12154/Checking up on progress.

Checking up on progress.
Date of Scene:	10 September 2020
Location:	Orchestra, Monarch Theatre
Synopsis:	Plans are made, and tech discussed.
Cast of Characters:	Red Robin, Oracle, Nightwing, Sparrowhawk

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Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake has invited Dick and Barbara over to his house, to see how Dick things Phoebe is doing and also to talk about some new tech he has been working on. He stopped by the deli on the way home and got some cold cut platters and veggie platters, as Alfred has stressed the whole be a good host. The young man has them on some cold platters to keep them at a cool. The young man has his laptop out and even a trunk with some new "toys" beside his chair.

Oracle has posed:
Greeting Tim with a hug at the door, Barbara isn't standing on ceremony as they head into Tim's place. She's comfortable in jeans and a Gotham U T-shirt and chuckling as she moves to take a seat, looking curiously at the laptop. "What have you been working on?" Given that she's been spending less time on the streets so as to get the last of her systems ready for integration into the extended digital networks of certain other groups, she hasn't had as much chance to talk to Tim.

Nightwing has posed:
He is way overdressed. Dick, no doubt, left the foundation to grab Barbara and head over. He left his suit coat in the car, but it is not until he gets inside that he loosens his black tie and reaches up to unbutton his top button to loosen it up a little bit. He leaves the tie on for the moment, just far looser than it was with a couple of extra inches on it so it hangs closer to his collarbone. "Hey Tim. Where is your better half?" Tim gets a handshake and a half a manly hug.

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake hugs them both in turn in the way one would family. "Phoebe is out for a bit longer, part of why asked you to come over now. Wanted to see how she was doing, I have read the reports, but figured checking in with you with you might let me know if there was anything I could do to help. " He looks over to Babs, and says "Actually a few things, got a new attachment, I think you both might want for your bikes, as well as a few other things. Felt like playing Q, Bong Q, not STNG Q that is,

Oracle has posed:
Curious, Barbara glances toward Dick. All she's heard of Phoebe is good things so far -- and she's been keeping her ear on their training patrols just in case they need anything. So that part is his to answer, but she quirks at brow at the news of a new attachment. "Innnnnnteresting," she drawls out. Total computer geekette. But she won't let Tim draw her into it with Dick here. He'll glaze over.

Nightwing has posed:
"Go play." Dick tells barbara warmly. "It is okay for you to geek out with Robin Junior." Dick gives Barbara a little smile and a playful wink. He sinks down next to Barbara.

    "She's doing good. She has some challenges to overcome, but we will iron them out. I think she should concentrate on throwing irons. Batatrangs and wingdings." His lips start to quirk a little. "She looks like she would know just what to do with a wingding." Dick tries to stifle the mischievous look even as he continues. "How to manipulate it properly. Make sure it is deployed properly. Fielded properly. By the time we're done, she should be an expert with wingdings." He manages to keep a completely straight face by the end. "You don't mind if she learns with my wingdings, do you, Tim?"

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake smiles and will motion them to have a seat, and says "Want something to drink?" He offers and does move the food to the coffee table for the others. He looks over to Dick, and says "If she wants to work with the smaller wingdings, I am ok with it." He smirks back at Dick and says "She had proved most talented with handing the staff I gave her," He lets it drop there and looks over to Barbra, and says "First gadget is a grapple hook and wench under the head light of the bikes."

Oracle has posed:
Oh, he didn't. Really?? Barbara just facepalms and laughs into her hand. He is *so* bad. And then Tim fires back and the redhead just shakes her head. "Having a grapple and winch under the front of the bike would definitely be a huge plus," she agrees. Not something they've done before now, but she can immediately see the usefulness.

Nightwing has posed:
"That is why I use eskrima sticks and smaller throwing irons." Dick allows the insinuation to to rest there, puffing his chest up in self-mocking male bravado. His grin peaks through, and more seriously. "She's doing fine. SHe's correcting her wrist issue with the grapnel. She wore the wrist braces like I told her to and that dramatically improved things. She's made vast improvements already. She held her own in a fight. Give her two years and she'll be perfectly ready to live the life on her own."

His 'Bruce' is showing. Nothing is good until it is perfect. He didn't used to be that way; training to duel Shiva changed his attitude on that, and he doesn't even seem to notice. More seriously, Dick states simply. "I would not spare her feelings or yours if it meant skimping on safety, Tim. I promise."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods, and says "Yea, I know Dick, and I also know your not going to give her the full Bruce treatment I got when I joined up. Bruce's idea for her to work with you was a good one, and I try to make sure I am out on patrols when you guys are so I am not tempted to tune in and watch the patrols as you go." To Babs he says "I pit it on Phoebe and My bike, and figured both of yours and Bruce's as well. I am working on a mod to connect the bikes along the back spoke to give an enhanced result if needed for bigger jobs.

Oracle has posed:
Leaning back in her seat, Barbara's listening to the update on Phoebe's progress attentively. In some ways, the young woman is kind of training to take over where Barbara is stepping out on her guys -- and although she knows they can certainly handle themselves without her... she worries. They're her family. HEr smile is faint but definitely there.

"That sounds great, Tim. I can't wait to see how it holds up. How does the weight impact the aerodynamics on turns and jumps? It's not very heavy, but..." Depending on the angles involved, it's definitely a consideration on how the bike handles.

Nightwing has posed:
Dick visibly winces. "Tim? I think I am going to be worse than Bruce." He knows that is not what tim wanted, or maybe even needed to hear. "I'll be fair, but as far as I am concerned, the only way she'll ever be fully accepted is if I train her up to Robin standards and put her through the gauntlet." The test Barbara did not have to take-- eluding the batman himself over night. Both the boys managed it, both of them barely lasting until dawn.

"I realize that might not be what you want, but I think it is the best thing to do. He can't complain? or rather he won't complain if she is trained to that standard. That is standard I am going to push her towards. That said? I think Cassie should teach her to fight. I'm fine tuning what she has a little, but I fight like a six foot tall man who can toss a refrigerator overhead and who grew up as a performing circus acrobat." He is not bragging. It is contextual. "She is not built like that. She is closer to Cassandra. Barbara is huge." He pauses. "You know what I meant, Babs."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake looks over to Dick, and says "But your more likely to explain why your doing something other than "Because I said so." He reminds Dick. He winces a bit at the huge comment, and adds "I have also been working on the drone set, that can combine to form a stretcher for air lifting victims out of places we can't get emts and such. Used a bigger version of it a while back, been working on this more something we can fit in a side pouch or such.

Oracle has posed:
That earns him a side-eye, and Barbara drily retorts, "Yes, Dick, I do know what you mean. The kinesthetics and momentum are different for than they are for me or you. The extra inches I have in height as well as the additional practice of doing this in heels means that my throws and fighting style are geared toward my own reach." Yes, it's way more words than Dick used, but she likes the way *her* explanation sounded much better. "That said,... I think he's right to take her through the gauntlet," Barbara observes to Tim. Maybe it's a double standard. But just because she didn't have to shouldn't mean none of the other female operatives should get out of it. The rooftops are no place for the faint of heart. And the more people who are up there, the more need for sneaky.

"How are you going to compensate for the weight of the canvas needed to manage a sling safely plus body weight?" she asks him. The drones right now aren't set up for those weights. "Do you have a material in mind that's strong enough but lighter than canvas?"

Nightwing has posed:
"Barbara, your leg is longer than mine, and I am two inches taller." Dick says, softly. "You are a six foot tall amazonian warrior scholar who looks remarkably well put together with her hair in a bun wearing those little librarian glasses of yours." Dick is teasing, but underneath it there is very real affection. Dick is unsatisfied with that, so instead his voice softens."You know I love you."

It does not yet dawn on him that he said that in front of Tim. He doesn't say that in front of anyone else. As it dawns on him, Dick pulls in a breath. "You aren't dumb. You know we've been dating for awhile now. You know it is serious, Tim. Bruce, I am sure, does too. That doesn't mean I should flaunt it. I'm sorry, brother."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake looks to Barbra, and says "Am using a bit of a mesh design to provide the harness. Right now, just a couple straps to hold the patient in, but is a start, and working on either having others fly under to provide some protection or more lift. Still seeing what will be the best use of it." He is sitting in one of the comfy chairs talking tot he others deli plates and drinks on the coffee table. " He smirks a bit over to Tim, and says "Really, I never would have known." Yea the guy who figured out who Batman and Robin were does not miss alot.

Oracle has posed:
The redhead looks surprised that he just out and threw it into the conversation. We don't talk about feelings 'round these parts!! OMG! Barbara just pulls in a breath and clears her throat. "I love you too -- I didn't take it as an insult. You're not wrong. She's not short but she's definitely not tall either. She needs the kind of training in balance that Cassie can offer her."

There's a faint trace of pink across her cheekbones, but Babs doesn't bother to deny or save face or whatever else. She just accepts it as what is. "I'll check the schematics and see how far we can push the weight to lift ratios and still have it be usable safely. Zinda might actually have some thoughts on materials that will work better -- The same kind of parachute material that you'd use to put on high-velocity, high-weight tank drops at high speed, maybe." She's now mulling over numbers.

Nightwing has posed:
Awkward moment of intimacy? Check. Dick simply nods his head. Thank god the other two are still professional enough to continue to talk shop. "Look into the stuff that is used to make the cape." Dick suggests. "It's strong as hell and lighter than you might think. The end is weighted. That is why it is heavy." Dick slowly slides an arm over Barbara's shoulders.

He is aware that his slip up is confirmation of a certain man's contention that romance allows one to make mistakes.

Sparrowhawk has posed:
    Did someone say awkward?

    The door to the theater opens and closes as Phoebe comes through the entrance, peeling off her jacket and looping it over a long duffle bag. She's still wearing her GOTHAM AIKIDO shirt and hakama as she sneaks her way up to the main floor -- only to find three of the best investigative minds chilling there.

    Her hair, done up in baku knots today, has little red ribbons at the bottom, and she purses her lips a moment.

    "... hey all -- did... did I miss a meeting announcement?" she questions, rubbing the back of her head as she slips off her ballet flats.

Nightwing has posed:
"Naw." Dick deadpans. "We were talking about you behind your back." Dick quips gently. As he stands, because Alfred did not raise him to be a heathen.The tone is jovial and teasing. Dick moves over to offer her a quick hug. Dick's phone gives him a chime and he fishes for it. He checks the device. "I gotta go." His voice is quiet. He looks over at Barbara. 'Something with the charity we've been working with. I'm sorry." He shrugs. "I'll call you when the meeting is done?" He doesn't pause though and makes his way towards the door. That must mean it's bad.

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake will move to hug Phoebe, and says "Was chatting a bit about some new tech I have been working and just chatting." He offfers. He gives Phoebe a kiss on the cheek, and says "Want me to get you something to drink hon?

Oracle has posed:
Barbara's head comes around and she looks toward the door with a smile for Phoebe. "You're good," she tells the other girl. And then her green eyes furrow a bit in concern. She waves Dick off without trying to slow him down. "Damn. I hope nothing too horrible. That grant was supposed to practically be in the bag."

She sighs and looks at the other two. "Phoebe, wanna make the run with me tomorrow night over the east side? Or do you two have plans?" She grins. It's the first time she's offered to go with Phoebe since they all learned of one another.

Sparrowhawk has posed:
    Phoebe gives a quick hug to Nightwing, in spite of the fact that she looks like she just got out of class.

    "Is it about my wrists again?!" she asks incredulously, giving Dick a hug and pausing as she watches him make a quick exit. She rubs the back of her head a moment, then turns to Tim. "Ah... thanks Tim, just water would be fine. Still in recovery mode after throwing Nacho about fifty times tonight in a demo." she explains, and she flops bonelessly onto the couch, giving a smile to Barbara.

    "I don't have any plans, it'd be worth it for some experience in a different area." she gives a slight grin. "What's the rooftop situation like over there?"

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake will head into the kitchen and gets Phoebe a cold water to bring it back to her. He has also picked up a cooling towel for her to drape around her shoulders if she wants. "Were chatting a bit about who would be best to train ya a bit more in hand to hand as well." He admits "Told them about the grapple addition tot he bikes too."

Oracle has posed:
Barbara grins and says, "High." She lets that hang there before expanding a little. "It's the highest buildings in Gotham -- good for the high-speed, longer changeovers on the jump lines," she explains. "It's where Dick taught me to fly." The redhead shrugs a little. It holds fond memories. "Lots of gargoyles to hide behind." And lots of tight corners on those lines too. Nightwing is graceful as hell on those lines, but a woman's center of gravity is different. "I'll start you on some of the more complex manuevers and then I'll have Cassandra work with you -- we're built too differently for you to be able to do things the way I do them. Cassandra's closer to your build."

Sparrowhawk has posed:
    "Yeah, that I can understand. Though, I don't think I've met Cassandra in person." Phoebe explains, pursing her lips as she accepts the water and the cool towel from Tim, and she drapes the towel over the back of her neck, and cracks open the bottle.

    "Luckily, I'm not afraid of heights. I feel pretty confident on the lines right at this moment." she gives a wry smile. "Though 'follow the leader' will be a bit harder at that height, I reckon."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods, and says "Just wait till you have to do it all on your off hand with your good one tied to your side/" He is joking right? He grins and gets himself some of the meat and cheese and some veggies from the trays "Cass, can be harder for her to find than some others."

Oracle has posed:
Barbara hums the tune to 'Following the Leader' from Peter Pan. He's totally not joking. "I won't make her do that the first night," she promises Tim with a wicked twinkle. "And training on being harder to find is the best kind of training *for* her, if she's running the Gauntlet." Barbara shrugs. "It'll be fun. Girls' Night, Bat-style," she grins at Phoebe.

Sparrowhawk has posed:
    Phoebe hums along good-naturedly with Barbara as she imagines Tim tied up with one arm useless. Her ears might have darkened a little bit.

    "Girls' night, Bat-Style. That sounds like a terrible cartoon title card where suddenly we run afoul of three highly dangerous women in Gotham and it either turns into mixed-mayhem pedicures or an all-out brawl." Phoebe points out with a wry smile, and then she rubs the back of her head.

    ".. which I hope doesn't happen, I'm not sure if I'm at that level yet. And I know I'm on strict orders from the big B to not engage anyone I might have heard of on the news."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods, and says "Yea, he tries to make sure of that, a while back, we had a run in with Harley and Joker with a bus race, and Carrie had to face off for a few against the Joker." He tells them "Sadly there are some times that we have fight some of the bigger guys on our own.

Oracle has posed:
Barbara definitely has a truly wicked grin now and she gives a sloooooow shrug. "A little from column A, a little from column B.... depends on if Catwoman is out there." But she does nod. "You definitely need to *not* engage." The Joker is no lightweight. Just the mention of him brings sadness. "And as you go along, I'll make sure you have a commlink to reach me when you are out on your own. You'll never be more than minutes from help."

Sparrowhawk has posed:
    Phoebe makes a grimmacing face.

    "Just let me know if it's going to be pedicures so I can be sure to pack my sandals. I'd hate to have to wear the boots with the fresh nail-polish."

    She breathes out. "I know, it's something that has crossed my mind. Solo patrolling, I mean, and what might happen." she leans back. "... it's gotten better now that I have armor rather than a jacket and some skating gear, I will admit."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods, and says "He is one of the worse to deal with for sure, but we will take him down any time he rears his head, and he is one of the ones who there are no kids gloves for." He admits. Two face is his own version of it but he shows his support for Babs. Well, I will get you the rest of the plans for the stuff I am working on for you to look at Babs."