3062/Better Safe Than Sorry

Better Safe Than Sorry
Date of Scene:	04 November 2017
Location:	Gotham City
Synopsis:	The Board of Directors feel that Bruce Wayne needs to be protected at all times. A bodyguard is assigned to him, much to his annoyance.
Cast of Characters:	Batman, Mariam O'Shea

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Batman has posed:
    The elevator ride up Wayne Tower is a beautiful thing, especially to those who have only takein the trip a few times. The elevator is mostly a glass window that looks out to the side, polymers and plastic creating the floor of the transport so that when one is ascending they can see the many many smaller buidings that create the memorable Gotham skyline. Which is also good that one has something to look at as they ride to the top floor, for it is a trip that takes a good amount of time.
    Once the elevator reaches the one hundred and tenth floor, however, the elevator will slow its ascent, the doors opening with a whisper. A beautiful receptionist is there to greet those who arrive, and if they are there at the behest of the board then they're shown in promptly at exactly the right time...
    In fact today, this early afternoon, it is indeed the right time. For the young woman known as Mariam O'Shea has been summoned before the board. Perhaps it's due to her criminal record. Or perhaps it is due to what passed with her former Primary, the young Bobby Haines.
    Whatever the reason, she is there. And when it's her time she's shown into the board room.

Mariam O'Shea has posed:
    Normally, Mariam loves the elevators here at Wayne Tower. The view is breathtaking. It isn't for the faint of heart but she's never been one to fear heights. Usually she steps to the outer edge of the elevator, staring out at the world that seems so beautiful when viewed this way.
    Today, she didn't enjoy it. Her stomacn is a horrible knot and she is running through the many possibilities that could prompt her being called to a meeting of the board. Not her criminal record. They knew about that when she started with the company five years ago.
    Haines. It has to be. Two possibilities chase each other around and around in her brain. First possible, she flubbed things up. She didn't handle it properly but it all escalated so quickly. She's run through it dozens of times and she can't think what she could have done differently other than not go outside with him at all. Maybe that was it. Maybe she was about to find herself on the street because she didn't make the right choice.
    Second possible, they thought she was in on it. But if she was, she wouldn't have been in the fight to protect their property. Although maybe they think she just got cold feet and had only done that to cover for herself. Which means she is probably about to be canned for her participation.
    Either way, she's pretty sure she's going to be unemployed after this meeting.
    As she is escorted to the board room, she makes sure she has her game face on. Head up, shoulders back, suit perfect and straight. She walks in as though she isn't terrified, not even stumbling upon seeing all the faces turn in her direction. She walks to the end of the table and pauses, not sure if she should say something or not. Better to err on the side of silence. She does nod her head in acknowledgement.

Batman has posed:
    The faces there most likely mean nothing to her. At one end they are mostly older men, grey of hair, pale of complexion. When Mariam enters it seems almost like she's interrupting something, but she's allowed to advance and enter. Then one of the attendants, or guards but dressed rather nicely to be considered such, steps to her and whispers in her ear. "Ms. O'Shea, they'll be ready for you in a moment, please just wait here."
    So polite. So concise. But the man speaks with a steel in his voice that comes from the many years and expertise it takes to hold a position in this room with these men.
    But that will give her time to watch, to observe the meeting that's going on before her. At one end are the older men, at the other is one she might recognize. Of course she'd recognize him. Bruce Wayne, the face of the company, sits there at the other end of the long long meeting table. His chair is turned to the side and he's partially slouched in his seat, looking off out the window almost absently with what might seem like a bored expression.
    Beside him, however, is one that she might know... but might well not. Lucius Fox, the CEO of the company, has a seat beside Bruce and is listening intently to what one of the other men are saying.
    "Really, Bruce. We wouldn't have this problem if you just agreed to spend more time out of Gotham."
    Over to the side, Bruce responds with that jovial if bored tone. "But Gotham is my home."
    "That's true, but we of the board feel it's an inordinate risk. You've suffered three separate attempts on your person."
    Lucius leans forwards and speaks up, "That's not entirely fair there, Charles." He has a hint of a Southern accent, but addresses his colleague with respect. "One of those times the Riddler was searching for one of the Bat Men or something. He wasn't there with intent to do Mr. Wayne arm."
    Charles, however, cuts him off. "Be that as it may, Lucius. The point is that in a year's time Mr. Wayne has been endangered, and with the current state of the Wayne Consolidated Corporations, his health and well-being is of paramount importance."
    There's a pause, then Charles smiles. "Unless, of course, Mr. Wayne would like to select someone to see to all matters regarding Wayne Industries and the like. Someone who could take care of matters in his absence while he enjoyed the money we made for him."
    "Oh and who would that be, Charles? You?"
    "Or you, Lucius. Come now, I'm not being unreasonable. Perhaps out of the country, with a security detail?"

Mariam O'Shea has posed:
    As instructed, Mariam steps to the side and takes up a position waiting. Her arms are kept loosely at her sides. Standing around is one of the major parts of her job so she is used to it. The gentleman who spoke to her is regarded more closely than the men at the tables. Good at what he does. Able to handle himself. Likely could mop the floor with her but she's put in a good showing and he would have some bruises for his trouble. It's automatic to assess that way, even though he isn't the enemy.
    As the arguments go on at the table, she finds her attention going to the three most involved.
    Lucius she knows of by the pictures but she has never met him. The word among people in security is he's good people. She would prefer to judge for herself but his words make sense.
    Charles is an unknown. She's not even seen him before but listening to his suggestions makes her dislike him. While she agrees the safety of Mr. Wayne is important, his suggestions the man leave town or the country seem like someone making a grasp for power. It doesn't settle well.
    Bruce Wayne she has seen in passing at some events but again, someone she has never spoken to. He looks like he'd rather be anywhere but here as they talk about him like he's not even in the room. By his expression, he probably isn't mentally despite his brief interactions with them.
    As they continue to discuss, she keeps her attention on the voices instead of inward, so she doesn't ger hserelf any more anxious than she already is.

Batman has posed:
    Shaking his head, Lucius lifts his hands from the tabletop, as if trying to tell the other man to hold on now. "We'll make allowances for the matter, Charles. We already have to be fair. The modifications to Wayne Manor, the extra personnel we have now for our various holdings. Really, if we were armed anymore to the teeth they'd be calling us HalliBurton."
    Needless to say the joke doesn't go over well with anyone in the room, except perhaps Bruce who sort of smiles a bit wanly.
    "Look, Lucius. With the Riddler incident. Then that mess with Zsasz. And Bruce's birthday ball, we've had three separate incidences. And with our bylaws the board is empowered to take action as well as demand compliance." It's his turn to hold up a hand to cut off Lucius' words. "We know, that none of these options are appealing. So we came up with a stop gap measure. We use it, put it into place for the next year, and if everything is acceptable after that point we agree that those other incidents were just a coincidence. But if things go poorly..."
    He looks back and forth between Bruce and Lucius. It's then that he looks to Mariam.
    And, of course, that's when everyone else in the room looks to her as well. "Ms. O'Shea is one of our best up and coming security operatives. From this day forth she will be assigned to be Mr. Wayne's personal bodyguard. She will take up residence in the manor. When he is out making a public appearance she is to be with him at all times."
    "Now hold on a minute here, Charles."
    "No, /you/ hold on Lucius!" Charles' fist slams onto the table and causes everyone in the room to wince inwardly. "We are being /more/ than reasonable and the board has voted. This must be accepted and if Mr. Wayne can't be troubled then the board is ready to accept the terms of the removal of his limited responsibilities to the company."

Mariam O'Shea has posed:
    As all eyes turn to Mariam, she manages to remain in place despite the urge to run for the door. Too many eyes, too many people. Her job is in the background, not noticed. Instead she is the center of attention for the most powerful people in the company.
    At the words from Charles, she feels a dichotomy of responses. The first is relief. She isn't getting fired. She wants to slump a bit as the tension that was filling her has reason to go away all at once. In fact, he is being rather complimentary of her skills. It's the second part that has the tension right back there where it was, perhaps even elevated.
    Protecting Mr. Wayne. The most important person in the company. What if she screws up? He's had costumed villains after him going by the conversation and the press reports. She's going to be in some serious firing lines. She isn't afraid of it. On some level, she wants to go up against those people to prove that she is as far from them as possible now.
    Behind her sunglasses, she flicks her gaze to Mr. Wayne, waiting to see what his reaction to this might be. Bad enough he's going to have a bodyguard. Apparently, the board has the right to require that bodyguard to be in his home? That's a first for her. She kind of likes her apartment and has no interest in living with strangers but does she have a choice here?

Batman has posed:
    With the way the men are presenting this situation, apparently she does not have a choice. At all. Perhaps they're simply trusting that she will be intimidated enough by the situation, as well as drawn to the appeal of the task and the fact that with it on her resume... she could write her own check for her next job. So there is no time spared in asking her if she will accept it. Of /course/ she will accept it. At least so they think.
    Thus is why the conversation continues as Lucius and Charles go back and forth about the declaration and the decision. Their argument is a fine thing, rapier wit lashing back and forth, points of order cited, advanced, rejected, countered. It is an excellent example of rhetoric as each man is a strong speaker.
    But as they talk, across the room she'll espy Bruce Wayne. He seems to have his brow furrowed, his expression still held in check. But there might be a moment, just a single bare moment where his eyes meet hers and she can see such intense displeasure that she might want to quit the job right then and there.
    But then the discussion is over. Bruce and Lucius are standing up even as Mr. Fox is telling Charles. "We can contest this at the next meeting in six months. Trust that we will."
    "I understand, Lucius. I understand. But really, I have only the best interest in Mr. Wayne's well being at heart."
    And with that said the men start to step towards the door, walking past Mariam, as if she weren't there. Only for Charles' voice to lift again. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
    Charles then looks to Mariam and says, "Ms. O'Shea. If you please." He gestures with one hand towards Bruce and Lucius. Both who seem unhappy, but then Lucius seems to smile faintly at her, sadly. "C'mon, Ms. O'Shea, we know it's not your fault. Don't fret none." And with that they head towards the door, and then the elevator.

Mariam O'Shea has posed:
    As the arguments continue, Mariam is trying to keep track but they are discussing points of which she has no knowledge. It makes sense for him to have a bodyguard, that much she agrees on. But to this level seems extreme. Unless it's being done to try and force him to step aside and name someone else.
    Being caught in a game of politics is not where she wanted to be. She should simply refuse. Decline. Yet, they would just find someone else. Mr. Wayne was going to get a bodyguard one way or the other. She respected a lot of her associates in the Sentinels. There were a handful she would consider better than she was. Yet, they all had families. Children. Significant others. If they gave their life to protect Mr. Wayne from a costumed villain, she would feel guilt for the rest of her life. In truth, she had no one. Her parents barely spoke to her still. She was single, no children. Her loss wouldn't cause much of a ripple.
    Then she caught the eye of Mr. Wayne as the discussion continued. A chill went down her spine at that look from him. Maybe she shouldn't be so self-sacrificing? He hated the idea and thus he likely hated her already. Wait until he had to deal with her directly. That hate would likely grow because she was very in control of situations regarding her clients.
    As they head for the door, she has to hurry to fall into step with them. She reaches out to hold open the door but not before she gives a glance outside to be sure it is clear. Then she nods to the men, turning her head to them both. "Mr. Fox. Mr. Wayne." She tries to think of what to say. Anything that might help. Nothing comes to mind. At the elevator, she pushes the button before they get the chance then positions herself in front of them. If anyone is in the elevator, they will have to face her first. When the doors open and the space is empty, she glances at the interior then steps to the side to allow them to enter the car first.

Batman has posed:
    Once they're in the elevator, the transport carries them downwards, the skyline of Gotham slowly rising up to meet them as it continues down its steady descent. For a time silence reins between them, leaving them there in the most uncomfortable elevator ride man has most likely ever known. But leave it to a fellow like Lucius to try and break the ice.
    "Well, I imagine you didn't expect that today, Ms. O'Shea. Our apologies if this discombobulates your life a smidge." His gentlemanly tone is warm, and it's clear how he's made his way in life on that likability.
    But then Bruce seems to come back to the here and now and looks over at Mariam, "Lucius is right, Mariam. This must be a rather difficult thing for you to deal with. Though hopefully you won't be stuck with me for too long." And as he says that he flashes that warming smile so reserved and offered for the magazine covers and the banquet speeches. It's a disarming thing, and well-practiced.
    But even as the elevator descends, they eventually reach the tenth floor, the bell rings and it looks like Lucius is departing. "I'll catch up with you soon, Mr. Wayne." He rests a hand on the door interior, preventing it from closing. "Don't worry, I'll review the regulations about this and see if I can work my magic."
    "Thank you, Lucius."

Mariam O'Shea has posed:
    During the ride down, she has been trying to think. Mariam can't refuse the job. It's as simple as that. But she knows that Mr. Wayne would probably rather shoot himself in the foot than have a bodyguard following him around. They might interfere with his life of leisure and chasing models. She's seen the press. She knows what she's in for and it's not going to be a fun ride.
    The words of understanding from both of them have her feeling a bit better then Mr. Wayne flashes that million dollar smile. She blinks behind her glasses, a little stunned for a moment at the sheer wattage involved. Impressive really. No wonder the magazines love him.
    As the doors open and Mr. Fox gives those last words, she gets the courage to open her mouth. "Mr. Fox, Mr. Wayne. I know that you are not happy about this situation. It is a bit disconcerting for me as well since I will be moving residences until the situation is resolved. However, I want to assure you both that I will do everything in my power to keep Mr. Wayne safe, no matter the threat. Until such a time as I am relieved from my duties." She focuses on him directly, turning her head to him so he knows he has her full attention. "I will do my best to try and fit in without disrupting your life, Mr. Wayne."

Batman has posed:
    A small chuckle comes from both Bruce and Lucius, for what reason she doesn't know, but it could be any myriad of things considering the awkwardness of the situation. But Bruce gives a nod to her and says quietly, "I understand, Mariam. And I apologize for how this will most likely disrupt your own as well."
    Lucius lifts his hand, "Next time, Mr. Wayne."
    "Next time, Lucius."
    That said the doors to the elevator finally close and it finishes those last ten floors of descent, with Bruce looking out the window thoughtfully, his hands slid into the pockets of his brown suit coat even as he shakes his head. "Have you ever been to the opera, Mariam?" He asks over his shoulder.

Mariam O'Shea has posed:
    The question catches Mariam off guard. She wants to ask if he means her but of course he does. He said her name and she is the only one in the elevator. Normally, she is ignored for the most part. No one cares what she has or hasn't done in her life. Sure, there may be a comment or two tossed her way but this is different somehow, asking something personal about her.
    "To be honest, Mr. Wayne, I don't believe I have in the sense you are referring to." She's not sure if she should elaborate or not. "I've never attended anything above local or dinner theater level and then only things done in English. So I guess the answer would be no." That's a lot of words for her to string together although he won't realize it's unusual for her to talk that much. She's not sure why she did.
    As the lights indicate they are nearing their floor, she is moving forward in the car and again placing herself in front of the doors. It's automatic. Her body blocks his from any shots that could be taken although their height difference leaves his head well above her own. She may need higher heels.

Batman has posed:
    "That's where we're off to tonight, I have an obligation to the director." He says as he emerges and starts to walk through the lobby. Again there's that smile as he moves, giving a small wave to a few of the people that recognize him. He passes the security guard on duty at the front desk. "See you, Ethan. Keep up the good work."
    "Thanks Mr. Wayne, hey, you too. Ha-Hah!" The elderly guard smies and makes a finger pistol at Bruce Wayne only to have the billionaire smile back at him.
    They keep on walking through the lobby, and once they reach the front door the car is ready to whisk them away. "If you need anything, I'll have someone stop by your home and gather your things. Something nice to wear tonight might be good, if only to keep up appearances."
    That having been said they're led into the car and he crawls towards the back seat once in there, dropping into the limousine's elaborate interior. He folds his arms over his chest and looks out the window as the car starts to roll out of the drive. "I'll have my butler see to what you need once we get to the manor. Do you have any special requirements? Any luxury items or hobbies you'd like to set aside some space for you to enjoy?"

Mariam O'Shea has posed:
    After that look in the board room, Mariam is a little surprised at how polite he's being. His interaction with Ethan was a surprise as well. Knowing him by name Obviously having spoken in the past together. A little insight she never had into Mr. Wayne.
    "I have a variety of suits if those would be appropriate for the venue," Mariam offers. If he's talking evening gown, they are out of luck. She's never had the need for one in her life. Even the dinner theater she was either in a suit or her casual wear. Never dressed up like she's seen people doing when they went to the opera. None of her previous clients took her somewhere she needed more than her suits.
    "I'll provide a key and a list to make it easier on whoever you send." Not sure how much she should ask for, she answers truthfully. "The only thing I do is listen to music, read and work out. I do train daily, martial arts specifically. I don't suppose you have a dojo in the mansion?" she says in a light tone, teasing since no one really has one of those at home. "Depending on the size of my room, I can just set up a few training things there."

Batman has posed:
    "We have a gym," He furrows his brow as he looks sidelong towards her, then back out the window. "You can use that whenever you like. I sometimes spend some time there, but I'll try not to trespass on your personal time."
    The way he's speaking, it's clear he's going through a mental checklist, trying to figure out the ways she's going to interfere in his life, how he'll have to deal with it. Understandable really, but then again she most likely isn't aware of to the extent this is /really/ going to interfere with his life.
    But then he looks back at her and smiles faintly, "Wear something you'll feel comfortable in, Mariam. They're just actors, any airs they put on are just pretend even if they don't know that themselves."

Mariam O'Shea has posed:
    "I'm most comfortable in a suit. It's what I'm used to," Mariam admits as she glances out the window on her side. She didn't catch his look when he mentioned having a gym. In her mind, it's one of those little numbers people set up in their homes. Maybe a treadmill, a rowing machine. Maybe an elliptical and some free weights. Nothing like she's thinking of with her mats and training dummies. It'll have to do. Sacrifices to be made.
    "I've never really cared what others thought of me," she admits with a faint shrug as she turns to glance back at him, her glasses reflecting back his own image. "I am what I am and I can't change that. I've been judged most of my life for one reason or another so someone looking down their nose at me for not owning a fancy dress is easy to ignore." She doesn't explain her past. It doesn't matter in this situation. Likely he already knows. Or he will in short order since, in his shoes, she would have her background looked into. She's going to be living in his home. He has every right to want to know all the details.

Batman has posed:
    "We'll see, Mariam." But after he says that Bruce Wayne looks back towards his window and falls silent until they reach Wayne Manor.