2877/A Martian and a Cat Walk into a Lab.

A Martian and a Cat Walk into a Lab.
Date of Scene:	17 October 2017
Location:	Unknown
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Martian Manhunter, Black Cat

Martian Manhunter has posed:
The night is muggy in South America, specifically Colombia, even when you're in a city as large as Bogota. It's the type of night that makes you think that it is going to rain, or perhaps it has already rained, at any point in time. The people of the City are either in the clubs enjoying a night on the town, or they are home for the night after a long day of work. The exception, at least in this part of the City, is the well guarded facility that is separated off with electrical fences, men with automatic weapons, and security cameras spaced every twenty feet across the perimeter.

While the markings on the outside of the facility is a local pharmaceutical company for those who are more inclined to further investigation that may find ties to some larger corporate backers in the United States. For those with advanced investigative skills they might find that these larger corporate backers are known for genetic research. Interesting, then, why they would have funded these little known pharmaceutical company in Bogota, Colombia.

Perhaps there is something of value inside. Perhaps there is something to the high level of security here. Perhaps it is the type of place that draws those who want to know, or sell, /exactly/ what is going on.

Black Cat has posed:
What better place to test the her newest catsuit? Dressed head to toe in refractive material, the Black Cat slips past the security cameras, seemingly unnoticed. The technology, she was told, is unparalleled, and proving to be worth every penny. Harry Potter's got nothing on this chick, invisibility cloak or no. As she slips into the ventilation duct from the roof, she pulls off the hood and slips it into her belt at the small of her back. Beneath it remains still the thin black domino mask that frames those keen blue eyes as she slides on her belly through the ducts. Cramped quarters, even for the Black Cat.

Once inside, she peers through one slatted cover after the next, until she finds a room that looks interesting, and unpopulated. Then, she pops the cover, slips out, replaces the cover, and checks the room for laser trips. Surely, a place like this is more likely to have infrared than lasers, but a cat can't be too careful.

Martian Manhunter has posed:
Up to this point the Black Cat has not set off any alarms. The men who were walking the perimeter continue their patrols, and seem none the wiser to the invisible specter that slid into the ventilation shaft. There is a tingle at the back of her neck, a feeling of being watched, but the ventilation system has no cameras she sees or noted in the building plans she 'acquired'. Still, it is an odd feeling that doesn't pass, and perhaps will put her on higher alert.

At each interval she will see the clean and stark environment of a company that deals in some kind medical activities, perhaps the pharmaceuticals isn't too far off? Her initial review of the room doesn't show infrared or laser detection systems... there is a security camera in each of the four corners, but more importantly are the rows of refrigerated medical containers that hold many different vials. The reason this is important is because she can see highly advanced security locks containing badge, pin, and retinal scanner, pressure systems near the doors, and an unfamiliar wiring built into the see-through doors.

In the center of the room, where the cameras are focused, is a single computer that currently appears to be turned on while not showing anything on the monitor.

Black Cat has posed:
The Cat is enthralled. "Shiny..." she breathes, eyeing the computer. She has only ONE shot at those refrigerators. But that -computer- is something she hadn't anticipated.

Against this wall, she seems to have a little time to plan. She recalls the security system schematic mentioning something about half the cameras being monitored at any given time, on a thirty-second interval. She watches the cameras, and all four have red lights that come on and go off, seemingly at random, but there is always at least one on. All she needs to do is take out a single camera. Thirty seconds at a time is more than enough.

And so she attaches a feedback box to the wall next to one camera, which should blur the transmission to the point that her presence -should- go undetected. When that light comes on, she leaps to the computer, turns on the monitor and waits to see what appears. She has twenty-seven seconds...starting now...before she has to turn that monitor off and clear the shot.

Martian Manhunter has posed:
As she turns on the monitor there is a strange symbol, the more she looks at it the more she thinks it may be an Ideogram, and it is the only image that is seen. As two more seconds tick down she will hear in her head <Very impressive Black Cat, especially your stealth techniques and technology to get this far, but I would advise no more speaking. There is a sound sensor in this room, and your previous comment came close to setting it off.> The voice is incredibly deep, the tone is friendly, but nothing is seen in the room with her even though that sense of being watched has never gone away.

<You are looking at the Martian Ideogram that roughly translate into English as Advanced Genetic Research. From my research it appears that somehow a reconnaissance ship from Mars was uncovered on this planet, and this facility is the hidden location they are attempting to investigate what they have found.> Across from her, near the far wall, she will see the image of a towering green figure that is commonly seen on T.V. with the likes of Superman, Wonderwoman, and Aquaman.

<Perhaps we can reach a common goal here, Black Cat. I am willing to show /you/ the information they have gathered, because I can sense your interest in what is here. In return, you can help me gather what they have here, extract and destroy what data is not for the likes of these humans to have, and help each other leave this faciility undetected...> 5 seconds have gone by during the course of the conversation, <Does that interest you?>

Black Cat has posed:
A string of profanity-laced thought curses Cat's carelessness and predicament, before it stops midstream, as she remembers that those who can speak to her mind can also read it. She sighs. <That is to say, I am definitely interested in helping you. I haven't enough time.> She turns off the monitor and clears the shot, watching the various other cameras blink on and off as she waits for the scrambled camera's turn in the cycle again. <I can get into the refrigerators, if the information and lens I have correspond to someone with proper clearance. You are the Martian; I recognize you. As such, the technology belongs to you. Tell me what to do, and I'll help.>

Martian Manhunter has posed:
She can feel a sensation similar to mirth come through the mental connection that has been setup. <Black Cat, On my honor I will not read your thoughts any further than to facilitate this conversation. I have not looked to determine your identity, and I will not do that.> She can tell through the mental connection that he is telling the truth, whether she believes it or not is up to her.

 He looks to the cameras, and adds <If you provide me the process used for the cameras I will handle the monitoring system.>

He then refocuses his eyes on the keyboard, she will see various parts of the keyboard light up, <They have been able to at least identify some anomalies in the DNA they have found. The final alarm system is built specifically for me. I cannot touch the keyboard. I will show you what you need to do in order to gain access to the computer system, but you must be the one to operate it.> After a quick pause, he adds <Your skills and natural agility will allow for us the highest chance of success with minimal chance of detection.>

Black Cat has posed:
<The cameras are on a continuous loop, and change every thirty seconds.> Cat gives the information quickly and freely. <The feedback box next to the one above me should be scrambling the signal it sends, but as long as the other three are continuing to send satisfactory images, they are not likely to come and check it out immediately.> She watches the keyboard with a slight nod. She has no reason to believe at this point that the Martian would lie to her, as from what she has heard from others, and now from him, the prize she sought poses just as much of a threat to him as anyone else on Earth. <If we can freeze frame the cameras while the computer is empty, I would have enough time to do whatever I need.> She pauses, adding... <Whatever -you- need.> Her heart quickens at the thought of the explosives that could have cost her life, had he not informed her. And instantly there is greater trust and determination to help him.

Martian Manhunter has posed:
<They are attempting to combine Martian and Human DNA. The Human genetics knowledge is not far enough along to perform this activity. They will kill many animals in the process before they decide to try Human testing. The Humans who are lucky will die quickly. The others will linger for Months before their body breaks down. The worst will never be sane again.> J'onn gives to Felicia so she understands his concern, his emotions sending concern for all the potential test subjects.

<You will not be in any danger while I am here.> He says with complete certainty, <The explosives are not strong enough to get through the shield I will put on you.> After processing the information, J'onn tells her, Then, a moment passes, <Black Cat, thank you, your assistance will save many lives.>

<From what I can detect, the guards will come check on this room in thirty minutes as part of their rounds. If one comes before that I will notify you.> There is a sense of urgency that flows from him, and he adds <Black Cat, be careful.> Concern evident sent along with his mental message.

Black Cat has posed:
<There is another thing.> Felicia confides in J'onn, incensed now by the information he has given her. <I'm not called the Black Cat for nothing. I have a field that encompasses this room and beyond, which will render anyone I deem a foe...rather unlucky. Their chance of success in anything they attempt will likely end in failure. That includes everything from firearms, to communications, to walking without falling down. While it may not even come into play, it could be useful if someone arrives early.> She is already taking her place at the computer and turning it on again. <Tell me what to do. I am your hands.>

Martian Manhunter has posed:
<Interesting.> J'onn responds initially, <That will certainly come in handy as we move to leave this facility. This will also be something that we keep between us.> There is a sense of mischief from the Martian as he adds <I have already removed the remaining genetic material form their storage compartment deeper in this facility. Once we have done what we need here it should remove their capability to perform these experiments.> As Cat moves to sit at the keyboard, J'onn adds <My name is J'onn. It is a pleasure to work with you, Black Cat.>

Once she is seated, she will see the keyboard change to English symbbols, and the image on the screen becomes the English Translation he spoke about. He provides her with the command starting sequence, He provides to Cat the login and password information to access the stand-alone system. From that point forward it is much like any other computer system she has dealt with, even if it was developed specifically by this facility, and the areas that her knowledge may have gaps J'onn is willing and able to assist.

Each 29 seconds there is a slight shimmer where J'onn appears to be standing, and then the next camera is handled much like the previous. It is obvious he is moving so fast that she can't follow, but at no point does any concern come through for himself.

Black Cat has posed:
<Felicia.> The one word means more coming from the Black Cat than anything else she could have said to him. She tells no one her name. It is not unheard-of for someone to guess her identity, but she does not share it with anyone. Not lovers, nor foes, nor friends. It is possible that the context surrounding the single word may be sensed by J'onn.

Felicia quickly logs onto the computer and navigates it as intuitively as any she has dealt with in the past, with the help of the Martian's guidance. The two seem matched in skills that complement and offset one another, and their cooperation promises a fruitful outcome as Felicia quickly negotiates the actions that J'onn requests. She then looks at the clock on the computer. <How are we on time? And what's next on the agenda, Boss?> The nickname carries both cheeky and respectful overtones, as Cat awaits instruction.

Martian Manhunter has posed:
<A pleasure, Felicia.> Is the return thought, accompanied with respect and faith that he will keep such knowledge to himself. He seems to intuitively understand the significance of the separation between names and identities. He holds these secrets for others, and considers it the deepest of trust to carry such a burden. She will know that he will carry such trust to his grave.

<We have eighteen minutes before the normal rounds begin. However, with your ability I would guess it should buy us at least another five minutes. We will have plenty of time.> J'onn provides little guidance as Cat seems more than capable at handling this situation. When he does provide assistance it is more to guide a specific direction than a command to be followed. <This is a stand alone system. Once we have copied all the information we will proceed to initialize a wipe. The wipe will take some time, during that process we will take what is stored in these medical containers.> He highlights for her the areas that the pressure plates cover. <I will provide you a place to stand while you bypass the security systems. If there is an unknown additional security measure, I will provide you with a shield to keep you unharmed, destroy the material here, and take care of our escape path.>

Black Cat has posed:
With J'onn's careful guidance, Cat copies all the requested files to a series of flash drives, and tucks each away in a pouch on her belt. She then initiates the data wipe on the computer, and she moves to the location indicated by the Martian. <Ready, Boss?> She prepares to gather the genetic and medical containers. These, in particular, were her purpose in coming here tonight. Now no longer an item to be used as a bargaining chip, the procurement of them is vastly more important to her than even when she arrived.

Martian Manhunter has posed:
As Cat steps towards the doors she will see a green shimmer for her to step on. J'onn can feel her concern, and he provides back to her a confidence and protectiveness <No harm will come to you.> his thoughts beyond a shadow of doubt. As he waits for her to disable the security systems he makes the changes on the cameras. 

J'onn considers the room, his eyes taking in the potential escape route for Cat, and what possible issues could arise if the detection of the missing research is found early. For now, he returns his concentration to the task at hand, <Fifteen minutes left.>

Black Cat has posed:
<You got it.> Cat steps on the green shimmering tile and swiftly swipes the badge, enters the memorized pin, then lowers her head to gaze into the retinal scanner with her right eye, which contains a contact lens that matches the retina of the staff member from whom this information was lifted. The locks click and security lights turn green. Cat opens the first refrigerated case to begin gathering the materials inside, hoping that the process will go as smoothly as everything else has thus far.

Martian Manhunter has posed:
Given the abilities and skills of the two, it is no wonder that the 'heist' goes as smoothly as it does. Within the time it takes the computer to complete it's wipe and reformat, Cat has cleaned out all of the medical containers. As the last of the vials are placed into her storage device she brought, J'onn tells her <Three minutes left. Was your plan to use the same route as your escape path out?> His eyes shift to the door, and he adds <It sounds like there is a member of the staff coming to check in his results for the day. It only appears to be notes, but he will likely attempt to log them into the system here before destroying them.> He looks back to the ventilation shaft, thinking to her

Black Cat has posed:
Cat frowns, looking at the door. Cat pulls out her refractive mask and slips it over her head, tucking in the tidy French braid that holds her platinum hair out of the way, and out of sight. <It buys me enough time, but what about you? I'm not leaving you here alone.> Her loyalty and determination are fierce in her mental voice, and J'onn will know that she means business.

Martian Manhunter has posed:
There is appreciation in his return message <As far as I have been able to see there are only a few rooms they could try to trap me in.> He floats to her, and begins moving her towards her egress point. <This room /is/ one of them, but I will conduct my sabotage from outside. I will meet you outside, within five minutes, and move with you to a safe place to discuss next steps.>

The covering of the ventilation shaft opens of it's own accord, or seems to, and J'onn easily lifts Cat so she is inside quickly. She can hear a code being punched into the door <Quickly. Five minutes.> and he closes the grate behind her. He will disappear from view right as the door opens, and a tall skinny man in a lab coat walks into the room. She can see that he pays no attention to the empty refrigeration units, and her camera device is no longer where it was a moment ago.

Black Cat has posed:
<Five minutes.> Cat's thought comes as she slides back through the ventilation duct toward the roof where she first entered the building. She sets the storage bag on the roof and pulls herself out. The bag, covered in the same refractive material as her suit, renders it nearly invisible, and she straps it on as a backpack, quickly firing a grapple hook and launching herself toward a security tower, scaling the remaining wall and dropping to the ground outside the facility. From there, she disappears into the woods from whence she came, and awaits quietly a hundred yards or more beyond the walls of the facility.

Martian Manhunter has posed:
It isn't quite five minutes when the alarms in the facility go off. Immediately the men begin running around, and start heading into the facility. The search lights turn on, and begin scanning the area... which Cat is far out of range of at this point. It is probably another two minutes, just enough time for her to start getting nervous when the same voice from her mind is spoken aloud, "I am ready when you are, Felicia." The timber is the same, but without the mental connection it is hard to notice the friendly tone with it. Out of the forest materializes the same towering green figure, "I can fly us to a specific location, or I can follow you in your vehicle if you wish."

Black Cat has posed:
Cat breathes a laugh. "My vehicle is a rented moped under an assumed name, hidden two miles from here through the forest. Your method of escape would be much faster, and if I'm guessing, much more effective." For the first time, Cat gets a moment to study J'onn's large and powerful form without distraction, and she gives him a nod of reassurance. "Thank you for your help. I'm glad I could assist you tonight. As it stands, I have no need for this stuff...it was only going to be a bargaining chip for me, and could then fall back into the hands that had it to start with. Likely so. I'd rather you have it. But either way, we should get outta here before their perimeter becomes our perimeter."

Martian Manhunter has posed:
Offering a hand to her, J'onn nods his head in agreemnt, "All your conclusions are likely outcomes given the current situation." Once she takes his hand, warm to the touch, he lifts them into the sky, "I will also cover our retreat in a similar manner to your suit." As he flies them through the night sky of Bogota, he asks "A bargaining chip? We can speak further on what you need to bargain about, and whether I can provide a suitable replacement for the work you've done tonight." He flies them out of the city proper, and towards one of the smaller outlying houses as he adds "Only if you wish to discuss it. I would not have been successful without you tonight, and I believe some form of compensation is in order." His red eyes, oddly comforting, looks to her "I consider it a matter of honor, Felicia."

Black Cat has posed:
Felicia removes her hood and gives J'onn a genuine smile as the two leave the compound behind. "In all honesty, it's not anything that I needed in the first place. Curiosity killed the cat, or so they always say. And someday it may. It might have tonight if not for you. With me, it's more a matter of sport. And then, once I have what I want, I return it for a small fee, just to make it worth my while. Call it a 'catch and release' program. But this time, they're not getting it back." As the compound disappears completely into the dark of night behind them, she looks back to J'onn and then to the sky ahead of them. "It's a matter of honour, all right. Maybe for once I've found a cause I don't mind fighting for."

2877/A Martian and a Cat Walk into a Lab.

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