15112/Breakfast in Bedlum

Breakfast in Bedlum
Date of Scene:	20 May 2023
Location:	Joker Lair, Gotham Harbor
Synopsis:	Magneto comes to voluntold Joker into finding a chemical that increases mutant abilities. Harley Harley's. Rose gets a full carnival show. And Bud and Lou get dinner.
Cast of Characters:	Joker, Harley Quinn, Ravager, Magneto

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Joker has posed:
Pier 2, Gotham's 'abandoned warehouse district'. A favorite place for temporary boltholes for the cream of Gotham's criminal elite, so long as you can afford the rent to Two-Face. This present bolt-hole has been hastily moved into; there are a number of high end chemical processing and analyzing machines, some freshly stolen, a throw rug, a plasma screen television set, a bank of computer servers, and a life size wax statue of John Mullaney.

And there is, always, the chair. Every Joker lair has a large, comfortable chair that takes on the properties of a throne when sat on properly. Even that time they had to hide out in a sewer, dodging Killer Crock and GCPD underground drones, Joker insisted on his chair. The thin, cruel features of the crown prince of crime are curled up in it now, while a few masked soldiers smoke by the two obvious exits. Joker is reading something, a fistful of greasy papers with hand written script in tight, careful cursive. Antiques by today's standards, it's appealing they haven't been digitized and reprinted.

"Hey boss." Charlie Charliehorse, the Joker's majordomo and dedicated survivalist, looks nervously at just how exposed they are. They haven't even set up the window sensors yet. "You want me to get to work on digging in, here?"

Joker looks up, a set of reading glasses perched carefully on his commanding nose. "I want. You to get me a magnifying glass." Joker says, carefully, "And have Cook set out some snacks. I have a feeling."

"...a Batman kinda feeling, boss?" Charlie says, taking a step back. "Or you mean like actual snacks."

"Maybe those nachos. Who had the recipe? They were...memorable."

"I believe you threw him out of a window, boss."

"You really need to write these things down before I do that, Charlie."

"Eggs!" Charlie says, "Boffo, Louie, we need a mess of eggs and keilbasa!"

Harley Quinn has posed:
Ah the chair.

Harley has been out shopping the dumps of Gotham searching for a chair for Joker so many times, she's lost count. Rootin' around in dirty diapers and all manner of muck or filth trying to find JUST the right cushion consistancy for Mistah J's tuchus. Some of the guys around just on account of it was, largely, a safe assignment if Harley was there.

Not on account of Joker being less violent if he aint liked the chair.

Just that it would be directed at her, instead of them.

With her hair all pulled up into a pair of pig-tails, leather corset laced up all pretty in black/red, and a pair of pants so tight it has to be marginally painful, the Clown Princess skips into the warehouse with a baseball bat wrapped in barble-wire laying across her shoulder.

The bat whirls around, across the back of her knuckles, held with a thumb, and taps the ground. Then comes up for a couple of test swings before going back to her shoulder. Behind her is the snarling yelps of a pair of GOD DAMN Hyenas. Bud and Lou bound out, slobbering and snarling, attached to a chain attached to one of the 'guys' wrist.

"Ay! Careful wit my babies..." The bat is pointed right in the goons face, who is all but being drug around by a length of chain. "Oah Imma feed ya to'em." Tap tap, bat agains this cheek, Harley's on the way over to Joker's chair to hop up on the arm, one boot foot in the seat, the other dangling off the edge, bat held across the back of her shoulders with her arms looped over either end. "We need some wall papah."

Ravager has posed:
It's been a transitional period for Rose Wilson. What should have been a 'one and done' hit in Gotham had turned into quite a mess. Instead of lazing about in her newish Metropolis apartment she's still down here in stinky ol' Gotham. She's also ... 'under new management.'

Right now she's also in her scalemail armor, half mask and double longswords while not so much patrolling the docks as looking for something she can punch without getting into trouble with the Birds of Prey who seem to have taken quite an interest in her.

The Docks, as any baddie, mercenary, or vigilante will know, are always a prime location for trouble, and sources of trouble are often sources of finding things to punch. It really is that simple for this iteration of Ravager.

Dropping down onto a stack of shipping containers brings with it the call of 'Eggs!' which in turn gets a confused "Huh?" from the solo acting proto-vigilante. Such a call doesn't exactly ping her Punchometer any but it's something to investigate further, and so she does. Not much effort is given to staying hidden. Frankly, she kind of wants to be found. In her current uniform she'd be much more recognizeable as a mercenary than anyone working with the Birds.

The yapping of excited animals is another curiosity. Maybe there'll be some action, after all...

Magneto has posed:
Since ascending to the position of ruler over a vast country, Magneto has found himself enveloped in ceaseless obligations and responsibilities. The weight of his new role pressed upon him, demanding his attention and time, leaving little room for personal endeavours. As the epitome of intellectual prowess and strategic acumen, he struggled to find anyone capable of matching his brilliance. It was a burden he reluctantly bore, and to lighten his load, he reluctantly delegated some tasks to others. Yet, there were endeavours he deemed too sensitive to entrust to just anyone---matters that required utmost secrecy, hidden from prying eyes.

One such task that consumed his thoughts was the chemical rumoured to possess the power to amplify the abilities of mutants. Intrigued by its potential and thirsting for a deeper understanding of its composition and origins, Magneto yearned to uncover its enigmatic nature. Regrettably, time eluded him, preventing him from delving into the depths of this mystery himself. Thus, he begrudgingly turned to a most unscrupulous resource: the enigmatic Joker. Though Magneto possessed no interest in distributing the chemical to others, securing a personal stash of this substance held undeniable allure.

Recently, he had taken a young mutant under his wing, making her a promise to aid in honing her burgeoning powers. The prospect of this chemical, if proven safe and capable of permanently enhancing her abilities without repercussions, held the potential to expedite her growth exponentially. However, the presence of Wanda and Lorna, formidable mutants, and trusted leaders of the Brotherhood, necessitated utmost discretion. Magneto yearned for this investigation to remain shrouded in secrecy, safeguarding the delicate balance of power he had established.

And so, concealed beneath a cloak of invisibility crafted through the manipulation of light, Magneto embarked on a journey to meet with the Joker. Cloaked in shadows, he navigated through the labyrinthine pathways of the warehouse, his presence unbeknownst to all. Finally, the time arrived to unveil his presence, he materialises before everyone present, hovering effortlessly above the ground.

Joker has posed:
Ravager can see a trio of large, dangerous looking men desperately throwing out a portable stove (A Waynetech AnyRange, designed both for camping and those unable to afford a stove in their own apartments. Frustratingly reasonably priced.), a whole armfull of eggs and sausage, and a line of foil trays to hold the stuff in. Pepper, red pepper flakes, and a bit of milk season the mass scramble. The chef, a short man nicknamed Gaggy, seems to know what he's doing.

"Miss Quinn's back." Charlie says with the expert forced politeness of a man who's had to clean up the wreckage this woman leaves in her wake more than once. "How wonderful. Let me get the steaks for your pets. Excuse the mess, we're still moving in."

The Hyenas may be out of control, Ravager, but they're still guard dogs, and Joker's spooked men are moving very quickly and very efficiently to turn a move in into a impromptu breakfast. While not as alert as they could be, this means they're moving in unorthodox patterns and could stumble on you by accident. It doesn't help that at least one of the boxes you've landed by says "MEAT STORAGE" on the side; a large man in a clown mask named 'Boffo' is getting closer to it.

Joker is looking at his cell phone, since he has somehow not gotten a magnifying glass yet. A man in a green mask is on the internet. "Get stabbed in the back by your SO?" The Melter says, "Here's five easy tips for keeping your partner on your side! First, you have to acknowledge her emotional needs. Affection, attention, power, all of these things drive a moll just like killing Iron Man keeps me up at night, sweating, grasping, thinking of his skull dripping out of that armor..."

Joker mutes it as Harley sashays in, quietly adjusting his hair and letting her dominate the room for a second. "Harleen." Joker says, sitting up as she sits on the arm of his chair like he HATES. "You're looking." He checks a note in the palm of his hand. "Lovely today. It is nice to see you."

Joker leans in, face scrunched up like he's forcing himself to eat an extremely healthy vegetable, and kisses Harley on the cheek. "You contribute to this workplace."

Melter's image gives an excited thumbs up, and Joker switches off the phone.

Because all of a sudden his men are aiming guns at the Demigod that just floated into his house. Joker does not stumble out of his chair but this close, Harley can feel his muscles clench. Magneto the clown masked men just sort of pour out of the shadows; three automatic rifles, one grenade launcher, a man with a pair of nunchucks, and a woman shouldering a rocket launcher with a warhead painted with a huge smile and "SUCK ON THIS, BATS" scrawled on the side are aiming at you.

"I can't believe it." Joker says, holding a hand up as the room seethes in tension. "You really do wear the same purple briefs I do. Uncanny."

Harley Quinn has posed:
In all the Hubba Marrooo, Harley had forgotten she was gonna give Mistah J a magnifying glass as a 'sorry I smashed ya in the head with a boating oar, I was on the rag and ya said some pretty heinous shit about me.' Her tongue clicks off the roof of her mouth, now remembering the magnifying glass. Which, for some reason, she'd tucked into the back of her tight leather pants.

She remembers it's there because it cracks when she sits down.

"F's in tha chat..." She twists, bat laid up against the side of his chair, to pull pieces of broken reading instrument from her pants. Pausing only to smile too big at Joker's encouraged series of complementary statements. "Imma get ya some nice floral wall-papah that'll look nice wit blood spray." Wiggling her fingers in a random, spray-like, pattern towards one wall.

While Bud and Lou are yappy bork borking at Charlie mentioning steaks. Harl's finger goes to her lips, "Don't say the S word, ya know how they get... DOWN.." She shouts, snapping in their direction with both hands. Where the goon holding the chain might be having trouble keeping the two wild hyenas at bay, one shout from mommy? They yelp and sit down quietly. "Good boys."

Because they've suddenly got company. Just after Mistah J gives her a kiss on the cheek no less! "Oh hubba-hubba..." Seeing Magneto, "Who's tha Silver Fox? How you doin, talk dark an' floaty?" Still rubbing her blushing cheek.

Ravager has posed:
Setting up an omelet buffet doesn't strike Rose as criminal behavior. Not even mischievous behavior. It's just... Well it's kinda weird. Out of the people in the area everyone seems so dead-set focused that no one's noticing the relatively small masked figure who's sort of aimlessly milling about like 'whatcha got over here?' The yapping is her biggest concern, no doubt the hyenas know some stranger is in their midsts.

Then again, there's another stranger more immediately in their personal space so Rose might just get a pass for now! A timely and convenient distraction.

Then there's Boffo, a curious looking fellow approaching boxes of meat. Rose only makes herself more of a target when someone brushes shoulders with her and she scowls and -shoves- them aside with enough oomph to send most people a bit airborne.

Don't touch Rose.

Boffo, on the other hand, is singled out in another way. The half-masked lady tap-taps the meat storage box with a boot and wonders aloud "Exotic pets?" There is a market for 'em! But if that's the biggest transgression happening around here she's going to be sorely disappointed.

Oh, if only she knew there were guns being drawn only a few feet away. Wait--hang on. The barking stopped. That'll get a glance from the platinum-haired girl.

Magneto has posed:
From his concealed vantage point, Magneto's eyes lock onto the scene unfolding below. Joker's minions, a motley crew of miscreants, ignorantly aim an assortment of feeble weapons in his direction. Their futile attempts at intimidation hold no sway over the master of magnetism, for the weapons they wield are but child's play in his presence. However, it is not the feebleness of their armaments that stung his pride---it was the audacity of homo inferior daring to raise arms against him.

An aura of quiet confidence envelops Magneto as he extended his hand, commanding the very forces of nature to heed his call. The metallic arsenal, once brandished against him, tremble as if seized by an invisible force. With precision and grace, the weapons defy gravity, spiralling out of the clutches of their erstwhile wielders. Like puppets on invisible strings, the guns and blades turn upon their former owners, now pointing threateningly back at them.

Joker has posed:
Boffo is reaching for the crate. The huge clown man gets another Joker thug shoved into him, the rigid clown mask seems to scowl and with a swing like thunder he punches the hapless goon in the gut, sending him sprawling to the ground. "Mind your manners." A muffled voice behind the mask says. He seems not to notice Rose.

In part because of what's going down in the main room.

Joker's men look in horror as Magneto gestures with a finger, their armament rising out of their hands and turning on them. "It's some kind of ghost man!" A clown shouts, "With ghost powers!"

"Could it be Captain Comet, the famous telekinetic?!"

Charlie looks at his boss, but Joker has already sprung to his feet, shamelessly using Harley as a springboard. "Now, now, everyone just calm down! Don't you watch the news? This man is a better class of criminal than any of us! He stole a country! Also he fought an Avengers task force to a standstill once, so gang, I don't think the heaters are enough."

Joker steps forward, and gently pushes the rocket propelled grenade launcher. "This might be a problem for you, though, 'silver fox', seeing as you still breathe. I don't even know what it does! My particular condition allows me to get a little hands on with chemical weapons, you see, but I can't study the effects on myself! But really, Magneto, if you didn't want to startle a warehouse full of armed men, you should've knocked."

"Breakfast?" Joker claps his hands, "There's no need for us to be uncivilized, and it's a long flight from Genoshia. Why come to Gotham if not for some Americanized Polish food?"

Harley Quinn has posed:
Harley was fine with everything up to and including the guns being yanked outta peoples hands, turned around, and aimmed back on them. Hell, she was practically giddy with delight seeing the little breakfast show! Laughing quietly, teeth popping off the gum she's been chewing since the early 2000s, and clapping excitedly. "Hah! He yoink't yer guns right outta ya hands! Ya big dumb assholes."

Truly, it's delightful.

She waits for Mistah J to pop up, but then Harley is sliding off the arm of her chair to stand a few feet back with her hands braced on her hips. Hips that are jut out to one side, almost certainly intentionally. "Yeah, we got some 'home wreckah' sausages cookin' up ovah in the easy bake oven." Chin jerking back and over her shoulder, "Ya gonna love Cook's cookin'. One time foah Mistah J's birthday, he cook't a pie as big as a full grown man." Her hands come off her hips to indicate relative size by holding them out as far as she can.

"I can't say foah sure if they baked a man into the pie, but I nevah ask if we're puttin' people in ovens." Sad, pronounced, frown. Shaking her head. "Tasted heavenly though. Pretty sure he stole KFCs secret spices."

The Hyenas may not be barking anymore, but they're both looking in Rose's direction. Just that there's more pressing matters to attend to, that supercede whatever a pair of ADORABLE, but dumb, scavanger animals are smellin'.

Ravager has posed:
Shoving one goon aside does make Rose feel marginally better. Seeing the same goon get beat down by what should have been one of his allies has her laughing! The clown makeup is rather telling though, no one would be foolish enough to run around literally looking like a clown in this neighborhood unless they were working for the Clown Prince. Which makes this chance encounter -far- more interesting.

Since it seems Boffo doesn't care about her any she's going to not care about him and go see what the escalating commotion is about now that people are talking about 'Captain Comet,' or whatever. The real action around here is behind closed doors.

While Joker's offering breakfast she's stepping into the area, eyeing the levitating weapons and the levitating man with the same arched brow expression. Harley Quinn seems to be having an absolute ball at the spectacle and -now- Rose knows what was yapping before as she momentarily gets caught up in a staring contest with a pair of shockingly adorable scavengers.

Whatever's going on here it's already proving to be entertaining! She leans back beside the door and folds arms together with a crooked expression of amusement, content to see what happens.

Magneto has posed:
A disapproving crease mars Magneto's brow as the mention of a grenade launcher taints the air. The audacious clown standing before him, oblivious to the futility of his weapon, seems to harbour the misguided notion that a mere chemical explosion could pose a threat to the master of magnetism. It was an amusing notion, albeit one that Magneto prefers to keep concealed. The enigmatic depths of his powers were not for the likes of Joker to comprehend, and the knowledge of his ability to withstand the unforgiving vacuum of space was one secret he would not readily divulge.

Nonetheless, an air of impatience tugs at Magneto's being, prompting him to gradually descend from his ethereal perch. As his feet meet the ground beneath him, a subtle display of power and authority, the floating arsenal of weapons plummets, crashing onto the cold, hard floor of the warehouse with a cacophonous clatter. It is a testament to his dominion over the forces that bound them.

"I have little inclination for pleasantries," Magneto declares, his tone firm and unyielding. "Let us dispense with formalities and delve straight into matters of import."

Joker has posed:
Joker's face is split into a rictus grin. Underworld lore says he actually cannot stop smiling, at least without effort, but the hypnotic smile seems to widen a little.

For just a second, Rose, it's like he's looking right at you. But he has no idea you're here, right? Those awful, yellow eyes gleam with some hidden malice, as he takes a cup of coffee from Gaggy, the diminutive jester's hands shaking with nerves.

"Have it your way. Pooh, could you make me a plate?" Joker pinches Harley's cheek, "I happen to be famished. For something besides implications of cannibalism, let's keep our humor high brow today, why don't we? We're in the presence of royalty."

Joker sits back down, leaning back and threading his fingers together. "You're here for a reason. Let's hear it."

Rose, you feel a presence nearby. Boffo, the huge man stuffed into a pink onsey and a thick, plastic clown mask, is looking right at you. He holds a finger up to the empty, fake mouth, as if to say 'shh', turning to watch the show.

Harley Quinn has posed:
While maybe nobody realizes it except the Clown Prince's goons... of the pair of Harley and Joker, she is the one most likely to fly off the handle in a verbal tirade. Joker is dangerous, unpredictable, and of the pair the more violent, so it's not that she's more dangerous. Unless listening to that nasally voice spewing venomous rhetoric is some how frightening.

She's about to do just that too. Puffing out her chest, sucking in air as if she's about to suck the air out of the room with some litany of insults that run the very real risk of going too far and getting the metal in everyone's body pulled out of them for no good reason. Her nose wrinkles, lips pressing together in a fine line... "A'ight Puddin', but if wannabe Sam Elliot aint got the decency ta realize we didn't fly all the way out ta whatevah backwatah country he rules, then I aint fixin' him a plate anyways.."

She pops her gum and spins on her heels to head towards the breakfast spread.

Absolutely, audibly, mocking Magneto as she goes... "Let us dispense with pleasantries, shall we, hu-hu-hu tut tut, I got a stick up my magnetically sealed butthole. Spooky woobly booble, master of magnetism..." Further away, having to speak louder to still be heard.

Which she does, "I seen two bit carnival magicians tha' can levitate quarters, ya no talent HACK."

Ravager has posed:
Yellow...YELLOW eyes. Just in case the Joker didn't have enough of a wicked theme going, eyes being the gateway to the soul and all. Rose has Seen Some Stuff but the yellow eyes are unnerving. Like 'hopped up on nightmare drugs' unnerving. The two end up making eye contact and that amused look of hers slips..ever so slightly.

Weapons fall. Nothing is left hanging in the air, at least in the physical sense. Magneto speaks up and Rose is so VERY close to snapping back a response when the goofy form of Boffo is right there with a suggestion to keep quiet.

Eyes are rolled in dramatic fashion. There has to be -something- to get her irritation across! But she bites her tongue for a little while longer. Being fair, it isn't her party. Not that this usually stops her, but hey. Turning over a new leaf, right? Let the Big Bads sort this one out.

At least this is the new idea right up until Harley steps out with a verbal backlash which very quickly has the ex-mercenary snorting into a hand and trying So Very Hard not to bust a rib laughing. This place really is a carnival!

Magneto has posed:
Magneto's steely gaze remains fixed on Joker, for a moment, resolute in his decision to disregard Harley Quinn's outburst. A surge of power courses through his veins, tempting him to unleash the full might of his abilities in retaliation. Yet, caution holds him back, for the ever-unpredictable Joker's reaction remains uncertain. It is a precarious dance he has to navigate.

With a composed demeanour, Magneto begins to articulate his intentions, his voice carrying an air of authority that demands attention. "Whispers of a potent chemical have reached my ears, permeating the streets of New York, and quite possibly, Gotham as well. These rumours suggest that this substance possesses the ability to amplify the powers of mutants," he explains, his words laced with intrigue.

Turning his focus towards Harley Quinn, Magneto continues, his voice carrying an undertone of expectation. "Joker, Miss Harley Quinn, I am entrusting you and your cohorts with a vital task. I demand that you locate the source of this chemical, trace it to its origins. Once found, I require your expertise to analyse and refine it, eradicating any undesirable side effects associated with its usage. Furthermore, I insist that you alone have control over its production, ensuring exclusivity."

His piercing eyes bore into Joker's, a silent challenge subtly woven into his words. "Of course, I am well aware that such a request does not come without a price. Rest assured, I am prepared to hear your terms, for negotiations are a necessary component of any arrangement."

Joker has posed:
Joker would never admit it. Never EVER admit it, but this is part of the reason he keeps Harley around. When she's losing her entire mind at slights and poor behavior, Joker finds it easier to focus on the business at hand. His good friends on the internet tell him this is 'partnership behavior' which is ridiculous, because the Joker doesn't need or want a partner. Harley's a sad joke in hot pants.

He has to hold his mouth to keep from laughing at the quarter bit. How inappropriate. "Thank you, Harley." Joker forces out, the words foreign on his tongue. Still, it's a new amusement to pursue. Imagine how confused she'll be with a gentleman Joker! Hahaha-

Joker gets up, walking over to Magneto, his eyes narrowing as the Master of Magnetism describes the object in question. "There are a few of those slipping around. Drugs and mutation go hand in hand. But I think I know the one you're talking about." Joker matches eyes with Magneto and there is a terrible fire under the chemically scarred optics. "Kick'. Oh I think I see what you're doing."

"I can't promise a perfect drug." Joker says, turning around and hunching over a little-his thinking pose. "Such an animal doesn't exist, but I can certainly take a look. And I'll assume you don't want anyone knowing you're associated with whatever I need to do to get you your panacea. Otherwise why not use your own labs."

"Let's discuss payment once I'm sure I can deliver." Joker offers, his face becoming a point of quiet intensity. "I'll do what I need to do, and when I have something, I'll contact you through one of your little sailor scouts. Maybe the hopping one, I like him, he'd sell his own mother for a hot meal. And your hands stay clean."

The smile widens, just a little, as he holds out a gloved hand. "Deal?"

Harley Quinn has posed:
Harley is still grumbling even once she's gotten to the Crafts Service table. Taking a plate at one end, she's muscling through the line heaping food upon it with cuttlery stolen from a high end Gotham restaurant. There's grilled sausages and eggs, there's some hashbrowns, and a whole slab of rare steak laid across the top. "Jus' cus ya put purple undah-pants ovah yer purple outtah-pants don't make ya fancy." mumble-mumble.

Before she departs to bring Joker his plate, she reaches out for a pair of the raw steak slabs and hurls them across the room. The meat slaps against the concrete right in front of the pair of hyenas, both of whom are salivating while staring at it laying there within destruction distance from their mouths. And yet... they don't move.

With a plate in both hands, she makes a point of taking the long way around, until she meets up with Rose. "Ya look hungry." Stabbing the breakfast platter in the platnum haired woman's direction. "Eat somethin' would ya?" Hopefully she takes it because Harls isn't sticking around to find out.

The other plate is for Mistah J.

Stepping up beside him with a grin widen enough to show all her perfectly white teeth behind gorishly red lips. "Heah's ya breakfast, Puddin'." Plate slapped into the hand Joker's got stretched out to Magneto. The smile vanishes when she glances to Mags, "The King of Wakanda prolly don't shake hands wit normies, no how." As if Joker is normal.

With a glance back, she makes a clicking sound. Tongue off her back teeth and the hyenas attack the slabs of meat viciously, snarling and tearing ruthlessly. Her blue eyes look to the side, jaw flexing beneath porcelain white skin.

Ravager has posed:
A business deal? With guns drawn, powers on display and attitudes flaring? Heh. Maybe this town ain't so bad, after all. Rose is starting to wish she had grabbed herself a plate before wandering in on such shenanigans.

Much to her unspoken surprise it seems like the two are coming to an agreement. The Birds would probably -love- to hear all about it. Too bad for them Rose isn't one to ever feel chatty. Bad stuff happens everywhere, all the time! How is it such a big deal if a bigshot mutant is asking someone with a twisted sense of humor and a bad history of chemical interactions to -refine- a drug?

This can only end well.

Aaand speaking of things ending well, Harley's suddenly right beside Rose with a loaded plate being offered forth. The first few words out of the girl are "You read my mind" as she takes the offerings with a crooked smile.

Look at this. Everyone's being all nice and friendly and stuff. Granted it's all a bit sickening but it means she can enjoy some fresh cooked food without people trying to knock her down.

Bud and Lou are given another look (obedient critters, those two) as they get the command and utterly demolish some slabs of meat. Another point of interest noted for later. Healing factors are cool and all but being mauled by wild animals still hurts. A lot.

Magneto has posed:
Once again a furrow deepens on Magneto's brow as Joker references "the hopping one." Momentarily uncertain of whom the clown refers to, he gathers his thoughts before responding. "Ah, I believe you mean Toad," he clarifies. "Rest assured, I will ensure his compliance, keeping that prehensile tongue of his firmly under control."

Magneto's thoughts swiftly return to the matter at hand, acknowledging the importance of secrecy in their arrangement. "Indeed, you are correct," he affirms, his voice lowered to a conspiratorial level. "Secrecy is of utmost importance in this endeavour."

As the weight of the decision hangs in the air, Magneto takes a moment to contemplate the implications of the agreement he is about to make. The gravity of the situation is not lost on him, and after a moment's pause, he leans forward, extending his hand to Joker. With a firm grip, their hands meet, sealing the pact with an unspoken understanding.

"However, I must clarify, Harley," he interjects, addressing the misconception. "The King of Wakanda is an entirely different individual."

Joker has posed:
There's a moment of tension.

But what's another colorful character in the Joker's lair? Good, Joker thinks, the little runt will run and tell the first caped crusader she can find about his meeting. Good.

To think, he'll be killing the Batman with an act of medical charity. Ah hah. Ah hah hah hah. HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

"Wonderful!" Joker says, all smiles and again having to bite his tongue at Magneto thinking Harley mixed them up on accident. "Give me a few weeks to get some samples and equipment, like I said, and we'll be in business."

"Now if you'll excuse me." Joker shoves a forkful of eggs into his mouth. His eyes widen, and he immediately turns on Harey. "How much hot sauce did you put in this-not everyone can eat like their in college for the rest of their lives, you know!"

Harley Quinn has posed:
"Oh." Harley inclines her head at the correction, "King of Latveria, my apologies, ya Holy Imminnence." She snaps once and wiggles her finger, pointing up at the Silver Haired king of Genosha. "Yeah, yer him." The grin on her face is one hinged on a razers edge of lunacy, but she'd have to be about plum fucking crazy to hang around in this warehouse unironically.

"Don't ya worry yer Silver head none. When we got ourselves a job-" Her hands come up, palms out and her chin tucked slightly. One hand comes to her lips, kissing the ends of her fingers, which she flowers with an exagerated mwah.. "-We take't very seriously. An' Mistah J knows everything there is ta know about purifyin' toxins outta typically toxic substances.. Membah that time we used pool cleaner as a mixer foah High Balls at that big fancy dinner foah the big wigs at Ace Chemical?" She beams a bright smile, hands once again on her hips.

The smile evaporates when Joker asks her about the hot-sauce. "Ya says all tha time, Ha'lee! I need ya to 'spice things up' aroun' heah! I aint think we drew the line at the deli aisle.." Spinning to face Joker, "'Sides, everything's bettah with a little tobasco sauce. It aint even the ghost pepper stuff I put on my sandwiches."

She peers up at Mags, "You like yer food hot, right? Yeah, you do. You look like tha kinda fella who eats his food, then spends the afternoon shittin' yer regret.." She groans quietly and holds her hands, out for Joker's plate. "Gimme, I'll go fix it."

The Hyenas yelp, snapping at bones. Just out of view behind her right shoulder.

Ravager has posed:
Rose doesn't follow politics any more than she has to but she knows enough to know who Magneto is. As Harley gets it wrong twice in a row the short girl leans toward Boffo and quietly asks "Is this normal with her?"

Granted, 'normal' is a loose concept with this crew.

A deal is struck between the two sides but it's the following interaction between the clowns about hot sauce which has Rose hesitating and giving her plate a suspicious look. The sausage seems to be fine but the eggs are now eyed as though they might attempt to leap off the plate and bite her in the face.

There's also the matter of secrecy regarding the deal, and here she stands as a bigger outsider than the visiting magnetic mutant. Most people might take this as a hint to quickly and quietly GTFO. Ravager..remains intrigued. Also well fed. Surely if there's a problem they can figure it out. The only people who run away are the ones who have something to hide, or whatever.

These clowns sure picked a good cook...

Magneto has posed:
As realization washes over Magneto, his features morph into an amused smirk, fully comprehending Harley's underlying motive. The thespian nature of her performance elicits a flicker of appreciation from the master of magnetism.

"It's good to hear that you both take jobs seriously," Magneto responds, his voice laced with a subtle amusement. "Indeed, Joker has demonstrated expertise in the realm of toxic substances. However, I remain uncertain about his ability to 'purify' them."

Eyes fixed on the captivating interaction unfolding before him, Magneto watches as Harley playfully engages Joker, their banter taking an unexpected turn. The mention of spicy food captures his attention, drawing forth his response when prompted.

"Well, when it comes to culinary preferences, I must confess a fondness for shakshuka," he replies, his voice tinged with a hint of indulgence. "I prefer it with a meaty twist, served generously within a warm pita bread."

In this curious convergence of clandestine affairs and unexpected conversations about gastronomy, Magneto finds himself momentarily caught between intrigue and amusement. The multifaceted nature of their exchange hints at a dance of wit and deception, weaving a tapestry of alliances and negotiations in the shadows of a complex world.