9440/A Night In The Batcave

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A Night In The Batcave
Date of Scene: 05 October 2019
Location: Batcave - Wayne Manor
Synopsis: Batman, Nightwing, Damian, Batgirl and Misfit hear of Superman killing people, and Misfit learns Batman's identity
Cast of Characters: Batman, Misfit, Nightwing, Spoiler, Robin (Wayne)




Batman has posed:
The Batcave is always something of a hub of activity, but over the last week or so it has become doubly so. Every waking hour not spent out on patrol in the streets of Gotham has been spent here, engrossed in some project or another. Tonight's project is the Family's newest addition - Misfit. She may not be fully versed in who everyone is yet, but that didn't stop an automated Batmobile picking her up and depositing her in the Cave. The windows darken to make the exact route the car took a true mystery.

As the car slows to a stop, Bruce looks up from one of the workbenches alongside the Batcomputer. Whatever he is working on casts his face in an eerie green glow, and he draws the welder's goggles away from his eyes to pull his cowl up and into place. Identity masked ... for now.

Misfit has posed:
O-M-G

Seriously. OMG You Guys.

First a BatMobile ride and now THIS....

When the doors of the car open the redheaded teenager looks around out of the batmobile with very wide eyes. "Gosh."

A pause for a short beat. "A Bat..CAVE.. a batcave..... oh my gosh..."
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She quickly pops out and looks around now standing, her head on a swivel as she looks at the huge screens, the technology, the bat equipment, and the trophies. Slowly spinning around in her very much still homemade costume.

"A Batplane" she steps over towards it quickly and then much like an ADHD dog veers "Oh oh .. ohhh... a T-REX?!"

Nightwing has posed:
At some point the automated Batmobile picked up a tail in the form of a sleek black and blue motorcycle with its matching rider: Nightwing. Along their route, another costumed crusader emerged on the side of the road. In a sequence of perhaps practiced acrobatics, the motorcycle skid to slow down its initial speed and a black glad arm was extended to the waiting Batgirl. Hands clasping, the woman swung herself up behind Nightwing and mounted the motorcycle behind him.

Arriving at the Batcave, Nightwing's brow furrows when he notices Bruce standing beside the batcomputer. Parking the motorcycle and giving Batgirl a moment to dismount, he'll give the Batmobile a quick look over and then thumb in its direction. "Alright Batman.. who are you offering valet service to?"

Spoiler has posed:
Batgirl performs the mounting of the bike while it is still skidding at speed. There's a laugh of delight as she settles on the back of the high-performance vehicle, her blond hair whipping behind her as Nightwing puts the bike through its paces until pulling into the secret entrance to the Batcave.

Batgirl agilely hops off the bike, grinning to Nightwing and resting a hand up on the taller man's shoulder. "This is the girl I mentioned, teleporter that showed up to take down Killer Moth and Crazy Quilt when they were feuding in the park," she tells Nightwing. "Staying at the Clocktower now," she adds. The blond walks over towards the redheaded teen. "The surprises just keep on coming, don't they?" she says with a grin, remembering her own first time in here.

Robin (Wayne) has posed:
     Robin had spent most of his week at Titans Tower. Dealing with the training over there. It was an undertaking, and one that he...rarely liked. But most of the Titans were not versed in real combat, unlike Robin. So of course, he must help.

  His approach was not announced by some fancy motorcycle, but as the tunnel that led to the Batcave quieted, one could hear the flapping of wings, large wings. Shortly before entering what scant light was in the cave, loud snorts can be heard as a crimson beast flies in, on his back, a small teenager. Robin and Goliath has returned to the Batcave. Once a landing is spotted, the large behemoth sets down with a thud. Goliath's leathery bat-wings folded against his body and the red fluffy beast picked up Robin and set him down gently. Of course, Robin had protested with a tut of his tongue and a sour look on his face. He pulled his hood down and joined the rest. "Father, we have a problem, and it has a giant fucking S on its chest."

Batman has posed:
"Misfit," Batman offers, both by way of greeting and introduction. He pauses for a moment at the bench, the odd green glow vanishing as he closes a heavy grey case and clicks the lock into place. He the steps away, moving down the stairs towards the great open space that serves to house many of their ground vehicles.

He nods his head curtly at Batgirl: "Right, although I was intending to brief her."

The word brief comes with a lot of connotations, but the pair of them have spent enough time within the Bat's organization to know it means a specific something in this context. The masks and secret identities are about to be set aside.

He is already moving towards Misfit as Robin arrives, turning slightly to watch him. He says nothing of the immense beast - he's seen it all before, of course - and doesn't appear to flinch at the boy's words. When he does finally speak, it's as though he didn't even here them.

"Robin, this is Misfit."

Misfit has posed:
Distracted is a good word for Charlie right now.

OMG.

She spins around when the motorcycle pulls in and Nightwing and Batgirl get off it, each in their own way. Then to Batgirl at her approach "Jinkies.. I mean..." she gestures sort of flailing one arm and then doing a glove point at the T-Rex "There is a dinosaur.... and .. a giant Joker playing card.. and a plane...."

These are all accompanied with points and then the giant penny "Who .. where does someone even get a penny that is like ... four of me tall" her sizing it a bit off, it is really more like three Misfits tall.

Then pointing at Nightwing "Nightwing..."

Which is about when she realizes Batman is introducing Robin to her and also approaching. "Oh.. we met... he was at the clocktower once... though we still haven't patrolled for crime to kick in the teeth yet."

And this is on a low sugar healthy diet that Babs has had her on for weeks. Sugar and caffeine. Likely would be a grave mistake.

Nightwing has posed:
Nightwing lets out a long low whistle at the word 'brief'. He stares long and hard at Batman for a moment. There had been a time when the family was only: Bruce, Dick, and Alfred. There is a moment of hesitation as he glances toward Misfit. His gaze then turns downward followed by a curt nod. "I'll admit that.. I might have liked to become more acquainted before hand.. but that has always been your call, Batman. And.. I know you never make that call lightly."

His lips turn into a friendly reassured grin before he glances Damian's way. "Hey Brother." His grin disappears as he catches up on the conversation, "Wait.. What's wrong with Superman?"

Spoiler has posed:
Stephanie Brown's cowl does a fair job of hiding some of her surprised look, but only some of it. It says a lot how quickly Charlie is being let in on the secrets. As Robin arrives, he's given a big grin by the blond Batgirl. "Hey," she tells him, but then as she hears what Damian is saying, her expression turns quite troubled.

Batgirl waves to Batman, but otherwise foregoes more greeting than that, as this is definitely sounding like a serious matter. She moves over to Nightwing's side again, crossing her arms as she leans against a console nearby and just stays quiet to listen for the moment.

Robin (Wayne) has posed:
     Damian turns in an about face to Misfit. "That's well and good. She lives with Oracle and her lesbian lover." He says quite matter of factly before turning around again in an about face to Nightwing. "He's broken his rule about killing. Now he's smearing people on the street. Olsen got a good shot of it, in 4K."

  His cape swishes as he turns to face Batman. "We're breaking out the kryptonite, right? What if he starts to kill innocents?"

Batman has posed:
"It's up to you whether you want to be here for it," Batman says to Nightwing, though his eyes flick momentarily to Batgirl, "I didn't intend to reveal everything on your behalves. That's a decision you can make for yourselves."

It's an odd thing for Batman to say. For someone so controlling and autocratic, to hear him lay out choices like this - or to even be so free with his own identity - is strange. He is silent for a moment, regarding the eldest of his pupils carefully through the impassive white eyes of his cowl.

He doesn't move the conversation away, unperturbed to have Misfit there while they discuss 'family business.' Finally, his attention returns to Robin.

"I have a plan," he says, tone cool and perfunctory, "We're all going to meet here, and you'll be given your roles. All of you. But not until then."

Of the kryptonite he says nothing, jaw squared and mouth a grim line. The shade of stubble suggests he has done very little in the way of 'being Bruce Wayne' recently.

Misfit has posed:
Okay well shoot. I mean no one seems impressed by all the crazy stuff in this cave.

A couple of moments of nearly freaking out even more it finally dawns on Charlie that they are all use to all this crazy stuff so of course they won't be flailing like she is.

Then she realizes she may be looking for all the world like a spazz. I mean she kind of is stupefied by all this, but get it together Charlie. Or some mental beration like that.

Also. Is it just her or does everyone seem very serious. Was that something about superman ... and breaking the no killing rule.

"Wait what?" pause "That can't be right." is finally what slips out of the sixteen year olds mouth. Like she is positive she misheard and someone has to be confused, probably her she imagines.

Because... it is like.. Superman...

Nightwing has posed:
Nightwing looks absolutely horrified by Damian's revelation. In fact, he's stunned into silence. He leans a hand out to the nearby console and steadies himself. After he collects himself, he gazes toward Batman. "This is either a mistake, or something is controlling him. Superman wouldn't do this on his own. You know that, Batman."

He stares at the white eyed cowl, then nods in acknowledgement of the 'Plan for a Plan'. He sighs and then walks over toward Misfit extending a hand. "Sorry for the downer. Yes, I'm Nightwing.. formerly Robin. Probably going to keep the mask on for now.. but if Batman is right about you, I'm sure we'll end up on first name basis in no time."

After a handshake, he'll return to his perch near Batgirl and present a calm collected exterior.. while his mind races around the ramifications of Superman losing his morale compass. Superman in some ways was only second to Batman as a mentor for the original Robin.

Spoiler has posed:
Stephanie Brown's mouth falls open as she hears Damian's response as to what the problem is with Superman. Her arms that were crossed fall to her sides, and she turns to look at Nightwing, and then over to Bruce. As if expecting one of them to say the obvious. That what Robin said is crazy talk.

Because... because... Superman.

Batgirl sees Batman's reaction though, the reality of the moment settling in and turning her stomach into a cold, empty pit. "It can't be," she whispers, so softly that probably only Nightwing is near enough to hear the denial.

She swallows, eyes going to Batman. Who always seems prepared for whatever comes. Even something like this. It weighs on a decision she owes him, though that will wait for another time. Batgirl reaches over, resting her hand on Nightwing's hip, eyes going to his as he tries to present that calm exterior.

Batman has posed:
"I know," Batman says flatly of Superman, "Something is in control, based on the surveillance footage from the Watchtower. It identifies itself as 'Yuga Khan' - some form of despot, presumably extraterrestrial or extradimensional. Superman is fighting it, but he's losing the battle."

"I'm securing a means to neutralize him as a threat," he carries on, purposefully stepping around the k-word, "But that's a worst-case scenario. For now, he's dangerous but he's not completely lost. I'm going to speak to the League and make arrangements to subdue him until I can separate him from whatever this entity is."

"But," the word is heavy with emphasis, and a finger pointed at Robin's chest which slowly pans around to point at each of them, "None of you are to engage him. No matter how dangerous the situation. No matter what might happen if you don't. This is important."

That said, he turns now to Misfit and tilts his head slightly to look down at her from his towering height: "Misfit, I'd like to let you know who I am under this mask. The others may or may not choose to tell you, and the respectful thing to do would be to wait until they're ready. Can you do that?"

Misfit has posed:
Charlie is still stuck on the whole Superman may be killing people and is controlled by some extraterrestrial or extradimensional despot.

"Yuga Khan..." I mean she thinks about some comments about Yogi Bear but that might be insensitive to whatever people that name comes from. Right. Is it insensitive to insult Despots. Pronbably not.

Honestly when Charlie finally meets a telepathy it will probably be bad for everyone.

Anyhow. All of a sudden Batman is pointing at her and everyone else and ordering them to not interfere. Which. To be honest charlie wasn't about to try to punch Superman. I mean seriously that seems stupid.

"uuuh" which is mostly due to the abrupt change in topics to revealing identities because well that is just ... so very different than the last couple of minutes of revalations and all. "What" pause "I mean... yes .. I don't want anyone to be uncomfortable or nothing... though I think I have a clue towards what you're going to say..."

"I mean I think you gave me the clue."

Nightwing has posed:
Nightwing nods. Batman might guess that, push come to shove, Nightwing might try to talk Superman down. However even Dick in his younger years wouldn't be suicidal enough to try and fight the Man of Steel. "We've prepared for this moment.. for years. Earth's greatest ally.. has also been its greatest potential threat."

Dick sounds very much like Bruce in that moment. His jaw even sets in grim determination. He's aware of what is at stake. He doesn't like it, but that doesn't change the cold reality. He looks toward Batgirl and offers her a faint nod, patting her hand on his hip. His attention then focuses on Charlie and the pending great reveal.

Spoiler has posed:
Batgirl doesn't give any over visual indications of where she plans to join in the reveal. Which of course means there are a dozen tells that Batman and Nightwing will know the young woman new to this life seems to plan to keep her identity a secret for a little while longer, at least.

The blond gives a nod towards Batman. "I can't even imagine what I could do besides distract, anyway," she says. Which, face it, she would try to do if it meant saving someone else from the rogue superhero.

Stephanie's eyes go back to Dick, the blue eyes showing worry at this turn of events. She doesn't say anything else though, just stays quiet and lets Batman reveal to Misfit what he will.

Robin (Wayne) has posed:
     Damian watches that finger being pointed at him and he gives a grimace. He did not like this at all.

  "And if he engages us?" He asks, as pointed as he can make it without actually saying what he's thinking.

  Robin had a sour look on his face, crossing his arms and standing next to Goliath.

Batman has posed:
"You evade," Batman tells Robin, "But he won't engage you. As long as you don't give him reason to. Superman is still in control for now - he doesn't want to hurt you now anymore than he did then."

Batman pauses for a moment, attention turning away from Misfit until he's looking at Nightwing. He's silent, that unreadable expression on his face only hinting that the wheels are turning behind his eyes without any real clue as to what he's thinking. Even after all these years it's still like that, sometimes. When the Batman plays his cards close to his chest, he is an island.

His attention turned back to Misfit now, he nods his head and the corner of his mouth even quirks into the faintest of wry smiles.

"I did - and I'm glad you remembered that. That's a detective's mindset. Very important."

Then he does it without fanfare or warning. He reaches up, thumbs pressing under the base of the gap where his mouth is revealed by the cowl. He pulls it back down, letting it bundle up at the base of his neck. His hair is a mess, his eyes are sunken with fatigue. He looks, now, far older than he did just two weeks ago. As though a decade of weariness has hit him all at once in the space of a few days.

"I'm Bruce."

Misfit has posed:
Charlie is honestly still a bit distracted and dismayed about all the talk about Superman being a threat. That is like saying the sky is purple with polka dots to the young woman.

This is one of the founding members of the justice league for heavens sake right.

Also her domino mask and all doesn't do a lot to hide her expression as the conversation goes on and Damian brings up being engaged by vs. engaging Superman.

Then Batman is talking to her again. "I tried to follow up on it with Barbara.. but .. she is very good at changing the subject and distractions..."

Then OMG... he is taking off the mask and her eyes narrow and well.. it isn't Janitor Withderby or something Scooby Doo.. it is who she thought it was thanks to his one hint at the Charity Ball. "This... does make a lot of things more plausable actually...." she murmurs, not shocked but then hint right. Also look at all this technology.

"Gosh." not sarcasm, it seems genuine from the kid.

Nightwing has posed:
Nightwing chimes in, "The one and only Bruce Wayne.. And do a little research, and you'll probably figure out who I am as well. I'll just leave that as a test."

He gaze settles briefly on the decowled batman. The man may be an island, but if anyone could come close to reading him.. It's Dick or Alfred. Even if unsuccessful, the original Robin is still attempting. In truth, some corner of his mind is reserved for the litany of contingencies they've discussed over the years. He sighs as no single plan stands out. He knew what he'd be thinking about as he stared at the ceiling trying to sleep in the coming hours.

Spoiler has posed:
For all that this is the first time Stephanie has gotten to see someone learn the truth, since she herself was the one on the receiving end of those revelations, Stephanie isn't really able to enjoy the moment. Her mind is occupied on the other news, the young woman doing little more than observing quietly.

Others have remarked what exactly it would take to quiet her. Besides an off switch on her comms. Unfortunately they seem to have their answer now.

The reaction of Misfit gets just the smallest movement at one corner of Batgirl's mouth, but otherwise her thoughts are other places than here.

Robin (Wayne) has posed:
     Damian tisked his tongue again as Bruce decowls and reveals his visage. It wasn't something that he could hide much, once Bruce was given away, Damian knew it could be inferred he was Damian Wayne, the youngest of the Wayne family.

  The boy started walking off, towards the armory as he removes his cape and pulling his tunic off, revealing the undersuit, armored just like Batman's was, mini sized and all black, except for the green metal boots and gauntlets. Goliath, for his part has already found a corner to lie down in, draped in his wings and snoozing as quiet as a bat dragon could.

  His golden utility belt was already unclamped and resting in his hand.

Batman has posed:
"You'll understand why we keep these secrets," Bruce explains, blue eyes fixed on Charlie's, "We work in darkness. Sometimes we work outside of the law - but only where the law fails those it needs to protect. This is why Barbara didn't tell you, and it's also why you can't tell anyone else. In time, you'll learn more about us. You'll learn where we are right now, for one. But not all at once. Give it time. Process it."

As he rises back to his feet, he turns his head to watch Damian make his way to the armory. That's the look on his face that gives away something of what he is feeling. Misgivings. Concern. A worry that is more paternal than concern for a teammate. But in the end, whatever it is that makes him stoic and grim also keeps him from calling out.

"Barbara is going to continue your training for the most part," he explains to Charlie, "But we're going to open it up a little more. For example, Nightwing is - bar none - the most superb acrobat you will ever have the honor of meeting, and he's been at this longer than any of the others. Batgirl was in your place not all that long ago, and she'll have a great deal to teach you about what it takes to do what we do. Robin is a master combatant, and while I don't see us outfitting you with a sword just yet, you could certainly stand to learn to use one."

He sights, lifting a hand to run it through the slightly greying hair at his temples.

Misfit has posed:
Charlie reaches up and rubs the bridge of her nose looking between each of them in turn when Batman... Bruce... Batman... talks about how each of them could teach her things that would be valuable to know or help her get better at this.

"I'd definitely ... like that a lot." she admits still more subdued despite the revalations, that bit with the S still in the back of her mind chewing at her thoughts. "I know I have a ton to learn still... and process."

She does half raise a hand though at the end there. "So um.... can I ask one question." she pauses then points over where Goliath is curled up. "What exactly is that and are there more of them?"

Nightwing has posed:
Nightwing offers a deadpan, "Superb Acrobat.. Well, there's clue number two." He holds up two fingers at Charlie and offers a friendly grin.

"I'd be happy to help you train. I've even been told that I'm a good teacher. I'm also no slouch as a martial arts instructor." He offers a conspiratorial stage whisper, "And I'm a little more patient than junior over there."

When Charlie asks about Goliath, he glances toward Stephanie and offers her a big shrug, "Some girls like motorcycles, some like giant bats."

Spoiler has posed:
Batgirl grins softly. "Looking forward to working with you," she confirms to Misfit. "I know what it's like to be in your shoes, trust me on that," she says. Batgirl finally leaves Nightwing's side, moving over towards where Bruce is at.

She climbs the steps to the Batcomputer, pausing to look at it. Though mostly she's just thinking, finally looking to Bruce and saying, "So, I guess I understand why you need to prepare as you do," she tells him. She hesitates a moment and then just nods to Bruce before turning to trot back down the steps. "There's just something about a motorcycle, what can I say?" she says, flashing a grin. "Though if Robin would take me for a ride sometime, I might have to revise that opinion."

Batman has posed:
"That's Goliath," Bruce answers, crossing his arms over his chest and looking at the fuzzy red dragon, "He's an ... associate of Robin's. He might introduce you, one day."

Or not. That's one of their odd little family's facts of life. Bruce kept everyone at arm's length. Dick was irrepressibly chipper. Damian thought stabbing could double as a hello.

"Regardless," the Bat continues, more serious now, "you've had your introductions. Now, we've got business to attend to."

He turns, not gesturing rather than simply expecting Charlie to follow him as he moves towards one of the workbenches.

"We need to get you outfitted."