5058/A moment to breathe

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A moment to breathe
Date of Scene: 30 July 2018
Location: The Clocktower, Chelsea, Gotham
Synopsis: June is safe from the Foot.. For now.
Cast of Characters: Shadow, June Connor, Oracle




Shadow has posed:
    June has been lucky - certainly the nurse has told her so several times. None of the weapons that hit her were poisoned, and the deepest cut only needed a few stitches, but if it had been less than an inch more to the left it'd have gone through a tendon and she'd be looking at several months relearning how to move that arm.

    Saved from their bedside manner, it's back into the cab, and for the life of her June can't recall the address the Shadow gave Benny -- she remembers Benny asking where to next, she remembers the Shadow responding, but the actual words are a blur. Judging by the sights out the window, they've been driving into Gotham...

June Connor has posed:
    June seemed to take the extraction in stride, even if she was very suspicious of the strange rescue from the Shadow. She is paying attention closely to where she is going, and indeed the path to Gotham is a familiar one to her.
    She seems to be very focused on something, though the trip is not her first priority. She sits quietly for the first twenty minutes, channeling her chi to help her heal a little faster. It is hardly an extensive healing, but it helps to reduce the soreness a little and speed the process along so that it won't take quite so long.
    As they move into Gotham, she finally speaks.
    "So...superhero, huh?" she asks. "Bitchin' extract. Thanks man. You one 'a Batgirl's buddies then?" It's her first real acknowledgment that she was rescued. Of course, she still thinks the Shadow is a man.

Oracle has posed:
    For her part, while June and The Shadow are enjoying a nice, relaxing tour of Gotham's scenic downtown, Batgirl is leading Karai on a merry chase through the Gotham skyline. It makes for a later arrival then the other two, of course, but The Shadow has full access to the Clocktower after all.

    ~Okay, I've lost her.~ comes the voice over Shadow's earpiece. ~Heading back, now. Should take me a few minutes, so you two get settled and start the coffee machine for me.~

Shadow has posed:
    The Shadow does not appear to be the talkative type. "We're... Recently acquainted," they reply, sparing June only a brief glance. Shortly after, there is a nod as they hear something on the earbud June can see from up close on this angle. "We'll be there." they reply to whoever is on the other end of that communication, then looks at Benny via the rearview mirror. "Proceed."

    Benny nods, and takes a right turn into Chelsea. A few minutes later, the cab slows to a halt outside one of the taller buildings in the area, and the doors unlock with an audible click. The Shadow nods at Benny and exits, then waits for June to do the same.

June Connor has posed:
    June doesn't press for more conversation, content to be silent once she had generically given a token of appreciation. She grabs the duffle of equipment, then steps out of the car, shifting the bag from her left hand to her right. She immediately pulls a kunai from the bag, walking to a mailbox nearby without a word. She...flips it off? Then with the but of her kunai, she gives a light but firm tap onto something on the top of the mailbox before turning back around. "So now what?"

Oracle has posed:
    Batgirl doesn't say much over the comm channel now, operating in VOX mode so that Natasha doesn't have to listen to her panting and grunting as she swings and jogs her way back into Central Gotham. Looks like the others will definitely have time to get comfortable before she arrives.

Shadow has posed:
    "Now, there is someone who'd like to speak with you," The Shadow replies, moving toward the Clocktower's front door, pausing to look over their shoulder at June. "I promise no one looking to meet you here bears you any ill will."

    They tilt their head briefly before continuing. "Of course, you're free to say no, in which case we'll leave and you'll likely not see either of us again for the rest of your life." A distinctly sinister chuckle. "Of course, on your own with next to no resources and the Foot wanting you dead, that might not be a very long time..."

    The door opens as the Shadow approaches, and they stand beside it, inviting...

June Connor has posed:
    June gives a smirk, and cocks an eyebrow at the Shadow. "You have no idea," she says in agreement. "Not sure you can make much difference in that, but hell, not like I got much to lose at this point." She walks toward the door, kunai still in hand. Her stance is guarded, despite the statement that there is no ill will intended.
    As if a force of habit, she checks the street around, and the rooftops before entering the clocktower, then steps inside.

Oracle has posed:
    The Clocktower's security is on, which means that cameras record everything that goes on in the lobby. There are cameras in discreet, yet predictable locations. There is also a sophistocated grid of infrared and laser sensors that saturate the entire ground floor of the building. If one knows where to look.

    And there is likely another layer or two of security below that. Is Barbara paranoid? She would prefer to use the word 'careful', but this is one of the most secure buildings in Gotham City. Including Gotham National Bank.

Shadow has posed:
    The Shadow lets out another sinister chuckle as they lead the way to the elevator and use a keycard to unlock the door. "People tend to become /interestingly/ resourceful and creative when they're desperately trying to stay alive, I've found," they comment. "I suspect you'd manage to surprise even yourself, when it came down to the wire..."

    The elevator opens before them, and the Shadow steps inside, waiting for June to decide to join them or run away...

June Connor has posed:
    June glances around, spotting the cameras fairly quickly. She is sharp when it comes to identifying such things, and her eyes scan quickly. "Maybe, but resourceful people die every day," she answers as she finishes her initial intake of the ground floor.
    "Damn. Somebody has something worth protecting here," she comments. "Or somethin' to hide," she adds. She follows onto the elevator, though the grip on the kunai tightens a little. She drops the bag as she gets on, freeing her right hand, and instead of facing the door, she faces the side wall and the Shadow.

Oracle has posed:
    The elevator ride is a fairly short one, and there's no bell to announce the floors. Reaching the top, the doors open out into a spacious penthouse that occupies the upper two floors of the building. The clock-face itself is the most prominent feature here, and lights flicker on in a series as the visitors arrive.

    Apparently the resident of this eclectic abode is not home.

Shadow has posed:
    "Anything worth hiding is worth protecting," The Shadow points out reasonably as the elevator doors open. "Make yourself comfortable. She'll be here soon."

June Connor has posed:
    June wanders into the room, eyes searching for...well, everything. She glances at everything from electrical outlets to bookshelves, corners and doorjams, as if assessing the room for weaknesses, traps, or potential tools. A little extra time is spent on the computer and the face of the clock, which seems to be the main visual attraction.
    She does exactly as told, but instead of sitting on the couch or in a chair, she walks toward the kitchen. "Anything to eat?" she asks. "I'm starving." She pulls open the fridge with a remarkable lack of hesitation.

Oracle has posed:
    The fridge is typical of what one would expect of a bachelor. Or a bachelorette, in this case. A six-pack of craft beer, minus a couple bottles... a half-full bottle of white wine... assorted fruits and veggies... half a gallon of whole milk (thanks, Alfred!)... orange juice... deli meat... cheese... yogurt... and a few carry-out boxes from a Thai place down the street.

    Enhanced senses would pick up light footsteps on a ledge outside, and there is no alarm when the tall window opens. A dark figure with bat ears and a cape slips inside, laughing softly. She is damp from the night and from her chase. "June, that lady wants you REALLY badly."

Shadow has posed:
    "She did strike me as one to hold grudges beyond reason, and not one to forgive betrayal lightly," The Shadow replies, not bothering to ask whether Batgirl is absolutely sure she gave Karai the slip for good. Instead, they turn to regard June once again, those blue eyes looking the young woman over and seeming to read and weigh her every sin. "On that note, you went to a great deal of effort to make sure you had this opportunity to speak with this woman; this is as good a time as any to start..."

June Connor has posed:
    June sticks the kunai into her belt, the tip sticking out beneath the leather, and then takes one of the craft beers. Data says she's 19, but she doesn't seem to let a little thing like legal drinking age get in her way. She pulls out the deli meat and cheese, and starts opening the containers when she hears the window open. There is a reflexive readiness that comes to her stance, and she seems to examine Batgirl for a moment, as if determining whether it is someone else's face behind the mask. She seems content after a second, and then pulls the kunai back out, using it to pop the cap off the beer and take a swig, then she holds it back to examine the label.

    "Yeah, well," she says. "I kinda asked for it. The Foot doesn't take to betrayal. Like leaving a family, there tends to be hard feelings. But most families don't involve secrets like the Foot does," she comments. "Still think I'm clever?" she asks, remembering an earlier conversation.

Shadow has posed:
"Intelligence does not prevent one from making spectacularly poor life decisions. It does however increase your chances of /surviving/ said poor decisions," The Shadow points out reasonably, then leans back to let Batgirl make the pitch.

Oracle has posed:
    The female Bat's identity is already public knowledge as far as everyone in the room is concerned. With a tilt of her head, the cowl and mask come off and she tousles out that red hair. "We know the Foot doesn't like betrayal, which is why we were prepared to scoop you up." she offers. "We've already discussed my expectations, but I can provide a refresher if you like."

    And regardless of the answer, the refresher comes anyway. "Our identities and our Family's secrets are not up for compromise, whether for kicks or for sale or even for redemption." She lets the last hang in the air a moment. "You are now dead to the Foot. I take that as your baptism into our company. It's not an easy life, but someone will ALWAYS have your back. If you choose to leave then it will only be with the condition that you won't speak of this ever again. I believe the Shadow can arrange that."

    Is she bluffing? CAN The Shadow really do that? Would Batgirl permit it? If she's bluffing, it's a damn good one.

Shadow has posed:
    Good questions, both. The Shadow, looming silently in the corner, certainly makes no comment or protest, and the way they seem to toy with perceptions suggest it might not be a safe bet to call the bluff...

June Connor has posed:
    June may be nervous at the idea, but if so, her defense seems to be to front toughness. "Fuck no. Don't need anybody screwin' in my skull." She drops the kunai on the counter, then pulls out a piece of turkey, followed by a slice of cheese. She wraps them together, then takes a bite.

    She points at Babs. "I can keep a secret, been keepin'em half my life," she says around the bite of food, then points at the Shadow. "So what's with Mr. Boogeyman, anyway? Just like Halloween too much? I hear that's a thing in Gotham."

Oracle has posed:
    Barbara shakes her head slowly, tossing the damp cowl onto a side table on her way into the kitchen. "The Shadow has his own secrets, which I've agreed to keep. That's our first and most important rule, here. Nobody tells anyone else's secrets. Period. When or IF he gets more comfortable with you, he'll lose the costume. Not before."

    For her part, Babs pulls out a mineral water and twists it open. "You'll crash here while you heal and until the interest from the Foot cools off a bit. Don't get curious. Don't go outside, at least not for a few days. And don't touch the computers. If you want, I'll set you up with a loaner. I know you can keep a secret, but you've made some bad decisions lately. You'll have to earn your key to the building. And you'll have to trust us."

    The alternative, of course, is to be set 'free' on the streets on her own. "While you're healing you'll train, with me and with others. You have a lot of potential, June. I'd like to see you live up to it."

Shadow has posed:
    The Shadow just chuckles at the bravado, favoring June with another look. "You certainly don't lack for courage. Good. You'll need it, I suspect..."

    They trail off, then turn to regard Barbara. "I have business elsewhere, tonight. You'll be all right with her on your own?"

June Connor has posed:
    "You're tellin' me," June passively remarks regarding the bad decisions as she washes down the bite with some more alcohol. She doesn't argue with any specific point made. "Smashed a camera right outside," she offers, even though the information wasn't requested. "I get you got somebody who can actually use that, you or somebody else. Should check the band for the traffic system, they're running on the same frequency to make'm hard to detect." She nods in concession to the Shadow's secrecy. "Hey, you keep your cape and cowl bit goin', you do you, I get it. But whaddaya mean, 'others'?" She glances around. "We got us a bed and breakfast here or somethin'?"

Oracle has posed:
    Barbara gives Natasha a nod and a mock-salute as well. "We're all good here. And thanks very much for your help, Shadow. I'll be in touch." The cape comes off next, carefully draped over the same furniture as the cowl.

    "Like I told you before, I'm putting together a team. Most people have their own place, but some may need to, or want to, stay here. From time to time. When things cool down a bit, I'll set you up in a nice, quiet place of your own. Somewhere as much off the grid... and away from the Foot... as possible." Barbara takes another swig, then adds. "You'll want something discreet to work in, as well. I'd expect that won't be a problem for you, however."

Shadow has posed:
    Meanwhile, the Shadow walks over to the elevator and steps inside as the doors open, then turns to face June one more time, but remains silent as the doors close.

    Less than a minute later, the front door opens, but none of the camera pickups register anyone leaving...

June Connor has posed:
    June doesn't let her eyes leave the Shadow as the doors close. "Creepy as fuck," she admits. "Bet he scares the hell out of people when he does his thing. Yeah I can find somethin', you just probably don't wanna ask what it is." She's a career criminal, the has a rather specific skill set, and it doesn't usually translate to a usual resume. "Keepin' out of sight is kinda what I do."

Oracle has posed:
    Barbara settles heavily onto a sofa with a nod, then. "You have no idea." she replies, on the subject of the Shadow being scary. "I've been thinking about your situation, too. I've had plenty of time to think while your former-Master chased me all over the city, after all. Depending on how the Foot chooses to play things, we might need to fake your death."

June Connor has posed:
    June arches her brow in acknowledgment. "Yeah, if we can pull it off," she says, taking a little more beer. She tosses the meat and cheese back into the fridge, and lets out a sigh. "And thanks," she says. "You didn't owe me nothin'. I'll try not to screw your life up." She finishes the beer, and claps it on the counter.