7083/The Divine Masquerade: Exchanging Blooded Gloves

The Divine Masquerade: Exchanging Blooded Gloves
Date of Scene:	29 March 2019
Location:	Gotham Strip Club
Synopsis:	Joker hires Stockholm for a job that will take some finesse.
Cast of Characters:	Joker, Stockholm

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Joker has posed:
Joker sits in the VIP section of the Gotham gentleman's club, some of his contacts in the local Mafia having gotten him a private room. His green hair slicked backwards and hanging about the back of his head, instead of styled in a coiffed manner, it looks like he has recently engaged in violence. The thrum of the music outside is audible, with the various stripper songs going through the boosted bass to keep the mood of the club going.

Between Joker's fingers is a long, thick joint of marijuana, the stink of the smoke palpable from within the small room. There is a couch along the wall, a television that is presently turned off in the corner, and of course, the chair he sits in, beside the door along a diagonal angle to enter, opposite the television.

Joker has already made the proper phone call to summon Stockholm, and merely waits for his female friend, "Jules".

Stockholm has posed:
Jules has been feeling pretty militant really since the encounter with Deadshot back in New York City. She can't really shake that vibe of wanting to shoot random people in the head. Well okay maybe it isn't all Deadshot's fault but it is still being persistent.

She enters the private VIP room having breezed past the bouncer and through the club, slowing just a touch to examine the dancers on display.

Her current outfit is best described as military chic, rough grey camouflage pants, heavy belt with metal buckle, black shirt, short leather jacket that looks mildly armored, shooters gloves, and to a trained eye she is definitely packing heat under that half cut leather jacket.

"That would indeed be me." even keel for the moment as Stockholm checks out the room verifying it isn't some sort of death trap before shutting the door and moving to plop down on the couch. "What can I do for you tonight?"

Joker has posed:
"Thanks for the meet, Jules," comes Joker's voice in a soft murmur, his purple gloved hand moving over his red lips and inhaling through his fingers, the ember on his joint burning white hot and consuming paper with the fury of the roasting bud.

He blows the smoke out to the side, as he lets his wrist droop languidly to the side and turns his palm upwards, thumb arched out flat to keep his shooting hand comfortable.

"The job we discussed is on. I've done a little research, on the professionals coming into the city. Japanese Mafia type organization, but not the Yakuza. They're all ninja trained, and they're taking on our local gangbangers as hires. Militarized martial artists, but I don't know what they want yet."

He tips his chin upwards, appraising Stockholm. "I just know that they've got something to do with the organized crime movements in the tri-state area. Everything is secretive, and they're dapping up low-rungers instead of the established types."

He points at Stockholm. "I want you, to work for me, as a spy. Gather information, assassinate people, retrieve people or materials, that kind of thing?"

Stockholm has posed:
Stockholm actually relaxes a bit, maybe it is the pot smoke in the air, maybe it is the fact that Joker for once is pretty even keel due to the pot he is smoking. Either way the edge of shooting people in the head goes down a fraction.

Then again the night is young. Stockholm turns her head slowly and squints at Joker.

One way to look at it is that Joker just said she is a low-runger and not at all established, therefore could infiltrate this new militant Ninja Organization.

The other way to look at the proposition is that he is acknowledging the fact she has a special set of skills that lets her weasel her way into situations, especially criminal ones, and blend in like she was born to it.

After letting the thoughtful look drag out, probably considering the proposal. "Well I am definitely uniquely suited to this job and not really interested in Ninjas invading our turf." a pause "How much are you offering for the job?"

Joker has posed:
"I'm offering ten thousand dollars, cash, non-consecutive bills, for the retrieval of a gold coin used to mark syndicateers."

Joker turns his hand over again, and puts the joint out in an ash tray.

"Not from Gotham City, I've already acquired one. But if you can get me a coin from Metropolis or New York City, I will pay you handsomely."

Joker splays his hands. "I can't tell you what kind of opposition you'll face, but whomever is doing this, is keeping this quiet, they are operating behind closed doors, and they have a lot of power on the streets."

Stockholm has posed:
Stockholm considers that, taking it all in slowly and then mmms "Couple of questions first. The coins mark people who got in with this outfit, yes?" a pause "And how did you acquire the one in Gotham?"

Then she is nodding lightly "That said it sounds doable. I'll want $15k for the coin, mostly due to lack of intel and Ninjas." yeah she is ready for Joker to be pissed about counter offers, then again he is a businessman.

Joker has posed:
"The coins mark a conspiracy member, namely a leader of an outfit that works for them. I checked with a source, then I killed one of them for the coin. I suspect, however, that the ones hitting New York City and Metropolis, aren't the ninjas. That's why I need you to get me another coin, to compare."

Joker extends his forefinger. "Fifteen grand, and you mark yourself as law enforcement when you get me the coin, to the people you shake down."

Stockholm has posed:
Stockholm considers this twist and then nods "I thought you wanted me to go deep into the organization and get a bunch of dirt back on them. I think that is fair for a coin." she smirks "I do have some experience with law enforcement." much to the ever loving and eternal hate on from the Fraternal Order of Cops everywhere, they hold such grudges when one of their own goes bad.

"So yeah I can get one of these coins from this ninja group and make them think I'm a cop.. I mean they may think I am a currupt cop but sure." a light shrug from Jules. "I take it this is likely to lead to more jobs?"

Joker has posed:
"This is all part of many grand plans, dear Jules," Joker says, tilting his chin up. "I am offended at these men from the east, thinking they can change Gotham City. You never change a formula on everyone's favorite show, you know."

Stockholm has posed:
Jules stretches a bit like a cat. "Works for me Joker. I grew up in this town. Admittedly I wanted to change it at one point... then well I saw the light.. or well dark." a laugh there, it has a tiny hint of crazy to it. "If it was a Gothamite dressing up like a Ninja hiring a bunnch of people from Hench for ninja themed capers.. sure.. but a new organized crime element from the East... well..." a smile back to your direction. "I am pretty sure they are really going to regret ever coming into town Joker." she fingerguns at you, ironically though.

"I want to do something absolutely awful to someone right now..." it is said in the vague sense, kind of distracted.

Joker has posed:
"Don't do anything bad for business, Jules," Joker says as he stands. "Just try the steak buffet out in the club. Eat a few flanks of steer, ruin your diet for a day. That's what I do when I'm in Arkham and I need to make it through the psych eval." He smiles over his shoulder, as he steps into the club proper.

"Just imagine the steaks screaming. That's what Arkham doctors do when they dream."

Stockholm has posed:
"Actually the Arkham doctors are about fifty fifty nightmares and dreams of the righteous...." then she blinks. "Also I haven't passed a psyche eval in Arkham.. I doubt you have either." she offers a smile though. "I'll be sure to blow off steam in town not in the club, don't worry. I do have some professionalism." there is another stretch from Jules letting you walk your way out before she plans to exit, in no hurry while she works on getting the situation in her head under control.

"I'll be in touch when I figure out where this group is doing their thing in New York or Metro. Let me know if any side jobs pop in the meantime, always game."