2535/Girl Talk

Girl Talk
Date of Scene:	21 September 2017
Location:	Unknown
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Oracle, Huntress

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Oracle has posed:
    Barbara's waiting, a little nervous... okay actually a lot nervous. It's silly to be nervous, having contacted Helena. She -knows- the other vigilante's on the same side, even if she seems to be a bit more... gung ho and harsh in her view on criminals than Babs herself. But then, she's got her reasons. And hey, who doesn't want a chance to play spy? She left Helena a message about meeting up, a vague description of herself, and the fact that she'd be wearing a blue hairband, which she's using to tie her red hair back into a messy ponytail as she sips at a paper cup of coffee. She glances around the street, trying to guess when Helena's going to approach.

    This is really the most fun way to meet another heroine and break the ice. Sure, the whole team up and smack around some goons thing works, but -god- is that a pain the next day, and this is fun, more casual, -and- it involves caffeine. She's totally floating on a high of smug satisfaction. Best meet up plan -ever-.

Huntress has posed:
    Helena arrives at the restaurant with all alerts raised. She's a teacher, so she's used to getting called with requests for meetings. From parents. But this didn't come from a parent. In fact, the only thing she knows about this 'Barbara Gordon' is that she's a librarian and she covers her digital presence incredibly well.
    The dark-haired woman enters the coffee shop and pauses just inside, removing her sunglasses. She took a cab over, and is carrying an over-sized handbag that looks like it's got some weight. It's also Italian leather. Blue...blue...blue... Ah, there she is. Offering a smile, she heads over. Wearing a purple oversized top and jeans, she moves with the easy grace of an athlete. "Barbara?"

Oracle has posed:
    Barbara offers a bright smile, up close it's clear there are shadows under her eyes, though she's done a bit of touchup to hide them as she chirps out and offers her hand. "Helena! Nice to finally meet you, I've heard a lot about you! ...All second hand, actually. I mean, you know how our... hobby? Can be. Everyone's so -dour- and taciturn. I figured we could try something new, and -also- enjoy some coffee."
    She offers a ghost of a grin, head tilting as her eyes drop down to that bag, sizing it up... half as considering just what gear Helena might be carrying on a regular basis, and also because hey, nice Italian leather bag. Fashion is fashion. "So, how're you doing? Things quiet in your neck of the woods?"

Huntress has posed:
    Helena's smile remains, although she tilts her head with the mention of their... hobby. She takes the offered hand, looking at Barbara more carefully. Yes the signs are there. A firm grip with callouses not unlike her own. Dark circles from too little sleep. She's about to deny any reference to their 'hobby', but as she sits Helena favors her left side just a bit. A war wound, perhaps? Regardless, Barbara is definitely smart enough to notice it as well.
    The sunglasses are set down on the table, and Helena has similiar dark circles under blue eyes. The bag doesn't *clunk*, but she's definitely packing a bit of hardware. "I'm doing really well, thanks. Although I must admit some confusion as to your call. Until now, that is. How's a girl get a cappucino around here, anyway?"

Oracle has posed:
    Bab's smile creeps just a touch wider as she points to the counter nearby, chirping out. "Oh, right over there... I mean, it's not the -best- in town, but I figured we'd probably want somewhere we're not going to be interrupted by... well, all the things that interrupt day to day life in Gotham, right?" She rolls her eyes with a little sigh, "I swear, Metropolis thinks they have it -so- bad, and they've got nothing on us. Superman's things don't even cause -traffic jams- I bet."
    Babs hums softly and murmurs out, "Well, honestly, I was thinking with more and more... uhhh... new faces around town, we should all look into networking. Seeing how we can support one another, without relying on... uhh... tall dark and grumbly, as it were. There's a lot of eager new folks, and I figure a little mutual training and the like could help out."

Huntress has posed:
    Helena's expression becomes *knowing*, picking up on the second layer of the conversation. Rather than getting up, however, she calls out towards the counter. "Can I get a cappuccino, extra tall over here?" Helena watches, then, letting the little redhead run on a bit before she replies. "So pardon me for asking, but I do have a couple of questions here. Please don't take offense, but I'm kind of having trouble picturing you as part of the after-hours set. You're, like, what? A buck-ten soaking wet? Not exactly what I'd call 'frightening'."
    She leans in, then, voice lowering a touch. "But more importantly, just how in the hell did you get my name? I mean my REAL name? That's something I guard very, *very* closely. If you found me then I'm sure you know why."

Oracle has posed:
    Babs laughs softly and nods her head, "Well, that's why I'm... ah, trying to branch out to a less hands-on sort of involvement. The sneaking around and such was fine, but... okay, you've got a point, it's tricky doing the more physical stuff when you can be picked up a thrown around like a sack of potatoes. And not a particularly hefty sack."
    Her brow furrows a touch, cheeks flushing lightly, clearly she's dwelling on it... at least until that more serious question comes up and her eyes light up. "Oh! That's... well, I mean, I'll keep the technobabble low but... I've got a -lot- of access to various computer systems, social media and the like. Facial recognition doesn't really help a ton, but between it, shopping patterns, matching up cell phone tower pings to police reports... I don't think anyone -else- could do it, or if they could, they're probably the sort of cybernetic whackadoo that doesn't -need- to because they see all humans as being the same... but, well, what can I say? I'm a bit more of the 'detective' side than our mutual uhh... bird friend? I mean, I guess his name counts as bird-like..."

Huntress has posed:
    Helena relaxes a bit as Barbara describes her techniques. Apparently the redhead hasn't delved too deeply into the Bertinelli family history. Or if she has, she's keeping it to herself. Good in either case. She unslings the bag, letting it settle on the bench seat beside her. The motion somehow has the equivalence of slipping a gun back into the holster.
    "Bird-friend. Yeah, I know who you mean." Nightwing. "So what's your angle, then? Sounds to me like you're pretty good at running the 'net, at the very least. And I think you're more physically capable than you'd admit. Why come to me? Because I carry a few throwing knives and a gun in my bag?"

Oracle has posed:
    Babs lets out a soft little laugh, covering her mouth to make sure it doesn't carry. "No, because I feel like if we get... well, honestly, all the vigilante girls around town working as some sort of even informal group, we can probably do more for the -people- in Gotham than Batman... I mean, he does his best, but he's spread thin, and I think the common people around town are getting overlooked... like... how many times does chasing down the Joker really help the family barely making it by when they get hit by some break and enter crew?" She perks her eyebrows up and sighs, "And with the weird -weird- stuff going on with gangs lately, I think it's just going to get worse. And when it does, I want us able to coordinate and... well, if someone needs a throwing knife poked somewhere soft to save some people, sure, I'd like you around to do the poking, Helena."

Huntress has posed:
    Helena smiles a little at that, and she nods slowly. "Just so long as you're okay with my methods, Barbara. You know I don't always play nice with the other children. But it's certainly nice knowing that someone's got your back, as well." The cappuccino is brought over, then, and Helena pays in cash. "You have anything specific in mind right now, or are you still just recruiting?"

Oracle has posed:
    Barbara nods her head and rolls her eyes a little, "Well, I mean... Robin's constantly trying to sneak out with a katana, so I'm not so sure your methods are -that- different than his... you just don't complain about how you should be in charge of everyone -all- the time..." She shakes her head again with a suffering little sigh and she sips at her coffee some more. "Nothing specific right now, I've been getting back in touch with Canary, and the new Batgirl's got a... sidekick I guess? -I- never got to have a sidekick..." She mutters that last bit under her breath, "But mostly just recruiting, reaching out so when things go sideways, we all know we can count on each other. I just feel like... all this weird alien gang stuff isn't going to be as limited in scope like it usually is. I mean, big alien ship shows up, all the big stars beat up the aliens, and no one gets hurt... but you give some mobster a laser gun? He's not going to be aiming it at super heroes, and I'm not sure the big names are going to -notice- that... so we will, right?"

Huntress has posed:
    Helena nods slowly, sipping her cappuccino. "I follow what you're saying, Barbara. So yes, count me in. You've got my frequency, or is there another one I should be scanning?" Her expression gets a bit more serious at the mention of mobsters with laser guns, and it's pretty likely that Barbara would know that's a hot button for her. "In any case, feel free to call me if you need any... crossbow support."

Oracle has posed:
    Babs nods her head and can't help but flash another little grin. "No new frequency yet, but I'm working on something... figured I should get something in place to cover the city that doesn't have a radio mast poking out of my window. But! I'll invite you to movie night too." She clicks her tongue and chirps out, "I mean, we all need more than one hobby, Helena! Maybe we can hit the gym or something too."

Huntress has posed:
    Helena smiles at that. "I like the way you thing, Barbara. Movie night? I can't tell you the last time I've seen a movie. I usually work out at home, however. Most guys would be... intimidated... by my ab routine. But I can tone it down. Do you spar? I could always use a good sparring partner, no matter what her weight."

Oracle has posed:
    Babs laughs and nods her head, "Oh, I'm pretty sure -I'm- intimidated by your ab routine, and I haven't even seen it yet. But sure... working out and sparring sound good. My latest sparring partner is... uh, a little intense, so hey, you might actually wind up being -relaxing- compared to that."

Huntress has posed:
    Helena clucks her tongue, laughing softly as well. "Oh I'm -sure- you can keep up with my 700 situp pace..." she replies, and she doesn't look like she's kidding. "I really don't have any particular -style- I use, although I did study with a proper master recently. I tend to focus more on just fighting dirty and fighting to win."

Oracle has posed:
    Babs just stares blankly for a long moment. "So... they're bullet proof, right? Your abs? They make a 'ping!!' sound and things ricochet off them with more speed than they had to start?" She laughs and nods her head, leaning back in her seat, "Oh, same... I mean, I've picked up a few things -from- styles, but I'm no secret ninja or anything like -some- people around town."

Huntress has posed:
    Helena smirks at that, brows waggling. "If that's the case I wouldn't wear kevlar..." she replies dryly. "But yeah, we'll do some sparring. Just hands and feet; nothing sharp or otherwise dangerous." She pauses for a moment, considering how to ask her next question. "So how will I recognize you? Out on the street, that is. I'm assuming you don't usually wear a blue ribbon as part of your outfit."

Oracle has posed:
    Babs lets out a thoughtful little noise, "Well, hm... yeah, that's a good point. I'm actually working a bit on my costume right now... but uhh... how many redheads can there be running around up on the rooftops? ...Okay, now that I think about it, there -are- a few." She clears her throat and grins crookedly, "Well, I'm the one who... doesn't have a big red bat symbol, -or- do things with plants... I mean, except turn them into salads for lunch usually. But uhh... I guess we -do- need some sort of signal or something, huh?"

Huntress has posed:
    Helena purses her lips and replies wryly. "I know of at least one. Yeah, the big redhead who dresses in red and black with the bat symbol over her chest." And do Helena's cheeks color a bit? Surely not with her Mediterrnean skin tone. "You'll recognize me well enough, if you can get close enough to spot the purple and black."

Oracle has posed:
    Babs nods her head and chews her lower lip for a moment, "Well, worse comes to worst, if someone in purple and black fires a crossbow at me, I'll whistle Pop goes the weasel and you'll know it's me!" She giggles softly and grins, "So, when should I plan to stop by to join your exercise routine? I'll bring snacks or something too!"

Huntress has posed:
    Helena considers for a moment, then. "I've got a place in the Meldoff Building, top floor." Okay, the *entire* top floor, but who's counting. "Afternoons are best. Just send a text before you drop by. There's a gym a couple blocks over where I sometimes work out. And they've got a place we can use to spar. Bring snacks for later, and I've got plenty of wine." She pauses a moment, expression almost playful as she adds. "You -are- old enough to drink, right? No offense, but you look like you're sixteen."

Oracle has posed:
    Babs sighs and huffs out, arms crossing over her chest, "I am -so- over sixteen. I'll bring my driver's license so you can be sure, Helena." She quirks an eyebrow and grins playfully. "I mean, besides, I'm the daughter of the police commissioner. I -surely- never thought of drinking before I was old enough. Because I'm well-behaved and demure, you see. Hmm... and I -have- been meaning to get an actual gym membership... I mean, I've got some weights at home, but I haven't got a steam room."

Huntress has posed:
    Helena laughs at the response, looking more than a little bit pleased. "Well hey, you've gotta understand that I'm a teacher in the Gotham public school system. You know how it would look if I served alcohol to a minor?" Okay, the smirk fades a bit then. "I'm sure I can get you in on a guest pass or something. I've... done them a few favors. So they feel like they owe me. But if this works we can settle up with actual memberships. And yes, they have a steam room and a jacuzzi."

Oracle has posed:
    Babs groans and pinches her nose, lifting her glasses just a touch, "Oh... wait, we're like... becoming buddies. You're not going to give me like... vigilante detention, right?" She hums and murmurs tauntingly, "And I -guess- I could've driven some of my teachers crazy enough to go from rooftop to rooftop at night..." She snickers softly and shakes her head quickly. "Well then, we'll have to get around to doing this soon! Workouts and spars and totally legitimate age of majority drinking. ...God, that just makes it sound -worse- than if I was underage."

Huntress has posed:
    Helena wrinkles her nose, sipping her cappuccino and chuckling softly. "It could be worse, believe me. That *other* redhead we discussed a moment ago? She's been known to ambush me in my apartment in the middle of the night and treat me to impromptu sparring matches." Lifting an index finger, then, she adds. "Which, just so you know, I'll staple your freckled hide to my wall if you ever try." Expression softening, she adds. "But yeah, I think you're right. We just need to seal it with a few bruises, a sauna, and a bottle of wine."

Oracle has posed:
    Babs rolls her eyes and grins widely. "Hey, I am -way- too busy to be spending my nights sneaking off for -unannounced- sparring matches. I will totally text ahead and be like 'Look out at 3am, rawr' or something." She huffs out and looks down at herself, "I am -not- that freckly! I mean, god, I spend so much time in front of LCD screens now I'm the same tone as printer paper." She clears her throat and bobs her head, "Okay, soon to be printer paper and some blue ink. But nothing a sauna and wine won't fix, I'm sure you're right about that."

Huntress has posed:
    Helena raises her paperboard cup, offering a toast. Mimicing Bogart, she offers. "Louie, this is the start of a bee-autiful friendship." Taking a sip, she chuckles again and adds. "One step at a time. Sparring and movies and wine, first. When it comes to intruders in the middle of the night, I have a policy of shooting first and apologizing later. Blue ink? Okay, then. I'll watch for the blue..."

Oracle has posed:
    Babs lifts her own cup in return and finishes it, slipping out of her seat and laughing out. "Oh, totally. I mean, random nocturnal ambushing is like... -definitely- a thing you build to? I guess?" She doesn't sound so certain about that, but hey, she doesn't really sneak into people's houses at night and rough them up! ...Okay, so like, she -does- sometimes, but it's not playful, it's interrogating goons. "Well, I'll send you a text soon! And look into getting some sort of meeting together so we can expand our network of friends. Until then... you know, take it easy. Maybe treat yourself and only do six hundred and -fifty- situps?" She lifts her eyebrows encouragingly at the suggestion and then slips off, no doubt to do... vital librarian things.