. Cassie is probably good at that. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:'''     Cassie purses her lips initially, before drawing them into a crooked smile. Popcorn and sodas are set down outside, where Gar can easily find and devour them. "Oh! Hey, well I understand." Stepping briskly, she angles deftly around Raven and enters the room anyway.     Step One: Accomplished.     Looking around, the blonde has to squint to see anything, even with Her senses. "So. Fasting for any particular reason? Or is this a mystical thing?" Cassie takes a slow step forward. "I can't even see if you have furniture in here." And that's saying something. 

:'''{{#var:141|Rachel Roth (141)}} has posed:'''     There is something akin to a psychic scream that Raven emits, as soon as the other woman enters her room uninvited. Part of her is prone to posture, and as Cassie attempts to enter the room, Raven's response is a somewhat prolonged, but quite seriously toned, "I did not-"     Cassie, being who she is, with the abilities she has, is a little hard to keep at bay. She is in the room before Raven is able to say the word 'invite.'     The room itself is bare and quite spartan. There is a waist-height dresser, a pair of bookshelves, a bed large enough for Raven and, by virtue of bed sizes, barely another person alongside. It is... -Gratuitously- tidy. The easel is the only area wherein there is mess, and that is simply because there's quite a bit of charcoal in the area.     On Raven's bed, there is a small hand mirror, which seems a little strange considering the full-sized mirror accompanying the dresser and what appears to be more cosmetics than Raven would admit to- which is to say, any at all- but it otherwise is rather unassuming.     The bookshelves, presumably, are extremely dangerous. It is a correct assumption. There is a desk, on which is a computer, which likely every Titan has in their room for use doing Titan Things or for social media or for whatever else they might think of. Hers is currently off.     "It helps keep me focused. You are not supposed to be in here." Cassie isn't supposed to be a lot of places. It's probably a serial problem for the blonde, but she's managed before, and she'll probably manage now. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:'''     Cassie's hands go to her ears, even though the scream isn't actual audible. Squinting and gritting her teeth, it takes her a moment to adjust before relaxing. And hearing Raven's words. "Crap. I'm really sorry, Raven, I just..."     *BIG SIGH*     "I'd heard you were sort of in a bad way so I thought I'd just stop by and..." No, she doesn't say 'cheer you up', although it's the first thing that comes to mind.     "Help." Cassie is learning, at least. Thumbing back over her shoulder towards the door, she offers. "Would you rather I just left, then?" 

:'''{{#var:141|Rachel Roth (141)}} has posed:'''     The psychic manifestation of how bothered Raven is at the affront of barging into her room isn't entirely supposed to be 'heard' by normal people. At most, it's more of a feeling of dread that sort of happens to people nearby, but it passes quickly.     "It is not a matter of... Helping. But I..." there is a pause. Expressing herself is still mildly difficult. Raven searches for words, no matter how long she's been among friends. "Appreciate the concern. We have been dealing with this... Parallel dimension, alternate timeline, there is no guarantee it's not some asshole that is simply messing with our heads, but I would wager that it is not." 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:'''     Cassie watches Raven's pale expression with rapt attention. She's spent so much time lately being the one who needs the help, who needs the coaching. And she wants so much to be able to give some of that back.     Except this isn't exactly Her battlefield. "Wow. Parallel dimensions and alternate timelines? I guess that'll teach me to disappear for a while. Is there anything I can do to help, or anything I should be looking for? If it IS some asshole messing with our heads, I mean."     And no, she doesn't seem to be leaving the room anytime soon. 

:'''{{#var:141|Rachel Roth (141)}} has posed:'''     Raven's hands have yet to leave her pockets, and she herself has yet to properly leave the doorway. Though she is content to imply that Cassie should not be in her room, she has yet to tell the young woman to leave. It's difficult for her to say these things right now. Any other time, she'd be just shy of actively teleporting Cassie out.     "Stardust knows more. If you can get past the accent, there are a number of reports she's submitted about the activities of these... Portals, that have begun to spring up. I have not been present for most of them, but they will appreciate the assistance. If you are present at the tower enough, you'll probably see one soon." 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:'''     Cassie isn't really a good one to take a hint, in any case. The blonde looks thoughtful and nods a couple of times. Then she smiles a little as well. "I'm actually pretty decent with accents. I'll talk with her." she replies.     Booted feet scrape softly upon the floor as she half-turns towards the door, looking at Raven more directly as an obstacle to pass on her way out. "Let me know if you need something, too. After your fast is over, that is. Pizza, popcorn, tacos, whatever." 

:'''{{#var:141|Rachel Roth (141)}} has posed:'''     Raven isn't necessarily the least standoffish person in the world. She can also tell that Cassie is on her way out, in terms of the conversational standing. She does, indeed, step out of the way, as Cassie seems to be headed out.     "I'll... I'll let you know." It does seem moderately genuine, though the idea of Raven asking anyone for anything is pretty out there. "And I will be here if you have... Any questions." Well, that's Raven being supportive. 
}}

5853/Combat Training 101

2018-11-26T19:42:03Z

Simone1: Cassie meets Kar'ras and does some combat training while Amarok watches.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/11/26
|Location=New York City
|Synopsis=Cassie meets Kar'ras and does some combat training while Amarok watches.
|Cast of Characters=1713, 976, 289
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1713|Kar'ras (1713)}} has posed:'''     Kar'ras was flying around the danger room, weaving around energy blasts from automated gun systems, trying to out fly them. When one threatens to get close he moves a hand to 'catch' the energy bolt and seems to absorb it with the jewels embedded in his palms. He lands on the floor and looks at the guns once he was done and punches one, destroying it. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:'''     Cassie sees that the Danger Room is in use, but she steps inside anyway. The blonde Amazon is wearing yoga pants, her armored breastplate and cross-trainers, along with bracers and her lasso. Long hair is pulled back into a ponytail. She watches Kar fly around, and when he looks like he's at a good place for a break she calls out. "Mind if I join in?" 

:'''{{#var:1713|Kar'ras (1713)}} has posed:'''     Kar'ras turns when spoken too and nods to the woman. "Sure if you want. I am Kar'ras of Tamaran." He says as he brings a fist to his chest and bows his head to the woman. "You must be one of the other titans. I was recruited the other night since I been living here for a while. I think Amarok supported me because he got tired of my freeloading, he says." 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:'''     She nods, watching the orange-skinned man as she unhooks the lasso. "I'm Cassie." she replies. "Cassandra Sandsmark, if we're using full names. I've been away and training on Themyscira with the Amazons." Cassie smirks, then. "Amarok? Yeah. We've, um, met." 

:'''{{#var:1713|Kar'ras (1713)}} has posed:'''     "Amazons? Oh the warrior women which Wonder Woman hails. I am from outer space. I am a runaway slave hiding from my masters. I came to this world because it isnt known in the universe yet. I been trying to adapt but human ways are weird. Amarok is weird too, always wearing his armor." He says calmly. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:'''     "He's certainly wrapped pretty tight, yeah." Cassie glances down at her breastplate, perhaps a bit self-consciously now. She nods. "For the record, I DO take mine off when I'm not fighting. And I dress normally. For a human." Cassie regards him curiously, then. "You're a runaway slave? If you've been welcomed, then you're under our protection." 

:'''{{#var:1713|Kar'ras (1713)}} has posed:'''     "I have had numerous cybernetic devices implanted throughout my body, to absorb energy sources and use my solar battery to augment my strength, durability or fire energy bolts. My masters are probably tracking me through the technology but I cant remove it without being killed." Kar'ras says as he smiles at her. "It looks like good armor. Do these amazons train men? I was designed to kill things but I want to try and be what humans call, a good guy." He says softly. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:'''     Cassie chuckles and slowly shakes her head. "Actually all Amazons, with a few exceptions, completely avoid the world of men. Princess Diana and I are among the exceptions." Her expression becomes understanding, then. "We don't kill people unless there are absolutely no other options. It's our job as heroes to *preserve* human life, even if it means risking our own." 

:'''{{#var:1713|Kar'ras (1713)}} has posed:'''     " Koriand'r explained that to me. That this is our new home and we protect those we call friends. The closest thing I had to a friend was a computer program. She got deleted after setting me free the first time." Kar'ras says sadly before smiling again. "She is helping me make new friends with the humans. I only tore up a bank robbers car once. I was told by someone that it is a bad thing to do." 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' The danger room door slides up, announcing to the room a new arrival. Amarok strides inside in his customary casual wear, full armor, covered in knives, and with a huge gun on one hip and a big ass sawed-off on the opposite leg. He stops a few feet in and slowly turns his head to focus in full on Cassie and Kar'ras in turn before looking straight through the space between them, "....If you're not going to train, dont hoard the room...." Charming as always, iddn't he? 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:'''     Cassie shrugs a little at that. "Well we -do- try to keep down the collateral damage whenever we can, of course. The Titans don'w have unlimited funding, after all. And now that you're here, you should try to meet some NEW friends." She pauses, then turns as the armored form of Amarok enters. "Feel free to join right in. Kor, mind if I run a workout program of my own?" 

:'''{{#var:1713|Kar'ras (1713)}} has posed:'''     "I do not mind. This is the first time I used this training room. I always felt uncomfortable relying on others for my training and wellbeing but My queen, Koriand'r, said that the titans help out those like me. So I want to pay it back." He says as he moves to the controls. "What kind of thing is a workout program?" 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Amarok stays silent as the grave when Cassie addresses him, simply walking to and leaning back against the wall by the door, pausing a few seconds before motioning for continouence. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:'''     Cassie flashes Kor a grin. "Computer. Run combat workout: Wondergirl 1, two-player mode. Execute." Taking the lasso at her hip, she prepares it while hovering slowly up from the floor. To Kor, then, she offers. "Okay. The objective is to disable without killing."     The landscape of the room shifts, becoming an urban setting in a bad part of a nameless city. One by one, shady-looking characters begin to appear in the simulation. There are a LOT of them. They attack. 

:'''{{#var:1713|Kar'ras (1713)}} has posed:'''     Kar'ras nods as he watches the people begin showing up. He gently punches one and sends them flying into another. He tries to disable them without killing and as such is holding his strength back. "Like this?" 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Amarok remains stock still against his newly materialized wall, simply watching the pair as they go about their training with the same laser focus he seems to give everything. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:'''     Cassie hovers, lashing out with the lasso as the thugs advance. Catching one by the ankle, she whips him around to plow through another group. A flip of the wrist frees the golden loop which she whirls, looking for another target. "Right! That's the idea." she calls. 

:'''{{#var:1713|Kar'ras (1713)}} has posed:'''     Kar'ras begins to punch some more people and looks to Amarok. "Arent you going to join in the pummeling?" He asks as he punches one towards the man. 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Amarok reacts to the oncoming body by sidestepping it, pushing it from underneath to hit the wall with it's back, adding a rough punch deeeep into the stomach, and then grabbing it by the leg to harshly slam into the ground back first, leaving it in a crumpled heap as he leans back against the wall, "....One plus one, is two...Two plus one is three....Three is not two....So continue on as two...." He says in his standard monotone, as calm as could be even after the sudden violencing. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:'''     Cassie takes full advantage of her flight ability. And her speed. The blonde moves rapidly around the group to create a perimeter, the lasso flashing out again and again. After a little while she loops the lasso and hooks it to her belt again.     Feet planted on the ground, she takes up a ready stance as the thugs continue their advance. There doesn't seem to be any end to them, at least not in the immediate future. She punches one in the solar plexus, knocking him back several feet as she continues on to the next. Her style is simple and efficient, making use of fists and elbows and feet. It's a style intended for extended use on a battlefield. 

:'''{{#var:1713|Kar'ras (1713)}} has posed:'''     Kar'ras fights with a similar fighting style to Cassie. The only difference is he developed his as he grew up, and sometimes implements stun beams which would stun a person which he then punches or kicks, using only a fraction of his full strength to keep from killing the humans. As they come he grins and begins to fight harder and faster, not seeming to care that they overwhelm him. 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Amarok resumes his silent vigil of the pair, occasionally shaking his head slightly in apparent disapproval, but not actually speaking or attempting involve himself in anyway. After a few minutes, he pushes away from the wall and hits the door release, the door rematerializing in the wall and opening to allow his exit without disrupting the session. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:'''     The thugs keep coming in wave after wave, and as they close in on Cassie she only fights faster. Unconscious bodies are thrown back, keeping a small clear area around her. The training session goes on for quite some time, and it's long past the time a normal human would've collapsed in exhaustion before she stops the simulation. "Computer, pause program." The figures stop, and Cassie looks over to her training partner with bright, blue eyes.     "Ready for Level Two, Kar'ras?" 
}}

5843/A Wonder-ful Homecoming

2018-11-24T15:18:32Z

Simone1: Cassie and Gar return to Titan's Tower and meet Amarok.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/11/24
|Location=New York City
|Synopsis=Cassie and Gar return to Titan's Tower and meet Amarok.
|Cast of Characters=289, 976, 353
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' The night is cold, the weather stormy, and the tower mostly darkened. In the living room, sitting in the cold darkness, sits Amarok, fully armed and armored, the silence broken only by the soft 'shnk, shnk, shnk' of steel on a whetstone, and only illumination being the active blank screen of the TV, set to a signalless channel. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' Cassie Sandsmark has been... away. When she left it was for the stated purpose to return to Paradise Island and further her training with the Amazons. And she's been true to that intention. A bit more buff, a bit more tan, and a whole lot more confident, the blonde still spent way too much time thinking through her return. In the end, she decided to just enter through the lobby and take the elevator up. Jeans, boots, and a t-shirt will do as well, along with a backpack for her few things. Her hair is damp from the weather, booted footsteps soft. There's a sliver of light as the door opens, followed by a soft thump of the backpack being set down. "Cable out again?" she asks, nodding towards the blank TV screen. 

:'''{{#var:353|Beast Boy (353)}} has posed:'''      Since Vorpal didn't tell Beast Boy to go away, he's come back to Titans Tower. Walking out of his room, which was just as cluttered as he left it, wearing a pajama set declaring the wearer a 'Monster in the Morning', was Beast Boy. He seems to stop in his tracks. "Woah, dude. You give off a whole...Norman Bates vibe, Y'know? Sittin there all: Im'a sharpen my stabbin' knife. What's wrong bro? OH HEY CASSIE!" 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' The instant the elevator door opens, a knife is already flying through the air at Cassie's face and right past Beast Boy....Well, a bit over them, but it's hard to tell that in the second and a half before it may jam into one's temple. Amarok's movement in the throw is a simple fluid turn, flick, turn back, and just like that he's pulling another blade for sharpening. Nothing said, so consider this the standard greeting of the wild Amarok. How very majestical. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' Cassie Sandsmark doesn't so much as flinch as the knife is flung at her, snatching it out of the air almost casually. Another person might take offense at the greeting. But then again, the Amazons tested her pretty much 24/7 "Um, hello to you, too?" she offers to the crazy, armed person. Still, he doesn't look ready to throw again so she chalks it up to reflex. Beast Boy receives a warmer greeting, and Cassie turns to hug him firmly. "Good to be back, Gar. Nice to see we're keeping with the usual dress code as well." Yeah, she's still holding the knife. "Who's the welcoming committee?" 

:'''{{#var:353|Beast Boy (353)}} has posed:'''      The knife gets Beast Boy to quickly change shape into a kitten, running up to Cassie, changing back and hugging her. "Dude, if there was someone in the tower out for us, there'd be an alarm!"   The green one looks up at Cassie, shrugging his shoulders. "I'm told his name is Moon Moon, I'm guessin' it's not cause of pressed hams." 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Amarok simply keeps sharpening mindlessly away, offering Beast Boy nothing more than a grunt, and offering Cassie even less. He just sits there, in the low light, slowly sharpening the knife, and setting a generally unsettling atmosphere. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' Cassie Sandsmark keeps one arm draped over Gar's shoulder, brows knitting and a scowl forming on her face. Disengaging from the green teen, she mutters. "Excuse me a sec." Striding over to the casually-oblivious Moon-Moon, the blonde steps right up in front of him. Close enough to be in his personal space, much less within easy stabbing distance. "Okay, Moon-Moon, let's try this again. Hi. I'm Cassandra Sandsmark, but call me Cassie. My room is just down the hall." She pauses, then adds. "Now it's your turn." 

:'''{{#var:353|Beast Boy (353)}} has posed:'''      Gar just stands there, holding one arm shyly. "Are we sure he's alive? Like, he's not a robot or anything spooky?" Gar approaches slowly, almost poking at Dan, but deciding not too. 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Amarok takes a few more long precise draws across the whetstone before slowwwwly turning towards Cassie, his lifeless blue LED eyes meeting hers for several long awkward seconds before responding, "......You have good reflexes." He says in a dry monotone before going back to staring straight ahead and resuming the sharpening of his knife. Well...Cant really call Gar stupid, or rude, or anything of the sort, when his suggestions are proving more and more likely with every action, right? 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' He may be taller than she is, and bigger as well, but Cassie has no problem holding her ground when the big, dark figure addresses her. The blonde tilts her head, squinting a little. "He's breathing." she declares after a few moments. Superhuman senses as well as reflexes, it seems. Turning to Gar, then, she shrugs. "Well he's in the lounge and apparently the security system thinks he's not a threat." Very deliberately, then, she puts the knife down on the table with the hilt towards him. "Keep a better hold on these in the future, Moon-Moon. That's not something you want to do again when I'm having a bad day." 

:'''{{#var:353|Beast Boy (353)}} has posed:'''      Taking the form of a large wolf, Gar starts to sniff around Dan. "Metal...rain...BLOOD!" He darts back behind Cassie. "Lots of Blood." The wolf looks up at Cassie. "I know he's a Titan but...this is some freaky shiz, yo." 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Amarok doesn't so much as twitch in Cassie's direction as he responds to her assurances to Beast Boy, "....It doesn't respond, because it's /MY/ security system." A hint of irritation breaks through the monotone at the word 'my'. He slowly rises up, sheathing and locking the blade in place with a single practiced motion, "....Amarok. Chief of Security......That's your one warning." He says with a slooooowwwww turn of his head from Cassie to Beast Boy. He then sloooooooowly turns his attention back to Cassie, "....Dont bother Raven right now....She's not in a good place." He then sits back down, turning his attention to the nothing on the TV. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' Cassie Sandsmark makes a quieting motion to Gar as Amarok explains himself more fully. Shifting her weight from one foot to the other, she folds both arms over her chest and meets his gaze. As best she can, with the dark outfit. The blonde smiles at him all the same. "See? That wasn't so hard, now, Amarok. Thanks for the heads-up on Raven, too." Of course that only means that Cassie WILL be looking in on her. "Oh, and let me know if you want to spar sometime." 

:'''{{#var:353|Beast Boy (353)}} has posed:'''      "Chief of security? Isn't that..." Beast Boy responds, cut off by the quieting motion from Cassie.   The mention of Amarok has Gar perk up. "Like the Inuits? That's straight dope, dude!" He starts wagging his tail, the Inuit wolf of legend, supposedly very far out stuff. 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Amarok once more doesn't bother turning to look at Cassie when he addresses her, "I only spar with people on my level. Prove you are, and maybe I'll consider it." Beast boy however DOES warrant a slight turning of the head! ".......Yes. Like the Inuits...." He monotones out, simply stares his unblinking LEDs at him for a few seconds before turning back. Cant'cha just feel the overflowing love for all his teammates? 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' Cassie's hand flies almost immediately, although not exactly in a punch. It's a slap, aimed at his face... near as she can tell... using most of her speed. But the force is significantly held back. If he IS the Head of Security, then there's no sense in knocking him out of the building. 

:'''{{#var:353|Beast Boy (353)}} has posed:'''      Gar changes back to his normal self. "I know some stuff on cryptozoolo-Woah!" Gar makes sure to put distance between himself and the other two. Fighting bad guys was one thing, but this was teammates. 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Amarok seems to have been expecting this, ducking under the slap and catching her arm as it slows to soften the impact, using the leverage to flip her over him to the other side of the room. For someone who can fly, this is likely little more than a minor annoyance on the level of walking around a stubborn cat, but it does thwart the attempted assault rather nicely, and provide Amarok the opportunity to stand and snatch the knife from the table, reflexively taking a defensive stance. This sort of this is apparently normal everyday stuff for him. You can thank your local Frenchy for that. 

:'''{{#var:976|Cassie Sandsmark (976)}} has posed:''' Cassie Sandsmark catches herself mid-air and mid-flip, hovering just a foot or so off of the floor in a ready stance as well. She relaxes immediately, smirking and giving him a slow nod. The girl settles to the floor. "I'll sleep well tonight knowing you're here, Amarok." Stepping over to her backpack, then, she hefts it onto one shoulder. "Pick the time, the place, and the weapons. I look forward to it." 

:'''{{#var:353|Beast Boy (353)}} has posed:'''      Once Gar breathes deeply, he starts going back to his room. "Well, I'm gonna go before I'm left in the room with the alive robot guy that secretly wants to kill us all maybe kinda sorta. But it was nice meeting you again Moon-Moon!" He comments, slinking, Perhaps a bit hurriedly back to his room. 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Amarok's stance relaxes a bit and he works his neck out as he straightens up, "....Like I said. Prove your on my level." And then tosses the knife to her. Not the threatening the thrown blade of when she entered, but a casual passing of a small tool, just one happening to be long and sharp enough to behead someone with if used properly. He then turns and starts towards the elevator, chucking another large knife after Beast Boy into his room just over his head as he passes. Aw, Beast Boy made a new friend.....I think. 
}}

5640/Meanwhile, at the Poisoned Apple

2018-10-24T17:42:09Z

Simone1: A couple of assassins meet in a villains-only club.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/10/24
|Location=New York City
|Synopsis=A couple of assassins meet in a villains-only club.
|Cast of Characters=7160, 218
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:7160|Bullseye (7160)}} has posed:'''     It's another late night here at Bullseye's favorite dingy, smoke-filled, villains-only bar -- the kind of place you need connections to, to even know what neighborhood it's in. The kind of place where the length of your rap sheet is what determines the amount of respect you get. The kind of place that can -- and WILL -- smell a fraud a mile away, so if you're gonna try and puff your chest out? You best come correct.     Sitting at the bar, guffawing with the facially-scarred bartender, is Bullseye, clad in his costumed get up and pounding a beer down. He boorishly wipes his face and lets out a belch, continuing to regale the bartender with another war story. "So, this dumb bastard, right? He starts flailing aroundm, like a chicken with his fuckin' head cut off, clutchin' at this throat and shit because, really -- who the hell throws toothpicks?"     He strugges to contain himself, laughing, "Swear to God, Ralphie -- funniest shit I ever saw!" 

:'''{{#var:218|Cheshire (218)}} has posed:'''     The door opens and boot heels scuff softly on the wooden floor. The woman looks like she doesn't belong here, at least at first. Beret, bolero jacket over a tube-top, tartan plaid mini, and go-go boots. Yeah, she could be some fantasy French schoolgirl. Or a hooker, for that matter.     Then she smiles. Not a normal, polite, socially-nice smile either. There are few who see Cheshire's trademark smile and can talk about it later. Those few would recognize the expression now.     The woman makes her way to the bar, easing onto a stool beside Bullseye. "Scotch, please. From the top shelf." The fact that she even *knows* about this place says she either belongs, or is lost and somehow managed to not get killed while getting through the neighborhood to the front door. 

:'''{{#var:7160|Bullseye (7160)}} has posed:'''     Bullseye finally collects himself, but arches an eyebrow as soon as Cheshire makes her way to the bar. He'd never seen her, here, before, that much was true -- but the number of new faces at HIS bar lately has been surprising, to say the least. This broad, though? Bit of a Typhoid Mary vibe, which could be a good or bad thing depending on how much you like to get whipped in bed. He peers over and gives her a quick glance. "Could be some fantasy French schoolgirl," he thought to himself. "Maybe a hooker, for that matter."     Leaning forward in his stool, he signals to Ralphie to get him another beer, and it's here that he turns his head slightly back to Cheshire again. "Hey, so, uh," he says, looking her up and down, "You workin' or what?"     Ah. Ever the charmer. 

:'''{{#var:218|Cheshire (218)}} has posed:'''     Her stool swivels a little towards him, green eyes peering over the glasses she doesn't need. "If I was working, then I doubt we'd be talking." Which, of course, could be taken any number of ways. Then again, as his gaze wanders down he'd notice the stiletto in one of her boots. Thin and discreet. Professional.     It's a pretty fair bet that the bolero jacket is hiding a surprise or two as well.     "I'm Jade, but in this place you can call me Cheshire." She offers a well-manicured hand to Bullseye. The bartender pours her scotch, careful not to touch her in the process. He casually steps back, reaching for a can of disinfectant. 

:'''{{#var:7160|Bullseye (7160)}} has posed:'''     Bullseye narrows his eyes, noticing Ralphie's reluctance to touch her and instead offers a polite nod. Sure, he's in costume, and his gloves could possibly protect him in case anything was even remotely fishy, but Bullseye has made a whole career out of instinct, and in this case, all she needed was a sign on her forehead saying, "Do Not Touch."     He takes a swig from his newly-poured beer and clears his throat before making his own introduction. "Bullseye," he offers plainly. "You new?" 

:'''{{#var:218|Cheshire (218)}} has posed:'''     The woman shakes her head slowly, withdrawing her hand slowly. "I've been around." she replies, apparently not seeing any need to compare target lists. "Heard it from a little bird that you were active again." The woman crosses one leg over the other while perched on the stool. Wow, that's a short skirt.     "A pen thrown through a window? That's a pretty unique skill-set." Cheshire slowly sips the scotch, taking her time to taste it. "I've been in Africa teaching mercenaries. Nice to be back in civilization again." 

:'''{{#var:7160|Bullseye (7160)}} has posed:'''     Ah, the good ol' appeal to Bullseye's ego -- that's the ticket. Bullseye gives Cheshire a toothy grin (with a few teeth missing, naturally), and snickers to himself. "Tell that birdy o' yours that she ain't wrong." He takes another swig, looking visibly more relaxed in his stool. "As for the pen hit on Vasquez, that was just me stretchin'. Gettin' the kinks out and all that -- good to be around other scumbags again after bein' in the Hole for God knows how long."     His ears perk as she mentions Africa. "Teachin' the mercs out there, though, huh? Big game huntin'?" 

:'''{{#var:218|Cheshire (218)}} has posed:'''     The smile returns when Bullseye grins, but it's soon disguised by another sip of scotch. "Hunting, yes, but not exactly big game." Cheshire replies. "Someone was going to teach the insurgents how to fight, anyway. I might as well make a little money in the process."     "So are you between jobs, then, or was the hit just a distraction? I'm sure that you've got your very own FBI task force by now." The woman pauses, then adds. "Not saying whether or not I have anything in the works, of course. Just curious as to whether you might be available in the near future, is all." 

:'''{{#var:7160|Bullseye (7160)}} has posed:'''     Bullseye scoffs. "I wouldn't be me if I didn't have the FBI scrambling to put my head on a pike," he says, reaching into one of his utility belt's pouches. He pulls out a cigarette and strikes a match as he replies, "Shoulda never let me out, the idiots, so consider this a harsh lesson in the consquences of poor judgment."     "As for availability, I got a few gigs I gotta tend to, sure -- but if you hear about anything," he says, taking a drag, "let me know. As far as I'm concerned, the number of new capes in this city is fuckin' disgusting, so the more of us, the merrier." 

:'''{{#var:218|Cheshire (218)}} has posed:'''     Cheshire inclines her head slowly, nodding just once. "I will leave a means of contact with the bartender." she replies. "But let's do keep in touch, Bullseye. After all, why should the superheroes be the only ones who can form teams?"     And within a day or two a drop phone in a sealed, ziplock bag arrives at the bar. The word 'Cheshire' is written on the plastic in black marker. Ralphie puts it with so many others. 
}}

Cheshire

2018-10-23T17:36:47Z

Simone1:

{{CharacterNew
|NameOnMUSH=Cheshire
|Color=#333
|TextColor=#c1c1c1
|Char_id=218
|Img=https://i.imgur.com/NpH2n0B.jpg
|FullName=Jade Nguyen
|Gender=Female
|Species=Human
|Theme=DC
|Chartype=VFC
|Active=Active
|Occupation=Assassin
|Citizenship=Vietnamese / American
|Residence=Mobile
|Education=GED
|Quote="Like the Cheshire Cat, I'll disappear."
|PAge=26
|AAge=26
|DOB=9 June 2000
|Height=175 cm
|Weight=61 kg
|Hair=Blacke
|Eyes=Green
|Actor=Samantha Jo
|Song="Cat Scratch Fever" by Ted Nugent
|Profile=Jade Nguyen is a very smart, very strong woman. She enjoys Science and even a little Gardening. As Cheshire, she is one of the worlds most deadly assassins. Using a blend of weapons and poisons, she is very much able to not only take down individual super heroes but do a number on super-heroic teams all by her lonesome. Cheshire is no one to be trifled with, and should always be considered armed and dangerous.
|Description=A woman of Vietnamese origin, She has long, jet black hair which is often wild and untamed. She is youthful in appearance, looking to be in her low to mid 20's.
 
Looking down over her body, She is beyond fit. She is flat out muscular. She has subtle curves, enough to show her femininity. A grapefruit sized bustline leads down into nothing short of an 8-pack of abs. Her legs are long and her thighs are exceptionally strong.
 
She usually is wearing her trademark short, green robed-dress which is accented with gold. A gold belt wraps around the midsection and around the arms. A pair of green thigh-boots clings to her legs which are topped with gold and have gold kneepads on them. She usually wears a Cheshire Cat Mask that has a very creepy grin on it. When she is not wearing this, she is wearing a green headband and on occasion some violet face paint.
|History=Born in Vietnam, Jade Nguyen grew up in a Single Parent home. Her mother took care of her. Her father, An American diplomat, had hooked up with a young Vietnamese woman. She was the product of these encounter.
 
At age 10, Jade and her mother went traveling. She was separated from her mother. While trying to reunite with her mother, she was captured and sold into slavery. She hated it. She hated it with all she was. Finally she snapped and killed her Master.
 
Eventually she had a run in with a man. A Freedom Fighter. The man's name was Wen Ch'ang. He took her in and began teaching her everything he knew about fighting and Guerilla Warfare. She started to view him as a father figure. She learned a number of martial arts, Some of which no longer exist.
 
At age 16, she married an assassin named Kruen Musenda aka Spitting Cobra. He taught her about poisons showing her how to make them, how to use them, and how to mask their presence when needed. Within 2 years, She had learned all she could from him and then started seeking out more knowledge on the subject. Then she showed her husband just how much she had learned, leaving him dead. This was the birth of Cheshire.
 
Eventually she discovered who her genetic father was. She also discovered that he abused his mom in the short time they were together. That alone was enough. Moving to America, The Cheshire Cat was on the hunt for the now Senator, Bob Pullman. She was patient, taking time to get her GED and to hone her abilities. Even now, she is waiting for the right moment. That all important moment to strike and rid the world of the man who dared strike her mother...
|Personality=Jade is a very serious woman who takes a lot of joy in what she does. She cares very much about family and those close to her. So much so that woe to anyone who even thinks about harming them. She is also very sharp. She is quick thinking and can usually figure out how to figure things out. She can be very caring and very loving but when she's on the job, she is cold and dark as a winter's night.
|Skills='''ACROBAT'''
 
Jade is triple jointed. This makes her moves appear nigh impossible to pull off. This compounds with her natural agility making her a very real threat. When it appears she's been captured, she may still have a way out.
 
'''GARDENING'''
 
An ability that goes with her Toxicology training, She had to learn how to use plants to extract poisons. As such, she often grow some of the more nasty plants so she can extract the toxins from them and make her own poisons.
 
'''MARTIAL ARTS'''
 
After she killed her Slave Master, She met up with a man who taught her martial arts and guerilla warfare. She learned various styles of Kung Fu, Changquan, and Vovinam. She continues training these skills to this day.
 
'''MULTILINGUAL'''
 
Jade can speak several languages including Vietnamese, English, Chinese, and Japanese. She can speak most of these because of where she grew up. Chinese when she was searching for her mother, Japanese from her 'father' and English from her first husband.
 
'''SPEED'''
 
Cheshire is fast. Not superhuman fast but definitely Olympic level fast. Combined with her agility and acrobatics she is able to get the drop on those who could be far faster then her.
 
'''TACTICIAN'''
 
Cheshire knows how to get things done. She knows how to plan an attack and turn a situation to her favor. She will plan out an assassination to the point that no matter what might happen, she is going to get her target.
 
'''TOXICOLOGY'''
 
In the two years that Jade was married to Spitting Cobra, She learned about poisons. Once Spitting Cobra taught her all he knew, She began studying more about it through books, the internet, and any other source she could find. After the loss of her dearly departed husband, she continued to study this area. She can make poisons that weaken, poisons that kill, and poisons that are undetectable in food and drink. She typically coats her melee weapons in her poisons.
 
'''WEAPONS SPECIALIST'''
 
Cheshire is an expert when it comes to a number of weapons. The main Melee weapons she specializes with are the Katana, the Sais and her metal claws which slip over her fingers. The main firearms she will use are the Sniper Rifle and a pair of .45 semi-automatic pistols with suppressors on them. She prefers not to use firearms though. They are loud and draw too much attention.
|Resources='''MASK'''
 
Cheshire frequently will use a Cheshire Cat mask. This mask has several useful things to it, including Night vision and air filters which prevent toxins from getting to her through the air.
 
'''MONEY'''
 
Jade has money from her life as Cheshire. Some people pay good money for having people eliminated. She also can work as an interpreter if she needs to as she knows several languages. All in all she has the funds to keep in business.
 
'''SAFE HOUSES'''
 
Cheshire has set up several Safehouses where she can go to get items, weapons, money, or just lay low if the heat is on.
|Weaknesses='''ARSENAL'''
 
Roy is a womanizer, this is true. He's had a number of girlfriends over the years, but none have consistently wrecked his life over and over more than his attraction to Cheshire. He knows she's around-the-bend crazy but that never seems to matter.
 
'''FAMILY'''
 
Cheshire is very much family oriented. So much so that if anything happens to the ones she loves, she will go through hell to get revenge for them. Her family comes first. This can be used against her as toying with her family will very quickly take her off whatever task she may be on and put her on a whole new one.
 
'''HOME'''
 
Jade doesn't really have a home. She has a few safe houses but, her home was taken from her at a young age. This leads her to be rather insecure at times and even at times prone to paranoia. She does not consider her safe houses homes. To her, a home is a place where you can spend time with your family and not have to worry about danger.
 
'''OVERCONFIDENCE'''
 
Cheshire is good and she knows it. This can lead her to make mistakes. It is very easy for her to slip up on occasion. This can lead to the need to make a hasty retreat or worse.
 
'''PSYCHOPATH'''
 
While she is not a true psychopath, She is often viewed as such because She works without remorse. She does what she does without the slightest hint of empathy. This causes some people to feel uneasy around her because it seems like she is completely amoral. In fact she is does have morals. They are just her own. She does feel empathy and compassion, she just shuts them down to do her job. These things are reserved for friends and family. Not targets
}}
<gallery>
Cheshire2.png
Cheshire3.jpg
</gallery>

Cheshire

2018-10-23T15:58:22Z

Simone1:

5365/Into Hellfire

2018-09-14T16:58:47Z

Simone1: Janet meets Shaw, Selene, and Mysique (after a fashion) at a Hellfire Club open event.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/09/13
|Location=New York City
|Synopsis=Janet meets Shaw, Selene, and Mysique (after a fashion) at a Hellfire Club open event.
|Cast of Characters=1238, 192, 197, 314
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1238|Sebastian Shaw (1238)}} has posed:''' The infamous Hellfire Club. Allegedly home to many of New York's upper crust, whether they come from places of wealth or political/corporate power. Not many get to glimpse the interior lest they be promptly removed by the staff, all of whom wield an intimidating physical presence. This evening the Club is entertaining a small gathering of people, all sat around the room at different locations and each holding a small glass of their preferred alcohol. A quiet hum fills the room, occasionally broken up by the laughter of a table in the corner or the clearing of a throat. Standing at the bar with his forearm resting against the surface is the man known as Sebastian Shaw. The Black King of the Inner Circle. Awaiting his drink and silently surveying the crowd as a man standing beside him talks more 'at' him than 'to' him. His wandering eyes suggest his lack of interest but the man continues to speak. 

:'''{{#var:192|Janet van Dyne (192)}} has posed:''' Somehow, Janet van Dyne managed to find her way onto the list of people invited to this exclusive gathering. It only makes sense, really. In addition to the JVD designer label, Ms. van Dyne hasn't exactly made a secret of her superhero identity. An Avenger AND a Madison Avenue CEO combined into one package is difficult to pass up, even for the Hellfire Club. The petite woman is making the rounds, cradling a glass of champagne and working the crowd like the professional that she is. Sensing a lull in the conversation, she approaches the taller, broader figure of Sebastian Shaw. Waiting for his boorish companion to take a breath, Jan interjects herself into the conversation by introducing herself. "Good evening, I don't believe we've met. Janet van Dyne." She even offers a petite hand. 

:'''{{#var:1238|Sebastian Shaw (1238)}} has posed:''' Ordinarily, anyone inside the Club would be a person of interest to Sebastian, but not in the case of the man standing beside him. He is an executive in the energy sector, which does make him someone worth speaking with but at the moment Sebastian just doesn't seem concerned about the words coming out of his mouth. His half-open eye lids suggest a fair amount of boredom. Fortunately for him another guest steps in and breaks up the monotony. The young woman's voice draws his gaze over his shoulder, completely shutting the man out from his perception as his eyes scan the petite woman in front of him. The vision draws a smile across his lips as he takes the offered hand into his and bows forward to kiss just above her knuckles, "Ms. van Dyne. A pleasure." Straightening again, his smile remains and his head tilts slightly to one side, "I am Sebastian Shaw. I'm pleased that you came." He steps back, turning slightly and spreads his arm towards the bar while looking for a beverage in her hand, "May I offer you something to drink?" 

:'''{{#var:192|Janet van Dyne (192)}} has posed:''' Janet van Dyne tilts her head at the kiss on the hand, brown eyes brightening. She knows how this game is played, alright. "So *you* are Sebastian Shaw. It's a pleasure, Mr. Shaw." Her half-full glass is deposited onto a passing waiter's tray without so much as a glance. "May I join you at the bar? I'm very interested in learning more about this place. The architecture is wonderful, and I'm curious about some of the symbols upon the doors and fixtures." 

:'''{{#var:197|Mystique (197)}} has posed:''' Mystique sits at the bar in her own right. Tonight, she's red-headed woman of slim build and striking green eyes, clad in a cocktail dress and adorned with pearls at her throat. She looks a bit young to be there, in that position. Perhaps she's someone's piece of arm candy, left to sit and drink while her better gets down to business in some smoke-filled backroom. She certainly doesn't seem like anyone important. Of course, a few people in the room know better. 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' Dressed in her formal red dress, Selene is walking into the Hellfire Club's main room from the back. She closes the door behind her before anyone can really get back there or take a look. It's an acquired skill, then again she's also a pretty powerful telepath so its easy to walk in just as others aren't looking. With a few smiles and nods of her head, she's meeting with people talking to them, offering happy laughs and giving over her hand in a royal way to be held. And in some instances kissed at the knuckles. And although she's not there yet, she's on her way in the direction to the bar in her expensive dress, the kind of thing that's worth more than most people's fancy cars. And the diamonds that hang from her ears have got to be worth a ton as well. She's definitely not one to hide extravagance. "Oh, no, you are no bother at all. Just saying hello, enjoy the evening, and later we must catch up." As she slides away from yet another person who wants her attention. 

:'''{{#var:1238|Sebastian Shaw (1238)}} has posed:''' The man looks somewhat pleased to have enough of a reputation that the woman before him is familiar with his name. The smile widens, shallow wrinkles forming by his eyes as he nods to her. "Ah, the pleasure is certainly all mine. I'll have to show you around." His eyes shift towards the young, red-headed form that Mystique has assumed for the evening and offers the girl a quick wink before turning to the bartender and ordering a scotch for himself, "And whatever she is having." He motions towards Janet to provide her drink order. As Janet orders, he picks up the familiar sound of Selene trying to avoid another conversation. Something he's witnessed more times than he can count at this point. He glances over his shoulder to see her stepping away from another would-be-conversationalist and grins her way, offering the elegant woman a nod. 

:'''{{#var:192|Janet van Dyne (192)}} has posed:''' "Whiskey for me, please. Three rocks, two fingers." Janet orders. Brown eyes flicker about the bar, lighting briefly upon the redhead before moving on. The tall, dark-haired Selene gets a much longer look, however. Must be the dress. "I love your shoes." Janet declares. "And the cut of that gown suits you so very well." Compliments from one woman to another are casual enough, but perhaps carry more weight when one of them runs a fashion company. 

:'''{{#var:197|Mystique (197)}} has posed:''' Mystique has a glass of something fruity in front of her, complete with the requisite umbrella. Might as well keep up appearances, after all. Plus, truth be told, she rather likes fruity drinks. She doesn't have anything to prove. She doesn't speak yet, although an amused smile curves the corner of her plum-colored mouth at Sebastian's wink. But she chose to take a form suitable to be dismissed for a reason - all the better to listen. 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' Walking up to the bartender, and having finally gotten away from people that wanted her attention to talk to chit-chat. Selene manages to find herself at the bar and she offers to the bartender a quick, "Yes, please, a glass of Tokaji." And the bartender smiles, going off to the side and pulling out from a enclosed case a bottle that looks old, the label mostly worn away with time and carefully he uncorks it and pours the glass before corking it back and storing it again in a dark case that is also temperature controlled. With the glass of wine, Selene takes it carefully and takes a small smell of it before she sips some of it. And then finally she looks at the bar and it's patrons, and then in particular Janet when the woman compliments her shoes. "Well, thank you. It was made specifically for me, so it is good to know that the designer's work was worth my trouble of waiting." She rolls her eyes, "Weeks is not a time frame I like to hear. I am Selene, and..." She looks over to Sebastian with a smile, "Who is our rather astute guest?" 

:'''{{#var:1238|Sebastian Shaw (1238)}} has posed:''' Recognizing Mystique's form as either being one of aversion from conversation or one to entrap any of the visitors who would be interested in her current form, Sebastian opts out of introductions between Janet and the young shapeshifter. He'll have to speak with her later to figure out which it is. Taking his scotch and Janet's whiskey, he turns and offers over her beverage, "This, my dear, is fashion designer and businesswoman Janet van Dyne." After giving Janet her drink, he takes a short sip of his scotch and leans back against the bar, resting his elbows against it and grinning at Selene. "A compliment from a designer is some high praise," he adds before glancing back towards Janet. "I had hoped to introduce her to some of our members and get to knew her a little better." With that, he raises his glass up between himself and the two women, "Cheers." 

:'''{{#var:192|Janet van Dyne (192)}} has posed:''' Janet van Dyne inclines her head to Sebastian, adding a smile as she accepts the whiskey. "Thank you, Mr. Shaw. And it's a pleasure to meet you, Selene." The lack of a last name doesn't trouble her, apparently. After all, Janet is acquainted with quite a few people who use a single name. She raises her glass as well. "Cheers." It's a small sip, however, rather than a gulp. "Mr. Shaw offered to show me around as well. I take it you are a member, Selene? I'm afraid most everything I've heard about the Club qualifies as a bedtime story." 

:'''{{#var:197|Mystique (197)}} has posed:''' Mystique takes a slow sip of her drink, toying with her straw as she listens. Her youth, of course, is nothing but an illusion, with nearly a century of experience behind those sparkling eyes. She's familiar with Janet, of course. She makes it a point to know who the important people are - and the dangerous ones. "There are a lot of different kinds of bedtime stories," she says in a husky voice. "Some that help you sleep - and some that make sleep impossible. I imagine the Club inspires both kinds." 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' With a pause to sip her glass again, in line with the Cheers. She doesn't say cheers, just smiles at the tradition. "A fashion designer? Well, I must then get you to make me something at some point. I do enjoy one of a kind designs. Things never to be reproduced again." And she looks to the redheaded Mystique and offers a small bit of a chuckle. "Well, you see the Hellfire Club has many facets. And it is for the elite, so the rumors and myths behind its creation, its existence, really are all just there to add to the level of appeal. The truth behind the stories all vary really." With that she looks around and makes a small gesture with her hand, something of a wave, to indicate the place. "A long standing tradition. The Hellfire Club has been a place where people, like your self, can come and just be. It is not a place for the outside world, or the commoner who walks the street. Extravagance to them is mundane to us, so such a place as this must exist. For dreams vary dramatically from those who have and those who have not. You would not come in here looking for a cheeseburger..." She says it with some manner of disgust to the word, "So plain, something you can acquire at any street vendor." A small shake of her head, and she asks, "What sort of bedtime stories would you like to have Janet?" 

:'''{{#var:192|Janet van Dyne (192)}} has posed:''' Janet van Dyne lifts a curious brow, looking from Selene to the young redhead and back again. The rumors are certainly confirmed, at least on the surface. She is no stranger to wealth and opulence, having been raised a debutante. But she quickly gets the sense that the Hellfire Club takes things to an entirely different level. Janet chuckles softly, taking another sip of whiskey. "What kind would I -like- to have? That all depends on the company I'm keeping, really. But the rumors are certainly intriguing, as far as stories go. An inner circle meeting in secret to decide the fate of the world. Decadent rituals in dark chambers by candlelight. That sort of thing. The details get quickly muddy from there." 

:'''{{#var:197|Mystique (197)}} has posed:''' Mystique smiles, "That's the thing about secrets. They often seem lurid and provocative to those outside, simply because they're secret. People hate not knowing things. Drives them mad as hatters. Sometimes the truth is almost disappointing if they ever find out what lurks beneath the stories. So much of the world is far more mundane and boring than we'd like to imagine. Then again," she says, tossing her red head a little bit, "Some stories don't even begin to hint at the details lurking beneath the surface. Some things stay unseen because most people can't handle the fundamental reality just out of their grasp. I like true stories best myself. And some of the best stories about the Club are absolutely true." 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' There's a bit of a chuckle at the idea of candlelit meetings, and Selene says, "Well, I can neither confirm nor deny that at times I have used candles while having a meeting in a robe." She then adds, "Albeit was a bath robe, and I was working from my home relaxing with scented candles. A perk of this era's technology." And she smiles to the redhead and gives her a little tilt of the head, "Now there you go..." A wave of her hand, "You see, Janet, the members themselves perpetuate much of the allure of this place. As you are not a member, yet, you have yet to experience all the club has to offer. That said, once you are, your bedtime stories are yours for the making. The secrets are yours to have, and hold on to, and to share with whomever you choose." And she adds after a momentary sip, "Each of our members know that this is a safe place. To come and explore what their money really has bought them. Access to their imaginations, what you can think to enjoy you can experience here. To what extent you choose to do so is not for us to decide, but merely your courage to venture. Be brave, and truly enjoy for a time, what you so rightly deserve." 

:'''{{#var:192|Janet van Dyne (192)}} has posed:''' Janet van Dyne chuckles softly at that, not -quite- snorting as well. "Scented candles and rose petals in your bath water?" she replies, brown eyes bright and intrigued. "Brave and adventurous... you make it sound like going on safari, Selene." Janet tosses back the last of her whiskey, tongue slipping out to wet her lips. "If you'll both excuse me, I need to find the ladies' room." And with that, she turns to start her search with a purpose. Janet *could* explore the Club's deeper, secret places as the Wasp, of course. But that would not only be rude, it would be too predictable. There are very few people who watch the mainstream news that don't know of Janet's dual identity, after all. 
}}

5309/Bad Guys and Coffee

2018-09-07T13:50:09Z

Simone1: Frank and Jane meet for coffee to compare notes.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/09/06
|Location=Hell's Kitchen
|Synopsis=Frank and Jane meet for coffee to compare notes.
|Cast of Characters=1140, 7020
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1140|Frank Castle (1140)}} has posed:''' It's early in the evening but late enough that most respectable people would be at home. Anyone with a job they need to be at tomorrow morning would be winding down. A perfect time for a meeting that doesn't get too much attention from there being so many people around but not too late to make it suspicious just due to the hour. That being said, Josie's tends to have a heavier crowd at this time of night that upscale bars, but it suits Frank. It's on his home turf and no one bothers him. Also the noise level makes it easy to carry on a conversation without too many eavesdroppers. Frank had called the number he received from a young woman a few nights before while investigating a car dealership with ties to a criminal organization known as The Foot. He knows very little about the Foot but that's slowly and steadily changing. While roughing up the owner of the dealership he made the acquaintance of what appeared to be a female vigilante who had an interest in some other potential organization involved with a man known as Johnny Fontaine. While working on learning more about the Foot he decided to give the girl a call to arrange a meeting so he can learn a little more and potentially offer his services. Now he sits at Josie's Bar at a booth in the back. A single light hangs over his table. What little light it casts lights up just the front of his face, casting long shadows from his bent nose and chiseled cheeks. His arms rest on the table in front of him and hug a bottle of cheap beer while he waits. 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Jane tells herself she wasn't waiting for the big guy to call, but then again she's always been a terrible liar. He's a rare find and she knows it. And she's blown too many chances with too many others since taking up her new vocation. She arrives dressed a bit more casually than the other night. Wearing low-riding jeans, clingy white tanktop, and an open leather jacket, the redhead steps into the bar and pauses just long enough to find what she's looking for. Jane may not be a regular but she *looks* like she could be. Which is sometimes just as important. Flashing a small smile, she slides into the booth across from him. "Hiya, handsome." The jacket may be worn casually, but a practiced eye would pick up the pair of shoulder holsters beneath. 

:'''{{#var:1140|Frank Castle (1140)}} has posed:''' He realizes it's a dangerous game putting yourself out there for people you don't know. This was no exception. But given their meeting, Frank figures if she hadn't shot at him then the odds of her doing so tonight are fairly low. As long as they figure out what mutual page they share in common. Glancing up as the door opens, he sees the girl he is here to meet. Once she notices him, he lifts his beer and leans back in his seat, his face slipping out of the dim light and into the shadow as he takes a long pull from his beer. She slides into the seat opposite him as he swallows and returns the bottle to the table, "Evenin'." He could tell from the way she carried herself across the bar that she's packing. Then again, so is he. Can't be too careful. Of course that's no excuse because he's always carrying something. Leaning forward, he rests his elbows against the table and crosses his arms, "Thanks for comin'." 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Jane settles and leans forward as well, both elbows on the table. Red lips pull into a broader smile and she replies. "Thanks for calling." Looking towards the bar, she waves to get the 'tender's attention. Then she points to Frank's beer and holds up 2 fingers. Back to Frank again. "So. Let's start with names, or whatever you're calling yourself. I'm Jane." Apparently they're starting out on a first-name-only basis. She has more questions, of course, like where he gets the Apocalypse-grade weapons. 

:'''{{#var:1140|Frank Castle (1140)}} has posed:''' When she calls on the bartender to bring over two more beers, Frank nods in a way of saying thanks and picks up his beer for another quick pull before returning it to the table. "Frank," is his reply. It's at this point that people who have kept up with the news tend to put two and two together and realize which particular Frank this is, so he just peers at her across the table with half-expecting eyes. He has more questions himself, not the least of which is what got her into a situation where she needed to rough up the same dealer he did to get info on someone wrapped up in crime. And where she got her weapons as well. The time will come. When the bartender strolls over with the two beers, Frank takes his and lifts it up, holding it out over the middle of the table and tipping it towards her, "Nice to meet you Jane." 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Jane accepts one of the beers, giving the bartender a nod. Blue eyes meet his gaze and she tips her bottle towards him as well. Glass *chinks* softly against glass. "Pleasure, Frank." she replies, taking a deep swig before setting her bottle down. She glances over to the bartender, to make sure he's out of casual hearing before she continues. "I've heard of you. Never thought I'd actually *meet* you, though." Jane offers in a lower voice. "We have more in common than you know, Frank. Except I'm not exactly a household name. Well, 'Painkiller Jane' is getting around some, now." She leans back again, propping a combat boot on the seat beside him. "So where would you like to start? Johnny Fontaine or the Foot?" 

:'''{{#var:1140|Frank Castle (1140)}} has posed:''' Painkiller Jane. Hasn't heard of her, although something tells him he might read her name in the paper sometime soon based on what little he's seen of her so far. His eyes glance down at the seat beside him as her boot props against it. His body shifts slightly as he exhales through his nose, amused at how much she reminds him of himself. Glancing back up at her, he finishes his first bottle and takes the one she ordered for him and turns it slowly between his fingers, "Painkiller Jane. Has a ring to it." Sitting back in his seat again, his head rests at an angle as he watches the red head across from him, "Figured I'd pick your brain about this Fontaine. Considering our meeting, I figured he might be someone I'd be interested in." An eyebrow arches as he pauses for a moment, looking at her intently, "Unless I'm intruding." 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Jane props an elbow up on the back of the booth, casually sipping from the bottle now. Blue eyes don't leave him, and those red lips pull back into more of a smile. The tanktop is more off-white, and the way it shifts when she moves makes it really doubtful she's wearing a bra. "Oh, you're definitely not intruding. I figure both of us can cover twice the ground, anyway. And if things go sideways it's always good to have backup." Jane isn't a small woman, but she's barely a buck-forty soaking wet. Guns or not. "Johnny Fontaine handles illegal transport up and down the East Coast. Drugs, guns, and people for sale. That dealership we visited swaps out cars to run between Gotham and the Big Apple." 

:'''{{#var:1140|Frank Castle (1140)}} has posed:''' Franks eyes only leave the girl across from him long enough to scan the bar. Something he does with regularity more or less everywhere he goes. He likes to keep an eye on his surroundings just in case someone is watching. It's easy here, considering he's familiar enough with the regulars that someone like Jane, who even though she definitely looks the part, stands out to him. His eyes returning to her, he can't help but look her over a time or two. His teeth clench and his jaw muscles ripple beneath his stubble until his eyes return to hers, "Was thinking the same thing." He slowly leans forward again, lowering his head and rubbing the back of his neck for a moment as he listens to her explain Johnny Fontaine. "Sounds like he has that in common with the Foot. They pick up cars regularly to carry out.. whatever the hell it is they do. Still working on that." He looks back up, "I'm guessing you're looking to take Fontaine down one way or another?" 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Blue eyes sparkle over the raised bottle as Jane sips again. "I'm told there are *rules* against killing in Gotham. Something the caped-set enforces. Johnny's people don't *stay* in Gotham, and I'm pretty sure he doesn't keep a summer home there..." She shrugs, putting her moral stance right out there on the table. "We need to get Johnny's people to talk, first. After we get to Johnny, I really don't care about the rest." We? Yeah, she's already moved on to 'we'. "Cut the head off of the snake. Pretty sure you know how the game is played." 

:'''{{#var:1140|Frank Castle (1140)}} has posed:''' Franks eyes silently bounce back and forth as he listens to her intel on Johnny and his people. He's already considering their options and how they might be able to strike. He hadn't noticed her use of 'we' mainly because he was already considering them working together so the word was already bouncing around his thoughts as well. Nodding idly as he thinks, he finally looks back up and stops fidgeting, "If the dealer hasn't warned them already it should be easy enough to stake out the dealership and wait for them to pick up their cars." He takes another swig, "Shouldn't be too hard to get some information outta them." Looking at her, he figures she has her ways of getting people to talk. If not, he sure as hell does. "I guess the trick is getting Johnny to New York." 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' "The dealer was scared, but he's not stupid. He'll tell Johnny's people, alright, because right now he's more afraid of Johnny than the two of us." Jane pauses for another drink, then adds. "Okay, so maybe he IS stupid." Jane toys with the half-empty bottle. "So whether he tells Johnny's boys or not, it really doesn't matter. They either keep using the dealer or they pay him a 'last visit'. Time for a stake out either way. Johnny doesn't leave loose ends. We only need one." "So tell me about the Foot, just so I know what I'm looking for." For a moment she looks like she might crack a smile at the name, but Jane manages to keep a mostly-straight face. 

:'''{{#var:1140|Frank Castle (1140)}} has posed:''' The girl makes a very good point. If the Foot are anything like Johnny Fontaine, they'll likely want to wrap up any loose ends themselves. If they happen to deal with the car man on the same night things could get interesting, but that's a bridge they'll cross when they come to it. But staking out the lot will inevitably lead them to either organization or both. It's a solid plan. Appearing to be busy with his own thoughts for a moment, Frank quietly snaps out of it and glances back across the table at his apparent new partner. "Not much to tell. Yet." His weight shifts on his seat and he leans heavily against one elbow as he takes a sip of his beer. "I learned about them from lookin' into several others in the city." He swirls the bottle around and watches the beer inside spin, "I noticed they all seem to have been given some sort of coin that symbolizes support from some shadow organization. After a little digging I found out they're called the Foot." He glances back over at Jane with a slight shrug, "Asburd name, but they seem to have enough money to support at least a dozen families around the city. And the night we met is as close as I've been able to get to them so far." 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Painkiller Jane takes a swig of her own beer, watching him all the while. "So maybe I'm *your* lucky charm, now. I definitely think we should stick together, for at least a while. Between the two of us we're bound to attract the right kind of attention." She pauses, then corrects. "Or the wrong kind, depending on your perspective." "So it comes back to the car dealer, one way or another. I busted into a Fontaine safe-house in Gotham, but all I did was stir the wasps' nest and they all bolted. The dealer is something else entirely, and he works with both the Fontaines and the Foot." Jane considers him more closely, then. His face. His build. And yeah, she notices that he's also packing. "So tell me, Frank. Where did you get your arsenal from?" 

:'''{{#var:1140|Frank Castle (1140)}} has posed:''' Frank nods and one corner of his mouth tugs into a crooked grin as he peers across the table, the light casting shadows over his face and Jane's body as she casually relaxes in her seat. She had it right the first time. They're bound to attract just the right people. "The Foot could be involved with Fontaine. I don't usually buy into the idea of a coincidence, especially one this convenient." And then he notices her sizing him up. He pauses and returns the favor. Her question draws a pause and he leans back, resting against the back of his booth, hoisting an arm over the back of the seat as well and tilting his head to the side, still not entirely sure how much he can trust this woman. Especially with information on the acquisition of arms, "I know a guy." 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Jane laughs softly at that. "I wonder if your guy is the same as *my* guy." she quips back. And she seems to revel in the assessment, if anything. Is she arching a little as she leans back in the booth? "Actually, I know a couple guys who run pawn shops. They sorta owe me." She shrugs, leaving it at that. "So you wanna take turns watching the dealer, or what? Figure either way we'll wanna trade cell numbers. Or get you a burner phone, unless you're more comfortable with a set of cheap walkie-talkies." 

:'''{{#var:1140|Frank Castle (1140)}} has posed:''' Truth be told, Frank can read her body language. The subtle movements, letting the light bounce off of all the right places. The problem is, he doesn't fully trust her. Dangerous women can let their sexuality get the best of men and Frank is in no line of business that forgives those mistakes. Still. Can't hurt to look. His eyes wander back up to hers and he shrugs, "Could be." He doubts it, but hell. Stranger things have happened. He leans to one side and pulls out a cheap flip phone and tosses it on the table, "Keep a burner. Put your number in there." He looks her over again, "Unless you like the idea of the walkies." His grin returns and his head sways a few times before he takes another long pull from his beer, nearly emptying the bottle. 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' "Walkies are too easily compromised." Jane declares. "And there's not a lot of traffic, which makes it easier to pick out conversations." Picking up the phone, she leans forward as she flips it open and keys in her number. Closing it again, she pushes it back over the table to him. "I'll get a burner later today." she replies. Leaning back again, Jane shifts enough to let the jacket fall open for distraction. Yes, she's putting herself on display and in the best light. But she also makes it look very casual. How much is an act and how much is the real thing? It's doubtful that even she would be able to give a good answer, although she didn't dress his way by accident. Red lips curl a bit as she's checked out, all the same. "Okay, so we've got a plan." Jane declares. "And I get it, too. You don't trust people. I don't trust people. This partnership of ours is gonna take some time to sort out. But I like the way you work, Frank. I'm willing to give it a chance." 

:'''{{#var:1140|Frank Castle (1140)}} has posed:''' Downing the rest of his beer as Jane enters her number into his burner phone, Frank exhales slowly with a quiet 'ahhh' sound as he returns the empty bottle to the table. He considers getting the bartender to bring them over another pair of drinks but isn't sure it's the best idea. He's had a couple already and the way Jane is dressed, he isn't sure having more is such a good idea, given how much his eyes are already wandering. When she leans back, his eyes can't help but catch the way her jacket falls open to give him a view and he grins to himself and shakes his head, glancing down at his empty bottle and spotting hers nearly empty as well. He motions for the bartender finally and holds up two fingers and points at his bottle. Guess it's time for another round. "I usually work alone. I'm guessin' you do too." He looks her over, "Can't hurt to see how it goes. Might make our lives a little easier, eh?" And going back to her previous question about the details of their stakeout, "We can trade out shifts if you prefer. I'll take tonight, you take tomorrow?" 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' "Pretty good chance it'll make our lives more complicated, too. You look any longer and I'll have to charge you rent." Not that Jane seems to mind, of course. "I was gonna suggest we take a night off, but we can do that to celebrate." she offers, expression becoming playful. "You take tonight and I'll take tomorrow. That works for me. I'll keep my phone close, and won't plan on doing my nails or washing my hair. Just in case." And yes, she's certainly enjoying the attention. Especially now that he's committed to a partnership. At least a short-term one. 

:'''{{#var:1140|Frank Castle (1140)}} has posed:''' Frank's eyes shift up to meet hers as she calls him out for looking a little too long. He offers her another grin as his head tilts to the side once more, knowing full well that she's giving him a little show. It ain't his first rodeo and he figures it isn't hers either. Nothing wrong with some good old fashioned appreciation. He wouldn't necessarily mind a night off but given recent events they can't afford to skip a night. The Foot or Johnny Fontaine don't take nights off so neither can they. They can at least have another round though. Just then the bartender comes by with two more bottles and sets them down. Frank grabs his and offers the neck of it towards Jane again, "Don't let me stop you from doin' your nails." He gives her a quick wink and another sideways grin as he lifts the bottle to his lips and takes a long drink. Definitely don't need to share overwatch duties with her. Too much of a damn distraction. 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Painkiller Jane meets the grin with one of her own, as well. "Yeah, you look like a guy who appreciates a good manicure. Or pedicure, for that matter." she replies. "We can talk about my grooming another night, though. I'll give you a full tour." It's been a very long time since Jane flirted like this, but it's like riding a bike. Or... yeah, just stick with riding. Doctor Seth has a huge crush, of course, which only means that Jane needs to keep him at a distance. She doesn't want Seth to get hurt, in more ways than one. Frank, on the other hand? There's no doubt in her mind that Frank can take care of himself. Frank's a predator. It's what he does. It's what THEY do. She slips her arm from the back of the booth, shrugging to let the jacket ease down off her shoulders as well. No one in here will mind the leather holster-straps, after all. And the shift pulls the thin t-shirt more tightly over her full chest. "So what do you do for fun, Frank? Assuming you let yourself have fun." 

:'''{{#var:1140|Frank Castle (1140)}} has posed:''' The grin remains on Frank's lips as she teases him. A glimpse at his hands would reveal weathered skin and equally worn nails. He's not a filthy man, but in his line of work it's difficult to keep your nails spotless. You can maintain and clean your firearms as often as he does and keep the grease from getting under your nails. Not that he gives a shit. Too busy trying to clean the streets to pay attention to his cuticles. When she leans forward and her jacket continues to make its way off of her shoulders, his eyes follow and linger for a moment until he pulls them back up and leans forward himself, "You're lookin' at it." Having drinks as a dirty bar in the middle of Hell's Kitchen is really as far as it goes with Frank when it comes to the typical idea of 'fun.' Getting an eye full of Jane is about the most fun he's had in a while, he supposes. Something about danger and a woman. He winks across the table and holds his bottle up in a mock salute gesture before taking another drink. 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Jane picks up a beer as well, when the fresh bottles are brought over. "Drinking in a dangerous bar with a redhead? I suppose I can sign up for that. Can't get into TOO much trouble in public, right? Even in Hell's Kitchen." She takes a healthy swig. Jane's boots slide off of the seat, clunking heavily onto the floor as she shifts to lean forward. The table's support is more than a bit distracting, although she keeps eye contact. And in a lower voice she replies. "Maybe someday we'll find a little time when nobody is shooting at us, in a place where nobody can find us." 

:'''{{#var:1140|Frank Castle (1140)}} has posed:''' Watching the red head across the table, Frank's eyebrows arch slightly, "Something tells me you're far more dangerous than any of these people." He says this as he glances from one side of the bar to the other. Sure, the people here look rough, but Jane is clearly equipped to deal with the lot of them. Himself included. "There's plenty trouble you can get into. Even in Hell's Kitchen if you try hard enough." This last part is mentioned as the slight grin returns to his face. The sound of her boots clapping heavily against the floor draws his attention back to her as she leans forward, his eyes maintaining contact with hers and not wandering again. He leans forward against the table as well, "Maybe. If a day ever comes when people aren't lookin' for us." That day will come and it will be the day they're both dead. They both know it, too. Fiction can be fun, though. 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Jane props her cheek against one hand, raising the bottle to her lips with the other. Her gaze meets his as he leans in, and she nods. Yeah, she knows it as well. And for a moment there's silence between them. Then she speaks again. "Well aren't WE a cheerful pair." Raising her bottle again, she offers. "Thanks for the beer, Frank." What, he's buying? It's not like either of them is rolling in cash. "You're working tonight, after all. And I need a steady hand with the nail polish." 

:'''{{#var:1140|Frank Castle (1140)}} has posed:''' Frank lifts his beer to meet hers, the glass 'tinking' but the sound is mostly lost in the ambient noise of the various drunk people playing pool, darts, or generally just talking to each other in voices appropraite of this style of establishment. Her comment manages to make the gruff man burst out into laughter, his eyes narrowing and the corner of them wrinkling as he shakes his head and takes a drink of beer. "Can't mess up the nails," he says after swallowing. He leans forward and puts his mostly-full beer back down and nods, resting his arms on the table once more, "You can finish mine. Shouldn't have ordered it anyway." He's slightly buzzed but he's been worse just from concussions while on the job so he's fine. Doesn't mean he should test himself. Especially now that he has someone to work with. He has to be accountable. And he needs a clear head, which is difficult at the moment. "I should get goin' anyway. Need to prep for tonight." And he needs to not keep staring at the red head. 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Jane smiles back, reeling in his beer as he puts it back down onto the table. "I'll take good care of it for you." she replies, almost sincerely. The whole 'partnership' thing is new to Jane as well. She hasn't had a partner since she left the force, after all. Oh, there are people who support her and who clean up her messes, but not an actual partner-partner. "I'll keep my phone on either way." she replies, a bit more seriously. "And text me if you've had an uneventful night." So she'll know he made it back okay. Not that she'd ever admit to it. 

:'''{{#var:1140|Frank Castle (1140)}} has posed:''' "I'm sure you will," he says as he leans over and begins to work his way out of his booth seat. When he rises to his feet he casts her another glance and tugs his sweatshirt's hood over his head and stuffs his hands into its pockets. "I'll give you a call if I see 'em. Or if I don't." He inclines his head slightly in a nod towards her, carefully keeping his eyes on hers before he turns and starts making his way across the bar towards the door. 
}}

5313/Same Bat Time...

2018-09-07T13:46:10Z

Simone1: Babs and Kate take a break and discuss philosophy.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/09/06
|Location=Gotham City
|Synopsis=Babs and Kate take a break and discuss philosophy.
|Cast of Characters=58, 193
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' It's early morning, and Barbara Gordon is already up. Or perhaps it's better to say that she's STILL up. When one keeps company with the noctournal set, it's sometimes difficult to decide whether to catch them early or late. Wearing yoga pants, a black tank with a yellow BAT symbol, red hair pulled back into a scrunchy, Babs puts on a fresh pot of coffee. The Clocktower has always been something of a stopping-off point for those who are caught in Old Gotham by dawn's early light. And Barbara has learned to be prepared. Padding over to her computer system, she casually types the 19-letter passcode to unlock the beast while she waits. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Barbara is one of the few people that Kate can see as Kate without any fear whatsoever. She's already removing her cowl as she slips past the clockface into her own preferred entry into the tower, sighing as she places it on the nearest flat surface. The heavy footfalls of her suit stop a few steps in, and a seam opens up along the arms, legs and torso - Allowing her to step back out of it, in her own yoga pants and camisole, both in black. She reaches up to pull her hair out it's tight braid, sighing as she makes her way downstairs. "Babs! I need a drink. What do you have?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon hears the entry through the clockface, a glance at the black-and-red confirming her suspicions. "Coffee will be up in five!" whe calls back. "Make yourself comfortable, Kate." Of course she already has, or is in the process of doing so. "Anything interesting going on out there? My usual info streams are pretty quiet, which is either really good or a portent of doom." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Coffee? You're not even gonna promise to Irish it for me, are you?" Kate bemoans her current state of sobriety, even as she makes her way to Barbara's desk, clearing enough room for the vigilante to take an impromptu seat upon it. "I've been going over the Riddler's latest encounter, actually. No riddle, no obvious purpose. Just the coincidental downtime in the comms network. I wondered if you wanted to have a little peak and see if he was doing anything we should be worried about." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon takes down a couple mugs from the cupboard, calling back. "I think there's some Bailey's in the fridge, yeah." The ceramic clinks softly, then she pads out into the main room while the coffee brews. "No riddle and no purpose? I agree; that's way outside his wheelhouse. I'll did a cursory scan on the network outage, but I'll take a deeper look." Her gaze flickers from Kate's face to her butt to the desk. "Mind removing your rear from my desk? I sometimes eat lunch there, and I don't know where that thing's been." A wry smile twitches to punctuate the request. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Oh, come on, you've heard the legends." Kate gestures to her backside, "Besides, it turns out some of your new recruits are after a piece of it, so maybe you should show some respect. And that's without me even turning on the charm." A good-natured giggle, before she slides off the desk and moves to recover a chair instead, dragging it over casually. "Bruce says I should cheat. I think he's out of his mind. He's lucky enough that no-ones died the last few times. I was thinking psychological instead. I don't know if he's beyond saving." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon tilts her head to take a more obvious look at said backside, the wry smile becoming more prominent. "Well you promised not to go skirt-chasing, but that doesn't exclude you from being chased." Like Babs should talk, given her long and tumultuous history with Nightwing. "You should cheat? If the Riddler isn't playing by his usual rules, I'm not sure how exactly you'd do that." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "I presume Bruce means pursue either the more violent solution and deal with the fallout as it comes, or try and circumvent the game." Kate shakes her head lightly, careful to offer Babs a view of her posterior before it's ensconced in an actual chair. "I was hoping we could get more information about his intelligence service, try and leverage that against him. And I kept my promise, thank you very much." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon shakes her head slowly. "I can't imagine Bruce condoning the former." she muses. The shake gets her attention as well as an eye-roll. She chuckles, then. "I suppose it's a natural consequence of recruiting a group of hormone-heavy women for the team. You want me to do some digging, then? Anything in particular to lead off?" 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Well... I suppose I do have a type, don't I? Athletic, kind of flirty. Lately I keep finding myself with redheads, but I'm not opposed to blondes. Oh, and I'm a complete sucker for the heart-shaped fa-- Oh, you meant about the Riddler." Kate allows herself another giggle, before she leans back upon the chair and considers. "Anything that we can use to try and make him question where he's going with this." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon chuckles softly, turning towards the kitchen as the coffee starts making finishing-up sounds. "Hold that thought. And I don't mean the heart-shaped one." The rich aroma filters out as she pours, then opens the fridge to add a generous amount of Bailey's to one cup. "I just don't get it, though. There HAS to be a riddle, right? That's his thing. Or maybe it's just not obvious. A hidden riddle? A riddle-within-a-riddle?" 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "And here I thought you were going to be a good friend and recruit me a girlfriend." Kate muses, "And he gave his riddle afterwards, but it was more of a dig about how I'm not as clever as Bruce is. And I won't deny it, he's head-and-shoulders up there." A shake of her head, "Jesus. Of all the nutjobs from Arkham, I get landed with the fucking Riddler. I don't know if you know this or not, Babs, but I'm kind of a violent solutions person. Guessing the esoteric musings of a madman aren't my thing at all." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon smirks, offering Kate the Irish Coffee and keeping the other mug for herself. "Think of it as character-building, Kate." she replies. "The Riddler likes making puzzles and Bruce likes solving them. They *do* make a pretty good match. But you're more clever than you give yourself credit for. And you also have me in your camp." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate enjoys a sniff first, to make sure that there is in fact some irish in her coffee before she sips it, and smiles. "Much better. Thanks, hon." Wrapping her fingers around the mug, she shakes her head. "I'm clever enough, and I've got you if I need you, but I know that that clever little shit is going to get out of whatever the next steel box we chuck him in is. I guess trying to turn him is the better or two permanent solutions." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Babs nose-wrinkles at that, sipping her own coffee. Black. Something she learned from her father, the policeman. "Turning him? Good luck with that, Kate. Although I do like the idea. We lock these guys up all the time, after all. What if we COULD manage to turn one or two? I mean REALLY turn them." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate shakes her head again, "That's what Prison is supposed to be. Reform, even though it looks and acts more like punishment. Arkham gives up on reform altogether, and it's just become containment. Containment is designed to fail, but some of these people can be given... Guideines. A measure of trust. A reason to believe in their fellow man, maybe. I don't know, I just don't like the idea that sooner or later, he's actually going to kill someone, unless I put a bullet through him first." Her grim-set mouth meets coffee cup again. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "You've heard this before, Kate, but putting a bullet through him only drags you down to his level." Barbara replies softly. "You wouldn't be the first one to *want* to do something like that, of course. But killing isn't something you can take back, get a do-over, or apologize for later." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Yeah, I've heard it before." Kate gestures with her mug, loosely, "But if I had to pick, between letting him kill innocent people, and putting eight grams of lead between his eyes... Well, fuck, he made his choice, didn't he? I'll do everything in my power to keep it from coming to that, but sooner or later, there's going to come a time when I'm gonna have to decide whether my humanity is worth the life of another person." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon lets out a low sigh and nods. "I know, Kate. But *until* they cross that line, we stay in-bounds ourselves." Because those are the rules, after all. "I'm not a big fan of the catch-and-hold approach, either. So how WOULD we turn one of them? Hypothetically speaking." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate sips again, and then muses aloud. "I've been thinking about that. There's two things... The first is to appeal to their skills and senses. Lay out the end game, let them know where all these roads lead to. Show them what they can do that's better than this, what's better for them and us." The woman shakes her head. "The other... Well, fuck, I've come to realise that there's not a lot that many of us don't have in common with them. There's something there." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon nods slowly, sipping her coffee. "I've thought of that pretty often myself. It's a thin line that we walk, Kate. What would it take to push -me- out of the light? Bruce? Any one of us? So why do we do it? Why do we play by the rules, anyway? The bad guys don't." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Because we didn't stumble when we tried to step into the light." Kate suggests. "I think because it was easier for us to try to do good, than to trade our morals away. We learned from our suffering, instead of indulging in it. We committed, instead of ran. We saw the disease, instead of the symptom." An esoteric explanation at best, but Kate is trying to explain something quite hard to grasp. "I think mostly because we learned to compromise." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "We DO this because it's the right thing, and because we believe it will make the world a better place. THEY do what they do because they want their own little corner of the world to be better. It's a difference of focus." Barbara adds. "That's the real difference, in my mind." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Do you really think that's where they started, or do you think that part of them dies in degrees?" Kate suggests, reaching a hand up to tussle her own hair lightly. "You know. They do something little, just to even things up a little, get back against the world some." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon shrugs at that. "Most of them didn't start out going criminal all at once, Kate. It's a journey of small steps, just like the journey back." She pauses, then adds. "June is a good example of that. Only in her case, she got in way over her head and we pulled her out of the fire. So hers is a journey of redemption." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Yeah. So I guess, at least with the Riddler, I'm going to try a little of that. And maybe Ivy too, although, I might have an ulterior motive there." A faint smirk from Kate, "Kidding, I know, she'll steal my soul if I go there." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "You go wherever you need to, Kate. Just remember that if you get lost, we'll be here to pull you back." Barbara replies softly. "But I like your approach with these two. Just let me know what I can do to help." 
}}

5274/The Oracle Knows All

2018-09-07T13:45:04Z

Simone1: Batwoman introduces Peregrine to Oracle.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/08/31
|Location=Gotham City
|Synopsis=Batwoman introduces Peregrine to Oracle.
|Cast of Characters=193, 1850, 58
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Dawn has nearly broken. It's the best time for vigilante's to meet, with the bulk of crime dealt with for the night, and Kate's made her way up to the Clocktower with a recently contacted Peregrine in tow - Although the speedster would be capable of simply ascending the tower, Kate has to take a far more athletic route up, and so she's glad when they can finally get out of the night air and she can remove her cowl. Her suit has a fine dusting of light rain upon it, but the hair underneath her cowl is completely dry, as the mask is put aside while they walk into the clocktower. "I've asked Oracle to meet us here. She shouldn't be far away." Kate mentions to Peregrine, as they make their way down from the top to the lower floor of the penthouse. "Hopefully she can be more help than I can." No longer the rich, seductive tones of the red-lipped seductress. Without the mask, she doesn't really need them anyway 

:'''{{#var:1850|Peregrine (1850)}} has posed:''' Peregrine simply runs up the side of the clocktower when mentioned. Her suit is dry - her speed aura kept the rain from touching her. She sighs as she pulls her helmet off when arriving. "Well... I'm glad to hear. So she'll be arriving in person?" she asks as she looks around the place, her blue costume having a few glowing yellow lines pulsing in it as she smiles faintly. She fidgets nervously - she has a very short attention span like most speedsters as she sighs, tempted to pull her phone out of her pocket, but waits. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Oracle. That mysterious, faceless entity whose very identity is little more than whispers and rumors and Internet urban legend. Very few know who Oracle is, and those are all sworn to secrecy. Apparently Batwoman is one of those few. And now, she's led Peregrine to a penthouse apartment in Gotham City's Clocktower building. Stepping out from the kitchen is a young redhead. Dressed casually, Barbara is wearing skinny jeans and a green tank top, along with a comfortable pair of flats. Cradling a mug in one hand, she takes a sip and offers. "Welcome. Water's hot if you'd like tea." 

:'''{{#var:1850|Peregrine (1850)}} has posed:''' Peregrine blinks. "Hello there. Some tea sounds delightful right now - it's a bit nippy out side." She walks to the kitchen, and prepares two cup sof tea - one for herslef and one for Kate. "So. I have an appointment here this morning...?" Deanna herself is a redhead, but her curly hair is cut military-style to fit under the helmet she uses as part of her costume. She looks Barbara up and down, then glances back to Kate. Could this 20-something be this Oracle? 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' It's a meeting of redheads, in fact. Kate smiles at Barbara as she walks out, seperating herself from Deanna to wrap her friend in a momentary hug while Peregrine goes off to make some tea for them both. "Peregrine is still new to her powers, in the grand scheme of things. A speedster, mid-tier. At least at this point. I hoped you could help her with what she wishes to do, perhaps see if she can help you in your own endeavours." A smile, before she finds a table to lean against and watch. For the most part. "She knows me as Batwoman, and Red. I'm still happy to remain incognito, at least at this point." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara is unfazed by the costumes, or by the early-morning appointment. Breathing in the herbal tea, she offers a small smile to the guest. "Yes I know, Peregrine." Kate's embrace is returned, and warmly, careful of spilling her mug. Listening to the run-down, she nods and turns her attention back to the visitor. "Fair enough, Batwoman. I think calling you 'Red' would be confusing, given the present company." While Peregrine messes about in the kitchen, Barbara steps a little closer. "Deanna Dove. Major, US Air Force. Test pilot." She then goes on to quote Deanna's service number, birth date, and social security number. "Call me Barbara." Yes, this is definitely Oracle. 

:'''{{#var:1850|Peregrine (1850)}} has posed:''' Peregrine just STARES, her mouth agape, at all that information. "So you definitely ar Oracle. How did you find all that out? I just told her my first name..." She frowns. "That's almost a bit disconcerting, Barbara." She just sits down, just holding the tea but not drinking it. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Facial recognition, military records. InOps can do a lot, but Oracle here is something special." Kate responds simply, reaching out for her cup of tea from Peregrine before she has a chance to get too far away. "Don't worry. Barbara is an old friend, she isn't up to anything sinister with it." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon chuckles and gestures towards the sofa. "Relax, Deanna. Have a seat and get comfortable." She moves towards the sofa herself. Giving Kate a nod, she adds "You'll soon learn that secrets are a big part of what we do here. Keeping secrets, I mean. And Batwoman is right. The first name was a little help, but with a facial image I was able to do a deep-dive on you. If you're curious sometime, I can show you your Air Force personnel file." "But information is only so useful on its own, which is why I'm putting together a group to take it to the next level." 

:'''{{#var:1850|Peregrine (1850)}} has posed:''' Peregrine sighs. "I've seen it somewhat. I just don't want the Air Force too curious about me." She sighs softly as she sips her tea. "So you are capable of getting information - must mean you're a good hacker." She ponders. "So... if I may ask... why is Red here so... reticent... to share even her first name? I'm a bit confused on that subject. And... what kind of group?" 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Babs," Kate responds to the question with an interject. "Would it be... Safe, to tell her?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon shrugs. "Batwoman's secrets are her own, and she'll share when she's ready." she replies to Peregrine. "Some of us have been wearing a mask or cowl for so long that secrecy has become a way of life." Considering, then, she adds. "We all have to start trusting each other sometime, ...Batwoman. It's sort of a 'you show me yours and I'll show you mine' arrangement." The smile returns. "There are criminals who operate above the Law, who live outside the Law, and who are basically untouchable. They feed Gotham's crime syndicates, and are too remote for the Bats to touch. They are our targets. Our prey." 

:'''{{#var:1850|Peregrine (1850)}} has posed:''' Peregrine blinks. "Prey? So - you want us to be predators of those the police can't touch?" she asks, pondering softly. "What is this group going to be called?" she finally asks. "And you want us to go after people that Batman won't touch? But I thought Batwoman herew as an associate of Batman...?" 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Ah, but mine is much bigger than yours." Kate teases back at Barbara, arms folded across the bat emblazoned upon her chest. "Kate then. Call it a dash of trust on this Justice Pie you're baking." A glance over at Peregrine follows, "Batman keeps his eyes mostly on Gotham. I'm somewhat more flexible. " 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Not won't touch, but *can't* touch." Barbara clarifies. "Drugs come into Gotham from distributors in South America and parts of Asia, as an example. Batman's reach isn't infinite, and he doesn't have the time to track down every lead. We are well-funded and we have private transportation to anywhere in the world. The teams will focus on infiltration, reconaissance, and surgical strikes." Crimson brows knit, then, and she takes another sip of her tea. "Team name? We don't actually -have- a name as such." 

:'''{{#var:1850|Peregrine (1850)}} has posed:''' Peregrine smiles. "Reconnaissance and surgical strikes are my jam. Infiltration not so much - speedsters aren't very... subtle." She winks. "I should mention that I can fly anything with wings or rotors so..." She hmmmms softly. "Oh - thank you for your name, Kate." She ponders. "So - we are going to be predators, going after those who the law can't touch... that sounds good." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon nods and gestures with her mug. "Right. If we do things right we'll get in, take out our targets, and get out again before anyone even knows we've been there. No assassinations, though. And no killing. We're still vigilantes, not mercenaries. We live by a code and we stay in the light, even though we'll work in the shadows." "Secrecy. Loyalty. Courage. That's what I swore to Batman, and I won't ask anything more from any of you. Can you live with those terms?" Wait, she swore this to Batman? On what terms.... 

:'''{{#var:1850|Peregrine (1850)}} has posed:''' Peregrine nods. "Sounds like you want us to swoop in like birds of prey..." she muses softly. "I can abide by those terms. Though I served in the military, I have never killed and don't want to start now." She smiles faintly. "Mercenaries are really despicable people when you get to know them. Especially ones overseas." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "I wouldn't say that. Mercenaries have their place in the world the same as us." Kage suggests. Partially because she's slightly involved with them. "Besides, they can provide ground and fire support where required." Kate looks over the pair, and pushes herself back to her feet with a mouthful of tea. "Well, I'm due in the office in about three hours, so I had best get some beauty sleep. Let me know if you need any help with the warehouse - And if you could forward all the information that I collected on the Colonel to Batman, I think he would appreciate it. Deanna, are you about finished?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon switches the mug to her other hand, raising it towards Deanna in a toast. "Welcome then, Peregrine. We'll introduce you to the others in time and I'll make a key card for you." She smiles again. "My -full- agents use the front door." 

:'''{{#var:1850|Peregrine (1850)}} has posed:''' Peregrine smiles softly. "Oh. But running up the side of the tower is quicker," she muses. "Very well. I'll try to be subtle in arriving. It's not... my strong suit. When I use my speed, it's VERY noticalbe." She smiles. "I look forward to working with you, Miss Oracle." She nods her head, and she's gone in a blink, the tea cup on its saucer rattling lightly on the table it suddenly appeared on. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "And when was the last time a bat used a door?" Kate quips, as she recovers her cowl and slips away. 
}}

5143/It's Time To Rest

2018-09-07T13:42:51Z

Simone1: Babs and Kate catch up and discuss the team.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/08/10
|Location=Gotham City
|Synopsis=Babs and Kate catch up and discuss the team.
|Cast of Characters=193, 58
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' All the things that go bump in the night like to come out in Gotham when the sun goes down. Sometimes, they're bat-themed vigilantes, sometimes just regular enthusiastic types, sometimes super-heroes and sometimes villains... But most of the time it's just small-time crooks who can get pummeled a few times and left tied up for the police to get to when they've got time. And a few of the latter have been taken care of by the former, and craving a break from the stifling nature of her suit, unlike her inspiration, the Batwoman has bat-hooked her way up to the face of the Clocktower. At least she was nice enough to warn Oracle that she was coming to visit, so whether or not she has to bypass security to get past the face is purely up to how kind her 'handler' might be feeling. And as soon as she's safely out of sight, the redhead pulls off her cowl, revealing the pale-skinned redhead beneath, braided tightly to her head in sharp contrast to the flowing locks that are attached to her headpiece. "If they couldn't make it breathable, at the very least it should be airconditioned." She murmurs, placing it down and beginning the hunt. The hunt, for Oracle. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Being that she's expecting Kate, Barbara is at home tonight. At home and dressed comfortably in jeans and a tanktop. The first layer of security is on, of course, but Kate can bypass that easily enough. The sub-layer is there only to let Babs know when her guest actually arrives. From the kitchen comes a familiar voice. "I put the kettle on! You prefer tea or coffee? I've got a French press." Stepping out from the kitchen, she looks over at her guest with a smile. "Can't be both breathable AND bulletproof, after all. But we're all casual here." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Coffee sounds fantastic. I don't know /how/ it can be cold 'and' hot out there at the same time but somehow it manages it. And I suppose, if you're going to be like that, I'd rather have a sweaty forehead than a bullet-ridden one." As Kate steps into the kitchen, she's ditched a few pieces of her outfit, but she's left the armored bodysuit on at least. She leans against the doorway, watching the Oracle who is definitely not in crimefighting gear, and notes. "You're looking /extremely/ casual. How's every little thing, Barbara?" Since they're /here/ and alone, they can use real faces AND real names. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon turns back towards the kitchen at the request, calling back. "Good! I just got in a new flavor I've been dying to try." She takes down a French press from the cabinet, then a small bag of coffee as well. "And I'm in my -home-, so I can afford to be extremely casual. It's not like the Penguin knows where I live or anything." Turning towards Kate again, butt against the counter, the younger redhead tilts her head a bit and offers a small smile. "I'm doing well, Kate. Putting together a team, actually. Something with global reach, to stop situations before they become problems in Gotham." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Don't we wish we were all that lucky. One of Gotham's less-than-desirables made me the other day." Kate murmurs, allowing a touch of bitterness to sneak into her voice. "But we've got something in common," A double-thump on her chest. Military? "So I'm not that upset. I've sent all the information I've got on him to you anyway." The batwoman considers the tall redhead for a moment, before she asks. "Global reach, huh? Sounds like a bit of entertainment if nothing else. Be honest though - Is it future proofing, or is it just that the competition is finally getting to you?" Her smile is kind, teasing almost, as she refers to the influx of hero-types. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon nose-wrinkles at the suggestion, tilting her head the other way now. "Well Gotham IS sort of getting thick with Capes, I must admit." she replies. "To some degree I sort of consider what I'm doing a public service. To keep all these girls focused and give them direction." Babs shrugs, then. "But if you think about it, where does the heroin and cocaine that flows into Gotham actually come from? It sure isn't New York. It's offshore." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate shrugs lightly. "Gonna save the world then? Always felt like a slippery slope to me. I mean... I can feel what's right for Gotham, at least, to me. I can't question that, or I can't do what it is I do. It makes perfect sense to me, someone mugs someone, I punch them, the police take care of the rest. Ivy poisons the city, I punch her, she goes back to Arkham." She gestures with a hand, "Global is... I mean it's such a good thing, it's noble, but I know that for a lot of these people, getting involved in what they're involved in is even less of a choice than it is here." Kate pulls a face, and then reaches up to tease her fingers through the front of her severely tied hair. "You get this stuff better than me. I'd defer to your judgement on it. If you need another cape, anyways." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon nods to that, glancing over towards the kettle a moment. "I never believed that it would be easy, Kate. Nothing worthwhile really is. It's also going to be dangerous, likely even MORE dangerous than chasing the bad guys on the street. We won't always be able to hide behind masks and capes and bodyarmor this time." "So what about you? Uncovering anything interesting or unusual lately? Or are you up for stepping out a bit?" 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Yeah, but between us there's enough weight to throw around legitimately, and enough excuses to be places we shouldn't be." Kate also offers her business support, rather casually. Because she can. "Hmn. Let's see. Aside from the guy with the weird plasma? I met a budding vigilante. And I hired a new assistant at Hamilton, who seems to be interesting. Otherwise it's just charity fundraisers, kicking bad people and reviewing R&D reports and projects." A smirk. "I'm always up for whatever is going on, Barbara. You know me better than that." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon's crimson brows raise at that. "Even if it means leaving the country on occasion? The fabulously-famous, Kate Kane, CEO and playgirl?" Babs chuckles at that, switching off the burner when the kettle starts to whistle. "How can you even -think- with those tight braids, by the way. And I'd love to have you join our group." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate shrugs lightly. "I'm out of the country often enough as it is anyway on business. Just means lying a little more if anyone asks where I am." The armorclad woman snickers, then. "If you can get me a cowl that fits comfortably and allows me to keep my hair nice, I'll pay for it's weight in gold. And I'm not a CEO, just a senior adviser and board member." She's just related to the CEO. And GM. "But it's enough to get some blacklist flights and some top-notch gear and intel." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon nods to that. "Well you're pretty high up the corporate structure, all the same." she replies. Back to Kate, now, she preps coffee for two while she talks. "And I don't think there's been a cowl invented that does all of that. Bruce has never been big on hair-care. But I'll include you in the briefings, then." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Bruce has never been big on Bruce. By and by there's not gonna be anything left of him, anyways. And between you and I, I still hope that one day I can take off my cowl and never put it back on again. When I'm too old, when we're not needed anymore." A flattering smile, "But I'd like that. I can funnel enough money and tech into this to at least give us a bit of an edge, and some of our 'affiliates,'" A nicer term for the PMCs that Hamilton Arms sponsor, "Can probably help in less obvious ways. That smells /divine/." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon drops a spoon into each mug, offering one to Kate and keeping the other for herself. "Cream is in the fridge, sugar's on the counter." she replies. "It's Italian, so it's a bit strong. And I'm definitely not going to turn down more corporate sponsorship, no matter what form it takes. I have a couple of backers already, but you're pretty well acquainted with the types of threats we'll be facing." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Oh yes. What's more, we have contacts on the ground in a lot of these places, as well as surveillance, so we're not exactly short on Intel." Kate takes the mug when it's offered to her, but she doesn't touch cream or sugar. Her body is a temple, after all. And fitting into this armored body suit can be a challenge some days anyway. "Are you playing capes with your girls, then, or is it a masks-off kind of group?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon shrugs at the question. "Well a couple of them don't HAVE capes, for starters. And I expect that many of our assignments will be civilian attire. I'm not really opposed to getting out there in the action, personally, but I do think that I'd be a lot more use in a support role." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "I mean, how many of them are gonna be calling me 'Kate.'" Kate clarifies, taking a slow sip of her steaming hot coffee, and then enjoying a sigh at the flavor. "But if it's civvies, I can't really wear a mask without giving the name away. Unless we're doing carnivale." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon nods to that, taking her coffee with a little sugar. "I see your point." she replies. "We already have a couple of members who are pretty protective of their -real- faces, some who only have ONE face, and others who can no longer show their faces in public. At some point we need to put trust on the table, but we may not be there just yet. Perhaps initially we'll run a mix of capes and civilians." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Sounds fair. Put me down as a Cape. The fallout of being who I am is bad enough when I'm a local." Kate suggests, "And until we're sure they're all here for the same reason it's probably safer that way." Another sip of her coffee, and she leans back against the bench with a curious look. "Hey. Do you think you're ever gonna give this up?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon makes an invisible tally mark with her fingerip in the air. "Cape. Got it." she replies. "And I really doubt if I ever will. I mean SOME day I'll probably hang up the cape and cowl, sure. But I already have a much longer reach as Oracle than I ever did as Batgirl." Swirling her mug, she takes a sip. "The team is going to have a break-in period, of course. There's still a lot of trust issues on the table." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate teases. "Absolutely. But I really don't believe that you don't want to settle down, fall in love, get some pets and spend a /lot/ of time doing puzzles where it's /not/ life or death." A shrug follows, "Trust issues are going to be a thing. We all have identities, most of us have had our trust pretty seriously betrayed i nthe past. You're herding cats here, Barbara, and there's gonna be a lot of meowing before you get us in a line." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon chuckles at that, nodding slowly. "You're right, of course. I'm putting together a team of vigilantes with trust issues, socialization issues, and probably worse." Cradling the mug between her hands, she points with an index finger and adds. "AND they're all women. Which can either be good or very, very bad. But I disagree with you on one thing, at least. I'm pretty sure I'll get a pet someday." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate laughs outright at that one little detail. "And with /my/ reputation, you're going to assemble a team of fit young women with probable emotional issues and invite me to join it? This is /not/ going to go well for you, Barbara." Not that Kate might actually have a reputation, but she's fond of joking about it. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon grins broadly at that. "If I were making all of my decisions based solely on reputation, this group wouldn't even be allowed in the same room with each other." she replies. "But as it is, I may ask you to check your lipstick at the door." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate makes a counter-offer. "If they flirt with me, all bets are off. But, I promise, not to go chasing your team. Besides, between the fundraisers and the apps on my phone it's not like I'm dying of loneliness anyways." Well, not typical loneliness. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon lifts a crimson brow, her smile turning suspicious now. "Kate, some of these girls have pretty serious emotional issues..." she begins. Then she checks herself and nods again. "Just remember I'll be looking for you to keep the moral high ground here, is all." Did she really just SAY that? 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "I know, Barbara, don't worry, you can trust me." Kate can't help but smirk a touch. "Aside from occasionally shooting people, I'll be the paradigm of responsible heroines." Because she /does/ do that. It's just she's a good enough shot for it to be non-fatal. "Besides. Most of them are coming to you for help as much as anything. It'd be wrong to take advantage of them." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon's suspicion lifts, if slowly, and she nods. The smile becomes more genuine. "Thanks, Kate. I appreciate it." She looks around, then. "Speaking of which, you might run across a girl with blue hair and some interesting piercings when you stop in. Her name is June, and she's here to heal and to train. Also because the Foot wants to decorate a few streetlamps with her entrails." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Sounds like fun. I'll stop in every now and then, but I might leave the cowl on for now." Kate pouts though, "I don't like clans. It's just a never-ending stream of guys who think they can fight because they can try and drown you with greater numbers." Sipping her coffee, she muses. "I'll keep an eye out for her. And for the Foot." What a name. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon sips and nods slowly. "I couldn't agree with you more. The leader is a woman, however. June calls her 'Master Karai'. She's good, too. Not sure *how* good, exactly, but good enough to keep up with me for almost an hour over the rooftops." She pauses to let that settle a bit. "Anyway, don't feel obligated to underestimate the Foot." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate sips her drink again. "I rarely underestimate," Says the woman who constantly underestimates, "But I'll show appropriate caution for now, until you've decided what you want to do. Can you send me any information you got from their leader that might be useful if I come across her?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon nods again. "Of course. I'll ask June to put together a proper profile on her as well, just so we're all prepared. The Clocktower is off the grid, but I don't want her finding us here even by accident. And I want us prepared, just in case." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Might be I'll have to go find that Vigilante I saw the other day as well and see if she's of a mind. She could really use a mentor, I think, to keep her safe out there." Kage muses. And it would be a good chance to help out what is apparently a broke heroine. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon chuckles. "Another one? I received a tip from Bruce on one as well. He's officially told her to 'not train in Gotham', so of course she is. It's a familiar story to mine, so I'm naturally interested." She gestures towards the living room, then. "So what ELSE is going on with you?" 
}}

5277/It's Gonna Hurt

2018-09-05T14:45:48Z

Simone1: Jane Vasko and Batwoman cross paths on similar trails.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/08/31
|Location=Gotham City
|Synopsis=Jane Vasko and Batwoman cross paths on similar trails.
|Cast of Characters=7020, 193
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' It's not often that Jane gets out of New York, but occasionally something comes up that warrants a longer cab ride. Johnny Fontaine is one of those somethings. His rap sheet is long and colorful, with everything from drugs to weapons to human trafficking. And now Jane has a line on one of his suppliers. Definitely worth a cab ride. Gotham. What a shithole. Jane looks out the window of the cab and finishes wrapping bandages about her forehead, cheeks, throat and wrists. The neighborhood isn't a good one by any stretch of the imagination. Perfect. "This'll do." she offers to the cabbie, reaching into her jacket to offer a handful of rumpled bills. Stepping out of the cab, she doesn't even wait for him to drive off before checking her guns. The safehouse is just a block away. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Gotham is Kate's home. And anyone who wants to cause trouble in Gotham is signing up for trouble with the Bats - Which results in an ass-kicking, either now or later. Which means one dreary night in Gotham, as a cab makes it's way through the slums, Batwoman is working the streets for intel. Flowing through the alleys like an angry river of red and black, the frustration of the past few days is being worked out on people who frankly deserve it. As the cab drives off, a rough looking european man bursts from an alleyway and sprints across the road - And from a few meters up the alleyway, a flash of red launches at him, driving him against a brownstone wall. Batwoman doesn't seem to realise she has company, either, even as the con drops to the ground in a heap. Her hand makes it's way to her belt, withdrawing a set of cable ties, as she speaks with that rich seductive tone into her cowl. "Tag this one. He doesn't know anything but he's carrying for sale." And then she notices she has company. What appears to be a partial mummy. A flattering, painted smile follows. "Hello stranger. Welcome to Gotham." 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Jane is expecting trouble, just not so soon. And definitely not dressed in black and red. With a cape, no less. As Batwoman rises, Jane has both guns out and approaches. "Hello, yourself." she replies, red lips pulling back into a smile. The guns lower and she walks briskly over to the zip-tied man. Using a gun barrel, she tilts his head to get a look in better light. "Nope. Not what I'm looking for. Better throw this one back." Giving the caped redhead a longer look, she asks. "You know it's not Halloween for a few months, right? I've heard the Batman legends, but never thought he'd have such a figure." Holstering the pistols, she offers. "I'm Jane." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Guns. Kate assesses the make and model before she's certain they provide no credible threat to her armor. And then she smiles, "Sounds like you know what you're shopping for. Gotham's having something of a scumbag yard sale, but they're keeping their worst in the back." The armored woman folds her arms over her chest, looking down a touch at the stranger. "Halloween? Delightful, I'm fully dressed though, you seem like you were interrupted halfway through wrapping up." A chuckle, "The legends are true, but outdated. There's a few different bats busy around Gotham these nights. I'm Batwoman, bringing a woman's touch to Justice," A slight flare of the cape. Theatrics, of course. "So, exactly who are you and what brings you to our little slice of mischief?" 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Painkiller Jane shrugs at the question, planting gloved hands on her hips. "Yeah, I suppose I really don't have room to talk about dressing up for Halloween." she replies wryly. "Johnny Fontaine has a safehouse in this neighborhood. He's got his hands in most everything illegal up in Big Apple. Thought I'd prune his supply line back a bit." Her guns? Standard .40 caliber Sigs. Nothing fancy. "The bandages are partially for disguise, and partially for more practical reasons." Pausing to give the woman in black and red a longer looking over, Jane adds. "I wouldn't turn down backup, unless you've already got a date for tonight." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Fontaine, huh." Kate leans down, to secure her new friend with zipties. Hands and feet, because she's not friendly. And hog-tied. For fun. The Batwoman looks over Jane again, "Well now. There are some rules in Gotham, if you want to take a girl like me out on a date. I'm not squeamish, but I've got this thing about killing. You murder anyone in this city, and you'll be answering for it the same as they would." "You look a little ill-equipped to be taking them on by yourself though, with nothing more than a ambitious pixie cut and a couple of pistols." That same seductive, leading tone might get old throughout the night though. 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Jane's dark brow lifts, shifting the bandages around her forehead. "No killing in Gotham?" She looks a bit incredulous for a moment, but gives a slow nod anyway. "I'll do what I can. But I don't usually wait for the other guy to shoot first." The bandaged redhead shrugs at the observation on equipment, then. "I heal... very fast. Still hurts, and I still bleed. That's why I pre-wrap with the bandages and wear red. Less of a mess that way. I can handle myself well enough. So if I get hit, don't worry about me." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Shoulders, arms, legs." Kate gestures to the pistols, as she points out the safe places to shoot a criminal. Batwoman smirks again, "As long as you're sure you're shooting someone who deserves to be shot, anyway. Follow the rules, and maybe you'll get a second date." Batwoman notes down the woman's claims, and shakes her head slightly, "Ah. One of those. Well, I'm slightly more fragile than that, hence my rather glamourous outfit. Quite an odd match we make, but at least you're an oddly cute dance partner. Shall we?" 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Painkiller Jane smirks and draws her pistols again, thumbing the safeties. "Keep talking like that and I'm bound to get the wrong idea about you, Batwoman." she husks, not looking for a minute like she minds. Guns up, she nods and starts down the alley, moving from wall to dumpster to doorway. Kate would very likely recognize Jane's movements and her stance as something right out of the police academy. Bandages and red leather aside. It doesn't take much maneuvering before they reach the back door to a laundromat. Jane stops to one side of it, back to the wall and guns up as she waits for Batwoman to get into position. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Oh heavens, no, I wouldn't want you to suppose anything about the masked, armored vigilante you just met." The redhead seems to indulge a lot in this kind of wordplay, "I wouldn't trust a thing about me. Weapons, armor, innuendo. This is not even my real face." Jane's movements are studied - Police, not military. Unusual, yes. Kate follows though, down the dark alleyway, and then pauses at the rear door. "Hmn. Give it thirty seconds, and then come in. I'll set the stage up." Batwoman takes a small leap onto a dumpster, catches her arm on the fire escape and then fires her grappling hook at the top of the building, disappearing over the top. And exactly twenty eight seconds later, there's the sound of creaking metal, and then heavy boots hitting the ground some distance inside the Laundromat. Loud, rich, sensual. "Hello Boys." The response is immediate. Panic, devastation. And as weapons are fumbled with, found, and the clock strikes thirty seconds, everyone's eyes are on the smirking vigilante and mouthes are busy expressing shock, fear, and anger. 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Painkiller Jane counts to thirty, listening to the greeting inside while she waits. Patiently. During the commotion she tries the back door, a bit increduluous at finding it unlocked. Good. Quiet entry for a change. Moving quickly and quietly, while everyone's focus is on the ostentatious woman in black and red, Jane slips into the main room behind them. She starts shooting immediately, and her guns aren't silenced. The .40 caliber pistols' bark is loud, and sort of ends the conversation phase of the encounter. Leg, leg, leg, shoulder, arm, shoulder. Jane hits half a dozen in as many seconds. 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate is inside when Jane arrives, and the firefight is short but intense - Bullets flying off her armor as she launches from criminal to criminal. Heavy punches crumple a first one, a flying kick for the second, and a lariat sends a thirds flying into an industrial washing machine, shattering the hatch into a dozen pieces. Batwoman spins to find Jane dispatching some of the few remaining smugglers. One last man awaits, fumbling with his gun before it's kicked out of his hands, and the Batwoman looms messily. "You are about to have a bad day." She observes. 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Painkiller Jane checks the ones she's shot, knocking weapons from hands or out of the way. Just in case. Taking up a position where she can cover the room, she keeps her eyes scanning for movement. Or for any other sign that someone's going to do something stupid. Groans fill the room, along with a few sobs and louder cries of pain. Jane steps closer to one of the goons she shot in the shoulder, giving him an ungentle knee in the back. "Keep it quiet... you're not gonna bleed out." She pauses, then adds. "Hurts, doesn't it?" 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate is armored, after all, and she doesn't seem to worry about being shot at. She takes a fist full of shirt, pulling the man into a firm right hook that leaves him limp, and then releases the cretin in an unconscious heap on the floor. Batwoman shakes her head, and turns to look over the associate who brought her here. "You'll all live. But you've all got a date with the Gotham PD." "Do you have any questions for them, stranger?" She smirks at Jane for a moment, before her attention returns to the few criminals who have decided to remain alert and responsive. 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Painkiller Jane keeps her guns up all the same. "Johnny Fontaine." she declares simply. "He uses this place as a front." No, it's not a question. "I want to know who and how and when. And it'll be a lot less painful for everyone if someone starts talking. Very soon." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Kate shakes her head a little bit, as if she's somewhat disappointed. "And here I thought I was the guest of honour, you're paying attention to everyone else." She sighs, leaning against the broken washing machine as she considers the devastation that they've left in their wake. "Isn't that the way of first dates, though?" She suggests to an unconscious thug, "You take a girl out where she wants to go, and she's immediately chasing the first pair of legs with some hot intel." 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Painkiller Jane flashes a smile at Kate, keeping her guns up more casually now since everyone is holding their hands high. "Nothing wrong with enjoying an appetizer before the main course, is there?" she quips back. And, as no one seems to be inclined towards talking, she side-steps over to where one of the perps she shot in the leg is kneeling. Jane steps on the man's Achilles tendon, slowly and heavily so that the scream builds. "What was that? Sorry." She clocks him across the temple with a pistol and he goes down. "Who's next?" 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' "Mn. Free advice, don't let your main sit on the table gettting cold." Batwoman muses, looking somewhat dismissively at the first criminal that Jane has knocked out. "Listen, you guys should know I'm not really here in an official capacity. I mean, I'll keep her from killing any of you, but that's kind of all I'm bringing to the table." The armored woman looks down at her hand next, examining the glove with a sigh. 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' The first perp is still crumpling when Jane steps over to the next. Standing before him where he kneels, she smiles. And somehow it's not a pleasant expression. Using the barrel of an automatic, she nudges beneath his chin and raises his face to meet her own. Dispite Batwoman's promise, the perp loses it. "TUESDAY! THEY COME ON TUESDAY! BLUE SUV! GUY'S NAME IS FRANK!" That's as far as he gets, when the guy beside him shoulders him hard. "Shut UP! Johnny's gonna kill us all!" Jane cold-cocks the second perp with a pistol, then she turns to Batwoman. "Okay, I think we're finished here." 

:'''{{#var:193|Kate Kane (193)}} has posed:''' Batwoman pushes off the washing machine, as their perps finally give up the information that they have. "Oracle, send a cleanup crew to my location." She speaks to her cowl, smirking before she looks over at Jane. "So, I don't know if we're gonna call that a second date just yet. I'm still waiting to see where you'll take me next." A gesture of her head at the back door, "Gotham PD aren't always the most understanding of what we do, so being here when they arrive isn't the best thing." 

:'''{{#var:7020|Painkiller Jane (7020)}} has posed:''' Painkiller Jane's red lips pull back into another smile as she turns her back on the room. Guns are holstered. "Y'think?" she replies wryly. Batwoman is the taller of the two, so Jane slips her arm into the caped woman's own. "How about we start with a drink? Is there some bar around here that caters to the caped-crowd?" 
}}

4850/Gathering the Flock

2018-07-09T16:40:50Z

Simone1: Oracle brings Skye into the team.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/07/09
|Location=Gotham City
|Synopsis=Oracle brings Skye into the team.
|Cast of Characters=58, 1191
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     The email confirmation arrives in Skye's personal inbox: ticket for one to the 9pm showing of the latest blockbuster movie at the Cineplex 12, in West Chelsea Hill. Except Skye didn't make the reservation. Once at the theater the ticket is issued at the box office counter. Turns out there's a specific seat number as well. Center section, near the back. 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' Skye come early enough that she can buy a box of popcorn at the concession stand. She's able to make a few guesses about who or what this might be about, but barring those, even a meeting with an unknown deserved the extra steps in making this look like just another afternoon out instead of a clandestine meeting. She had to admit, she wasn't sure what this particular movie was about, but it was a rom-com if she remembered the marquee, so at least it might look like she'd possibly come here legitimately to watch the darn thing. Though she'd bought tickets to movies in the past just to have a quiet and warm place to hide out. Ticket and popcorn in hand, she heads to the assigned seat. Spiffy newfangled theatre with those fancy reclining seats. Numbered and everything so folks couldn't complain so much. Skye slips in through the doors just as the lights are going down and the curtains are going up for the showing of the trailers, barely slipping into her seat before the sound system finishes its Dolby check. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' The theater isn't full, but there are enough people here to mask any other conversations. It's likely no coincidence that the seat beside Skye is occupied as well. A young woman, 20-something, with red hair. And a very familiar smile. Barbara already has her popcorn and she looks over as Skye takes a seat. There's also a small 'dead zone' of empty seats around the two. Which is probably not a coincidence, either. "Long time, no see." she offers in a low voice, as the trailers start. "You recall our last conversation?" 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' There's a small smirk from Skye as her companion is revealed to be one of her initial guesses. There were a few others, but this one she'd been expecting. "The popcorn is good here. They made this batch fresh," she murmurs. "And of course I remember. Pretty nice little setup for this. I'm going to guess this isn't a meeting for pleasure given the trouble you went to. What's up?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Babs crunches her popcorn and smiles again. "No, it's not just a casual meeting. You remember how we discussed you taking on field work, right? Consider this your opportunity." She pauses to look away from the big screen at her movie companion. "All I need, if you're serious, is your commitment. You already know the terms: secrecy, loyalty, and courage." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' "Suppose this is a bad time to say two out of three ain't bad?" Skye gives a soft chuckle. "Sorry. Pop culture reference." The young woman shrugs, and nods towards the screen as the lead actor comes up. For all the world it looks like theyve bent heads to gossip about him. "You know I'm good on the secrecy. Loyalty and courage? Do my best. Show up for work every day when it isn't easy. Do the shit other people are afraid to do because someone has to. Not sure I'm one of your heroes, but not afraid to put myself out there for the right things. That's what you really want to hear, right? The rest is just words." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Meatloaf, Bat Out of Hell." Babs replies almost casually. "And no need to apologize to a fellow geek." More popcorn crunching follows, and she turns to regard Skye more directly. "I've never doubted your secrecy, otherwise we wouldn't have had our coffee meeting. The other two? Let's just say that bridges the gap between 'agent' and 'hero'. Give you something to think about when you can't sleep at night." "As for what I really want to hear? I want to know that you're willing to go all the way with this thing. To know that you're not going to panic or run when missions go sideways. To know that you'll follow orders when things are on-plan, and you'll improvise as best you can when the plan goes off the rails." Barbara pauses for a moment, looking back at the screen. "Yes, you've said the right words." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' Skye smiles to herself, the gesture mostly blunted by the darkness in the theatre. "Don''t really know another way to be anymore," Skye says quietly. "Thought I was this other person, you know? Way back when. Keep thinking how we'd have sold our own grandmother out to save our asses, and how we all thought we were these world changing people. We weren't. We were nothing," she says of her time in the Rising Tide. "And we wouldn't be talking if I were someone who didn't know when to step outside the box. Pretty sure that's why I got tagged for SHIELD to begin with. They have enough pencil pushing box checkers. But you know that already. Can't really buy that." The young woman nods, "Been thinking about your offer a lot since we talked, you know? Lots of things in my life have changed. Figured out something - you get one chance at this, and folks died to get me here. Like literally died. Whole string of agents killed because I was this baby that someone wanted bad enough to mow through them and me. Figure It'd be kinda a piss poor way to repay that if I say hey, no thanks, don't want to be a hero. Pretty happy living my safe little life." She's quiet a moment. "Enh, sorry about that. Just found out some things about my past. Guess I'm a little more shaken about it than I thought. Answer is yes, though, in case it wasn't clear." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon nods, keeping her focus on the screen when Skye gives her answer. "Good. And thank you, in advance. You won't be alone, as I said before. And you'll also be stepping up your training." Stepping up? From SHIELD training? "We'll talk more after the movie. There are some things I want to show you." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' Skye surprises herself by enjoying the movie. And files that 'stepping up your training' bit away. It piques her curiousity, but she imagines she'll find out in due time. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' The movie was rated highly, and it actually lived up to the rating. After Action, the Rom-com genre is pretty failsafe, after all. The credits are still rolling when Barbara starts to get up. In a low voice she offers. "Wait until the credits finish and get a popcorn refill before you leave. The side door to the Gotham Clocktower building will open. I'll see you there." And then she is gone. 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' Credits were actually fun to watch if you were the right kind of geekling. Skye often was. Plus there were the bloopers at the end. And some silly little outtake of the lead singing the main theme to his leading lady in a falsetto, wearing a showercurtain and using a back scrubber as a mic. Skye almost forgot to get the popcorn refill, and has to argue with the guy behind the counter that the lights hadn't come up in the theatre, so it do too count as the movie still playing, fork it over. He grumbles, but refills the bucket, even adding a sullen splash of the premium butter flavouring that he was supposed to charge for, because screw the bosses, he wasn't getting paid enough for this. Eventually, though, she's made the arranged time, and makes her way out, heading to the Gotham Clocktower. She at least knows where that is. Not like you can miss it, but still, she didn't have to stop and ask directions. And, as promised, the door is open, leaving Skye to slip in without being noticed. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' The main floor of the Clocktower is quite sparse. A vaulted ceiling extends up through the second and third floors, complete with a balcony all around. There's a simple receptionist's desk with a small sign stating that the upper floors are private residences. The building has security measures that would rival SHIELD's New York compound. All discrete, and very well concealed to the untrained eye. A very curious addition to just an old Gotham landmark. There is a soft *ding* and the elevator doors open. The floor is already selected: the penthouse. 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' Skye.. is impressed. Luckily, she's a trained eye, so at least *some* of the security measures she's noted. Hell, she's dealt with similar ones at the Triskelion and has a good idea of not only what to look for, but likely the mechanics behind them. Other than the fact that Oracle code is a tad beyond her ability to crack - though she does recall she did have a firm offer in place from Oracle... well, Babs.. to upgrade her hacking skills. An offer that Skye had every intention of taking the other woman up on. When the elevator doors open, Skye shrugs. She expected something like that to happen. And if she's not mistaken there likely isn't a way to stop the thing between floors. Probably not even other buttons to press. Likely those doors only open if you've been invited to visit. As it happens, Skye has been invited. With a saucy grin in the direction of the security camera she's sure is pointed right at her, Skye steps into the elevator, turns so that she's facing the doors to the exit, and waits. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' As expected, the doors close all on their own. There are no buttons on the panel, only a slot for a key card. Which apparently won't be needed, since the elevator begins to move. It takes a few moments to reach the top, then the doors slide open. Barbara is standing just inside the apartment, hands clasped behind her back and a knowing smile on her face. "Welcome to Oracle's Lair." she offers. "Or, as I prefer to call it, Home. Get you a drink?" 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' Skye inclines her head as the doors open (as expected) on the only floor the elevator goes to (also as expected). Stepping out of the lift, she shrugs, with a grin, "Depends on what you're offering. If it's milk and cookies, I think I can pass, but a drink might be nice." She takes a quick peek about. "Your place is really nice. Makes mine look a bit shabby, and I live in a good neighbourhood these days. Much to the sorrow of our neighbours." It's true, since Lara rented her place to them, there had been some head scratching wondering just who these newcomers were, and how did they have such highly placed friends. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon gestures towards the spacious pad on her way towards the kitchen. "Sure, I like big-girl drinks as well. What's your poison? Beer? Wine? Or something harder? I've got a bottle of merlot that's open." She pauses for a few steps, then adds. "By the way, just so you know, I'm no stranger to field work myself. All that workout space isn't just for show." "I know your computer capabilities, and you've had some SHIELD training as well. But I'll want to see where your hand-to-hand skills are as a baseline. Then we'll figure out a training regimen." Yes, this slender young redhead is talking like some sort of martial arts master. 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' "Beer is good. I'll drink the Merlot if you'd prefer company, but beer is fine. I'm pretty easy to please." The loft is regarded in light of being a working space as much as a living space. Skye is familiar enough with the concept; it's not like she's all that attached to material goods, and she and Clint have an archery range in their basement and backyard... "You say that like I'm about to have my ass handed to me." Skye grins. "My former SO has connections to the Bat family. She's liable to be terribly disappointed in me if I don't at least try to make a good showing." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' The fridge opens, and Barbara returns with a couple of beers. And glasses, too. She heads for a sofa, offering one of each to Skye. "Well you know I provide tactical and information support for the Bats, Superman, Wonder Woman, and those folks." she replies, twisting off the top of her beer as she settles. "To be perfectly transparent, however, there's a Batgirl costume hanging in my closet. So while I'm not positive that you'll have your ass handed to you, I'm really sure that you'll know you've been in a fight when we're finished." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' There's a soft snort from Skye when she takes her beer, and declines the glass. Of course the snort isn't for the glass, but the commentary on she'll know she's been in a fight. "And this would differ from my basic training.. how?" She shrugs. "They brought me up to SHIELD standards. May made certain if my ass was handed to me, they'd have to at least earn the privlege. I'm good with a gun. Probably better with a bow, but I've been working on both. If it's not moving, I'm a damned good shot. Moving, I'm not an embarrassment." There's a wry grin from the girl. "And you're still going to make me regret it. That's okay. I kind of expected it. And truth, now that I've moved my portfolio into Field Agent, I should probably be upping that game anyway." As for the glass, Skye salutes with the offered can of beer. "I'm a heathen. Who wants to wash an extra glass if they don't have to?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon raises her glass in return. "No offense taken. My dad still drinks his beer straight from the bottle." She takes a sip, then. "But we can discuss earning stripes and bruises later. Believe me, there will be plenty of time for that." "I learned with Batman, which meant I learned to play by his rules. That doesn't mean I -require- the same from my team. No guns, no killing, no excessive force. But when we're in Gotham, those are his rules. Our theater of operations is a bit larger than that." Barbara stretches her legs out, then, pausing to consider her words. "Batman, Nightwing, and others spend a lot of time in Gotham and the surrounding areas driving out crime directly. Stomping on thugs, capturing criminals that the GCPD either can't handle or don't have the resources to handle. But what if we were somehow able to fight, say, Gotham's drug problem by cutting it off at the source? That's what I'm proposing." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' "We mostly use ICERs," Skye returns. "Not lethal. Possibly mortifying to some." She chuckles softly. "That mission you helped us with? When I was breaking out of the Trisk, I had to shoot my partner. Not my working partner, my actual partner, Clint. The look on his face.. I still can't believe I did that. But I guess if anyone was wondering if I were real or not, I proved I'd turned traitor and ran." Not that she had, but she had to look like it. As it was, the escape was harried, and she almost didn't make it out. Though, thanks to Oracle.. "But yeah. I grok the no killing. Trust me, not really high on my list of things to do for kicks. Or even pay." As Barbara goes on, tossing out an inkling of the types of missions she's considering, Skye nods to herself. "Yeah, I can see that. Working, I mean. A lot less hassle to round up if you can pinpoint the sources and take them out. The other is kind of like throwing towels down on the bathroom floor hopng it will stop the overflowing toilet instead of trying to jiggle the handle or unclog the thing. And actually, if I'm getting where you're going with this.. I kinda have a small handle on a few places we can start targetting leads like that." A pause. "Well, we both kind of do, only you'd be a lot more obvious than I would be looking for it. Not that you probably can't just trounce through our systems, but if information leaks are noticed at any point, eyes go your way. If it's me, it's just Skye doing what Skye does, and I'm supposed to be watching those windows." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon nods slowly, toying with her glass. "It's going to mean going into some very unpleasant places, meeting unpleasant people, and doing unpleasant things." she offers. "I'll provide the mission background and do the ground work. I'll also provide field intel, although I like the idea of having someone else on the team to carry part of that load." Barbara smiles at that, lifting her glass again. "I have a few more prospectives to contact, and a couple more outside of that which need to be vetted before bringing in. On that note, I'd be very interested in meeting anyone you'd be interested in bringing into the team." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' "In case you missed it, what I had to do when I was under in Rising Tide wasn't very pleasant either. But I get your drift. Less annonymous nasty, and more in your face, might get punched in mind kinda nasty." Skye grows rather serious, then. "I don't mind that part, I really don't. But I excel on the computer end. Pretty sure you know that, and aren't overlooking it, but the rest of them, right? They might not get it. I'm guessing the rest have other skills, and we're going to capitalize on that whenever we can?" On the matter of recruiting, Skye looks thoughtful. "Possibly? I might know someone interested. I mean, I'd have to ask her. She's a kick ass pilot, and a damned scary hand to hand Agent as well." Skye makes a face. "Yeah. Capital A agent. But, I'm thinking from what I know of her, it's not going to be a problem. Advantage, you already know her. Or of her. Or should." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon nods slowly, tucking one leg up while she listens. "Well we have the capabilities of Blackhawk Island at our disposal, although Zinda Blake may not be always available. So yes, I'd certainly welcome another qualified pilot." She smiles, then. "You want to talk with this mystery person first, I take it? Tell her about the team and the mission outlook. Tell her that Oracle is directing traffic, but don't mention real names. At least not at first. Secrecy and privacy are paramount, and not only mine. There are others who I'll be bringing in, but nobody learns any names until they're fully vested." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' Skye snorts. "I managed to sit an entire interview with Drector Fury without revealing any sex for Oracle, I think I got this privacy thing down. Not to mention, my ass is on the line, too, right? Like doing this is as dangerous for me as the rest of the crew. So it's not just them who are depending on secrecy. I do too." Which leaves her pondering the matter of her man. How much he could know. And how much he'd take on trust. Though they'd had a similar conversation about SHIELD now, so Skye imagined things would be okay. Some things you didn't ask, because you knew your partner couldn't tell. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon nose-wrinkles and she nods. "It's not you that I'm necessarily worried about. One person can easily keep a secret. Two people can, with a bit more difficulty. As we get more people involved, the difficulty of maintaining secrecy rises geometrically. I'd like to keep this a nice, tight little unit. But with different skill sets and different mission profiles, that's going to difficult to manage." "That's why Batman's provisos are what they are: Secrecy, Loyalty, and Courage. He has a pretty good business model, even if it's pretty much restricted to Gotham City." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' "To answer your question, yeah, I wanted to tell her." Skye gives an easy shrug, as though the matter isn't a make or break deal for her in terms of breaking her heart if she can't be the one. "You already know her. She works with you. Well, the family, at least. She introduced me to Red Robin. He was.. understandably pissed about some of the shit that went down with the Rising Tide mission. I'd kinda hoped to meet up with him again and hand off a full Index File as sort of an apology." Full sans two files, notably her own.. and one Agent Melinda May's. Because May's story was her own to tell. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon listens, nodding slowly at the mention of Red Robin. It's a fair bet that she's on a first-name basis with all of the Bat-affiliates. "Definitely talk with her, then. But I think, for the most part, I'd like to keep the Bats out of this team. I don't want to dilute Batman's resource pool." She owes him THAT consideration, at the very least. Nevermind he doesn't know she's even pulling the team together in the first place. "I think, with perhaps an exception or two, you might want to consider the same approach with SHIELD. We're not looking to form 'SHIELD-lite', here, just because we don't like working for Director Fury either. SHIELD is bound by rules the same as Batman's people are bound by rules. We're not." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' "Your call, really. It was just a thought. And you kidding me? I work with those people. Love some of them, but don't want to drag them into my downtime as well. But I'll feel her out if you want. Or not." After all, there's a lot of inherent.. possibility of issues if May knows about this little matter Skye has thrown her lot into. Skye was known to be somethng of a rebel and a renegade, but there were limits, and if May were part of the deal, she wouldn't be a ranking Agent over the young woman, she'd be an equal partner in crime so to speak. It would mean some adjusting. And.. a whole new level of trust. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "I trust your judgement in this, Skye. You know these people better than I do. All I can do is check the data." Barbara takes another sip of her beer, then. "Just make sure she's okay with the terms. I'm not Nick Fury. If she can't take orders from Oracle once she discovers I'm a 20-something redhead with freckles, then don't ask." After all, Natasha Cranston only agreed to work *with* Oracle, not even technically *for* her. Small steps. 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' "If I recall, she's taken orders from me, so I think she can abide by that. But let me talk to her and feel her out. It might not be her thing overall." A grin. "Then again, it just might." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon raises her glass again, offering a crooked smile of her own. "Alright, then. I look forward to meeting her. I'll want to do a call as Oracle with some of these prospects, depending on the risk. But we'll take those on a case-by-case basis." "Oh, I'll get you a key card as well as an earpiece. I don't want to keep hacking your SHIELD gear." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' Skye winces. "Yeah. About that... probably better if we kept the hacking to personal devices. And by hacking, I mean, I can give you some of my old secure back doors. I kept a few of my connections when I left Tide. They've come in handy. And despite you and me rummaging in SHIELD, there are still too many eyes there. Much better the other way." The wince is replaced with an impish grin. "But I do like the idea of a key card and an earpiece. Looking forward to getting things rolling." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon chuckles at that, nodding. "Deal, on the hacking. But *my* tech is off the grid, so we won't need to do any hacking. Except in emergencies, of course." And is that a wink? "Even back doors collect fingerprints, after all." Babs raises her glass again. "Welcome to the team, Agent Skye." She considers for a moment, then adds. "We'll have to work on a codeword for you as well. I don't like using names over even secure channels." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' "Well, some of my backdoors were meant to collect fingerprints. But generally if you found it, you were invited, or I'm damned impressed and want to meet you anyway." Skye's lips purse in amusement. "And having them in case of emergency, or in case we actually want someone to find information we can't give out legitimately.." Ever so innocently said. After all, is't not like SHIELD doesn't have back doors for just that reason. Nope. Not at all. Couldn't be. /sarcasm "Well, I went by DarkSky on the darknet. Though that might be a little obvious now that I've been a internationally wanted criminal. Any suggestions?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon looks thoughtful. "I agree with you on DarkSky; it's too well-known to all the wrong people. On the other hand, I do like the idea of keeping those contacts, so let's not flush the alias just yet." Babs smiles again. "Besides, you'd have to be crazy to use it, right? Let's revisit that one before your first mission." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' "Oh, never going to drop that alias. She's got connections. That's a known name in places I need it known. Just might not be the best name for this little group. Can we sit on this for now?" Skye's request comes with a grin and a swallow of beer. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon nods to that. "Sounds good to me. DarkSky stays active, and we'll table the subject of a codename." Refilling her glass, she sets the empty bottle down and adds. "When we get the group assembled we'll need a team name as well. I've got a couple of ideas, but I want the group's input as well." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:''' There's a slow nod from Skye who nurses more of her beer. "Fair enough. I'll admit I'm curious what your thoughts are, but I can wait. I have a metric crap ton of other things to keep me up at night at this point in my life." Almost literatlly. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Then I've already taken up enough of your time, Skye." Barbara replies. "Thanks for being open-minded with this." She rises, then, reaching into her back pocket to slide out a plain plastic card. "This will get you into the tower as well as the elevator. I'll make another one for myself. I'll get you an earpiece once I've had a few made." 
}}

4742/This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship...

2018-06-26T14:02:14Z

Simone1: The Shadow meets Batgirl! And they have tea.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/06/25
|Location=Gotham City
|Synopsis=The Shadow meets Batgirl! And they have tea.
|Cast of Characters=58, 1092
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' An event appears on Miss Cranston's calendar, quietly and without any fanfare or announcement. It's set for 10:00pm, and listed as a 'Meeting'. While there is no mention of the other party, in the meeting attachment is a simple quote. "The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them." - Ernest Hemingway Below the quote is an address in Gotham City. The Old Clocktower. 

:'''{{#var:1092|Natasha Cranston (1092)}} has posed:'''     Well, well, well. Natasha looks at the offending calendar item and ponders if she should have a word with her IT staff, then decides against it -- for one, it's somewhat unfair to expect them to be a match for Oracle; for another, she'd have to explain how and why she's come to Oracle's attention, and she dislikes directly lying to people who work for her. She marks the appointment as 'accepted' and goes back to work. Much later that night...     "Where to, Boss?" Benny asks casually, pulling away from the curb as the cab door closes, barely taking his eyes off traffic to glance at the woman putting on a black coat and slouch hat on the back seat.     "Gotham, Benny," Natasha replies before slips the red scarf around her throat and face. "I have an appointment..." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     The Old Clocktower building itself has been gutted, leaving the main entryway and three-story atrium with massive windows on all sides and lovely marble staircases flanking the two side walls that lead to wide balconies where sitting areas perhaps once sat.     The front door is unlocked, and tucked discretely off to one side is an elevator leading to the upper levels. A sign on the wide walnut desk at the center of the entryway indicates that the upper levels are private. And that's all.     There's no one in sight, either outside or inside. And yet someone with extra senses would know that the building is far from deserted. 

:'''{{#var:1092|Natasha Cranston (1092)}} has posed:'''     Most security systems these days include motion detectors as a matter of routine. Of course, this can lead to its own set of problems regarding false positives - security companies get annoyed when they're called out by an automatic alert caused by what turns out to be a branch blown by the wind, or a stray animal.      The surveillance software governing the cameras guarding Oracle's headquarters are state-of-the-art, capable of distinguishing a human moving purposefully from a tree in the wind at a better than 99% success rate -- but even so the first sign of an approach is only detected by the median perimeter, and even that one only reluctantly flags its input for operator -- IE, Oracle's -- attention because it's insufficiently confident in what it's seeing: A patch of shadow moving through a lit area, shrinking and extending as if a normal person in a coat and hat walked close past the streetlight -- but nothing where logic dictates the person casting the shadow should be... 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     From up in the atrium balcony, a figure in dark attire crouches in the shadows. A cowled figure. Using her cape to shroud the light from a smartphone, Barbara Gordon a.k.a. Oracle a.k.a. Batgirl watches the camera feed.     She smiles as motion detector technology so sophisticated that it won't be available to the FBI for another 6 months glitches out and is fooled by the indistinct images. Switching off the visual, Batgirl watches the door from inside. 

:'''{{#var:1092|Natasha Cranston (1092)}} has posed:'''     It doesnt take long for the outer door to open, briefly throwing a silhouette of a tall man in a coat and hat on the floor, cast by the light outside, before the shadow moves deeper into the building.     If anything, it's even more disturbing seen in person -- at least seeing it on the monitor one might tell themselves that it's just camera artefact, or computer trickery, but it's undeniably real. The outline is almost perfect and Batgirl can deduce exactly where the person has to standing and how they're moving from the shadow that's cast -- but her eyes insist there is nothing there... And then suddenly, there is, as shadows and mist seem to coil inward and coalesce into a solid figure between one step and the next.     Black trenchcoat and opera cloak. Black slouch hat. Black gloves. A carmine scarf covering almost everything the hat doesn't hide, save for those blazing blue eyes that now look around the room, seeming to miss nothing... 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Shadows coalesce in the lobby and then there's movement up in the balcony. Movement, and muted sounds, as *something* tumbles over the railing. Something dark. With what looks like wings. And pointed ears. There's a muted whine as the speed brake on the grappel line slows her fall at the last second.     Standing 6'2" in heeled boots, the caped figure looks like every image of Batman in a criminal's worst nightmare. A second look shows long red hair and a feminine figure figure beneath the long cape. Touching a button on her wrist. all surveillance switches off. As do the dim lights in the entryway, and even the streetlights around the building's exterior.     In a low, husky voice the woman offers. "Thank you for coming." It's not *Batman's* growl; it's too feminine, more of a contralto. "Surveillance is off, if you'd like to talk here. Or we could go upstairs." 

:'''{{#var:1092|Natasha Cranston (1092)}} has posed:'''     Most of the body remains still, but the wide brim of the slouch hat means that even a slight tilt of the head is easily visible, distracting neatly from the twitch of an arm toward a weapon holster.     "You are... Not who I was expecting to meet here," the Shadow admits. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Batgirl's hand reaches up slowly to the cowl, drawing it back and off in a smooth motion. The face is familiar, now. And in her more normal, yet still quiet voice, Barbara Gordon replies simply. "The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them."     There's a pause, followed by a small smile. "Do you like tea?" 

:'''{{#var:1092|Natasha Cranston (1092)}} has posed:''' ... Well, now. THAT, Natasha hadn't expected. Her grandfather had more than once emphasized that anyone who knows her true identity was a potential weakness, and that trust is the one thing she couldn't afford, to always play her cards close to her chest... ... But at the same time, in those few times she'd managed to get him to talk about his exploits, after... /after/... she couldn't but be struck by how lonely he sounded, even in his memories. And here, before her, stands #-1 FUNCTION (ANSI) EXPECTS 2 ARGUMENTS BUT GOT 1 young woman who made the same choices she had, for her own reasons, to face the darkness on behalf of the light.     She reaches a decision. Courage deserves to be rewarded. "A wise man once said that the only way to earn trust--" The Shadow intones, one gloved hand reaching up to take hold of the scarf and the brim of the hat, then pulling both away.     "... Is to give it," Natasha finishes, shaking out black hair as it cascards down her shoulders. "And tea will be fine. I take it you have hot water available here?" she asks, smiling faintly. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Barbara Gordon smiles as the scarf and hat removed, looking over the dark-haired woman as that hair is shaken loose as well. "Upstairs, then." she offers. Gesturing towards the elevator, she leads the way with a dramatic flourish of the cape that is likely a habit.     Once in the elevator with her guest she slots a key card. Touching the display on her wrist, the outside lights and downstairs systems are turned back on again. And then the doors slide open to the penthouse floor. "Come on in and make yourself comfortable. This room, and this building, is one of the most secure places on the East Coast. Including the Pentagon." 

:'''{{#var:1092|Natasha Cranston (1092)}} has posed:'''     "Impressive," Natasha murmurs in a tone of professional admiration. "My own home's security isn't nearly this thorough, although my limit is less about what I can spend on it and more about what I can afford to be seen spending on it; excessive paranoia tends to make people wonder what Natasha Cranston has to hide, and that's not a line of inquiry I want to encourage..." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     "No, I'd imagine not. Discretion and diversion are certainly the best forms of security." Barbara pauses and smiles on her way to the kitchen. "But I don't need to tell -you- that." The cowl is tossed casually onto a chair, and once she gets the kettle going the cape and utility belt join it.     "I really don't know where to begin, now. It seems we've been circling each other like predators for a very long time, now. And now here you are joining me for tea." Almost casually, she gestures towards the large computer office space and declares. "Behold, Oracle's Lair. When I said I worked for Oracle, I neglected to mention we share the same hairbrush." 

:'''{{#var:1092|Natasha Cranston (1092)}} has posed:'''     Not quite an accurate assessment, as Natasha hadn't put much thought or concern into either Batgirl or Oracle until very recently, but she nods regardless, conceding the point. "I admit, I hadn't expected that. From what I've gathered, the majority of people aware of Oracle's existence in the first place think you're a man."     She smirks. "Then again, I have no room to talk - I certainly don't discourage flawed assumptions as to my own identity. It's an efficient layer of deception."     She leans back in her chair, once more every inch the boardroom negotiator despite the outfit she wears. "That said, I suspect you invited me here for more than simply tea and mutual compliments..." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Barbara raises a finger to her lips and winks, making a soft shushing sound. "Distraction and deception." she replies, with a knowing smile. Settling on a chair comfortably facing Natasha, Barbara crosses one leg over the other and looks as casual in the black bodysuit with the yellow bat emblem as she did in the coffee shop.     To begin. Yes. Barbara draws a deep breath and exhales slowly. "I'm putting together a team, yes. People who are capable, discreet, and resourceful. People who aren't afraid to color outside the lines occasionally and get their hands dirty. There are opportunities to do a lot of good on a global scale. For example, why just simply go after drug dealers in Gotham when you can shut off supply to the northeast coast with the right raid to the right place?"     "That's just one example, of course. But the goal of this group is to do things that interntional authorities can't do and local governments *won't* do. The ideas are out there. I'm just trying to give them legs." 

:'''{{#var:1092|Natasha Cranston (1092)}} has posed:'''     Natasha nods, acknowledging the point. "When I ran a clean broom through CMS, a beneficial side effect is that a number of smuggling operations got abruptly disrupted, and in the chaos they made a bit more noise than they should. Mopping them up and following the chain up and down the operation has kept me busy recently. It would be beneficial and more expedient to take them out at the source, I suppose..." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Barbara smiles at that, setting out a couple of mugs. "I'm glad we agree on that." she replies. "I already have Power Girl on board, who's something of a one-woman wrecking crew. I've also been in indirect contact with Miss Blake, although now that you and I have a direct link we should discuss that."     "What's your preference for tea? I have a decent assortment." 

:'''{{#var:1092|Natasha Cranston (1092)}} has posed:'''     Natasha smiles. "Now that she's established Blackhawk Island, I think Zinda intended to go looking for fellow pilots who'd heed the call to adventure. And simple green would be fine, thank you. No milk."     She raises an eyebrow. "You've managed to recruit Power Girl? Impressive - but quite a bit out of what I'd call my weight class. But from what I've heard of her, subtle isn't her strong suit..." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Barbara continues to talk while rummaging in the kitchen. She opens a couple of different wooden boxes, searching through tea bags. "Green tea it is. And yes, I contacted Zinda a while back. Power Girl vouched for me, in person and in costume. She makes quite a first impression. So yes Zinda's in, along with whatever Blackhawk resources she's managed to pull together."     Chuckling softly, Barbara adds "Personally, I think that Zinda's itching for a fight or an excuse to shoot something from an airplane. What I need is someone who can work from... pardon the pun... the shadows. I have a tremendous reach in the information circles. But information is only good if you can put it to practice. Eyes on the ground, identifying the high-value targets before I call in the nukes." 

:'''{{#var:1092|Natasha Cranston (1092)}} has posed:'''     Natasha smiles, and it's not the kind of smile that has any business in a boardroom, unless the person doing the smiling is about to draw a knife and put a grisly new meaning to the phrase 'corporate headhunting'. "I am... Not without information sources of my own," she replies. "Like my predecessor," -- and even here she avoids mentioning her grandfather --"I tend to focus on what is called 'HUMINT' nowadays - a network of agents that know how to report to me when I need to Know."     She leans back in her chair, thinking carefully, then nods. "I think I'd be willing to work with you, at least for now. with, not for. Point me at a situation of interest or ask for my aid, and I'll do what I can. But while I'll trust you with my identity for now, I'm not yet going to trust you enough to take marching orders..." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Barbara nods to that, and the kettle starts to whistle. "I can accept those terms. I trust you with *both* of my identities in return. We'll go case-by-case and decide resources and coverage." Pouring the hot water, Barbara adds. "Also, if you should happen to run across any other potential 'assets', feel free to vett them. I look forward to more of these chats..." 
}}

4653/The Museum Job

2018-06-15T20:04:54Z

Simone1: Ninjas break into the Museum. A heist is foiled. An offer made.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/06/14
|Location=Gotham City Museum
|Synopsis=Ninjas break into the Museum. A heist is foiled. An offer made.
|Cast of Characters=1787, 58
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:'''     Night time in Gotham, but isn't it always? It's not that late. It's 10:15. A team of three makes their way into the museum. The guard gets off in fifteen minutes, and so naturally, he is winding down, writing the briefing for the next shift in the security office.     The ninjas three slide along the floor against the wall, and one points at the cameras which need to be avoided. They don't go up the steps, but instead, the first makes a step out of her hand, and the other two scale the wall to the outside of the second floor railing. Another lowers his foot, and she scales him like a rope, checking both directions in case the guard decided to do one last round.     She pulls a card with a picture of the hallway out and afixes it in front of the camera before motioning for her cohorts.     Down the hall they run, staying low so that they are only barely noticable by the main room camera as they crouch along the railing. They reach the display room, an ancient Japanese scroll on display inside a jade cylinder. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     They did this by the book, so everything should go off like clockwork. The guards, the cameras, the location of their prize. All of it. And sure enough, everything is where it's supposed to be and behaving as it's supposed to be.     So far so good. Just an easy job. The security on the display case is predictable, with motion sensors and pressure plates around it just like all the others in the room. Predictable and researched. And readily countered. 

:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:'''     One ninja stands in the doorway, waiting as the rotating camera in this room scans back and forth. He slips quickly along the wall, knowing that he will only narrowly be out of view, and then pulls his climbing claws from his belt. One, two pulls up, and he braces himself, freeing one hand as he dangles from the claw. A small bypassing device is attached to the feed, recording the shift in the camera. Once it has a full cycle, he presses a button, and it starts to play the loop into the feed.     He drops to the ground, and the other two enter. One goes to the case, and the other goes to the wall, removing a small tube of filler to cover the location where the claws had been used. The one at the case pulls from her sash her own kit, moving slowly enough so that she does not trip the sensor as she approaches it. A kunai is slid beneath the glass, loosening it carefully. She feels the blade complete the connection that will be triggered by removing the case, and the camera editing ninja comes over carefully. She nods to him, and he slides the case upward, removing it without a sound.     The kunai is carefully adjusted so that it remains in place, and a small long weight is removed from a short sword sheath. The three ninjas pause, look at one another, and the female one makes the move, carefully sliding the scroll out and the weight onto the sensing bar. The ninja holding the case slides the glass shield back in place, and the kunai is removed. He checks a device on his wrist, and gives a thumbs up. They are in the clear. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Irony is probably the best word to use, for no sooner does the ninja give a thumbs up than all hell breaks loose. The museum lights go on in every room, alarms sound, and doors begin to lock. There's no WAY they screwed this up.     They've been made!     Across the museum lot, a lone figure wearing dark colors watches the museum. Not through the window, but through a small video monitor strapped to the inside of her wrist. Batgirl is tapped into the museum camera system, of course, but what she's watching is footage on her OWN cameras. Ones that were placed quite differently, very discretely, and very recently.     After pushing the button to trigger the lights and the alarms, Barbara pushes a second to call the GCPD. Of course not all doors will lock the same. The ones on the far side will be most secure, channeling the quarry towards her. Just like flushing quail. 

:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:'''     The three look around, and scan the room, and the the female walks up, plucking it from the edge of one of the cases, and crushes the small bulb between her fingers.     "You said you had the cameras," one of the others accuses.     "I did," she says, "There is another player."     "Someone else is after the scroll?" the third asks.     "I don't know, but these aren't wired into the security system," she says, "They would be susceptible to hacking if someone knew they were here, so the museum wouldn't use them," she explains.     "It doesn't matter now," the first says to them, "let's just get out of here, remember, we don't engage if we don't have to. We have to return the scroll."     They dart out of the room, and make their way to the end of the hall, only to find it locked. They turn as a group, and try another until it is discovered that one is open. Their speed is quite good, black shinobis turning the corners, using the wall to continue their pace without slowing. "Wait!" the female says. "Something's wrong. The doors should have all locked at the same time." They stand in the hallway for a moment. "We need another way out. She points at the one holding the scroll. "There's a skylight in the third showroom. Take it that way." The two start to move, but then the female continues along the path. "What are you doing?" the other says. "If we don't show, they may get smart to it. I'll decoy, hopefully I'm wrong." The other two run back down the hallway the way they came, and she slows her pace, moving along, checking for possible unknown elements. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     The GCPD are predictable in both their arrival and their approach. And Batgirl leaves them to their work. The building is all but locked down, and police units will be surrounding it shortly. By the time anyone can force the doors they'll walk right into flashing red and blue.     Her concerns are elsewhere, along the trap she's laid. It isn't until the third ninja gets outside that she'd see the dark, cloaked figure step out of the shadows. A dark figure with Bat ears. "I'm surprised." the female Bat offers softly. "You found my cameras, saw the trail I left, and you followed it anyway." 

:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:'''     The ninja doesn't speak, but instead produces a ninjato to her left hand, pulling it from her thigh sheath. Green eyes shift behind the shozoku, taking in the dark alleyway before quickly adjusting back to the bat-eared figure. Her right hand moves to her sash, a finger tucking beneath the edge. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     From beneath the dark cape flashes a Batarang, displayed but not thrown. Not yet. "Consider this, for a moment." the female Bat offers softly. "I could have given YOU to the police, just like your compatriots. I could have jumped you the moment you stepped outside. I could have knocked the ninjato from your hand the moment you drew it."     She pauses, then adds in a lower voice with a bit of a growl. "I still can, for that matter. You're not like the other two. I'd like to talk. How and where is up to you. We could go a few rounds first before Gotham's Finest trusses you up and takes you downtown. But it'll be hard to talk while you're in a plexiglass box."     "Or you could walk with me. And if you're not interested in what I have to say, then you can leave." 

:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:''' 2 Days Earlier...     The public display of Emperor Fushimi's household treasures. It's a visiting display, on loan from Paris. It's not the most prominent display, but it has drawn a few people. A girl who doesn't look like she'd be into museums walks through the doors.     Nineteen, thin enough to lack much in curves, these don't make her stand out. Fire engine red hair, shaved on the sides with bangs that hang over the left side of her head does. The black nose ring hanging from her nostrils does. The numerous piercings on her ears do. Blue eyeshadow, a Ramones T-shirt and shredded jeans cover her, and she pays the admission like everyone else to get in.     She wanders the main entry way for a few minutes, instead of going to the displays, she is admiring the architecture of the building, looking around the room with her hands in her pockets, a studious expression on her face. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Barbara Gordon is making her morning check-in when she receives a tip from one of her sources. The tip is simple; a text with an image of the Emperor Fushimi exhibit. Barbara can figure out the rest for herself.     Time to visit the museum, it would seem. Except not -actually- visit. No, Barbara Gordon is too much a public figure to just stroll through Gotham City's Museum. Oh, the days of being just a simple librarian!     Tapping into the security feed is a simple matter, and she starts doing her homework. IF someone were to plan a heist they'd start by scouting. Just like she's doing, only in person. Barbara starts running scenarios in her head, taking into account varying levels of skill. And all the while she scans the visitors as they pass through, looking for someone who doesn't...     The redhead with the piercings catches her attention. Ramones T-shirt? "Nice band." she murmurs. 

:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:'''     The girl doesn't look old enough to be planning heists, she looks up at the cameras, but not longer than anyone else might, and she starts to wander the exhibits. She doesn't visit the Japanese exhibit first. She visits it fourth. She asks for directions from security to the bathroom. She disappears into the bathroom for a fairly average length of time. She has a smart phone, but it stays lodged in her back pocket. She finally makes her way up to the exhibit, and immediately is drawn not to the fabulous Samurai armor, but to a small case holding a jade cylinder, a scroll which is said to contain the wisdom of Fushimi's advisors who were said to be spirits of the world. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     One of Barbara's gifts is her ability to multi-task, so while she's keeping an eye the various camera angles she keeps more than a little attention on the redhead. The girl is, perhaps, a bit too cool. Too casual. And then she gets to the Japanese exhibit. Barbara captures an image just for grins, and tosses it into a facial recognition package to check for priors.     While the software chews through various criminal databases, she moves on to isolate blind spots and camera angles. Pulling up the floor plan, she adds cameras and door locks. Making her own plans. 

:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:'''     The young woman continues along, the database pulling up quite a juvenile record. Name: June Connor Age: 19 Date of Birth: 12/25/2006 Juvenile Convictions: Theft, vandalism, assault, drug possession. Outstanding warrants: Failure to appear in court for assault.     She looks over the case, standing on her tiptoes to look down along the edge of the glass, and then bends over to look up at the tube sitting on the holster. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Barbara is still dividing her attention between cameras when one of her monitors starts regurgitating the long list of the redhaired teen's offenses. "Hmm. Well, June, you've been quite the busy girl. And why, with all of the priceless relics here, are you interested in some dusty old scroll?"     There's no doubt in Barbara's mind that something is going down. No one with a record THIS long just suddenly becomes interested in Japanese cultural effects. There are a few more preparations of her own to make, including a little visit to the museum. But first? Time to dust off the Batgirl cape and cowl. This one is going to require direct intervention. 

:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:'''     June continues on, moving throughout the museum, noting each exit. The information on her finds an additional police record. Name: Cara Thomas Age: 23 Date of Birth: 8/11/2002 Convictions: No Record Found. Charges: Disturbing the Peace. Note: Cara is suspected to be part of the Purple Dragons gang. SSN not verified.     Both records are in New York City. She walks around a little more, and then the teen wanders back out of the museum as casually as she entered. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Barbara is checking over the stores in her utility belt when the second police record comes up. Same picture, different name and birthdate. She smiles wryly. "Pretty good work on the fake ID, June. Purple Dragons? That's an interesting twist. Didn't know the Dragons were into ancient scrolls, either."     This just keeps getting weirder and weirder. Perhaps it's time to consult with Batman or someone else. 

:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:''' Present Day...     The blue eyes stare down the blade at Batgirl for several seconds, studying her carefully without an answers. Her eyes shift slightly to look behind the heroine, and a half heartbeat later, a pellet is thrown to the ground. A piercing flash of light explodes with a pop, followed by a plume of smoke.     Apparently she doesn't want to talk. She breaks, not down the alleyway as might be expected, but she vaults up a nearby fire escape, then launches herself up another floor as she makes her way to the roof. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Batgirl was expecting the smoke pellet or something similar, of course. The lenses in her cowl dampen the flash, but the ninja is still very fast. In her other hand, beneath the long cape, she's holding a bola. As the ninja vaults up a fire escape Batgirl lets the bola fly.     The ninja just rounds towards the next floor up when the weighted line twirls around her knees, locking them together. A grappel clinks as the line is fired to the roof ledge, making doubly sure that the Bat will get there first. 

:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:'''     The ninja twists to the other side of the ladder she climbs, but she still gets caught by the bola. She hangs for a moment by her hands, and looks up to see Batgirl arrive at the top of the building. Well, time to go back down. She drops down to the current fire escape landing, and pulls her ninjato, using it to slice through the bola. She catches her leg slightly in the process, tearing the uniform, and then leaps back downward, a good two story drop to the ground.     Most people couldn't make such a fall safely, and there's nothing pretty about it as the ninja sprawls into a roll that sends her flinging along the alley. At the end, though, she scrambles to her feet, looks up at Batgirl, and starts running again. There is a certain limp as she begins her sprint. Apparently the landing wasn't quite perfect, but as she speeds up, it disappears. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     The dark silhouette of a caped figure with Bat ears waits on the roof. Even without the vantage of higher ground, Batgirl stands a full six feet without her boots. Imposing, to the smaller figure. But Batgirl doesn't wait for very long.     When the ninja drops to the grating and slices herself free, the grappel line is already screaming with Batgirl's rapid descent. The figure is no longer on the roof when the ninja lands, rolls, and scrambles. And when she looks back up again, she's got maybe a thirty foot head start on that sprint.     And as the limp begins to fade, she'll hear the tell-tale sound of another bola whirling behind her. 

:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:'''     This time the young assassin spins, her sword still outstretched to catch the bola. The force, however, rips the weapon from her hand, and it goes skittering across the alley concrete, throwing her off balance as she attempts to hold onto it. It spins her around, so that she faces Batgirl for a moment, and then she complete the spin on her own, reaching the edge of the alley and bursting across the street, only to be intersected with a car that was caught unaware. Screeching brakes and a deft tumble save her from becoming flattened as she rolls to land on the other side. She isn't the most graceful ninja to ever be seen, but she seems to have pretty exceptional reflexes as she lands semi-solidly on the other side of the car, and continues to sprint into the East Park, now without her primary weapon. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Batgirl pursues the ninja, watching as the bola is avoided. Impressed. Then it's out into the street, where a passing car nearly ends the chase right there. Batgirl pauses, then continues the pursuit after lightly vaulting over the hood. Once on the other side of the street, the fleeing ninja sprints into East Park. Batgirl pauses.     The Batarang is nearly silent in its flight, and is just as unpredictable. It comes in from the ninja's blind side, of course. 

:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:'''     The young pursuee leaps, grabbing a tree branch as she makes for her opportunity to become lost in the branches, but just as she is swinging, the batarang catches her along the side of her head. She finishes the swing, her arm letting go of the branch at it's peak, and she does an uncontrolled flip in the air, landing hard head first into the grass and rolling a couple of times from the momentum. Even taking the hit, she doesn't make a sound, trained well enough that even in a dazed state she remains silent. She rolls over, trying to get her bearings, but it's clear it will take more than a couple of seconds to shake that hit. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     And in those seconds, a caped woman is sprinting over to the downed ninja. Breathing a bit heavily, the familiar, raspy voice offers. "That's far enough. I'd stay down if I were you. I've got more to throw, and concussions aren't any fun." And yes, another Batarang would flicker in the low light.     Batgirl stands over the prone young woman now, watching her for a moment. The mask hides the red hair and the piercings, of course, but this was the only -female- in the group. "I gave you a chance to do this the easy way, but I'd still like to talk. Do you prefer June or Cara?" 

:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:'''     June plants one foot in an attempt to get up, but as she tries to pull herself up to her feet, she stumbles to the side. Yeah, not ready yet. She stares up at Batgirl, still unwilling to open her mouth. After a moment, she starts scanning the environment, clearly trying to devise a way out of the situation. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Batgirl remains standing. Looming. She's learned from one of the best in the business, after all. "You have questions. So do I. There's no cell for you tonight. Let me start with that." She pauses to let THAT statement sink in. "I'm here on behalf of another. If you like your life, who you work for, and what you do, then you're free to go. I'll catch you another time."     Batgirl reaches for something in her utility belt, then. A plain business card with a single number. "But if you're open to new opportunities, making new friends, and using your skills for someone who treats you as something other than an expendable soldier..." Gloved fingers toss the card into the grass, within easy reach. "I'd recommend you make the call, June." 

:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:'''     While most of her face is covered in the shozoku, the eyes betray a distinct expression of confusion. She slowly reaches for the card, as if it might be a trap. She flips it to the back, and back to the front, but doesn't speak. Not only is she not supposed to talk, her body language seems much less confident than it was a moment ago, and then looks back up at Batgirl, trying to determine how to respond to this bizarre scenario. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     The only thing on the card is the phone number. It's good card stock, but there's not even embossing or so much as a watermark. Batgirl can read expressions pretty well, even if it's only the eyes. Something buzzes in her headset and she tilts her head a bit as the report comes in. "Your compatriots are being booked as we speak and the scroll will be returned. If you make the call in the next 12 hours, it'll be easy to take you off the grid. As far as anyone is concerned, you'd be in the Gotham prison system. Free. The longer you wait, the more difficult that becomes. I'd choose quickly." Turning, then, she steps over to retrieve the Batarang. 

:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:'''     June finally decides to answer. "Thought you were a guy," she says, obviously confusing her with someone else. "You talk as if the justice system sometimes works the way it's supposed to. They'll be fine. Not so sure about whoever is booking them. What do you want?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     "Oh, you mean HIM." Batgirl replies, turning back to the masked young woman. Well, the OTHER masked young woman. "Like I said, I'm just a messenger today. You hit someone's radar, for better or for worse, and they've taken an interest in you. If you like the Purple Dragons or whoever it is you're running with, then throw the card away. But if you want a way out, then this could very well be your ticket. Your skills in exchange for something better. Once you prove yourself, of course. Trust goes both ways." 

:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:'''     "Yeah, I don't think you know what you're talking about," she answers. "And this?" She waggles the card in her fingers, "is really creepy, actually." She lets out a smirk. "This how he gets his posse?" she asks. "Beat up somebody and give an ultimatum?" She starts to get back to her feet, having had a second to regain her bearings. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     The chuckle is soft, and Batgirl folds her arms beneath the long cape. "This has nothing to do with HIM, I assure you. And if I wanted to beat you up, you'd know it. Like I said, it's an opportunity. Throw it away if you want. With a rap sheet as long as yours, you really need to be asking yourself whether your superiors would break you out the -next- time you're caught." 

:'''{{#var:1787|June (1787)}} has posed:'''     June arches one eyebrow, and drops the card on the ground. "Yeah, I'll take the known territory I think," she says. "I'm just passin' through, anyway." Her accent isn't hard to place for those who know a Bronx accent when they hear it. "So I doubt there will be a next time. Good luck with terrorizing your town, though." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     Batgirl leaves the card and takes a step back. "Of course you are." She replies. The accent? Yeah, she got it. Besides, the girl's nonverbals all but confirmed her identity guesses anyway. Yeah, this one may not be on the hook but she's definitely on the radar. "Watch your back, yeah?" Turning, the caped redhead is the first one to leave. Heading out of the park towards the city, where alleys and rooftops offer security. She'll find the ninja again, even if the electronically tagged card IS dropped. 
}}

4571/It was just coffee

2018-06-03T20:05:41Z

Simone1: odred wanders into Sunnydale and is met by Jennifer Kale.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/06/03
|Location=Sunnydale
|Synopsis=Modred wanders into Sunnydale and is met by Jennifer Kale.
|Cast of Characters=1733, 1789
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' It's morning in Sunnydale, which means that Jennifer Kale can be found at the Enchanted Grounds. Not *early* morning, mind you, but technically still morning. Even night owls need their sleep, after all. One of the witch-themed servers refills her coffee, and Jen looks up with a small smile. "Thanks, Tina." For her part, Jen is carefully leafing through one of the many occult reprints with an amused smile. 

:'''{{#var:1789|Modred (1789)}} has posed:''' Not long ago, Modred was released from his tower py a pair of archeologists. At first, it was hard to believe that fourteen centuries have passed while he was bound by Gervais. After seeing a bit of London though, he was forced to believe it. Deciding to explore, he flew to Stonehenge ad looked along the lines that lead from that nexus until he found one that lead to another nexus...one far and away beyond the ocean. He stepped into the line and teleported as far along it as he could. 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale pauses mid-sip, blinking a couple of times. There are plenty of weird things in Sunnydale, but it's not often that she feels a magical *surge* like the one she just felt. Jen lowers her cup and fishes a few bills out of her purse, sliding out of the booth. "Sorry, ladies, but I just remembered that I have an appointment." Someone is coming. Shit. Striding briskly, Jen heads for the door while muttering something under her breath. It's a simple incantation to sharpen her magical senses, providing a bit clearer direction. 

:'''{{#var:1789|Modred (1789)}} has posed:''' Modred drops out of the ley line in a strange building. He is in a long hallway with many metal cases along the walls. Between the cases are wooden doors with metal handles. Wherever he is, it must be within a few hundred feet of the main nexus in the area. The power is spread out enough that it is hard to locate the exact center point. He sees windows in the foors and marvels again at the use of glass. Why, where he cam from glass was rare enough that cut glass was near as valuable as true gems, but in this timme it is everywhere. He gees a glass case up the hall and walks towards it. There are strange metal statures in the case, and the pictures! Why, it is such an amazing likeness! 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Does Jen know where the ley lines are through Sunnydale? Of course she does. The detection charm confirms her suspicions as well, and she jogs over to the school. The school is locked on the weekend, of course. But for Jen it takes her less than two minutes to obscure the security systems, jinx the locks, and slip inside. Booted footsteps echo softly on the tile floor as the blonde approaches in bell-bottom pants and midriff top, complete with dragon tattoo on a bared arm. The detection charm is still active and readily sensed, and she smiles as she approaches. "Hello there." she greets the unusually-garbed young man. "New in town?" 

:'''{{#var:1789|Modred (1789)}} has posed:''' Modred hears the boots approaching and looks up, expecting to find some guardsman or perhaps an apprentice of whatever tradesman this hall belongs to. He blinks twice at the lady. The first time because it is a lady, the second for how she is dressed. Modred replies, "Verily it is so. What strange land is this? What are these garments thou adornest thyself with? Thou are too clean to be a serf or peasant, but art not finely enough dressed to be a lady. Thou then art freeborn into a trade? I sense the magic about you, be thee witch or sorceress?" 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale reaches up to run fingers through her blonde locks, nodding slowly as she approaches. She stops a comfortable distance away, looking over the young man with his anachronistic attire. "Right. I've been called both, actually, depending on the occasion. I'd prefer if you called me Jennifer, however. Of the house Kale." Yeah, that's it. "I'm freeborn. An... entertainer." Of sorts. "You're in the far West, in America. It was later known as the 'New World' and then colonies of the British Empire. But we've been independent of Britain for a good many years, now." Drawing a deep breath, Jen exhales slowly. "It's complicated. So. You staying anywhere local, or just passing through?" 

:'''{{#var:1789|Modred (1789)}} has posed:''' Modred frowns, "Know ye not the difrence betwixt the kinds of magi? Thou art poorly trained. Know thee that there be three levels of studies magickal. The first level be the the hedge magi, who can only master the simples spells of magic drawn from their own spirit. The Second level be the witches and wizards, who use the power of the world around them. The final level be the Sorcerers, who call upon sources of power beyond this world. I was trained by a wizard, wh was seeking a sorcerer to train me in greater magic when the disaster befell camelot and Merlin went mad." He stops and says, "Thy pardon Gentlewoman Jongular of the house of Kale. I am Modred, Apprentice to the wizard Gervais, distantly kin to that Arthur of the Dragon Pennant who ruled in Camelot many centuries past. I thank ye for the information. Where might one find an inn in these parts to stay?" 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale smiles almost indulgently at Modred's explanation of the various degrees of magic, folding arms over her chest and cocking her hip a bit saucily. "I said that I've been -called- both." she replies softly. "Technically speaking, by your definition I'm a Sorceress." And she leaves it at that, for the moment. "I, um, can point you towards an Inn but I really think you're going to find things here a bit... different... than what you're used to." How do you nicely say that he's going to be a fish out of water, after all? "Tell you what. Until you can find something, I'm renting a two-bedroom place. My roommate isn't supposed to move in until the end of the summer, so you're welcome to stay with me for a little while. If you want. There's a lot you need to know about this place, and I can help." Like starting with fashion and little concepts like, say, money. 

:'''{{#var:1789|Modred (1789)}} has posed:''' Modred inclines his head respectfully, "Mayhap we can trade spells sometime, though reluctant am I to study sorcery anon. I fear my last encounter with those who dwell beyond was a might less than cordial."      He adds, "An thou wouldst let me a room for the nounce 'twould maketh this simpler." 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale relaxes a little when he accepts her offer, and she inclines her head as formally as a South Florida girl can manage. "I'd be happy to." she replies. "And it's whatever you'd be comfortable with." The girl looks him over more slowly for a moment. "We'll also have to take you shopping. Forthwith." 

:'''{{#var:1789|Modred (1789)}} has posed:''' "Prithee what need have I to travel to a shop? I am a wizard of power, I can conjure what I need with a simple incantation," Modred seems faintly offended by the idea thaat he would need to go to a shop. 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale flashes a grin at that. "Even better. I'm headed there in a little bit, and I'll send up a magical beacon for you to follow. But we definitely need to discuss something called 'blue jeans'." Palms towards him, her fingers spread wide and she makes a slow, circular gesture. An group of illusary images form between them, all of Modred. Except now he's dressed in jeans and sneakers, with a variety of shirt options. "You should consider something like this, for clothing. It's how people dress here." 

:'''{{#var:1789|Modred (1789)}} has posed:''' Modred studies the image with a faint frown, "Belike it be suitable for tradesmen to bedeck themselves in, but what is the material of which it is made? It be not leather, silk, wool, nor flaxen weaving." He invokes, "Powers of the land and sea, Change these garments, let them me, changed from tabbard, cloak and mail to silken shirt and trou without fail." Instantyly he is clad in a silk shirt and silk pants. 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale steps up closer, once he's changed into all silk garments. She smiles wryly, giving a nod. "It's called 'denim'. We'll work on it." she replies. "We'll work on it. C'mon, then. I'll give you the nickel-tour of the town." And with that, Jen leads and takes the long way back to her apartment. While Modred gets his first, of what will no doubt be many, discussion of American history. 
}}

Ravager

2018-06-03T14:46:26Z

Simone1:

{{CharacterNew
|NameOnMUSH=Rose Wilson
|Color=#333
|TextColor=#c1c1c1
|Char_id=73
|Img=https://i.imgur.com/NfGHEVp.jpg
|FullName=Rose Wilson
|Gender=Female
|Species=Human
|Theme=DC
|Chartype=VFC
|Active=Approved
|Occupation=Bouncer
|Citizenship=United States of America
|Residence=New York City
|Education=Privately Tutored
|Quote="Stop being an idiot."
|PAge=20
|AAge=20
|DOB=06 December 2005
|Height=162 cm
|Weight=53 kg
|Hair=White
|Eyes=Blue
|Actor=Kenzie Dalton
|Song="Warrior" by Demi Lavato
|Profile=Rose Wilson is Ravager, who used every ounce of her strength to claw to the top of the mercenary food chain and then kicked The Man in the teeth. She is said to be psychotic and able to see the future, one where she kicks everyone's ass and takes back everything she lost. She is a rebel, and it has become generally known that Ravager doesn't follow many rules. Few have befriended her in order to peel away her shields, which protect her and hide the honorable woman within.
|Description=This young woman stands a few inches shy of six feet tall, her figure slender and toned with just enough curves in the right places. A hardbody. She wears a half mask tied behind her head, covering platinum silver hair that flows loosely past her shoulders. The mask hides her eyes and that strong nose, the right half orange while the left half is black. She has soft features and a pointed chin; no cute dimples here. Full lips often frown or scowl, and even when she smiles it's rarely a nice expression. Little to no makeup is worn, keeping her appearance natural. The woman carries herself with the casual confidence of a dancer or a fighter. The armor is a close-fitting body suit of fine metal scales with a black leather jumpsuit snugged over it. The jumpsuit is held up by shoulder straps, armored sleeves disappearing into orange gloves. The leggings tuck into orange boots that have been folded down just below the knee, like an old-fashioned buccaneer. Her slender waist is also snugged with an orange belt that holds a few pouches for gear. A pair of slender longswords are worn crossed over her back.
|History=Rose was born in the hills of Asia, somewhere in Cambodia, but her family was forced to flee their home when some militant soldiers began taking slaves and killing those who resisted them. She was the daughter of Lillian Worth, a popular brothel owner. Her allies helped Lili relocate to New York City and re-establish her popular brothel, while operating as a bar and strip joint. Lili raised the kids of all of her girls personally, including Rose. She was tutored and learned English, Chinese and other languages, but also practiced how to defend herself. Rose was later kidnapped by Wade DeFarge aka The Ravager, in order to torment Rose's father, and Wade taunted Rose, revealing her who her real father was for the first time. Lili tracked her daughter down like a superspy and tried to run Wade over in a jeep. Unfortunately, it was not made in the USA and she careened over a cliff, dying in a ball of fire. Wade returned to Lili's bar and ransacked it, even knocking over the bookshelves. Rose was distraught. At age fourteen, her innocence was shattered and she decided to learn to kick ass. She stayed with superheroes for a while where she learned some of her present skills, until she was adopted by a wealthy family. The Ravager tracked her down and killed them, shooting both parents in the head. Wade even shot the dog. Rose went on the lam and became a paid assassin, although a sloppy one, and was tracked down by her father. She killed Wade as her mercenary initiation and took his name and equipment. She spent some more time on the road until she found her father again, and he encouraged her to be less angry and live with someone else. Rose moved back to New York City to try to recover her lost life.
|Personality=There are various degrees of instability in Rose's personality, but there is contentment and focus sometimes, mostly when she's with friends or fighting. It is incorrect to think of her upbringing as disjointed and immoral, even those her mother owned a brothel, because Rose was provided for in almost every way. It was because of her mother's death that her "normal" life was shattered. The torment and loss weighed heavy on her, but she suppresses it abnormally and it breaks out randomly, which is why people think she's psycho. She has a strong desire to prove herself, which is why she's sometimes moody and mouthy, reveling in rebelious rule-breaking. She doesn't care about governments or politics and morals often get in the way, but she doesn't like to be the center of attention, although craves it at the same time, because she had no father. She falls into carefree relationships because of this, and often does a lot of things on impulse. However, she has a determination to act, often out of justice or revenge or badassness, that is often hard to argue with. She takes after those around her, so could easily be a murderous assassin or a superhero for justice for many years.
|Abilities='''ENHANCED AGILITY''' Rose's physical balance and agility is inherited, allowing her exceptional ability in this area. She could be a gymnast if she really tried or an escape artist, able to contort her body to wriggle out of bonds or balance on almost any surface. '''ENHANCED DURABILITY''' Rose's physical structure is inherited, and enhanced by drugs. Her muscles and bones are harder than a normal person, able to withstand the constant wear like that of a soldier, if that soldier operated daily under heavy conditions. Her ability to take blows for a person her size is extraordinary, and normal people have no chance of outlasting Rose Wilson. '''ENHANCED HEALING''' Rose possesses an enhanced healing factor capable of helping her recover from many different types of injury. She has little experience with this ability, so she does not know how resistant she can be. She can take abusive physical injury like that from multiple punches or body blows and recover within a minute or two. Further injury like scrapes, cuts or bruises can be recovered overnight, but further injury may take much longer. She has noted her immunity to many poisons and toxins that would otherwise stupefy a normal person. '''ENHANCED INTELLECT''' Rose's mind has the potential of a fighter of the highest caliber on Earth. Her adaptability and improvisation may be her most gifted talent, to learn to go from teenager to mercenary to dangerous superhero killer in a short time. She can take up weapons and skills and styles of fighting quickly, mostly because she has a psychotic obsession with learning and absorbing knowledge and twisting it with a rebellious intent. Most people would get burned out before they become a kickass mercenary rebel, but not Rose, because she has learned from her many experiences. '''ENHANCED REFLEXES''' Rose has a very quick reaction time and her assessments of fighting situations are usually the most helpful in avoiding injury or attack. Her speed and flexibility help enhance this ability, allowing her to be as quick as a minx, and use clever attacks that might just confuse the normal person. If she can see it or anticipate it, there is a good chance the attack will not hit Rose Wilson. '''ENHANCED SENSES''' All of Rose's senses are genetically inherited and give her enhanced abilities. She has good range of motion and has practiced ability tracking opponents, although is new at smaller targets and finding targets through rough terrain. Often her sight, smell or mental skill makes up for this, as she can perceive with these senses well beyond a normal person. '''ENHANCED SPEED''' Rose's enhanced speed is inherited and practiced, movement capable of keeping up with ninjas, athletes, and hearty soldiers. She has the practiced ability to match an Olympic runner and speed to dash as quick as many land based animals. Her quickness allows her to dodge most melee strikes, if she has the awareness. '''ENHANCED STAMINA''' Rose's inherited ability has given her the ability to operate as a mercenary or superhero or rebellious marathon runner for many days or hours at a time without stopping. '''ENHANCED STRENGTH''' Rose's genetic ability has given her the ability to lift about a ton of stuff. This applies to weapons as well, and she can cleave through tough resistance, like concrete, which is why energy weapons are cool. '''PRECOGNITION''' Rose's precognition ability is often random and mysterious. It sometimes works to warn her of attack or give her a mysterious vision but then doesn't come around for days. Flashes of the future most often occur when her adrenaline is high but sometimes occur at unexpected times when she's fighting or training or being emotional. The flashes sometimes act as a second sense. She has no training in this ability and has used drugs to stimulate it before because she doesn't know how or why it works.
|Skills='''MARTIAL ARTS''' Rose was taught Judo and other martial arts by Lillian Worth, her mother. She has also learned standard techniques from vigilantes and other dangerous people. She often appears more skilled than she is because of her enhanced abilities and her quickness. Striking could be the most gifted part of her martial arts ability. '''STEALTH''' Rose is light on her feet and allows her to keep to the shadows, taking after her mother, who was a trained ninja. Her dexterity and flexibility allow her to make up for mistakes that might make normal people otherwise detectible. She can use her physical abilities to try to avoid detection. '''SWORDSMANSHIP''' Rose has a gifted knack for using the sword. She has been taught by vigilantes, thugs, and a fencing genius. She practices her swordsmanship to impress her father. The normal person would stand no chance against her, given her enhanced abilities, and she would match a trained opponent in combat. '''TRACKING''' Being a mercenary assassin almost implies you have skill with tracking, stealth and fighting. Rose's athletics allow her to match skill with many veteran trackers and compensates for her growing experience. She has spent most of her time applying this in urban environments, which is somewhat unique. She has an eye for the street, and is familiar with the layout of many standard types of buildings. In this environment, most people can't hide from her enhanced senses.
|Resources='''BANKROLL''' Rose keeps a hidden stash of money for weapons, equipment, or travel for when she's going to be taking mercenary jobs or something similarly dangerous. It's enough for plane tickets or necessary travel. '''CONTACTS''' Rose has fulfilled contracts in the past that have earned her money. This has also earned contacts for the Ravager, at the street level, in business because businessmen are crooked, and superheroes or supervillains. Many of her overseas contacts are in Asia and a majority had known her mother. '''WEAPONS''' Rose has the access to a number or weapons and equipment, stolen, borrow, bought or found through numerous sources. These include frickin broadswords, energy swords, explosives, plastique, computers, cellphones, and others. '''WINTERGREEN''' William Wintergreen is like a father figure to Rose. His place as a resource is to mainly get her out of trouble, whatever that may be. Mostly that means advice, plane tickets, business advice, other contacts, and in rare cases, intelligence.
|Weaknesses='''DRUGS''' Rose used to be addicted to Epinephrine, an adrenaline booster that made her precognition powers work more often. She doesn't know if this vice is really gone. '''FAMILY''' Rose has a very dysfunctional family. All of her closest family members are superheroes, villains, crooked idiots, insane idiots with questionable motives. They often target Rose because they want something or dream that they could force a resolution. '''FATHER''' Rose loves and hates her father. She wants him to respect her and be proud of her, but doesn't know how to have a normal family relationship. She often ends up disappointed, depressed, trying to stab him, or all of them. Sometimes there are stints of family recovery where she gives up a lot of stuff to be better for her father, but it never lasts. '''LOOSE MORALS''' Rose really has no code and operates with loose morals dependent on the people she's around or the people she's operating with. Doing this creates the impression that she's a "villain" or an immoral person or simply a unthinking moron. She isn't any of those things. She's a complex person pushing at threads to get a reaction, which may be her main motivation, and searching for respect, and her place. Sometimes she doesn't have the guts to break the rules in front of guys like Superman, but often has something sneaky going on.
}}
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Ravager

2018-06-03T14:24:07Z

Simone1:

Ravager

2018-06-03T14:21:25Z

Simone1:

Ravager

2018-06-03T14:16:04Z

Simone1:

Terra

2018-05-14T15:33:38Z

Simone1:

{{CharacterNew
|NameOnMUSH=Terra
|Color=#333
|TextColor=#c1c1c1
|Char_id=1034
|Img=https://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/2/25835/781330-terrapage.jpg
|FullName=Atlee
|Gender=Female
|Species=Stratan
|Theme=DC
|Chartype=FC
|Active=Approved
|Occupation=Heroine/Waitress
|Citizenship=United States of America (Green Card)
|Residence=New York
|Education=Stratan
|Quote="I realize I have some kind of anticipated obligation to provide witty banter in an effort to distract you from my ultra secret super move that will result in your losing control of the situation."
|PAge=19
|AAge=19
|DOB=26 June 2006
|Height=160 cm
|Weight=46 kg
|Hair=Black
|Eyes=Brown
|Actor=Christina Ricci
|Song="We Will Rock You" by Queen
|Profile=Atlee is a recent arrival who has recently taken up the mantle of the heroine Terra. She first appeared as a mysterious dark-haired teen who showed up in various places around the world, saving lives but disappearing as quickly as she had arrived. While her origins are unknown, she has demonstrated powerful geokinetic abilities by manipulating earth, rock, and mineral materials in the pursuit of saving lives and helping people. Since moving to New York, she has only recently begun to go by the name Terra in public. Though she is starting to become better known due to her exploits, she still tends to shun the spotlight when possible, though it's unclear if this is out of a desire to avoid glory, publicity, or simply shyness.
|Description=Standing a little over five feet tall, this teenage girl has plenty of curves in all the right places. Her black hair is cut into a short bob with combed-over bangs. Prominent eyebrows arch over big, brown eyes. Her face is rounded with a pert nose and full, red lips. Cosmetics? What are cosmetics? Expressions are bold and almost exaggerated, as if she were still practicing some of them. She's wearing what looks like a gymnast's costume, at least the bodysuit. Long sleeves with white fingerless gloves, the snug fabric clings to curves that would be better suited for a varsity cheerleader than a gymnast. Coverage is adequate for decency while remaining comfortable. The neckline is cut low to show cleavage, and the only accents against the black are a wide stripe of white across the chest and another down the front. Like a capital 'T'. Black boots rise to just above the knee with practical soles rather than heels. Like the bodysuit there are white stripes around the top of each, with another down the front for another pair of 'T's.
|History=In the time before humanity, the body of a dead astronaught god crash landed on Earth. It sunk deep into the earth, and over time the Stratans evolved inside it. The being's armored suit protects their civilization, and its blood sustains both the city and its people. Long has the Elder Council watched as the human surface dwellers developed and grew. Time and time again the Stratans sent champions to the surface to protect both the Earth as well as Strata. Atlee was the latest of these champions, due to her rare genetic alteration that gives her geokinetic powers. In order to make her transition easier, the Council modified her original form to look like an appealing human female. Atlee worked with various heroes on the surface, defeating an assortment of monsters and villains. She would pop up when the need was dire, save the day, and then disappear again. After one such encounter Power Girl took her back to a private lab and had her tested, where it was discovered that she's a genetic match for Tara Markov. Atlee was later captured and forced to fight in gladiator combat before escaping. Renewing her friendship with Power Girl, Atlee is still trying to figure out human social culture. To help with that, she works as a waitress at a diner when not doing hero things.
|Personality=Atlee isn't human. When in doubt, come back and read that again. She's trying to understand why humans do what they do, but at the end of the day the girl simply judges situations by different standards. Her concept of morality is a bit different, as a result. Atlee sees good and evil as black and white concepts. Being one of the good guys, she has no problem whatsoever with punishing bad guys. Is torture okay? It is if they deserve it. Killing bad guys? Again, if it's necessary. Why heroes insist on locking up villains only for them to escape again makes absolutely no sense to her. Atlee was sent to the surface to save the Earth as a hero, and she takes her purpose very seriously. Atlee is trying to understand human social culture as well, and some of the concepts are difficult for her. Modesty, for one, and clothing for another. It's not that she's an exhibitionist, she just doesn't see the point of, well, covering up. Atlee isn't shy about asking questions, either. Sometimes loudly, in public, about subjects that most humans would consider to be awkward. She needs to work on her expression filters.
|Abilities='''ACCELERATED HEALING''' If Atlee does manage to get herself injured, she can heal herself by slipping into a self-induced coma. After being submerged in lava and suffering surface burns, she healed herself in this way after a few hours. Even without resorting to this technique, Atlee heals about twice as fast as a normal human if she's injured. '''FLYING''' Atlee can essentially fly by controlling rocks that she rides or stands on. There are some limitations, however. While she can't actually fall off of the rock, Atlee is limited to subsonic speeds while flying with this technique. She also needs to stay at a low enough altitude so that she can breathe. It's like running for her, too. So over long distances she needs to pace herself with the speed. '''GEOKINESIS''' Atlee is a Geokinetic, which means she can manipulate the earth itself. This includes shaping and moving individual rocks as well as massive ground formations. Her control is quite fine, down to the level of manipulating individual grains of sand in a storm. Control comes from her ability to *sense* things within the earth or made of earth as well. Because of this, Atlee can hit multiple targets with separate boulders without actually seeing them. Atlee's control also extends to nearly any mineral or crystal in addition to rock and dirt and sand. While the limitations aren't known, her power is sufficient to lift something the size of Manhattan off the ground (about 25 square miles in area, plus depth). This mass limitation is also a function of how well-rested she is at the time. The range of her power sense is roughly equivalent to her line of sight. (I.e. - she can't manipulate rocks on Earth if she's, say, in orbit around Jupiter.) '''STRATAN PHYSIOLOGY''' Stratans are quite durable, and Atlee is no exception. While she isn't invincible, she can be knocked quite a distance and get up again without injury. She's also resistant to heat, and can survive for a short time in lava without suffering any ill effects. Consider her to be just short of bulletproof, in general terms.
|Skills='''ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY''' Atlee is from Strata, an ancient civilization living far beneath the earth. Their technology is far advanced in comparison to the human race's. This technology gives Atlee a much better understanding of the physical world than the humans around her. Since she's an ambassador, however, she can't actually tap into this tech and use it without approval of the Stratan Elder Council. '''HAND TO HAND COMBAT''' Atlee isn't really an expert at fighting with her fists, but she's picked up more than a few pointers from earth heroes. She can hold her own against someone of similar strength and speed, and of course she uses her powers to cheat. '''POP CULTURE''' This one is a work in progress. Atlee is still learning all the nuances of Earth's pop culture, but she's learning enthusiastically and picking up more every day. '''STRATAN CULTURE''' As a native of Strata, Atlee is as well-versed in the culture of her homeland as a kid from Brooklyn knows his way around New York City.
|Resources='''AURLA''' One of the Elder Council of Strata, Aurla is also Atlee's personal friend and advisor. An intellectual, Aurla has been watching the human race since it began. She was one of the group who sent Atlee to the surface to protect the Earth. Aurla has healing abilities and is very helpful, especially if Atlee asks for it. '''COSTUME''' Atlee's costume is made from Stratan tech, with its primary asset being its durability. The fabric is about double the strength of ballistic materials, both from a tensile standpoint as well as abrasion resistance. '''EMPLOYMENT''' Atlee worked as a waitress in a diner on Key West, so she's comfortable waiting tables anywhere she happens to be living. She doesn't make a lot of money, but it's enough to pay rent and go to the movies. '''STRATA''' As an ambassador from Strata to the surface world, Atlee has access to Stratan tech and backing. However since a major part of her assignment is to remain discrete, any such aid comes with a lot of restrictions. (Anything above Earth-level tech requires staff approval.)
|Weaknesses='''ALIEN''' She may look like a human and she is trying to act like a human, but Atlee simply isn't one. Stratans have different values and a different culture. Atlee's primary purpose on the surface is to protect the Earth, mostly by keeping the humans from destroying it as well as themselves. '''APPEARANCE''' Before Atlee was sent to the surface her form was modified to be, they felt, more appealing to the surface world. They succeeded in making Atlee look like a beautiful young human female, which sometimes attracts more attention than she would like. '''HEALING COMA''' While Atlee CAN put herself into a coma for healing, there's a downside. While healing herself in this manner, the girl is vulnerable and unable to protect herself. '''INNOCENCE''' It's not that she's exactly naive, but Atlee just really doesn't know much about the surface world. She's learning, but she really doesn't understand humans or their customs all of the time. This has led to awkward situations. '''OVERCONFIDENCE''' Atlee is confident in her abilities and she knows that she's a powerful Geokinetic. However she isn't all-powerful and she often acts before fully thinking things through. So far, at least, she's been (mostly) able to get herself out of any trouble she gets into. '''POWER USE''' While Atlee's power is certainly impressive, there are limits as to how far she can push herself. Her endurance is about double that of a typical human's, which means that moderate power use would be similiar to jogging for her. Raising an island? Extending a land bridge out 25 miles? Flying at top speed? Definitely more like a sprint. And she'll need to rest accordingly.
}}
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Terra

2018-05-14T15:28:19Z

Simone1:

4418/Answering an Ad

2018-05-09T17:50:35Z

Simone1: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2018/05/09 |Location=New York City |Synopsis=Billy finds a roommate who isn't crazy! Probably. |Cast of Characters=1267, 1733 |pretty=yes }} {{Pose..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/05/09
|Location=New York City
|Synopsis=Billy finds a roommate who isn't crazy! Probably.
|Cast of Characters=1267, 1733
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' The last meeting with potential roommates didn't go too well...and to avoid further embarassment, for the next meeting, Billy chose yet a different, hipster, UWS coffee shop to meet at. He's stayed at the little patio area, just in case it was going to be a repeat of the last time, and once again he has an overpriced, over-fancy coffee drink in a to-go cup set before him. He's described himself somewhat vaguely, but indicated the wine-colored, waxed-cotton jacket that he'll have with him. It's a little warm to wear, but he'll keep it on and unzipped until he's able to at least make contact with the next person who inquired about the roommate thing. Maybe Craigslist wasn't the best way to go? 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale is going to be up in New York to take a couple classes at Columbia in her long journey towards an eventual degree. Or at least completing something resembling a Freshman year. Jen doesn't really need the description, however. A simple divining spell back-tracks through the technology interface and links her to Billy's social media presence, where she can pull up an image. For her part of the arrangement, Jen sends an actual picture. Okay, so it's an old yearbook picture and she looks a bit less... free... than she does in person. The blonde arrives on foot, wearing low-rise bellbottom jeans and a pink crop-top. Annnd, there he is! She walks right up. "Billy? Hi, I'm Jen. Lemme grab a coffee and then we'll chat." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' Turning at his name, Billy can't help but smile with relief. She's not a wife-beater-wearing talking Rhino! Not that there's anything wrong with that, but...Yay! Points to her! "Hi, Jen! Sure, take your time. Nice to meet you!" A breath is let out as he smiles back at his coffee and takes a sip before pulling off the jacket. Underneath, he's wearing skinny jeans and a t-shirt with a pseudo-50's style Sci Fi image with the words, 'Aliens Gave My Cat A Beard!' 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale saunters over to the counter, returning a few minutes later with something hot and dark in a large disposable cup. No whipped cream, and it smells heavy on the cinnamon. Pulling out a chair, she reverses it and slides right onto the seat, straddling it. "So. I saw your ad, obviously. I'm gonna be in New York taking a couple classes at Columbia, so this could be a good fit for both of us. Where did you wanna start?" 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "Yeah? Hey, that could be cool. But wouldn't Bludhaven be a little far?" Even though he's specifically looking there...and would be commuting himself. "What program at Columbia? And are you working otherwise? I'm sorry, but the last guys I interviewed were really...uhm, sketchy about their income and I know that landlords do credit checks and all." Nevermind that his parents agreed to co-sign on whatever he found. 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale chuckles softly at the questions, taking a slow sip of her coffee. "I can handle the commute, actually. Mass transit, and all that." Teleportation helps as well. "Right now I'm really interested in Anthropology, and we'll see from there. Maybe Archeology as well. Oh! I'm living in Florida right now, but I've got a good line on a job here. Including a recommendation from my current employer." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "Florida!" Billy's eyes widen, "And you're looking at stuff up here? Why? I mean, New York is great and all, but Florida's like, warm all the time. And you have Disney World and Universal Studios!" The grass is always greener and all that. "Ok, that's good then...about the recommendations and jobs and stuff. Uhm. As I said, I haven't really started looking for a place myself...was sort of hoping that someone might have an opening in their apartment that could work, but it might be that I get a roommate and we look together. Or...if you're in Florida, I can look and send pictures and stuff. But anyways," he gives a wave of his hand as if to dismiss all of that. "What sort of place and roommate are -you- looking for?" 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale chuckles, and starts counting off on her fingers. "And mosquitos, and alligators, and tourists, and 96-year old ladies who can't drive..." The blonde takes another slurp of her coffee, and shrugs. "As for roomies, I'm really pretty open-minded. But before I give you -my- list, tell me a little bit about yourself. Same questions: what's your interest, do you have a job, and where're you from?" 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "Well, I could also give you negatives about Manhattan," Billy grins, but arches a brow at the questions before giving her list. "Fair enough. I'm almost done with my first year at Columbia, I'm originally from the Upper East Side," He gives a general wave in that direction, "And I don't have a job, but my parents are going to be helping me out. Bludhaven's cheaper than the dorms and frankly, I sort of want to try living a -little- further away..." but not so far away that he can't bring laundry home on the weekends. 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale's gaze follows the direction of his hand-wave, and she nods. "So you've finished your first year." she repeats, trying not to look TOO impressed. Between the two of them it's hard to say who's really older, after all. "Well I'm cool with Bludhaven, from what I've seen of it. I've got friends I'm staying with in town, but I don't really wanna over-use my welcome." The Cult of Zhered-Na may be like family, but they don't have unlimited resources. "So we're in agreement that 'cheap' is paramount. I'll probably be working evenings, especially on the weekends, so I'll be one of the quieter roommates you'd have. I keep things fairly neat and I can cook, if you like fried food and soups." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "Just one more final to go and get to move out of the dorms. Luckily, I already moved the bulk of my stuff back home, so it shouldn't be too bad." As if the first year of college is easy-peasy. Maybe it was? "Cheap, but not...scary. 'Affordable but nice', is sort of what I'm aiming for. I was thinking about seeing if there was anything in Sunnydale." Because it sounds pleasant, yes? "I like to keep things fairly neat too...I don't cook too much, but I do like to eat. Uhm. Do you have any pets?" 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale chuckles softly at that, nodding. "Oh definitely. I know that Bludhaven has its... bad... areas. But I can handle myself in a pinch." She grins, raising her coffee. "Sunnydale? That does sound 'cheerful' at least. Yeah, let's start there, I think." Another slurping sip and she shakes her head. "Um, no pets. Not so much as a goldfish or a hissing cockroach." Hulking swamp monsters like Man-Thing and mystically bound extradimensional entities probably don't count. Technically speaking. "I'm also a big fan of take-out, if you don't like everything breaded and fried. I've always been a southern girl, so it's what I know." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "I like it as the occasional treat but all the time? That would mean I'd have to join a gym!" Or something. Maybe not for a little bit still, but who knows? Billy nods at the mention of takeout, "And salads. Salads can be great too..." especially in the summer. But anyways. "Uhm, what else about me. I don't have too much furniture yet, but can probably help getting some basics. I might be able to work at my mom's office and earn a little bit of money over the summer for stuff like that too," or mom and dad can also help. "No pets for me either although I wouldn't mind something like a cat or a bird...eventually. Uhm." There's a moment's pause before he asks, "Do you have any...are you in a relationship right now? Would you want to be bringing them by?" 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale rests one elbow on the back of her chair, the other cradling the coffee that she's nursing while they talk. At the 'relationship' question she smiles, expression somewhere between 'coy' and 'playful'. "I'm not seeing anyone right now, actually, but I'm pretty open-minded if you're looking to share." Other than the smile, her delivery is perfectly deadpan. "Sorry about that. Filters. Still working on them a bit. And yeah, I'm sure we can find some 'gently used' furniture somewhere." Another slurp of coffee follows, and she adds. "I can probably float the down payment if you wanna start looking for places. I saw your thing about separate rooms, and that's probably appropriate given..." Here she just gestures to herself and then to him. Yeah. "I'm also not a girly-girl who spends hours in the bathroom. Usually don't bother with makeup unless I'm working. Shampoo, blow-dry, and let the wind do the rest." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' Wiccan's eyebrows shoot up at her joking and it takes him a moment to realize that it -was- a joke. There's a little chuckle before he continues, "It's ok. And...so...you wouldn't care if -I- brought a boyfriend home? Not that I have one right now, but..." the toe has been placed in the proverbial water on that. "Separate rooms, definitely. If we're lucky maybe we can find separate bathrooms..." because he might spend more time primping in there than she does, it sounds like! "What sort of work are you looking for, if you don't mind me asking?" 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale doesn't blink at the 'boyfriend' reference, either. Yep, confirmation check under 'open-minded'. "Not at all. And I wasn't entirely kidding about sharing, either." she replies, just as casually. "Just remember, what's good for the gander is good for the goose. Just try to keep the noise down and so will I." This time she adds a wink, at least. On the subject of work she doesn't hesitate in her response. "Oh, I work at a club down in Citrusville right now. It's called the Juicy Orange." Pause. "I'm a dancer." She leaves out the word 'exotic' but it's easy enough to put together 'working nights' and 'club dancer'. 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' Billy holds up his hands in mock-defense, "I'm pretty much exclusively into guys...no offense." So probably no sharing on his part. "But ditto with anyone you bring home. Because otherwise, ew." Not appropriate. "Uhm, you don't smoke or do any drugs, do you? I sometimes light some incense or a scented candle or two," or fifty, depending on the spell, "But that's about it." As far as her work, he merely nods. He's certainly not one to judge. "And you'd be safe coming and going late at night?" 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale chuckles at that, shaking her head. "None taken. I'm Bi-, myself. Starting to think it's something of an 'occupational hazard', if you will." And Jen relaxes visibly for some reason as the air begins to clear between them. "No smoking and no drugs. I'm pretty cool with liquor, but it's not anything I -need-. Big fan of incense and candles, myself, so no problems there." She pauses for a moment to add. "Also, I'm sort of into making my own home remedies. But like I said, I keep a neat kitchen." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "As long as it's not crystal meth, I'm fine with that." Billy does seem far more relaxed with this meeting than the last, certainly! "So, now it's your turn to answer what you're looking for...or to ask me questions or stuff. I haven't really had to look for roommates before. They paired us up at school and while my roommate was fine, I think he still wants to stay in the dorms." Because it's not the fastest commute. 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale shrugs at the question, slurping more from her cup. "I think we've covered most of it, really. Be clean, be considerate, pay your share of the rent and groceries, respect each other's stuff. That sort of shit." She sets her cup down, tilting her head as she gives him a more peculiar look. "Don't take this weird or anything, but do you believe in the paranormal?" 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' Once again, it's better than the other two seemed to offer! That and she doesn't seem like she'd be a bully like they were. Ugh, he hated those types of people in school and there's no need to be around them now! Billy nods as she recaps the general Golden Rules of being a Roommate. The next question has him pausing briefly as he lifts his cup of coffee to take a sip. "How do you mean? Like ghosts and stuff?" 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale shrugs a bit too quickly this time, the smile returning. "Yeah, ghosts and stuff. I'm pretty open-minded religiously as well. I've done tarot readings and I know my way around a ouija board." To put it mildly. "Just curious whether or not that sort of stuff was okay with you, or whether I should keep my door closed for any demon summoning." She's kidding, right? 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "I mean, I'm not going to go searching out any haunted houses, but sure. I don't see why I wouldn't believe in that." Billy is certainly trying to keep a poker face going, but he's probably fairly bad at it. "Let's...uh, keep the demon summoning outside of the apartment, if you don't mind." He -he- being serious? 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale laughs at that, nodding in agreement. "Deal. Besides, I'm sure that burning pentagrams into the carpet would probably cost us the security deposit." The blonde tilts her head, then. "I've got a few days before I need to get back down to Florida. Any solid leads in Sunnydale?" 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "At the very least!" oddly enough, Billy agrees with the sentiment regarding pentagrams. Maybe he's also 'open-minded' in that way? "To be honest, I've been so focused on finals that I haven't really been able to look, but after this one, I can. If you want to take a peek, that works too? Oh, mind if I give you my phone number so if you find something..." or decide not to move or what have you... 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale blinks at that. "Oh! Yeah, I almost forgot. Gotta exchange numbers and everything." She reaches into a back pocket to pull out her phone to make the exchange. "I sorta live out of my phone these days, but it's the best way to get a hold of me. I'll hop on over to Sunnydale and start nosing around. I'm sure that we can find an affordable place close to a bus route." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' Phone numbers are exchanged easily enough. "Awesome! I just have the final tomorrow and then I can join you if you want...During my study breaks I'll take a peek and see if I find anything online. So, cool." Hopefully it'll work out! "I mean, I don't know when you want to be moving, but I have most of the summer if we need to take that long." 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale tips her coffee up high, draining it before setting the cup back down again. "Sounds cool to me. And yeah, I'm pretty free like I said. I'm sure we'll turn something up." Rising slowly, Jen doesn't -quite- undulate as she slips the phone back into her pocket. "I'll send you pics of any hopefuls, and you send me a thumbs-up or thumbs-down." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "Done!" Billy also stands as she does, since...manners, and he offers his hand. "It was really nice meeting you and thank you for not showing any crazy off in this meeting. I'm sure we'll both get to that later, but I do appreciate it." 

:'''{{#var:1733|Jennifer Kale (1733)}} has posed:''' Jennifer Kale accepts the offered hand in her own, flashing another smile. "Looking forward to it, Billy. And same on the crazy. Watch for my texts, alright? And we'll keep in touch." 
}}

4417/Returning to the Old Ways

2018-05-09T17:37:57Z

Simone1: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2018/05/09 |Location=Gotham City |Synopsis=Talia calls on Jason to visit the All-Caste |Cast of Characters=958, 68 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/05/09
|Location=Gotham City
|Synopsis=Talia calls on Jason to visit the All-Caste
|Cast of Characters=958, 68
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' It's not long after Jason's nightmare about becoming the Joker that his phone rings. It's the latest burner-phone in the long cycle of rotations that he received from someone in his past. The number is known to only one other person alive: Talia al Ghul. Talia has information tendrils extended deeply into many global sources of power, some known from prior connections with her father and others all on her own. In this particular case the source of the information originates in Nepal. When the phone is answered her voice is clear and her words are brief. "We need to talk. Tonight." 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' As the phone rings, Jason slaps at it a couple of times as he lays in the bed before grabbing it. Picking it up, he stares at it blearily before answering. "I told you I don't do booty calls.." Oh, who is he kidding? "Tell me where." He's already reaching to grab his pants to pull them on and start to gear up - something in the tone of Talia's voice suggests that this isn't going to be one of their fun talks. 

:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' Talia al Ghul isn't laughing, which isn't a good sign. For the daughter of a global eco-terrorist, she usually has a pretty good sense of humor. Dry, but good. She names a place that's close by; an old factory that's long out of use. "Use the back door. I'll be waiting." The line clicks with the disconnect. The back door leads into the empty warehouse, where the woman waits. Sitting at a lone table with two chairs, right in the middle of the floor. Armed and dressed for action, but alone. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' The lack of a laugh puts Jason on alert. Which means before he arrives at the warehouse, he's casing the area to make sure that the pair are truly alone. And that's when he finally makes his entrance, as she requested through the back. Snapping the phone in half as he enters along it's clamshell line, he tosses it into a nearby trash barrel. Then he goes to going Talia at the table, not quite taking a seat as he leans down, resting his palms flat against the surface. "This better be good." 

:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' Talia al Ghul doesn't get up, one gloved hand on the table and the other in plain sight. She's wearing a snug-fitting black bodysuit, sword hilts over both shoulders and a pistol on her hip. The woman regards him almost curiously. "Tell me, Jason. How have you been sleeping lately?" 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' "If you came by more often, you'd know." Offered dryly as Jason regards the stunning woman in her leather, he drops into the seat and reaches up to remove his hood, setting it aside as he regards the woman across the table. "I sleep the same way I always do." Which is to say shitty - she knows this already, he's always been plagued with nightmares. 

:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' Talia al Ghul brings both hands together on the table before her, fingertips-to-fingertips. "Have you had any premonitions relating back to your time in the Himalayas, by chance?" It's an innocent enough question on the surface, and Talia maintains one of the best poker faces in the business. Nope, she's not giving anything away. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' If he'd been wearing the Hood, Talia would have never seen the uptick of Jason's brow at the mention of the All-Caste and it's base. "Yeah. Maybe. Why?" His fingers give a slight twitch, that pentup bit of anger and frustration that he fights so hard to put down showing on his surface through the finger movement. He knows she knows something - and she's toying with him. 

:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' Talia al Ghul leans back a bit in her chair, and her expression shifts as well. Yes, she knows something. And now he's confirmed it. "I have nothing definite, but you need to return there. Immediately. Things have gone amiss. Things that revolve around you, either by accident or by design." She pauses, then adds. "Things that only you can resolve, Jason. There is a jet waiting at the airport for you." 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' There's a frown at that as Jason considers the woman across from him. "I'm not on your leash anymore, Talia. I don't know what you're planning, but I'm not gonna jump cause you said to - there's work that still needs to be done here." Yes, he agreed to work with her on Gotham. But that doesn't extend outside of it, and now he's just going to be difficult, even if he knows she's right. 

:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' Talia al Ghul purses her lips at his reply. Expected, of course. "This has nothing to do with me, Jason, and everything to do with you." she replies. "Ducra was able to help you when you needed it. Now *she* is the one who needs help. Your help. Go. Do what must be done." Her fingers lace together slowly, then. "You can kill me when you return." Meaning he can try. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' "If I wanted to kill you, you'd already be dead." Jason smirks at that. "And what I want to do to you has nothing to do with killing." With that, he moves to his feet. Fine. Ducra's a sore spot when it comes to him - and a weak one at that. Reaching to pull up his helmet. "But just in case, I'm not going alone." 

:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' Talia al Ghul doesn't rise, and her expression remains as unreadable as ever. "And if I didn't want you to trust me I wouldn't have chosen to meet this way." she replies. "Bring whoever you want. It's a big plane, after all. Or make your own arrangements, it's all the same to me." She doesn't -say- that she needs him to do this, but they both know that she does. 

:'''{{#var:68|Jason Todd (68)}} has posed:''' "Trust is a two way street, Talia." With the helmet back in place, Jason considers the woman for a moment before he turns to head out, knowing what he has to do - doesn't mean he has to like it. 
}}

Jennifer Kale

2018-04-27T13:26:12Z

Simone1:

{{CharacterNew
|NameOnMUSH=Jennifer Kale
|Color=#333
|TextColor=#c1c1c1
|Char_id=1733
|Img=https://i.imgur.com/zEFHS93.jpg
|FullName=Jennifer Kale
|Gender=Female
|Species=Magician
|Theme=Marvel
|Chartype=FC
|Active=Active
|Occupation=Student / Sorceress
|Citizenship=United States of America
|Residence=Citrusville, Florida
|Education=College Student / Sorcery Training
|Quote="Excuse me, there's a dimensional breach. The talking ducks again."
|PAge=20
|AAge=20
|DOB=31 October 2005
|Height=168 cm
|Weight=55.3 kg
|Hair=Blonde
|Eyes=Blue
|Actor=Heather Graham
|Song="Devil's Teeth" by Muddy Magnolias
|Profile=Jennifer Kale is a direct descent of the Atlantean sorceress Zhered-Na. She was raised in a magical tradition and further instructed by the near-immortal sorcerer Dakihm. With her education, her lineage and reading from the Tome of Zhered-Na, Jennifer has become one of the most power mystics on the planet. There's very little that Jennifer can't do except, it seems, get past her freshman year in college.
|Description=This woman stands between five and a half and six feet tall, depending on the shoes. Blonde hair tumbles down her back in long, curly locks and parted down the center. Dark brows arch over big, blue eyes. Her features are exotic, with a Patrician's nose and prominent cheeks that dimple when she smiles. Full lips and a strong jaw also make her lineage difficult to ascertain. She is slender, with the toned build of a dancer. The blue top has cap sleeves and a plunging neckline that shows a glimpse of cleavage. It's cropped high, tucked just under her bosom to completely bare her midriff. Bell-bottom jeans fit snugly, riding low on her hips. The snap is open to give a glimpse of black cotton in front. Flaring wide, only toes of her black boots peek out when she moves. A green dragon tattoo writhes along her left upper arm, its tail curling just past her elbow. Her only jewelry is a small charm on a thin necklace chain and wide, silver bracelets on each wrist.
|History=* In the last days of Atlantis, the sorceress Zhered-Na is given knowledge of all magic and records it in her grimoire. Worried that such magic is too powerful for humans, the gods of the time bind the Hellphyr, a magic eating creature, to the Tome of Zhered-Na. While any of Zhered-Na's descendants can open the Tome, the Hellphyr will attack unless both a child of heaven and a child of hell are also present. * Zhered-Na founds a cult to pass on her teachings to. The cult, and her family line, eventually becomes the Kale family. The Kales settle in Citrusville, Florida, on the edge of the swamp that houses the Nexus of All Realities. * Jennifer Kale and her brother Andrew, steal a mystic tome from their grandfather, the head of the Cult of Zhered-Na. Jennifer attempts to summon the demon Thog the Nether-Spawn. However, she does not cast the spell correctly and instead summons a minor demon that she cannot control. Jennifer and Andrew are saved from the demon by the Man-Thing, guardian of the Nexus of All Realities. * As the weeks go on, Jennifer develops a psychic connection to the Man-Thing. Dakimh, the last surviving member of the original Cult of Zhered-Na, kidnaps Jennifer and the Man-Thing to another dimension and tests them. Finding them worthy, Dakimh sends them back to Earth. * The Tome of Zhered-Na goes missing. This leaves the Earth vulnerable to invasion from Thog the Nether-Spawn and his legions. Jennifer works with Dakimh and the Man-Thing to recover the Tome and stop defeat Thog. Dakimh takes Jennifer as his apprentice. * Jennifer has a number of other adventures, forming a team of sorts with the Man-Thing and several other mystics. At one point. Dakimh dies but his spirit continues to tutor Jennifer in the mystic arts. She enrolls in college numerous times, having her studies interrupted each time by various supernatural emergencies. During her adventures the Tome is stolen and Hellphyr is released, then defeated again (with the help of others). The Tome of Zhered-Na was then returned to Jennifer, since it belongs to her family.
|Personality=Cultist: Let's be clear. Jennifer Kale was raised outside the traditional Judeo-Christian, hetero-normative, two-parent family. She was raised as a member of the Cult of Zhered-Na. She believes in good and evil but her morality isn't perfectly in-line with traditional Western culture. Like Romani and other "outsider" cultures, what some see as a crime, Jennifer sees as just part of the world. Good Old Girl: Jennifer Kale grew up in the swamps of Florida. While she's been exposed to the world at large she isn't what one would call refined and cultured. She knows how to mind her manners when she wants to but she's much more comfortable speaking her mind. Jennifer's just as happy to run with the guys as go shopping with the girls and her southern charm shows through in her accent, every time she speaks. Sarcastic: Jennifer tends to speak her mind. In fact, there are times when she could use an internal censor. To others, there are times when she seems dismissive and sharp tongued. She can't help making a pun or letting fly with what she considers a witty comment, especially when stressed. Sense of Duty: Despite herself, Jennifer has a strong sense of duty. Time and time again she has abandoned her own plans to build a better life in order to help a relative, a friend, or an ally. She has continued her magical studies, even when she wanted to give it all up, because she understands it is both her duty and her destiny to master to magics given to her ancestor, Zhered-Na. Stubborn: Jennifer tends not to give up. She tends not to do what she's told if she thinks it isn't right. She will happily and willfully stand up to authority if she feels it is the right thing to do. There are, in fact, times when she should back down and won't.
|Abilities='''MASTER SORCERY''' Jennifer is one of the most powerful mystics on the planet. She has both a large amount of raw power available to her and a great deal of training. She was raised in a magical tradition and further instructed by the near-immortal sorcerer, Dakihm. She has also had time to study the Tome of Zhered-Na. As a result, her mystical ability is great. With time and resources, there is little she can't accomplish. Her magic can be used to open portals, summon and control both energies and entities, shield, ward, and protect, analyze and observe, and more. Specific examples include the following: FLIGHT: Like many mages, Jennifer has mastered the basics of levitation. She knows several quick, easily castable spells that will lift both herself and others into the air. The spells don't involve a great deal of speed, however, and she can only fly roughly as fast as a bird flies. MIND CONTROL: Some of the most basic magic Jennifer knows involves befuddling the mind. This power can be represent as simple as mental domination or more complex, such as illusionism. She has skills in both, though she is not an expert in either. As an illusionist, her constructs are believable but often lacking in important details such as scent. As a mentalist, she can basically perform hypnosis spells that remove inhibitions or convince people to do what they might already be inclined to do but not act against their will. (Note: consent is required for use against PC's) MYSTIC BLAST: After the second time she got kidnapped, Jennifer made sure to memorize a number of offensive spells. They all boil down to a basic ray of magical force. Jennifer's basic mystic blast spell is about as strong as a rifle shot or a sword thrust. TELEPORT: Jennifer knows a very nice teleport spell that will allow her to travel several hundred miles in the blink of an eye. Not quite enough to go from Florida to New York City in an instant but enough to turn a journey of hours into a journey of minutes. '''SUPERNATURAL SHIELDING''' Jennifer has practiced and practiced and practiced her shielding spells so often and well that she can bring them up in a split second with a simple gesture. Her shielding spell is quite strong and provides a great deal of protection, turning away bullets and even blows from super-strong characters such as Spider=Man or Beast. Stronger characters blast directly through the shield, otherwise the limitations are based on her human-level endurance. The shield only works if she is conscious, of course.
|Skills='''DANCE''' Jennifer Kale is quite the dancer. In fact, that was her major during her longest stint in college. It helps that she grew up running around the swamps of Florida, leaping over downed trees and swinging around in the ones still standing. If she put her mind to it, Jennifer might have a chance at a pro dance career. '''MYSTIC KNOWLEDGE''' Jennifer was literally raised in the legacy of magic. A member of the Cult of Zhered-Na from birth, she learned magic at the same time she learned her ABCs. When she was older, she learned from one of the oldest and most powerful mages around, Dakimh. Since then, she has only expanded her knowledge and now it can be confidently said that she knows as much as most master sorcerers. Only the truly learned are her better in this field. '''NATURE EXPERT''' Born and raised in the swamps of Florida, Jennifer's learned quite a bit about survival and the outdoors. Her magic studies have helped as well, since many an herb, plant, or animal part has a use in potions and spells of all kinds. There really are magical uses for newt eyes, believe it or not. '''PROFESSIONAL STUDENT''' Jennifer has started and re-started college half a dozen times now. Despite being a little older than your average Freshman, she has never gathered enough credits to make it beyond that level of university life. Every time she enrolls, she ends up picking a new major and a new set of classes. Even though she doesn't seem to get a lot of traction, college is a really good source of information. '''PSYCHOLOGY''' Jennifer's had a chance to take a psych class or two in college. More importantly, she's studied the magic of the mind. In learning hypnosis spells and illusion spells she has gained a firm understanding of what motivates many people. How desires, wants, hates, and loves shape who we are and view our world. In addition, Jennifer's got a big mouth but under the right circumstances she can be a lot of fun. Something of a party girl, she enjoys a good time and her general joy can infect others. Of course, when it comes to a battle of wits, she's pretty good on her toes and has been known to win an insult contest or two.
|Resources='''CULT OF ZHERED-NA''' The Cult of Zhered-Na is one of the oldest mystical teachings on the planet, going back to the time of Atlantis. While the modern-day Cult doesn't have the same global presence that it once did, there are small communities of the faithful in most every major city. Jen can count on them for food and shelter in a pinch. '''DAY JOB''' Okay, so technically it's a night job. Whenever she's hard up for money (which is fairly often), Jen works as an exotic dancer at a place called the Juicy Orange in Citrusville. Her stage name is Witch Woman, and her costume is a metal bikini. '''MAN-THING''' Man-Thing was once a man, but is now a semi-sentient mass of vegetation that is nearly indestructible. Jennifer has a psychic connection to the Man-Thing and can always count on the swamp walker for aid. She communicates with it and in the course of being put into a combat arena for testing, they've established a good rapport. She considers Man-Thing as a companion and treats with it on equal terms. The distance for this communication is limited to a few miles without magical aid, such as spells and a handful of Man-Thing's native swamp mud. '''MYSTIC COMMUNITY''' Jennifer Kale is a member of Earth's mystic community. She also knows dozens of mystics, either personally or by reputation. Jen has even worked directly with some of them. In addition, she has the sort of pacts with extradimensional entities that are common among mages of high level and can call on them for power or aid if need be. '''TOME OF ZHERED-NA''' Jennifer is the sole heir to one of the oldest mystical traditions on the planet. She is the guardian of the Tome of Zhered-Na and is keeper of the legacy of ancient sorceries. Zhered-Na's disciples transcribed her prophecies into the tome, revealing secrets about two spirit worlds at opposite ends of infinity and many predictions in between. The tome is protected by an enchantment which only allows one of the Kale lineage to retrieve and use it, and only then if a representative from both divinity and underworld is assisting. The demon Hellphyr is trapped within its pages and will appear if this condition is not met.
|Weaknesses='''ENEMIES''' Over the years, Jennifer has made any number of enemies. The list starts with potent demons and moves straight through any number of guys calling themselves Satan. And that's just the ones she's personally ticked off. There's also any number of mystics, demons, and entities who would happily kidnap her, kill her, or worse for her power or because of her connection to the Man-Thing. '''ONLY HUMAN''' Jennifer is a mage of some power, however she is still human. Her power doesn't work well when she's asleep or unconscious or otherwise incapacitated. When she suffers extreme mental stress, she might well shut down and lose access to her powers as well. '''WEIRDNESS MAGNET''' Jennifer has tried to live a normal life. It just doesn't happen. Something always comes up. When you have as much magical power as Jennifer, weird stuff just continues to happen to you no matter what. Even when she's not involved, chances are she's going to be dragged in by some freak and random occurrence.
}}
<gallery>
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</gallery>

Jennifer Kale

2018-04-27T13:19:30Z

Simone1:

{{CharacterNew
|NameOnMUSH=Jennifer Kale
|Color=#333
|TextColor=#c1c1c1
|Char_id=1733
|Img=https://i.imgur.com/zEFHS93.jpg
|FullName=Jennifer Kale
|Gender=Female
|Species=Magician
|Theme=Marvel
|Chartype=FC
|Active=Active
|Occupation=Student / Sorceress
|Citizenship=United States of America
|Residence=Citrusville, Florida
|Education=College Student / Sorcery Training
|Quote="Excuse me, there's a dimensional breach. The talking ducks again."
|PAge=20
|AAge=20
|DOB=31 October 2005
|Height=168 cm
|Weight=55.3 kg
|Hair=Blonde
|Eyes=Blue
|Actor=Heather Graham
|Song="Devil's Teeth" by Muddy Magnolias
|Profile=Jennifer Kale is a direct descent of the Atlantean sorceress Zhered-Na. She was raised in a magical tradition and further instructed by the near-immortal sorcerer Dakihm. With her education, her lineage and reading from the Tome of Zhered-Na, Jennifer has become one of the most power mystics on the planet. There's very little that Jennifer can't do except, it seems, get past her freshman year in college.
|Description=This woman stands between five and a half and six feet tall, depending on the shoes. Blonde hair tumbles down her back in long, curly locks and parted down the center. Dark brows arch over big, blue eyes. Her features are exotic, with a Patrician's nose and prominent cheeks that dimple when she smiles. Full lips and a strong jaw also make her lineage difficult to ascertain. She is slender, with the toned build of a dancer. The blue top has cap sleeves and a plunging neckline that shows a glimpse of cleavage. It's cropped high, tucked just under her bosom to completely bare her midriff. Bell-bottom jeans fit snugly, riding low on her hips. The snap is open to give a glimpse of black cotton in front. Flaring wide, only toes of her black boots peek out when she moves. A green dragon tattoo writhes along her left upper arm, its tail curling just past her elbow. Her only jewelry is a small charm on a thin necklace chain and wide, silver bracelets on each wrist.
|History=* In the last days of Atlantis, the sorceress Zhered-Na is given knowledge of all magic and records it in her grimoire. Worried that such magic is too powerful for humans, the gods of the time bind the Hellphyr, a magic eating creature, to the Tome of Zhered-Na. While any of Zhered-Na's descendants can open the Tome, the Hellphyr will attack unless both a child of heaven and a child of hell are also present. * Zhered-Na founds a cult to pass on her teachings to. The cult, and her family line, eventually becomes the Kale family. The Kales settle in Citrusville, Florida, on the edge of the swamp that houses the Nexus of All Realities. * Jennifer Kale and her brother Andrew, steal a mystic tome from their grandfather, the head of the Cult of Zhered-Na. Jennifer attempts to summon the demon Thog the Nether-Spawn. However, she does not cast the spell correctly and instead summons a minor demon that she cannot control. Jennifer and Andrew are saved from the demon by the Man-Thing, guardian of the Nexus of All Realities. * As the weeks go on, Jennifer develops a psychic connection to the Man-Thing. Dakimh, the last surviving member of the original Cult of Zhered-Na, kidnaps Jennifer and the Man-Thing to another dimension and tests them. Finding them worthy, Dakimh sends them back to Earth. * The Tome of Zhered-Na goes missing. This leaves the Earth vulnerable to invasion from Thog the Nether-Spawn and his legions. Jennifer works with Dakimh and the Man-Thing to recover the Tome and stop defeat Thog. Dakimh takes Jennifer as his apprentice. * Jennifer has a number of other adventures, forming a team of sorts with the Man-Thing and several other mystics. At one point. Dakimh dies but his spirit continues to tutor Jennifer in the mystic arts. She enrolls in college numerous times, having her studies interrupted each time by various supernatural emergencies. During her adventures the Tome is stolen and Hellphyr is released, then defeated again (with the help of others). The Tome of Zhered-Na was then returned to Jennifer, since it belongs to her family.
|Personality=Cultist: Let's be clear. Jennifer Kale was raised outside the traditional Judeo-Christian, hetero-normative, two-parent family. She was raised as a member of the Cult of Zhered-Na. She believes in good and evil but her morality isn't perfectly in-line with traditional Western culture. Like Romani and other "outsider" cultures, what some see as a crime, Jennifer sees as just part of the world. Good Old Girl: Jennifer Kale grew up in the swamps of Florida. While she's been exposed to the world at large she isn't what one would call refined and cultured. She knows how to mind her manners when she wants to but she's much more comfortable speaking her mind. Jennifer's just as happy to run with the guys as go shopping with the girls and her southern charm shows through in her accent, every time she speaks. Sarcastic: Jennifer tends to speak her mind. In fact, there are times when she could use an internal censor. To others, there are times when she seems dismissive and sharp tongued. She can't help making a pun or letting fly with what she considers a witty comment, especially when stressed. Sense of Duty: Despite herself, Jennifer has a strong sense of duty. Time and time again she has abandoned her own plans to build a better life in order to help a relative, a friend, or an ally. She has continued her magical studies, even when she wanted to give it all up, because she understands it is both her duty and her destiny to master to magics given to her ancestor, Zhered-Na. Stubborn: Jennifer tends not to give up. She tends not to do what she's told if she thinks it isn't right. She will happily and willfully stand up to authority if she feels it is the right thing to do. There are, in fact, times when she should back down and won't.
|Abilities='''MASTER SORCERY''' Jennifer is one of the most powerful mystics on the planet. She has both a large amount of raw power available to her and a great deal of training. She was raised in a magical tradition and further instructed by the near-immortal sorcerer, Dakihm. She has also had time to study the Tome of Zhered-Na. As a result, her mystical ability is great. With time and resources, there is little she can't accomplish. Her magic can be used to open portals, summon and control both energies and entities, shield, ward, and protect, analyze and observe, and more. Specific examples include the following: FLIGHT: Like many mages, Jennifer has mastered the basics of levitation. She knows several quick, easily castable spells that will lift both herself and others into the air. The spells don't involve a great deal of speed, however, and she can only fly roughly as fast as a bird flies. MIND CONTROL: Some of the most basic magic Jennifer knows involves befuddling the mind. This power can be represent as simple as mental domination or more complex, such as illusionism. She has skills in both, though she is not an expert in either. As an illusionist, her constructs are believable but often lacking in important details such as scent. As a mentalist, she can basically perform hypnosis spells that remove inhibitions or convince people to do what they might already be inclined to do but not act against their will. (Note: consent is required for use against PC's) MYSTIC BLAST: After the second time she got kidnapped, Jennifer made sure to memorize a number of offensive spells. They all boil down to a basic ray of magical force. Jennifer's basic mystic blast spell is about as strong as a rifle shot or a sword thrust. TELEPORT: Jennifer knows a very nice teleport spell that will allow her to travel several hundred miles in the blink of an eye. Not quite enough to go from Florida to New York City in an instant but enough to turn a journey of hours into a journey of minutes. '''SUPERNATURAL SHIELDING''' Jennifer has practiced and practiced and practiced her shielding spells so often and well that she can bring them up in a split second with a simple gesture. Her shielding spell is quite strong and provides a great deal of protection, turning away bullets and even blows from super-strong characters such as Spider=Man or Beast. Stronger characters blast directly through the shield, otherwise the limitations are based on her human-level endurance. The shield only works if she is conscious, of course.
|Skills='''DANCE''' Jennifer Kale is quite the dancer. In fact, that was her major during her longest stint in college. It helps that she grew up running around the swamps of Florida, leaping over downed trees and swinging around in the ones still standing. If she put her mind to it, Jennifer might have a chance at a pro dance career. '''MYSTIC KNOWLEDGE''' Jennifer was literally raised in the legacy of magic. A member of the Cult of Zhered-Na from birth, she learned magic at the same time she learned her ABCs. When she was older, she learned from one of the oldest and most powerful mages around, Dakimh. Since then, she has only expanded her knowledge and now it can be confidently said that she knows as much as most master sorcerers. Only the truly learned are her better in this field. '''NATURE EXPERT''' Born and raised in the swamps of Florida, Jennifer's learned quite a bit about survival and the outdoors. Her magic studies have helped as well, since many an herb, plant, or animal part has a use in potions and spells of all kinds. There really are magical uses for newt eyes, believe it or not. '''PROFESSIONAL STUDENT''' Jennifer has started and re-started college half a dozen times now. Despite being a little older than your average Freshman, she has never gathered enough credits to make it beyond that level of university life. Every time she enrolls, she ends up picking a new major and a new set of classes. Even though she doesn't seem to get a lot of traction, college is a really good source of information. '''PSYCHOLOGY''' Jennifer's had a chance to take a psych class or two in college. More importantly, she's studied the magic of the mind. In learning hypnosis spells and illusion spells she has gained a firm understanding of what motivates many people. How desires, wants, hates, and loves shape who we are and view our world. In addition, Jennifer's got a big mouth but under the right circumstances she can be a lot of fun. Something of a party girl, she enjoys a good time and her general joy can infect others. Of course, when it comes to a battle of wits, she's pretty good on her toes and has been known to win an insult contest or two.
|Resources='''CULT OF ZHERED-NA''' The Cult of Zhered-Na is one of the oldest mystical teachings on the planet, going back to the time of Atlantis. While the modern-day Cult doesn't have the same global presence that it once did, there are small communities of the faithful in most every major city. Jen can count on them for food and shelter in a pinch. '''DAY JOB''' Okay, so technically it's a night job. Whenever she's hard up for money (which is fairly often), Jen works as an exotic dancer at a place called the Juicy Orange in Citrusville. Her stage name is Witch Woman, and her costume is a metal bikini. '''MAN-THING''' Man-Thing was once a man, but is now a semi-sentient mass of vegetation that is nearly indestructible. Jennifer has a psychic connection to the Man-Thing and can always count on the swamp walker for aid. She communicates with it and in the course of being put into a combat arena for testing, they've established a good rapport. She considers Man-Thing as a companion and treats with it on equal terms. The distance for this communication is limited to a few miles without magical aid, such as spells and a handful of Man-Thing's native swamp mud. '''MYSTIC COMMUNITY''' Jennifer Kale is a member of Earth's mystic community. She also knows dozens of mystics, either personally or by reputation. Jen has even worked directly with some of them. In addition, she has the sort of pacts with extradimensional entities that are common among mages of high level and can call on them for power or aid if need be. '''TOME OF ZHERED-NA''' Jennifer is the sole heir to one of the oldest mystical traditions on the planet. She is the guardian of the Tome of Zhered-Na and is keeper of the legacy of ancient sorceries. Zhered-Na's disciples transcribed her prophecies into the tome, revealing secrets about two spirit worlds at opposite ends of infinity and many predictions in between. The tome is protected by an enchantment which only allows one of the Kale lineage to retrieve and use it, and only then if a representative from both divinity and underworld is assisting. The demon Hellphyr is trapped within its pages and will appear if this condition is not met.
|Weaknesses='''ENEMIES''' Over the years, Jennifer has made any number of enemies. The list starts with potent demons and moves straight through any number of guys calling themselves Satan. And that's just the ones she's personally ticked off. There's also any number of mystics, demons, and entities who would happily kidnap her, kill her, or worse for her power or because of her connection to the Man-Thing. '''ONLY HUMAN''' Jennifer is a mage of some power, however she is still human. Her power doesn't work well when she's asleep or unconscious or otherwise incapacitated. When she suffers extreme mental stress, she might well shut down and lose access to her powers as well. '''WEIRDNESS MAGNET''' Jennifer has tried to live a normal life. It just doesn't happen. Something always comes up. When you have as much magical power as Jennifer, weird stuff just continues to happen to you no matter what. Even when she's not involved, chances are she's going to be dragged in by some freak and random occurrence.
}}
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4338/Back at the Office

2018-04-25T19:33:28Z

Simone1: Sam Gwydion (Loki) and Lana discuss next steps.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/04/25
|Location=New York City
|Synopsis=Sam Gwydion (Loki) and Lana discuss next steps. He endures shopping!
|Cast of Characters=138, 1640
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''     The door to the office opens and the man in the grey and the green enters. He's greeted by that homey, albeit musty, atmosphere of the old brownstone. The main room is just as they left it earlier in the morning with the teapot upon the hot plate and the cups left in the sink. That fireplace, long having been extinguished for several years, remains dominating the left wall with its mantle heavily laden with curiousities. And that old oaken desk near the window seems like it could use a good dusting.     It's almost as if the place were extracted from another time and placed here, and then the quiet reflection of the place is broken by the voice of the man as he enters. "That is where you live?" He cocks an eyebrow and then tosses his keys into a nearby crystal decanter with a clink.     "A touch high profile, don't you imagine?" He moves into the room, scoops up the kettle and strolls towards the other room with the sink. The sound of rushing water is heard. 

:'''{{#var:1640|Svetlana (1640)}} has posed:'''     Lana walks alongside Sam back to the office, fresh from her first 'job' accompanying him. And fresh from murdering the white slavers. The girl has been pretty quiet on the walk, not that she speaks a lot anyway. Hands in her jacket pockets, she follows him into the room and looks for somewhere to sit.     "The SHIELD Triskelion is the first place I came to when they brought me to this country." she replies, somewhat nebulous on the details. "I would not exactly say that I am distrusted, but I am definitely watched." 

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''     She is left to her own devices for those few shared moments, and various seats would beckon. Almost all of them over-stuffed, the curious mix of large cushions with firm and tall backs, though three of them might seem more well maintained over in what could be considered a conversation nook. If it weren't for the curious looking skull settled in the corner of one of those seats.     From the other room she'll hear his voice as he says, "There are options." He returns into the room and for a moment he leans against the door jam. Those green eyes fall upon her and he can see the subtle changes to her. To her manner. What passed took its toll upon her and left its mark. Was that not what he wanted? Perhaps. In some ways.     Quietly he moves back into the room and then sets the kettle down, the hot plate burning to life. He'll find a seat near her as he watches her with that curiously sidelong gaze. "There are those amongst them that would view what we did ill." His eyes find hers and the quiet remains, then he adds softly. "Some of them... many of them. They haven't crossed such a bridge. Faced what we saw."     He leans forwards, the chair creaking as he rests his arms on his knees, and then his fingers interlace. "No one. Has the right to judge you." 

:'''{{#var:1640|Svetlana (1640)}} has posed:'''     Lana finds a comfortable-looking chair and isn't disappointed when she settles. Leaning back a bit, she crosses one leg over the other in a very non-military fashion. "Options...?" she echoes, nodding once. Brown eyes watch as he approaches to join her.     "There are those amongst them who have done far worse." she replies in a soft voice. "I was told that I no longer need to do what HYDRA tells me. But I am not a SHIELD Agent. You are right; they have no right to judge me."     Other than, of course, the fact that murder is still illegal. Even if the 'victims' happen to be criminals themselves.     She turns towards him more directly as he leans in. "Tell me of these other options." 

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''     "Logistics," Sam waves a hand to the side. With his posture he has to look up towards her a touch and to the side. Yet he looks away and murmurs, "If you tell them you've gained a job they'll look into it, and I'll draw their curiousity." Which, strangely enough doesn't seem to trouble him too much, but it does present... problems.     His head turns away and he rubs at the stubble upon his cheek thoughtfully. "Though there are those that I could ask a favor of." He straightens once again, "It would take some time. But you could be let free to do as you would, just most likely with some monitoring."     "From there," He smiles a little, "It's simply deciding what you wish to do." He lifts his eyes to the side and then back to her, "You could take one of the apartments in this building. Fix it up as you like." Feasible considering there are no other tenants in the building. Or, at the least, she hasn't seen any. 

:'''{{#var:1640|Svetlana (1640)}} has posed:'''     Sam *would* probably draw their curiosity if SHIELD found out Lana was working for him. Especially Bucky, who's become something of a big brother. Darcy would just ask if Sam was hot and if Lana and Sam were 'doing it'. Ahem.     The girl lifts a brow at his curious wording. "Let free?" And then it dawns on her: she's no more free with SHIELD than she was with HYDRA, at the end of the day. "You would do this for me? Make these arrangements?" 

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''     "It's possible," Sam says as he straightens, though he's interrupted by the slowly growing whistle of the tea kettle. It's enough to get him to rise to his feet and for him to step that small distance across the way. Cups, saucers are arranged and he'll pour the steaming water, add the tea bags and then brings one over towards her.     Once they are resettled again, his own cup set upon that small end table between them, he says levelly. "As free as one can be from an organization that tracks all individuals of talent and uniqueness. None of us are truly free, Svetlana. There are always..." His features shift slightly, a hint of a scowl that's barely there and then gone, "Structures, and systems that align to keep one from reaching their goal."     He looks back towards her, "Chances are they will always have you on a list somewhere, and the only way we could change things would be to change the world."     Then his tone changes, "But, I can help you at least get out from under their thumb somewhat, to have some freedom to make your /own/ decisions." His lip curls and he says, "The first of which is..." He gains his feet and moves over towards that old desk.     For a time his back is to her though there is the sound of wooden drawers being drawn open... closed, open and closed. Several times until he says, "Ah. Here."     When he steps back into view he drops into the chair beside her and holds a fairly thick manila envelope that he tears open with a twist of fingers. "Our fee," He says as he turns that envelope over and lightly taps it until two stacks of one hundred dollar bills fall free and are bound by a strip of paper that declares it is ten thousand dollars in legal tender.     He offers one of the stacks to her and says, "Your share." 

:'''{{#var:1640|Svetlana (1640)}} has posed:'''     Lana doesn't move from her seat, but she watches her host... her boss... as he prepares tea. Yes, he's done this before. "I have been on lists before." she replies, adding a wry smile. "It comes with the accent." Ah, Mother Russia!     "I would like to be... how is it said?... off the radar. As much as possible." Then he starts rummaging through the desk and she pauses, very curious. The money is drawn out and she's presented with half... ten thousand in hard, US currency. The value would be a lot less in rubles, but she certainly gets the idea.     For a moment Lana just holds the stack of cash like Sam just handed her a dead bird. "What...? I should not be carrying this much money around." the girl offers, after a moment. And yet with money also comes a certain amount of freedom. True, she has a debit card from SHIELD. But those expenses can likely be tracked, her location known just from the purchases.     Golden handcuffs. It never occurs to her that Sam is offering the same thing, just in a different package.     "Tell me of these apartments." 

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''     "Old, terrible, need tons of work." Sam sips his tea and for some reason doesn't care for the taste. He sets the cup down upon its saucer and leaves it untouched from then on. "There are a few here. I sleep in one, when I don't fall asleep on the sofa here." He lifts a hand to rub at the back of his neck thoughtfully.     "But you could probably take that money and get one for yourself. Or..." He uncurls a long-fingered hand, "There are people I know who could create a suitable alias for you, and that way the information wouldn't be as readily available to SHIELD or the like."     Then his tone changes as he gains his feet, "However." He says with some animation as he glances towards the door, then back towards the window. Still drizzling rain outside and still not exactly pleasant. He does stalk over and pulls the window open just a few inches, perhaps to air the place out. Over his shoulder he says, "We should go and get you some clothes. To complete the mystique." 

:'''{{#var:1640|Svetlana (1640)}} has posed:'''     By now Lana is leaning forward as well, elbows on the arms of the overstuffed chair. Brown eyes are wide, the excitement rather apparent on her face. Yes, this is an exciting prospect, moving out on her own. And while Sam wouldn't know this, it would be Lana's first time truly by herself.     "An alias. Like a fake name?" she asks softly. "I would like to be called 'Effie Friday', I think." Yes, she's smiling. And she might even be serious about it.     Then he rises, so she does the same. "So you are taking me shopping?" Her excitement remains, the smile broadening a touch. For a moment she leaves the money on the desk, then she picks it up with a hesitant look. "I should put this in the bank, da?" 

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''     "Perhaps Ms. Friday should put it in her account," Sam says as he strolls over towards the door. He pauses in front of it for a moment with hand outstretched, as if something had occurred to him. But he turns around, hand now falling upon the door knob. "Though you should take it with you, get what you want with your own money."     His eyes follow her as she gets ready and then he pulls the door open. "But come, if there is one good thing about Manhattan it is that it offers most of the rest of the world at its fingertips. So let us find you something you enjoy."     He steps out into the hall and says sidelong, "And something you can move in." Since really, for his girl Friday that is rather important, isn't it? 

:'''{{#var:1640|Svetlana (1640)}} has posed:'''     Sam will certainly get high marks for his patience, once the shopping trip is complete. Lana's tastes lean heavily towards the practical, although she's quite fond of leather jackets and boots. But every outfit she selects is easy to move in.     By the time they finish shopping, she's dressed all in black. Boots and jacket of leather, a silk shirt and close-fitting knit pants. In the shopping bags are more of the same, all in black. And also a pair of high quality figure skates.     Lana doesn't have any trouble managing the bags, it's more a matter of being able to grab onto all the handles. "I have been thinking, Sam. I should probably get a new name before I open a bank account. Da?" 

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''     For Sam's part he had followed along and gave his opinion on her choices from time to time. Usually, however, it just took a glance at his face to see either passing approval in a small nod, or a crinkle of his nose to signal a lack of care for that particular garment. But while she was dealing with her shopping trip she might well have seen him fiddling with his cellphone now and again.     Ultimately, however, it was well into the night that they found themselves extracting from the garment district, the sky still drizzling albeit faintly. They made a pair on the sidewalk, moving along with her carrying a majority of the items though she had perhaps suckered him into holding a garment bag over his shoulder.     Walking with an easy gait he did spare her a smile as he answered, "I made a call, EFfie, we have an appointment to meet with an acquaintance of mine. He'll take a picture of you and then after a day or so you'll be set." Voila, all it took assuredly.     But then his brow furrowed and he looked towards the box with the skates, "Not exactly the time of year for it." He nods towards the box with the ice blades. 

:'''{{#var:1640|Svetlana (1640)}} has posed:'''     Lana walks along with casual ease, brown eyes widening a touch when he tells her about the appointment. "This is for the new name?" And she looks quite pleased with the prospect. "I am very much liking this idea of yours, Sam."     She follows his gaze towards the box with the ice skates. They're not just -any- skates, either. While they saw many pair at the sporting goods shop, Lana tried on about six different ones before finally selecting these. She had them sharpened, and after testing the edges she had them sharpened again.     "You did not ask about the skates." Lana declares. "I like this trust between us, Sam." 

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''     As she offers that observation his answer is a small smile, his eyebrows lifting as if to dismiss such trust as noteworthy. "Oh at that point I imagine I was rather in a shopping coma." His lip twists as he looks away, to perhaps not allow her to see that smile, but she can hear it in his tone of voice. "Though..." He seems about to make light again as he takes a breath, then releases it slowly.     Looking back to her he says, "There are times when people see something, and you can see the affection in their eyes. I hadn't seen you look at anything in that way before." He adjusts the hang of the garment bag on his shoulder as he walks, "It spoke to me in a way. To see that passion, perhaps..." He lifts a hand and waggles it a little, "Nostalgia?"     Looking ahead he continues on their stroll even though at this time of night the road traffic is muted, only a few cars are there rolling through those shallow puddles. A moment passes then he asks her sidelong, "Would you like to try them out?" 

:'''{{#var:1640|Svetlana (1640)}} has posed:'''     Lana chuckles when he mentions a shopping coma, but her nod shows that she definitely understands. "You should go shopping with Darcy sometime." the girl offers. "She is all about push-up bras and thongs and short skirts. You would not like it."     "Da. I do think it was nostalgia. I remember skating, from when I was younger. Before..." She hesitates for a moment, then adds. "... before my training began." Though he's taller, the girl keeps up with him quite well.     "I would like that very much, actually. But they have taken down the ice rink in Central Park. Do you know of an indoor place?" 

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''     The flicker in his eyes is bright, amused as he looks to her and he shakes his head. He looks off into the distance as he draws his lower lip between his teeth and chews for a time. "Hm," He offers, thoughtful, even as he steps out off the curb and partially into the street. His hand lifts as he attempts to gain the attention of one of the passing taxis some distance away. "They might have at that,"     A cab puts on its blinker and begins to move towards the edge from which Sam gestures. He gives a nod and then steps back and to the side, "Though there might be something we can do. It might only be closed to the public. Takes them a bit of time to get everything in storage."     The cab rolls up and Sam opens the door, taking her garment bag and setting it inside then offering to take the others as well, "Why don't you go back to the office. Get changed, and then meet me back here." He steps back and moves towards the cabbie, giving him a few bills for the fare before he turns back to her. "I might have an idea." 

:'''{{#var:1640|Svetlana (1640)}} has posed:'''     Lana watches as he flags down the cab for her. While they're loading up the trunk she gives him a curious look. "Get changed and meet you back here? I should bring the skates as well, then." The latter is not a question, of course. Then it's into the cab she goes, watching him curiously as they drive off.     The cab returns a short while later, bearing Lana in one of her new outfits. All black. The ice skates are out of the box, protective blade covers on and draped over one shoulder by their laces. She steps out, still curious. "You have found a place to skate?" 

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''     For some reason the cabbie took his time driving her off, letting the car wend its leisurely way from uptown back towards the office and then idling while she changed... before taking her back. It had been a leisurely drive, so late at night, with by this time barely any vehicles on the streets at all. He was an older middle-eastern man who enjoyed chatting to pass the time even as they waited at a red light, telling her elaborately about his children and his plans for the future.     Yet it served its purpose, to give the man she left behind some time to himself. To cross the street into central park itself to where one of the small lakes had been used for the enjoyment of ice skating just a month's time ago. And indeed, it was cordoned off for the most part. A temporary fence encircled the rink that had been tended to. A padlock blocked the entrance and access to the turnstile, though that was dealt with easily enough . He'd twisted it free and tossed the lock into the bin beside the entry way...     And there he was through the lines and past the concession stands. He'd stepped up to the edge of the lake, the water lapping gently at his leather shoes. For a moment... two, his features twisted somewhat sharp and severe. A scowl flickered into being as he looked askance in the direction of where he had left her.     But then he looked again down at the lake and the scowl faded. It was replaced eventually by a small smile, as if resigned to the threads of fate and the tapestry that was being woven.     Slowly he withdrew the glove from his hand and touched splayed fingertips to the water. A faint blue glow seemed to shine upon his features as wisps of vapor rose around him even as his own skin turned blue...     But that time had passed, and when she arrived in the taxi, Sam stepped forwards to hand the driver another bill and send him on his way. He looked her over, even as he was pulling his glove back on, and said, "Well, some good news and bad news. Definitely closed." He holds up a fingertip, and then says. "But... well... I'll show you."     And with that he would lead her back down the slope into the park and eventually to where he had been. 

:'''{{#var:1640|Svetlana (1640)}} has posed:'''     For her part, Lana was polite enough to the cabbie. But his was the art of converation, and he drew her easily into his story. Even if she offered little of her own, except for references to her childhood, the two were chatting like old friends by the time they returned to the park.     Lana looks disappointed when he tells her that it's closed, but he mentioned good news as well? She follows along, moving quickly down the slope into the park. And she spots the ice long before they reach the frozen lake. The girl grew up with moonlight on ice; she knows it when she sees it. "Oh! But how can this be? It is too warm..." Stepping up, she crouches down at the edge and touches the ice with her fingers.     "I need to put on my skates." 

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''     The ice reached across the small lake, a touch larger than what might be considered olympic sized, but enough for a large crowd of skaters to have enjoyed it during the Winter. The chill was very real, enough for their breath to be seen as they stood there upon its edge. Tiny wisps of vapor could be seen rising up from that frozen ice. It must have been here for a good amount of time, perhaps some way of maintaining it, since in truth the surface is flat and clean as if a Zamboni had gone over it only minutes ago.     Sam, however, smiles sidelong at her and takes a step, lightly testing the ice with a toe of his shoe. Over his shoulder he tells her, "Seems alright," But then her questions and he looks back to her, "Now now, let me have a few secrets. You enjoy yourself."     With that he turns and starts to walk away, willing to allow her to have this moment to herself should she wish. 

:'''{{#var:1640|Svetlana (1640)}} has posed:'''     She can't get her skates on quickly enough. But when Sam starts to walk away Lana offers softly. "Stay. You do not need to leave. This is not my first time skating in front of people."     Finding a bench, she swaps out boots for skates and laces them up tightly. Walking carefully to the edge of the ice, she takes off the blade covers and then pushes off, gliding smoothly. Her face brightens like a little girl's, and Lana laughs.     She skates around near the outer edge of the lake, digging in with the new skates and building up speed. Very. Rapidly. On the second lap she does a quick switch of her hips and turns effortlessly so that she's skating backwards. All without slowing down. 

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''     Curiousity is there, in the gleam of green as he looks back to her. Her request is heard and he answers as he lowers his eyes just a touch. "Alright," He turns around and steps back across the ground, moving close to the edge of the ice and smiling a little as he again touches the tip of his shoe against it.     When she takes off onto the ice, those blades scraping in rhythm with her movements his smile shifts to a wry smirk, the expression on her features, the laugh, it's infectious but he maintains his demeanour for the most part, hands resting upon his hips.     Then she slices across the lake towards the edge, rounding smoothly and building speed. His eyes follow her movements, watching her make that clean switch. When she blurs by close enough for her to hear him he lifts his voice, "I'm thinking you might have secrets of your own, Ms. Friday." His smile shifts lop-sided as she skates away across the ice. 

:'''{{#var:1640|Svetlana (1640)}} has posed:'''     Normal people don't skate this fast, and certainly not backwards. Secrets indeed. Long hair fluttering in the breeze, she calls out as she passes him. "Perhaps!" And laughter follows.     Then a toe pick catches and the girl launches into the air, body twirling fast. She lands with effortless grace, recovering from the quad like an olympic skater... arms outstretched and one foot raised high.     Gliding past him, she holds the pose and offers a playful wink before lowering her foot again. A switch of her hips brings her to a sudden stopping-turn, spraying frost. Facing him, she skates over more slowly. 

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''     Standing there on the edge of the ice, the moonlight high above them and giving most of the light from which they can see each other, his smile is the lone warmth in that chill that seems to cling close to the area. Still there are those faint wisps of vapor rising up around her feet, along the edges of the lake.     The man before her has a smile that reaches his eyes, though he does glance at the ice and seems a touch thoughtful. When she skates over he steps forwards to meet her partially, standing upon the ice himself but extending a hand towards her in case she wants to climb free of the rink.     "Not finished yet, are you?" He glances behind him and then looks back with a smirk, "If I hear sirens I'll let you know. You have time." He gestures for her to return back to the ice should she like. 

:'''{{#var:1640|Svetlana (1640)}} has posed:'''     Lana accepts his hand, but she's not in a hurry to step off the ice. Not yet, at least. Fingers close upon his and she glides up close to kiss his cheek. << Thank you. >> she offers in Russian. Releasing his hand, she turns and skates away.     It's a practiced routine, one that she learned before being selected for the HYDRA program. One that was to carry her to Olympic try-outs. And as she works through the jump and turns, Lana hums the music and begins to gradually increase the difficulty. A triple-toe becomes a quad, two jumps becomes three. And in spite of the effort, the young woman will skate well into the night. 

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''     A small shallow exhalation comes from him, eyes lowering at the kiss upon his cheek. He gives her hand a small squeeze as he looks away, but that's all the acknowledgement she gets. He takes a deep breath and then waves a hand at her as if shooing her on her way even while she's skating back and away out onto the rink, those blades scraping across the ice with an almost rhythmic pulse to it.     Yet he'll stay there, watching her as she moves through that routine, and curiously enough no alarm must have sounded, no eyes must have witnessed her performance. For they were there together during that time, well into the night.     Yet when it ended and she was skating off the ice, he accepted her hand again to help her up onto the bank. And just briefly as she passed he would step close and give a small kiss to her cheek in return. 
}}

4254/Ghosts

2018-04-25T00:05:14Z

Simone1: Talia stops in to see Dan; gives him instructions.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/04/11
|Location=Gotham City
|Synopsis=Talia stops in to see Dan; gives him instructions.
|Cast of Characters=289, 958
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' It's a dreary night in Gotham, aren't they all? Torrential rain, distant sirens, the sounds of an uncaring city abound the night air as Dan makes his quiet way home, a half drenched bag of groceries hanging lazily at his side. As he pushes open the old weather worn door to the basement apartment he calls a home, the spartan surroundings are dimly lit by the night air. An old sofa, a similiarly aged TV against the wall across from it, and everything else boxed up as if he'd only moved in the day before. 

:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' He barely gets the door closed when a lamp beside the sofa clicks on. The face is all too familiar, and it brings back a lot of memories. Unpleasant memories. Talia al Ghul is dressed in a skin-tight black bodysuit, and the fabric is dry. She's been here a while. There's a pistol on her hip and she holds an unsheathed sword before her, point down. Not to be especially threatening, but because it's not comfortable to sit with a sword carried upon one's back. "I brought beer for the fridge." she offers, with that disarming smile. 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Dan's reaction is immediate, clearly reflexive, as he drops straight to one knee, hand enclosed over fist, and head bowed low in submission, "You humble me with your presence milady. How may this lowly servant be of use to you?" He asks in a tone as submissive as his body language. 

:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' Were he to look up, Dan would see her smile become -very- pleased. She doesn't rise, although the sword shifts to rest the naked blade across her thighs. "I know you truly *mean* that, or you would not offer." she replies almost casually. "Tell me, Daniel. What is it that you seek? What brings you to this place?" Of course the big elephant in the room might be his estrangement from the League, but that question goes unasked. For now. 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Dan remains unmoving, his face hidden behind his still saluting hands, but his voice wavers slightly with confusion, "I...I live here...I...seek..." He pauses, then unsalutes long enough to move the wet bag to a presenting position, "Groceries?....I fear, milady, that I do not understand the question...." He pauses again before presenting a question of his own, "Is this...Has something become of my sister, Elizabeth?" His voice has the tiniest quiver to it, a tinge of apprehension and fear to his normaly stoic submission. 

:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' Talia al Ghul clucks her tongue at the question, the confusion. There's even a soft chuckle. "No, Elizabeth is fine. She remains loyal to me." The latter is offered as if the former depends on it. "I am asking about your -purpose- in Gotham, Daniel. No one -chooses- to live in this city if they can help it. And I know you are capable of so much more." 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Dan visibly lets out a deeply held breath of relief, the muscle memory preventing even the tiniest sound from escaping, "Yes, Gotham....It is the city of my birth....I...never really thought about why I chose to live here after my tour....I just....did. Regardless, my talents are nothing noteworthy. I am but a humble servant of the Blood of the Demon." 

:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' Talia al Ghul's gaze narrows a touch, although he doesn't see it. Neither does he see the nod. "I require eyes in Gotham. Eyes and ears." she declares. "Your talents are more than sufficient for my needs. I will arrange for regular reports." 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Dan bows ever so slightly lower, the limits of the human skeletal structure limiting further movement, "Thy will be done, milady. Need you anything else of this lowly servant?" Ever the professional lackey it would seem. 

:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' "There are many organized crime families in Gotham." Talia declares, unnecessarily. "Watch them. Listen for changes in their activities. You know how to do this." Yes, she's very well aware of his training and capabilities. "Especially one named Bracuda." Bracuda is the one who Talia has asked Red Hood to target, not that Dan would know that. She doesn't trust Red Hood, but she DOES trust the man kneeling before her. "That will be all for now." Rising, she drops a burner phone on the sofa and sheaths her sword. 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Dan once more neck crackingly bowes his head a little further in acknowledgement, "My eyes are yours, milady. All that goes on in this city will be known to you, as the Blood of the Demon commands." He's technicly blocking the door should Talia attempt to leave, but he's knelt so low that stepping over him would barely strain the thigh, so it's hardly an issue. 

:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' Talia al Ghul hasn't moved other than to rise and sheath her sword. "You may rise, Daniel, now that our business is concluded." she offers, watching him. "I will tell your sisters that you ask about them." Yes, she knows that Dan is despised by his sisters, at least one of which is in Talia's personal honor guard. 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Dan is hesitant, but slowly rises to his feet. But even at his full height, his eyes remain cast far wide of Talia. He nods lightly, "T-thank you, milady." A quiet pause, and he tenatively queries "If....If I may ask it, milady....Do you have anyone watching....the young master?" The title can obviously refer to only one person. Damian Wayne. 

:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' He is taller than she is, of course, not that it matters to her. She's used to dealing with taller men. Talia arches a dark brow at the question, knowing perfectly well who he's referring to. "Are you merely curious, Daniel, or are you offering?" she asks, the smile returning. 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Dan is silent for a moment, before clearing his throat and answering, "I...know of his whereabouts and activities. If milady wishes it, I can include him in my reports. And it goes without saying, that I will fight to the death to defend the Blood of the Demon." His tone is hesitant and wavering. Up until he affirms his defense of Damian, at which point it instantly solidifies and takes an almost righteous tone. 

:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' Talia al Ghul considers for no longer than a moment, her gaze meeting the man's evenly. She nods, then. Once. Simply. "So be it." the woman declares. "Watch my son." And from her tone she quite clearly means to watch him more than just visually. The smile returns, the woman looking very pleased now. "You know how to reach me." 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Dan's gaze is elusive, actively avoiding Talia's, but there's only so far for it to run without moving his head. As Talia announces his orders, he once more drops to the worshipful salute, "Thy will be done. Would you prefer the standard dead drops, or shall I leave them at one of your local safehouses?" Seems someone hasn't dulled with lack of natural light. 

:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' "Assume that the standard drops are compromised." Talia declares, almost casually. After all she is technically working outside of her father's knowledge. And this is also her son they're discussing. The woman points to the burner phone on the sofa. "I will call you with a new series of dead drops. If one week passes without hearing from you, I will assume you are compromised." 

:'''{{#var:289|Dan Richter (289)}} has posed:''' Dan gives another silent strained nod before once more speaking, "Will that be all, milady? If so, I will begin compiling my initial report." He says dutifully. 

:'''{{#var:958|Talia al Ghul (958)}} has posed:''' Talia al Ghul simply nods her head. "That will be all, Daniel. I look forward to hearing from you again." And with that, she steps past him and out the door. Without looking back. When he goes to put his groceries away, he'll discover that she did, in fact, leave a six-pack of beer for him in the fridge. 
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