12798/A Spring Moonlit Gala

A Spring Moonlit Gala
Date of Scene:	05 March 2021
Location:	Moontree Manor, West Chelsea Hill
Synopsis:	An innocent party conceals ulterior motives, but not all guests are fooled!
Cast of Characters:	Catwoman, Batman, Blue Beetle (Kord), Superman

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Catwoman has posed:
As the snow started to melt and rare sunlight shined through the streets of Gotham, it was time to celebrate spring and what better way to do that than with a luxurious spring gala at a wealthy Gotham Mansion?

Naturally some of Gotham's most elite members were invited, from billionaires to political figures and some notable charitable people like renowned Cat Lover and philanthropist Selina Kyle.

Dressed I'm a long red velvet sleeveless gown, she steps out of the expensive limousine, revealing a slit down one leg and glittery gold pumps that match her simple yet stylish rose gold jewelry as she peers around.

Batman has posed:
Having arrived fashionably early for a change, Bruce Wayne is currently mingling with the Gotham elite, putting on a show of charm and prestige as they talks about the current politial climate. Dressed in a black suit and tie, the billionaire playboy currently has a woman on his arm. Janet Wilkshire. One of the executives of the Wilkshire shipping company. A family business. She is an attractive brunette dressed in a silver dress with a gorgeous set of pearls around her neck.

As he speaks and makes a joke here and there, the small group laughs to his wit, even as his blue eyes sweep the area a few times instinctively. He has a natural way of 'staking out' that makes it look organic with the way that he engages with the cluster of people. He shifts his body here and there to speak with someone, always making eye contact, even if he subtly glances past them at times to watch an exit, or a new face enter the room.

Catwoman has posed:
This particular mansion belongs to millionaire Jacob Smart a wealthy landowner and business man in the field of real estate, known for lavish parties and throwing his wealth around. Tonight is however a chance to donate and raise money for firefighters, which should be a good thing - except there are rumours of money laundering, cheating the tax system, oh and destroying natural wildlife to expand his empire, in possibly illegal means. But these are all just rumours of course.

Selina steps out of the limo, clutch under one arm, a black lace shawl draped over her shoulders as she steps in through the front door, looking around. There are a lot of exquisite sculptures and pieces of art, among which are some paired ebony cat sculptures with beautiful emerald eyes. She pauses by these, examining them thoughtfully before sweeping the area..

There are a few familiar faces she recognizes, including of course, Bruce Wayne. She smirks a bit, studying him for a moment..How long has it been now?

Batman has posed:
"Of course the Wayne Foundation will make a generous donation to the Gotham Fire Department. Those brave men and women are the real heroes of this city." Bruce says to Jacob Smart as he reaches out to shake his hand firmly, locking his eyes with his during the entire engagement. He studies him for a moment, the way he smiles, the tone of his voice. "But do you know what I am /really/ passionate about, Mister Smart?" He says as he waits to garner the attention of the other four billionaires that are standing with him in a circle.

"The environment. There is so many natural land and resources that surround Gotham that have been threatened with deforestation lately. The population of wildlife has been showing a rapid decline in the last three years at an alarming rate and it has me deeply concerned. So concerned in fact that Wayne Enterprises will be looking to partner with city hall to ensure that such lands will be deemed natural wetlands and forestry. That way, no one can touch it."

He lifts his glass up for a sip along the rim, savoring the whiskey. "Especially greedy corporations who look to cut through red tape." He is all smiles as he speaks, meeting the gaze of those he is familiar with who agree and nod along with him.

As he spies Selina Kyle out of the corner of his eye, he recognizes her from days past, lifting his glass up for a moment of salutations.

Catwoman has posed:
Selina Kyle  spies Jacob Smart, her smile fading a bit as she steps towards them. She's heard the rumours of course, but is uncertain of their truthfulness. Bruce seems to be in the know though and so she listens in, busying herself with grabbing a glass of wine and some finger food as she quietly eavesdrops. Bruce is given a polite nod and smile.

"Ah, Mr Wayne.." he adjusts his tie on his expensive midnight blue suit that fits his trim figure well. He's in his 50s with Grey hair and a few wrinkles around his eyes but clearly takes care of himself. No wonder with the money he makes. "But of course. The environment is always important. But a growing population is more important. Besides most of those animals have other places they can go. Really, there is a lot of land out there so why are we being so nit picky about a few patches here and there?"

Still, he seems shifty, knowing that Bruce clearly did his research. How much more does he know?

"Ah Miss Kyle, please join us. This is Mr Bruce Wayne..."

Batman has posed:
"Miss Kyle."

Bruce Wayne says before he moves back to the topic at hand. He gives another sip of his whiskey. "A growing population is indeed important. Did you know that thirty-five percent of Gotham's single family homes are un-purchased and currently held up in several banks due to bankruptcies? Those homes are so dipilitated and unlivable that no one is willing to purchase them, even at under-market values." He sips again, then motions with the glass upwards in his hand.

"Now, imagine investing back into the city, where our money can go towards rehabilitating these destroyed homes in low income areas and turning them into townhouse and apartment complexes while utilizing the same space. Not only would it raise the valuation of the land, but allow more families to move into Gotham in potentially safer neighborhoods."

"The trick is, Mister Smart, is knowing how to redistribute your resources in which the city already provides, as opposed to razing the wildlife to the ground to continue to expand, while other parts of the city continue to rot."

He finishes his whisky, then makes a motion for a second as waiter passes by, leaving the glass on the tray. "Imagine the support from city council and the people of Gotham if they knew that Wayne and Smart were re-investing in the city that made them successful, hm?"

Catwoman has posed:
Selina Kyle smiles and nods to Bruce. "It's been a while, Mr Wayne. I hope you are well.." she arches a brow as Bruce lists off statistics and some very intelligent points that are hard to counter. "He has a point, Mr. Smart. Seems you're only interested in investing in new property for wealthy people, while ignoring the many lower class who are struggling for affordable housing. It would seem to make more sense to reinvest in rebuilding new property on existing land, no?"

Jacob Smart chuckles a bit, although there is a hardened look in his eye. "Well, well you have certainly done your homework, Mister Wayne!" he raises his glass in toast to the two of them. "Impressive! Unfortunately, one can make much more reliable money building homes for those who can afford them, than wasting it on those who can't or refuse to pay their rent. I'd rather invest in reliable customers, wouldn't you?"

He glances at some point behind Bruce, "Excuse me but I have other guests to attend to. Good evening to you both!" and with that, he rather hurriedly walks away to join a small group of men in black suits and sunglasses.

Batman has posed:
"My re-investing in the city, Mister Smart, and thus creating 'affordable' housing for the citizens of Gotham, they will not only be able to live comfortable lives, but be more inclined to re-invest into the local economy. Ma and Pa economics is the backbone of Gotham after all. Not every neighborhood requires a Super Wal-Mart." Bruce Wayne is anything but subtle when he smells blood in the water. He has him by the throat now, so to speak, and he can tell by his body language and his vocal inflection that he is like an injured lamb, running from a wolf.

As Mister Smart makes his leave, he plucks up the whiskey that is delivered to him, sliding a tip on the plate for the waitress. His smile lingers until Mister Smart's back is turned, then he drops it swiftly as he turns to regard Selina.

"I am well, yes. It is good to see you again. What have you been up to?" He gives a nod to Janet on his arm, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "Miss, I will catch up with you later. Thank you for the wonderful company tonight. I look forward to meeting with your father later this week."

Blue Beetle (Kord) has posed:
One would think there is no such thing a billionaire wallflowers but Ted Kord is one to prove them wrong. Dressed in a midnight blue suit over a cerulean silk shirt witrh a chinese collar, he quietly sips a glass of sparling water as if it were wine. Now one would wonder, why is Theodore Kord even at this Gala? Isn't he doing his own thing in New York now that he moved his HQ there from Chicago? Isn't he renovating and rejuivenating buildings in Brooklyn and on the edges of District X?

Yes, that is all true but KORD industries has a long history with Gotham as well, which he has been trying to restablish. A KORD Facility offering hundreds of jobs. Donations made to city infrastructure including protectivce gear for police and fire department. A possible solar plant.

But he doesn't bost about these things. He has been rather sedate really. A bit of casual conversation withh a few of the other patrons, but avoiding big names like Smith and.. Wayne.

Catwoman has posed:
MrSmart was certainly in a hurry, and his demeanour towards Wayne seemed to chill near the end as he made a quick exit. Even now, as he chats with his staff - or whoever they are - he glances occasionally at Bruce. Was he...Talking about him?

Selina narrows her eyes as she watches the corrupt millionaire link off, murmuring quietly in a corner. Hmm, not to be trusted. Definitely someone who needs to be taught a lesson.

Drawing a deep breath, Selina looks back to Bruce and his date, nodding and smiling to the other woman. "Charming man, Mr Smart. Clearly hiding something..I hear he's destroyed a lot of bobcat habitat too. Unforgivable. All in the name of wealth." her tone is sharp. She is not happy.

Ted Kord is noticed out of the corner of her eye, not someone she knows personally or very well although she's heard of him. Mostly good things. She smiles and nods to him, raising her wine glass in greeting.

Batman has posed:
As he watches Mister Smart speak to his associates, he mumbles to himself 'Lip Reading, on.' He can hear the 'ding' inside of his ear as he connects to his computer back at the Batcave. He is a many of many talents and gadgets afterall. As he watches Mister Smart and his companions, he watches their mouths move as they engage in conversation, waiting for the computer to transcribe to him on the fly.

As he does this, he offers a pleasant smile, adjusting his cufflinks. "Is that so?" He says in a slight distracted tone to Selina. "That's a shame. I know how much you love cats and all."

Once the conversation ends, he finally turns his attention away from the group, regarding Selina a bit more intently now. "Everyone in Gotham is hiding something, Miss Kyle. Even you." He says as he taps the side of his nose with a smile, then glances over towards the sight of Ted Kord.

"Teddy!" He calls out in a loud voice, lifting his hand upwards. "Ted Kord! Come over here and have a whiskey with me. I want to personally thank you for your charitable donations you have made recently here in Gotham."

Blue Beetle (Kord) has posed:
Well. Smart doesn't look happy as he parts ways with Wayne. Ted could almost guess the lines of the converation, at least the gist if not the actual content. Wayne's coimpany is pretty scrupulous. Smart's, not so much. He quickly turns, hiding behind his drink and a tray od sacks passing by with a server, which he does NOT grab from. The food is too rich for him, calorically, and he is watching his figure these days.

He's talking to a trio of elderly women, a trio known for their environemntal work, and he is explaining to them about KORD Industries BLUE SUN technology, the newest project from his company. The most efficient Solar tech on the planet, and how he is looking to build a Farm Tower in Gotham, which will not only grow fresh fruit and vegetables but provide power as well.

That is until he is distrcted by a smile from the lovely woman next to Bruce. HE looks left, then right, wondering if she is nodding to anyone else.. Nope, itr's him. So he does what he can do. Offer a tentative nod back to her.

And winces when Bruce c alls him over.

"Please do excuse me.." he offers the women graciously and, steeling himself, slowly walks over to the other billionaire. "I'm not much of a drinker these days, Bruce, so I hope you won't take it personally if I keep to the sparkling water." hge says, and motions to the scar one can see faintly abover his hairline on the right side of his head. It was big news when Ted was found shot, almost three years ago, while on vacation in France, and spent a year in coma before fighting his way back.

"And there is no need for you or Gotham to thank me. It's part of my civic duty to give back to the communities I find myself and my company in. It's only fair after all."

HE then looks to Selina and smiles. "And who is your lovely companion?"

Catwoman has posed:
The men in the corner think they're having a private conversation, but of course they don't realize who they're dealing with.Their words come out loud and clear to Bruce in one way or the other, and what a conversation it is!

"...Getting too close to the truth..Sticking his nose where it doesn't belong. If he continues to pursue this, Deal with him after the party. Make sure he has an...Accident. The woman Selina too. Her..Cat obsession makes her a liability. I can't afford to let this get out.." to be fair, he'd been careful to make sure the 'rumours' were merely heard as 'heresay', discredited with little to back up the allegations. Clearly he didn't give Bruce enough credit though, clearly he's a lot smarter than he looks!

Selina glances at Bruce, smiling sweetly. "You may be right, Bruce. But to be fair, I'm sure even you have your secrets." of which she knows nothing about, except that he seems smarter than your average billionaire playboy. "Wonder what they're talking about? It really angers me to know how many cats were hurt because of him..I had hoped I might be wrong..But, seems you've done your homework on him, rather thoroughly I might add.."

As Ted joins them, she smiles and nods to him. "Good evening..Ted Kord, I presume?" he's prominent enough that she's likely to have seen or heard of him on tv at least. "The name is Selina Kyle, a pleasure to meet you." a hand is offered, a pleasant smile crossing her lips.

Batman has posed:
"They plan on killing you and I tonight." Bruce says frankly to Selina as he continues to offer up a bright smile to her as he engages in conversation. Never let on that you know what the enemy is planning, even if you speak about it in plain sight. "Most likely tampering with one of our vehicles, or both." He gives another slight glance over towards the group before he looks back towards Selina. "I know for a fact that Jacob Smart has been illegaly engaging in deforestation in protected swamplands and forestry by paying off Jeffering Eagle, an executive on the energy commission board. They keep moving the goal posts to line his pockets."

He adjusts his cuffs once more, then offers up a smile to Mister Kord once more as he shifts the conversation seamlessly. "Gotham as always appreciates any support from their allies." He reaches out to place a hand on Ted's shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze as he looks him directly in the eyes for a moment, then gives a slight nod. "If you two will excuse me, I need to re-park my car." He says as he peels away, heading for the doors as he feels the flashes of cameras upon him now that he has dis-engaged from his party.

Blue Beetle (Kord) has posed:
Ted sighs but his smile never falters as he delicately takes Selina's hand in his and gently plants his lips against the knuckle before he lowers it once more. "Alas, you presume correctly. I am Ted Kord. The Joey Fatone of the Billionaires Boy's Band.. I mean Boy's Club. Sadly we can't all be Bruce Wayne's and Tony Stark's." he jests with easy self depreciation before looking to Bruce as he is squeezed on the shoulder.

Okay.. That is weirdly intense. He didn't realize they were on the shoulder squeeze level of aquaintance.

Eyebrow raised, he nods. "Well Gotrham can use all the allies she can get, right? She's a great city with great people. Most people tend to forget about that." he tells Bruce, then nods as the other billionaire excuses himself and walks away. Ted waits a moment, then looks to Selina.

"Okay, I know it's a Wayne tradition to walk out on his own party and all but.. what the heck was that about somone wanting to kill you? Is that a thing?" he asks, confused.

Catwoman has posed:
Selina Kyle smiles and nods to Ted. "Hmm, I suppose it's hard to beat the fame or fortune of Bruce Wayne or Tony Stark.." she could add something else about their playboy habits..But decides not to. Partly at least because Bruce is clearly a lot smarter than your typical playboy billionaire, and...

"Wait what? He wants to kill me?" oh, she could panic, like your typical 'helpless woman', but Selina is more than she appears too. She frowns softly, nodding slowly, "Of course. You know too much..And my interest in wild cats, not to mention my...Tenacity makes me hard to ignore. Thank you, Bruce. Guess I'll call a taxi tonight, probably a safe distance from the mansion."

Ted is given a slight knowing smile and nod. "Seems so. Guess the rumours about Jacob Smart being involved in criminal activity were correct. Pity.." she sighs..Pity..

Batman has posed:
"Yes, a real pity." Bruce's voice says as the temperature in his voice drops a few degrees as he steps outside, giving the collar of his suit a slight tug as he breathes in the crisp evening air. Reaching into his pocket, he draws out the keys to his suped up Maserati MC20, Limited Edition in a beautiful steel color and black rims. He presses a button on it to light the car up with a slight 'beep', followed by the electric whine of the engine starting up.

"Go home." He says into the keys as he raises them up to his lips. Immediately, the car comes to life, driving back, then forth and off the curb as it takes the GPS path home.

As he watches it go, he tilts his head a bit upwards to the heights of the mansion, then makes his way out of sight and around the path towards the gardens.

Superman has posed:
Arriving extraordinarily late to the party, Clark Kent makes it to this party of elites. Despite talks of death and attempted death, Clark is seen wearing a nice black suit and white undershirt, with a dorky-looking black bowtie around his neck. His glasses are slightly adjusted as he looks around the place.

The first person he notices?

Bruce Wayne. Billionaire philanthropist....on his way out the door. Eyes briefly narrowing, he listens in case Bruce needs a hand. His attention then, shifts to Selina and Ted Kord. "Hello, Clark Kent, Daily Planet." He knows he doesn't need to introduce himself, but for professionalism sake (and because its Daily Planet policy, dumbly enough). "Lovely party so far.Most of Gotham's elite is here tonight, is that right?"

Blue Beetle (Kord) has posed:
For some reason, Ted doesn't fall for that panic-laden show that Selina Puts on. Oh, she's very good, but he isn't QUITYE the idiot he seems to to be. "Yeah, I guess those rumours /are/ true, huh?"" he asks, acting as if it is a normal thing in his circles of wealth. "Then again, one hears that almost all the rich and powerful of Gotham are.. how do I say it.. A litlle bit villianous?" he shakes his head.
"But anyways, I don't want to be called a mansplainer but.. It's not a game when it comers to fortunes like Bruce and I have. I am not competeing with him nor he with me. We were both born with silver spoons and we both feel that we have a duty to use our wealth to not just enrich ourselves buit those around us.. like the common citizen. They are what make us wealthy, therefore they should reap some of the benefits and become enriched themselves.

Catwoman has posed:
Selina Kyle nods to Bruce. "Of course.Be careful out there.." as he slips by, she notices Clark Kent, esteemed news reporter and she smiles to him, and nods. So many prominent faces tonight. To Ted she nods again, seriously. "Good thing I rented a limo for the night. But it'll be okay. It's not the first time a threat has been placed on my life."

She smiles pleasantly and nods to him. "Of course, not all rich and famous people are scumbags. Bruce seems a decent fellow, and so do you..Nice to know not all rich people are spoiled brats..But perhaps I speak too soon?" an almost teasing smile in her eyes then.

Batman has posed:
As he passes by Clark, it seems that time slows down for Bruce and the reporter. He meets his eyes for a moment, the kind that drags on 'forever' before time once more rushes by and he carries on down his path towards the gardens. Clark can see him unbuttoning his cuffs, perhaps even hear his elevated heartrate.

For now, he is out of sight and out of the picture. But, he is clearly up to something.

Superman has posed:
Clark noticed.

He heard Bruce's heart rate elevate noticeably. Fear? Excitement? Something's going down tonight, and Clark is at the ready to disappear and perhaps offer up some heavy artillery. But, for the moment, his attention is on Selina. "Very true. Though as for spoiled brats..." he looks to Mr. Kord. "I like to think that people like Mr. Kord and Mr. Wayne are good representatives for the rich people community. Everything they've done has been for the better, more often than not." Clark sticks up for them!

Though he does simply turn his attention to Ted Kord. "Though I must say, Its been a long while Mr. Kord. How are you?"

Catwoman has posed:
Selina Kyle glances towards Clark as he nears them and nods. "Yes, you may be right. I'm starting to realize that you can never over generalize or make assumptions. Even about rich people. It's Clark Kent, reporter for the Daily Planet, right?" she offers a hand, "Selina Kyle." she's not sure what she thinks about nosy reporters but..

Batman has posed:
As Bruce makes his way towards the back of the house, he takes a moment to look around, then taps a cufflink on his jacket, then slips a pair of glasses out and tucks them on his nose. He starts to scan the house, looking 'through' it with his technology of augmented X-Ray and Heat vision. Once he is sure he finds Jacob Smart's study, he will scale the wall nimbly up the walls of ivy and make his way inside.

Tapping a button behind his belt, he lets out a small short ranged EMP to kill any security devices that may be in the room, then goes about searching for any type of paperwork he may be able to find in a desk or a safe. He'll take pictures through his glasses.

It's time to save some cats, and clean up a stain on Gotham.

Blue Beetle (Kord) has posed:
It has taken a moment for Ted to refill his drink, since most people are driking wine or whisky and he's been enjoying sparkling water with a hint of orange zest.. Those are harder to find. "Oh I do not know if /I/ am a good represemtative of the rich. if you look back KORD has almost gone bankrupt a few times under my tenure until I was able to settle things properly. Now I try to do the best by my people and those who count on us. itr's not about /my/ profit, after all, no matter what other think, but /theirs/. If people can't profit financially from me, they should at least profit by KORD Industries innovations."


Next he looks to Clark and... Well he smiles. "Ah yes, Mister Kent. It /has/ been a while." he says and rubs unconcciously along the scar just under his hairline as he is wont to do. "It's so good to see you again. As you can see, I am walking and breathing, which is more then I could ask for a few years ago. I must adnit, the peice that the Planet printed on my assault in Franceand subsequence convelescence was quite stirring. Please give my best to Miss Grant for her symatheic article."

Superman has posed:
Clark smiles ever so slightly to Ted, looking at the scar along his hairline, but he does nod at his words. "I'd be happy to do that, sir. Miss Grant is one of our best writers." Granted (pun intended), she's not Lois Lane or anything...but Clark might be biased.

His attention then shifts to Selina then, with a big smile. "Yes Ma'am. Its a pleasure to meet you, Miss Kyle." Clark offers her a hand to shake, making sure its firm and brief. Clark isn't really a nosy reporter...but god help him, he can write.

Occasionally, Clark with use his visual powers to keep track of Bruce and maybe even keep some unmentionables from getting too close to him before his work is done. Not htat Bruce can't handle himself, but Clark likes to feel helpful.

Catwoman has posed:
The mansion has some pretty high tech security..Most people could not easily penetrate it. But then Bruce Wayne is not your typical guy. The security devices go out with a small blip that probably won't be noticed until it's way too late. On e that's out of the way, he will have little problem in breaking into Smart's safe and finding some pretty damning papers that could reveal a lot about Mr Smart's more secret endeavours.

The party co tiniest on down below, its occupants none the wiser of what's going on, although as time passes on, Selina eventually yawns tiredly, glancing at her watch. "Well it's been a pleasure meeting you all but I real,y must run. I hope you enjoy the rest of your night!" and with a polite nod of her head, she finishes the last of her wine before stepping out.

Of course, she is no fool and watches the streets carefully, narrowly avoiding getting run over by a car with a 'careless driver' (yeah right), looking all around her with the practiced motions of a predator who knows how not to become prey, and slips into the shadows when she thinks she us being followed, taking a shirt cut away from prying eyes as she calls for a taxi from a safe spot.