Gotham

[Sir Les Paul]

Marcel could see it. It was difficult to pin down; even harder to grasp. But, he saw it. Through the eyes of this James Gordon, Marcel could saw a shift. A shift from just meeting up with some cohort to contemplating the position he was really in. This man in front of him showed more critical thinking than he had seen in all of Bludhaven combined sparked by nothing more than he and Drake making their appearance. Was this the legacy Gordon left behind? Some incredible level of thought? Or, was this just the person in front of him. Marcel had dozens of questions, but as of now, he was caught up in processing how there might be someone that could match his intuition. Someone he may need to make contingencies for. The moment he locked eyes with James, their relationship became a mental chess game. Freddy was smart, sure, but this was different. If Gordon wanted to figure out what Marcel wanted, he would begin planting pieces of dialogue, watching responses--learning more than he needed to, potentially. Furthermore, he would begin to assess Marcel for his tics, his traits, his patterns and adapt to them--just like a game of chess. This was the moment that Marcel realized all his training would be tested. This was the moment that his ability to remain NoOne wasn't up to a suit or high-end technology. It was going to come from his mother, the second NoBody, and how well he could follow-through with it.

"Let me clear the air," Marcel replied before Freddy or Drake could interject. Freddy may have set up the meeting, but Marcel wanted to build the bridge if there was to be one. "I want Ramirez gone not because he is the Commissioner, but because he inhibits the force. If Gotham is ever to be city I have imagined it to be, every precinct in it will need to function properly--not as a feint for weapons trafficking and drug trade," Marcel explained, completely being forthcoming with his intention. He then let his eyes gleam over to Freddy, then back at Gordon. "And, unlike some of our mutual friends, I don't really want him dead. Let's face it: first Hispanic Commissioner with political connections all throughout the city is assassinated? That's how you make a martyr, not a statement--and definitely now how you force chance," he continued on, fleshing out his explanation. His reference may have been one that Gordon didn't get, but it was primarily to the point that Freddy alone would have just killed Ramirez and went on. What Marcel wanted was more.


In many ways, what he said confirmed a bit of what Gordon was already thinking: that Marcel was the puppet master. A single life didn't matter to him; it was what that life meant in the grand scheme of things. Furthermore, the way he spoke almost demeaned the violent nature of the Todd between them. While this didn't necessarily make him a pacifist, a man that realized violence wasn't necessarily a means to a solution was far more dangerous than the one that demanded pitchforks be raised and torches be lit for the dogfights that would ensue. If this was a chess game, Marcel made his first move: revealing his intentions to Gordon and revealing his position on the board. What mattered now his how Gordon responded... did he show his position? Did he respond with his intention? What was the win condition of this game? Were they on the same side or would Gordon become the pawn of the enemy? Even Marcel didn't know. Gordon wasn't someone he had a file on. Mostly because he was a nobody. Fredrick Todd? In the system. Drake Swift? Hell, Marcel could predict his actions on what he knew. But, Gordon was just a low-level cop from a family of disgraced law enforcement. He was the real wildcard.


@Archon @ChazGhost @LokiofSP

 

[Archon]

James felt himself completely captivated by NoOne, he blocked out everything else in the area, Freddy, NeoShade, the rustling trees in the park, the feint sound of the whistling wind. NoOne had the entirety of his focus, if he was going to commit to this he needed to try to know the man he was working with, or perhaps against. By now the GCPD had extensive records on villains, heroes, vigilantes of all kinds. James was perhaps one of the only Officer's in the force to study them extensively, after tonight he'd begin to compile his own files; 'NoOne' and 'NeoShade' of course they wouldn't go to the GCPD - not right away - they'd remain in Gordon's "safe place". Alongside his own file on the Red Hood, whilst Freddy had been a while for a long time, the records on him that the GCPD possessed weren't nearly as extensive as Gordon's own. He needed evidence, information, weaknesses, strengths, intentions, mannerisms, morality, everything. Getting everything was of course impossible, NoOne was smart. Very smart, that much was clear in the very way he stood. His posture held confidence, but also awareness. He wasn't an emotional man, he was logical. Analytical, they both were. Yet right now, they were studying each other. Gordon couldn't see NoOne clearly under the hoody, but his focus was subtly on the Lieutenant.


His ears - but more importantly - his brain, absorbed every word his new potential partner or enemy had spoken, James stopped and thought, but he wasn't thinking about what he should do. He was thinking about what 'NoOne' had said, they were intricately crafted words. Exactly the type of thing an aspiring Police Officer wanted to hear. That was more unsettling than James cared to admit. Although what was a tad more alarming was his disregard for the Red Hood, the man beside them; 'NoOne' was either very powerful, enough so that Freddy wasn't any threat to him. Or he had absolute faith in his ability to manipulate or control Freddy, Gordon couldn't guess which, but one person was already a puppet to the new arrival, if someone was going to manipulate Freddy, 'NoOne' was a suspect, this was a man he had known for the space of a few seconds. It made the Officer wonder, is he responsible for the disappearance of Nightwing? It made sense, in-fact, it was the only thing that did. The very day reportings of the duo surfaced in Bludhaven, Nightwing went off the radar. James was not only impressed, but also slightly... concerned - NoOne could be a significant threat to the GCPD if he so wished it.


"Tell me, what exactly is the City you imagine Gotham to be?" The question was a simple one, but a smart-one; 'NoOne's answer would explain more about him than he may like to disclose, with no apparent loop. Gordon wanted to keep his answers short, his expressions moveless; he agreed with every word the vigilante had said, but he didn't need to know that. Keeping him guessing could make him nervous, make him question if he made the right call in coming here, it put more pressure on what his answer would be. James felt the uncertainty palpable in the air, despite Freddy and NeoShade being right there with them, they both knew that right now; this was their room, their game.


Despite his reservations for 'NoOne' however, Gordon knew how this conversation was going to end. He suspected they both did, if 'NoOne' thought for a moment that James would disagree he would never have showed, and somebody with his level of intelligence is very rarely wrong, all the more reason for james' former lack of agreement, making someone... No, making 'NoOne' second-guess themselves, that was a powerful move.


If Gordon did ultimately help, something that would likely have consequences, he didn't believe for a moment that the vigilante was anything but a standard "villain" 'NoOne' wanted something, he had his motives, there was a bigger picture than "fixing Gotham", one that benefited 'NoOne' and no one else. James couldn't see it, but in time he would; 'NoOne' would use him to remove Ramirez, Gordon hated it but this was what he needed. If 'NoOne' became a threat in the future, Commissioner Ramirez definitely wouldn't be capable of stopping him. It was as he'd told himself earlier, working with the devil for the greater good. The question is, would it be worth it?

 

[The Regal Rper]

Alphus listened to Brian talk. He didn't have a clue on what to say on the matter of Brian and the Troubadour reading each others souls. It wasn't precisely something he had dealt with before. Or ever, for that matter. Despite not being sure of what to say on that matter, Alphus did know that this wasn't really something Brian felt... comfortable sharing. It took him a few seconds to realize the taxi driver had snapped his fingers at him, an attempt to gain his attention that the man wanted his pay.


Blinking for a second as if to shake the daze he'd been in, Alphus took out his wallet and absentmindedly handed the man thirty dollars. As if oblivious to the surprised reaction, Alphus simply said "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]a tip for keeping you up for too long[/COLOR]."


The driver just looked at the cash, back at Alphus. Grinned, shrugged, then with a friendly wave was off. Alphus just watched the car go all the way down the street before it disappeared around a left turn. He snapped out of his daze when he got the feeling he was being watched and looked towards Brian who was staring right back at him.


He was going to ask "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]What's wrong[/COLOR]?" but the moment Brian asked that question, Alphus suddenly found he couldn't quite speak properly. His jaw and by further extension, mouth went rigid. Since simply standing there like a moron wouldn't do, Alphus decided to slowly begin approaching the docks while he searched for his missing voice. He passed Brian by, then after about twelve steps he stopped and just looked at the Capt. still guarding his boat.


Licking his dry lips, Alphus said: "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]It's... funny. I've- I've always felt like I had everything planned out. That I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Had an idea of how I would approach almost any or every situation when it came. I've always had this confidence in myself, in my future. But tonight[/COLOR]", there was a chuckle, " [COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]tonight was the first time in a long time, I found a obstacle I couldn't just analyze or overcome by outsmarting it. Him.[/COLOR]" He corrected. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]My discussion with, the Troubadour, was... an eye opener[/COLOR]." Alphus said with genuine surprise in his voice. That somehow seemed to surprise him more. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]I still don't fully understand everything, but, he said I need to find myself. Find myself and I will find an even greater spark in my life[/COLOR]." Tearing his gaze away from the silhouette of Capt. Dixy, Alphus looked at the night sky instead. He kind of just stared at it, silently. Letting that awkward air hang. It might've been awkward for Brian, but if he'd noticed the guy's current behavior was almost unnatural. The very fact he wasn't even considering the possibility that Tim could be listening as he spoke, was probably the greatest anomaly so far.


"[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]For as long as I can remember[/COLOR]", Alphus began, "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]my only spark in life has been to prove myself acceptable and right wrongs, Brian. It's the only thing I've come to know aside from Sir Tim, my remaining family at the manor, and now you. I can't tell you how grateful I am. To Sir Drake, to Wilfred and the staff, to my sister. To you, to everyone for giving me this chance to prove myself. But now...[/COLOR]?"


"[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]Well now, I'm not sure what to say after our meeting with that immortal. He was very interesting, unique certainly. But, well, I hadn't expected him to actually surprise me like he did tonight[/COLOR]." A few seconds of silence went by and Alphus chuckled again. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]He uh, caught me off guard, Brian. Had it been a fight, I'd be dead, because... he stunned me[/COLOR] " Alphus said with a wry smile at the man's direction. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]He really did. Then again[/COLOR]", he finished with a shrug. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]I suppose it was for the best. I see now, I really did need to be taught a lesson. And that's what I got.[/COLOR]" Looking to Brian for only a second, Alphus proceeded down the dock towards the Captain. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]If you ever need to talk Brian[/COLOR]," Alphus added. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]Please, don't hesitate[/COLOR]."


@Crono

 

[Crono]

One thing Brian realized over the course of the one-sided conversation was just how much Alphus was talking, not only that but that the younger man wasn't afraid to really lay himself out on the table. Maybe that's when Brian came to the realization that maybe Alphus needed someone he could talk to. Sure he had Tim, Wilfred, and the others that worked for him but that was different in a sense. Brian hadn't really signed on to be that person...but between what both Tim and Troubadour told him about Alphus he couldn't ignore it. Besides, it was nice in a way to have someone to talk to him as more than a bum on the street. And when Alphus started towards the docks Brian simply stood still before calling out after Alphus was a good ten feet away, "Alphus," Upon seeing the younger man pause he'd continue, "I stashed a bottle of gin on the boat, so I need to say some things now before I get my hands on it." There was no shame in those words where there should have arguably been a little.


"You're looking at life as a straight line, obstacles of how to go over and under to keep going...but never leaving the line. I'm not saying you should head straight off the line in a different direction, but try taking a step off the beaten path every now and again." Brian gave a light smack of his tongue as he took a few steps to catch up some, "It's good to have confidence, but if your over-confident you'll get complacent. And that? That can get people hurt, or worse." Brian momentarily thought back to the day at Alcatraz, moments at the end where he'd become one of it's victims. 


"I've never told anyone this story, it's not so much of a secret as it's not something I like talking about." But it seemed pertinent with this line of talk. "Only two people actually know the full details of when I got injured at the Battle of Alcatraz. Well I guess three since Tim got the intel, but not likely all of it." Brian placed his hands on his hips as he tensed up slightly, getting his words right before speaking. "I'd heard Luthor over the comm's, I knew how much time I had to get the hell out before the place went up in flames and I knew how fast I could fly." Brian's left hand left his hip as it came to hold up his forefinger, "What I didn't know was how big the blast was going to be. I had less than a minute to get out, and I had two of the prisons guards in front of me. So I did what I'd expect most people might do in my shoes, I grabbed them and I flew."


"My wings weren't fast enough," At this he'd stretched them out in either direction momentarily then folded them back against his back, "When the explosion caught us we became a fireball falling out of the sky. The last thing I remember was seeing their two bodies falling ahead of me, charred and flaming." Brian took a deep breath, "I don't remember the rest, woke up days later in the Watchtowers Med-bay, but I saw the news footage. And while they didn't know what the fireballs falling from the sky in the background were at the time I could tell it was our bodies plummeting into the ocean below. Then Torrent, or Aqualad as he was known back then, fished me out of the ocean. He'd spotted us before we went down, and I would have likely drowned if not for him. When I woke days later he was the one that told me the fate of the guards. They perished before they'd hit the water, and to this day I'm still not sure if that's meant to be a good thing or not."


Brian cleared his throat as he was coming to the end of his story, realizing he'd taken a while to get to the point. Instead he took it upon himself to challenge Alphus in a small way, "Let's go for that boat ride now, and when it's over I want you to tell me what you think I could have done differently to change the outcome." There was possibly other scenario's he hadn't thought of and honestly Alphus might come up with them instead of the singular point he wanted to make. But there was no right or wrong answer in this, and if he was honest he didn't expect Alphus to peg it. It would not only redirect Alphus's own thought process from himself to something else momentarily but it'd also make him think.


Brian started to walk alongside Alphus as they headed towards the docks. "You aren't grateful to me yet kid, I haven't done anything to deserve that, but I'm sure you'll find a reason to be someday. If I'm lucky. And if that had been a fight, you getting stunned would have given him plenty of opportunity to kill me. With not having to focus anything on you after saying what he needed to. Try not to let that happen in the future alright?" 


@The Regal Rper

 

[The Regal Rper]

The second he paused Alphus knew, Brian was going to give him some form of advice or words of wisdom. The thought of whether it'd be helpful or not, crossed his mind for only a second as he turned his attention towards his senior. Now at first, Alphus had just expected Brian to be frank and straight forward. Instead he mentioned the bottle back on the boat, a statement that only made the young man raise a brow till Brian got to his real point.


While Brian spoke, Alphus just listened. The tables had turned now, and it was Brian's turn to relay an exposition of some sort. Only the narrative Alphus thought he'd be hearing wasn't the one he received. Instead of Brian possibly talking about one of his nights or his times in the lower regions of Gotham, Alphus had gotten something else far more important. Something he knew was very difficult for the former League member to talk about; the Battle of Alcatraz.


Despite his recent state of bemusement, Alphus didn't need to be told twice that this was the first time Brian was willing to share information he'd safeguarded ever since the big blast of Alcatraz. A part of him wanted to stop him, but another part felt that after what he'd just said he should let the man speak.


And so he did.


When Brian cleared his throat, Alphus felt the need to do the same. Ultimately he did end up doing just that, after Brian gave him the ability to deduce possibly solutions he could or might've been able to take. After what felt like a second had passed, and he and Brian now walked together down the docks, Alphus cracked his index knuckle, eliciting a light pop. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]Thank you, Brian. And, don't worry, in the future I'll make sure it doesn't happen again[/COLOR]" he said with a small smile to Brian's final words.


Capt.Dixy was not too far away from the two men at this point. In fact while they'd been away it looked like he'd been taking care of a few things around the docks not too far away of the Iron Hull. When he heard footsteps, the captain looked up from his work under the hard top of a sports boat, just to their left. "[COLOR= rgb(139, 69, 19)]Ah haha, you're back[/COLOR]!" The captain exclaimed with pleasant joy. And after working his way around the wobbliness of the boat, he hopped on deck.


"[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]We are indeed, Mr. Dixy[/COLOR]."


The old sea captain sported a coy smile. "[COLOR= rgb(139, 69, 19)]Alphus, my lad, we've talked about this in the past haven't we? In my presence you must refer to me as[/COLOR]...?" he goaded with a roll of his wrist and that smile slowly turned into a wicked grin. 


Alphus felt that awkward smile returning again. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]Apologies, Captain[/COLOR]." 


"[COLOR= rgb(139, 69, 19)]HA! Excellent[/COLOR]" the captain bellowed with a strong pat on Alphus' back. "[COLOR= rgb(139, 69, 19)]Well then kid[/COLOR]," another strong bear hug was benevolently given to the young man before the captain broke it after a couple seconds and just looked at Alphus for a long time. "[COLOR= rgb(139, 69, 19)]It's been a pleasure to see you in person again after all this time." [/COLOR]Dixy said with a nostalgic smile. He patted Alphus warmly on the shoulder and then looked at Brian as he began moving towards his own boat.


"[COLOR= rgb(139, 69, 19)]And you[/COLOR]," a light punch on Brian's shoulder was delivered. "[COLOR= rgb(139, 69, 19)]Make sure you watch your backs, alright[/COLOR]?" his tone spoke grimly, but his grin was still live. "[COLOR= rgb(139, 69, 19)]Gotham always seems to get itself stuck in its old ways no matter how much things seem to change[/COLOR]." After shaking Brian's hand the captain was off in his own boat, he disappeared down the river after waving the two goodbye.


Alphus watched the Captain's boat disappear then only after a couple seconds did he proceed to enter the Iron Hull. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]So[/COLOR]," he said trying to divert attention on what just transpired. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]How about we go on that ride?[/COLOR]"


@Crono

 

[Sir Les Paul]

It had barely been twenty-four hours since the theft of the Atlantean coins. One might not think that some ancient treasury would be so profoundly noticed, but the Atlanteans were a proud culture that allowed their treasures to be displayed as an act of generosity. The coins to them were not official tender anymore in their underwater empire and most of them would either be recycled or displayed. A generation ago, when they were found, it was agreed that they would remain with those that found them in wreckage if their fate was to be the same: for display. This was one of the first acts made by Arthur Curry in his attempts to bridge the culture of Atlantis with that of Earth. It was done in the founding years of the Justice League. His decision was questioned by his brother and even other Atlanteans for decades despite the benign value of the coins. All in all, it had little to do with the coins and more to do with the sole fact-of-the-matter. Such was the Atlantean way. And, once word reached the waters beneath the sea that their gifts to the mainlanders were stolen, it was not received well. Not in the slightest.


Rising from the ocean waters of the South Atlantic sea came a single, blue-skinned Atlantean making his way to shore, riding the the tide as if he were surfing in the far warmer seas of Hawaii. He looked at the violet gem in his trident, feeling the magical presence he was using to scry for the coins. The ocean tides carried him rather unnaturally to the shore, although such would be expected from Atlantean magic, and he made his way to mainland. A new force was barging in on Gotham due to the actions of a single thief. It was believed that just one would even be needed to retrieve the coins. As soon as he was identified as an Atlantean, he would receive diplomatic immunity. No member of the League could stop him and no law enforcement official would dare cross him. Likely for their own good. This day was a reckoning for the city--all caused by one phantom thief.

 Reginn, Atlantean Enforcer
​

Reginn made his way through the docks of the the Tricorner Yards, merely walking up from the beach and eventually onto the boardwalk. He had no idea where he was going, but he didn't need to. The gem in his trident told him everything he needed to know. It appeared that the coins had already been divided up to be sold off in smaller sets. It made sense. It would be far safer, easier to move and less conspicuous. At least one of those sets had passed through the old naval docks of the Yards down in Sandy Hook as that was the first place the scrying magic in the trident directed Reginn. At this point, few saw him, but those that did saw the cyan-colored flesh of the Atlantean with nothing but his deep-sea trousers, toned muscle and tattoos. There was no subtly in his technique. Even less consideration to others.


While walking through the Yard, rounding corners, seeing the pathetic dump the place had become in the time it hadn't been used, he stumbled onto a single thug. Some minor crony of one of the Black Market Smugglers the Gentlemen Ghost contracted. It was all this hunter needed. Reginn pinned the mortal to one of the beaten, graffiti'd container units, holding him there and staring at him with his glowing white eyes. The knife the punk pulled on Reginn was useless; it hurt his hand attempting to stab the rigid muscle of the Atlantean more than it even registered as pressure to Reginn. "I am looking for coins," he said, bearing down on the terrified punk, "if you want to live, you will tell me who stole them. Or who would know." His voice was dry, raspy and daunting. Something about speaking on land altered his tone, but it's not as if he appeared completely human to begin with.


@Bone2pick (I'm working with very little on my attempt to track down Gentlemen Ghost, so this is literally just the beginning. If you wanna help out here, that'd be great.)

 

[Sir Les Paul]

The atmosphere exuded by Marcel changed entirely for a moment. The heated processing of their internal chess match was thrown for an abrupt loop with the quick, almost reflexive response that Marcel offered: "Do you want my personal motivation or my real ideal Gotham?" It was a legitimate question in all fairness. Actually, it was more than a legitimate question. It likely divided the entire defense that James was building up. He asked his question only to be countered with a proposal of two alternatives both of which he was likely infinitely curious about. He could answer both, sure, but that wouldn't suit this game. Which did he want to know more? It was a question that Marcel was curious about, too. Did Gordon look at the big picture or the small one. Did he question the man in front of him or did he want to know if their ideals honestly aligned. The resounding thought that their ideals couldn't align was present in Marcel; he knew himself and he knew Gotham. He was sure a cop like this Gordon couldn't potentially have the same desires for the city as he did.


No, this was different. Even if they didn't align, how close were they? Were the lines just blurry enough to let the heated ambition of one low-level cop that despite his intelligence and skill was often ridiculed by his peers get to his head? Could see see himself taking a chance that no one else in their right mind would take. This man in front of him was a shadow. The only title he ever went by consistently was NoOne. There were no files on him, no press coverage, no pictures, no detailed reports. This was entirely uncharted territory and the person that lead him to it was one of the most revered vigilantes in the city: the Red Hood. That alone inspired the thought of what would NoOne do with the Red Hood even if he disagreed? These were all things that were being processed through Marcel's mind. What could James possibly want. What could his thoughts be. How would a man like him approach this situation truthfully.


Marcel was running simulation after simulation in his head. That ultimately is why he answered with his reflexive response. A thoughtless one. No strategy, little consideration, just a blunt amount of honesty that if he displayed earlier would have made his competency as questionable as that of NeoShade beside him. Marcel determined that Gordon was expecting something deep. Something manipulative. Something powerful. Or, maybe even something so simple it encouraged the man to think. Instead, he tore through all of their chess match bullshit to ask the real question. Did James honestly give a damn about why Marcel wanted to reshape Gotham or did he care more about the shape Gotham would be in after--if they succeeded? That is what Marcel wanted to know. How far could he go with this officer. What were his limits? How much was he honestly like his great-grandfather and grandfather before him? This was the time that he put James Gordon, IV on the line.


@Archon @LokiofSP @ChazGhost

 

[Crono]

An amused smile crossed Brian's face as he watched the interaction between Alphus and Captain Dixy, it was an odd pair up but he couldn't help but enjoy the moment.


"Why do you hate your father, Brian?", Traboudor's resonating voice flashed in his head. This caused Brian's smile to fade and lose track of what was going on momentarily, forgetting where he was in that moment. 


It wasn't until the large Captain gave his shoulder a bump with his fist that Brian came back, "Of course." He replied awkwardly, shaking the mans hand. Before long he left the two to leave at their leisure, and Brian was looking forwards to that bottle more and more. So when Alphus asked about the ride, Brian didn't hesitate to board the vessel. And whilst Alphus got the boat going, Brian had slipped below to grab the gin. Popping his head back out, this time deciding to take a seat up with Alphus rather than below as the boat started to pick up speed.


"You come up with anything yet?" He asked, taking a large swig with the bottle right afterwards. Brian told Alphus he could wait until after the boat ride, and that was still true, but if the younger man had come to any conclusions already what was the sense in making him wait. 


@The Regal Rper

 

[The Regal Rper]

"[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]In all honesty, no. Given your scenario I don't really believe there may have been an alternative where you could to have been able to escape the blast any sooner... unless[/COLOR]" his voice trailed off into silence as the boat's engine humming slowed. The cruiser slowly circled around on the East River as they passed underneath a bridge, before the Iron Hull turned starboard heading through a channel that lead back to Queens. Alphus continued only after the boat began to pick up speed again, using the time he'd trailed off to think carefully on the suggestion he was about to give.


"[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]Unless, perhaps, if there had been someone like a Lantern within your proximity[/COLOR]." He offered. The cruiser's engine hummed a little louder as they began heading back towards Gotham River and closer to the Durn Manor.


@Crono

 

[Crono]

Alphus's lack of an answer was both surprising and unsurprising at the same time, and for whatever reason it caused him to grin as he started his stomach warmed from the liquid inside. The boat ride was a quiet one, or so Brian had thought so, downing the bottle over the ride back towards the Durn Manor. Eventually he piped up, "It's because we think alike, or how I used to. That same line you travel, I traveled my own...I faced everything head on as an obstacle. If I couldn't go around, I punched through it, and if I couldn't hit it then I cut." Brian started swinging the bottle back and forth in front of him, watching it intently. 


"The guards were an obstacle, I tried to save them, stay on my line. Failed. What could have I done differently? Only try to save one of them." Brian was interested enough in Alphus's reaction to lazily turn his head to look at the younger man whilst in his seat. "If I had only carried one of those guards out then I expect I would have cleared the blast radius in time. Would have saved that mans life and put myself through a whole hell-of-a-lot of pain. Instead they both died and I ended up nearly killing myself." Brian snorted lightly, rubbing at the back of his neck. "That was the obstacle I shouldn't have tried to overcome, going off my line however... away from my complacent way of thinking could have given a better outcome."


@The Regal Rper

 

[The Regal Rper]

"[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]I suppose we did at some point. Back when you were in my shoes. Although[/COLOR]", He paused to slow the cruiser down at the site of a oncoming current, "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]I don't believe those guards that were lost were[/COLOR] '[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]obstacles[/COLOR]' [COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]to you. I know you don't mean to imply anything but referring to them as things that were meant to be overcome almost belittles your valiant effort as well as their memory[/COLOR]." A meager smile came to Alphus' face as Iron Hull pushed forward. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]I like to think there is a line I can draw between a challenge and a significance.[/COLOR]


"[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]Although I have[/COLOR] [COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]to admit[/COLOR]..." His tone became thoughtful, "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]saving one of them wouldn't have been something I would have thought of at the time, maybe even at all. Granted I agree with you fully, given the circumstances you would've been saved quite a bit of pain. And if we are being honest? I don't believe anyone in that situation would disagree with what you're saying[/COLOR]." With that said, Alphus slowly pulled into the Durn Pier's vicinity; Iron Hull's propellers slowed as the cruiser gently sailed with Alphus' guide.


It was only after Alphus set the Iron Hull facing port did he speak once more. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]I suppose after our most recent meeting tonight, you'd prefer to relax[/COLOR]?" He asked, hinting more at whether Brian was willing to face Sir Tim tonight.


@Crono

 

[Crono]

Brian simply laid his head back against the seat on the Iron Hull, he'd meant that the situation was the obstacle. But between his yammering on it had been lost in translation, "Saving just one wasn't even a thought in my head back then. But it should have been, even if I hadn't chosen it." Once the boat came to it's stop against the docks Brian stood, adjusting to it's rockiness on the waters before leaping up onto the dock with the use of his wings instead of walking. "Just remember, that won't be the last time you are caught off guard. Try to adapt."


With that he pressed on down the dock, "Nah, I'm guessing Drake will want a debriefing of sorts. He's not the sort to like not knowing something, and what went on between me and Troubadour would be just that." To be fair Brian had no clue as to what Tim was going to say, the older man had been silent across the comm's the entire time. Brian sighed, "If I don't speak to him now he'll come looking for me later. Better to just get it over with, besides you shouldn't necessarily have to endure him alone." The man slapped Alphus on the back with a smile as they walked towards the manor, the buzz of alcohol setting into it's beginning stages.


As they neared the entrance to the building Brian flashed a sudden amused grin, "Oh have I got some dirt on old Timmy. The stories you wouldn't believe, now there is this one that involves a rubber duck and after you hear it you won't ever be able to look him in the face without picturing said duck...." Aaand fade out. 


@The Regal Rper @Sir Les Paul

 

[The Regal Rper]

Simply nodding at Brian's words of advice Alphus merely followed his companion down the docks once Iron Hull had been moored and anchored. Philip would come and check on it later once Wilfred had relayed the message that he'd used the Iron Hull for 'business' purposes. 


Listening to Brian as they made their way through the pier and into the backyard maze, Alphus merely chuckled at Brian's statement of 'enduring' Tim by himself. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]Sir Tim isn't as bad as you think Brian[/COLOR]." The young man said with quite a bit of sincerity, his tone practically displayed how much he felt that to be the truth. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]He's done a lot for my sister and I; especially in how he's aided me in saving my family's business. In truth the debt I owe him would take more than one lifetime to pay[/COLOR]." And in many ways that was exactly the truth. ACS wouldn't have lasted long as it has now, after the detrimental strike that hit the organization all those years ago and if it hadn't been the aid from Wayne Industries boosted by the support of Tim Drake himself to keep the main branch afloat, everything would have eventually crumbled. The thought didn't do much or anything at all to Alphus' current mood, but it was just another reminder of how much he owed the Drakes for all their help.


Those thoughts were soon disposed of as his attention was drawn towards Brian and this untold secret he had on Tim. It made Alphus cock a interested brow on what Brian had to say of his mentor. As he himself still didn't know very much of the former wing of Bruce himself. By the time the two had entered through the back and made it to the main foyer of Durn Manor, Alphus wasn't sure how he felt as Brian continued his rather enticing story on the former League member he'd come to know he would only learn more about in time.


@Crono @Sir Les Paul

 

[Sir Les Paul]

While Brian and Alphus had their discussion with Troubadour, Tim watched closely. Their communicators had been shut off. Later, he realized they were completely fried. It seemed the immortal had no respect for technology. It didn't necessarily matter, though; Tim was to provide each one of them with the newest equipment provisioned by Waller. Tim inspected each one of them and did his own research. Admittedly, each of the two devices were quite capable. Some of their features were simply military upgrades of consumer products while others were in their own tier for production. The security regarding them is what Tim was most impressed by. One of the first things he attempted to do was intercept the signals of the one he was given. After a dozen tries, he succeeded, only for the device to be put into lockout and for him to receive partial bits of encrypted data he couldn't effectively decipher. The lockout was so intensive it bricked the whole unit; Waller had to send him a replacement for himself. And, warn him not to do it again after boasting that Tim was wasting his time trying to get into it.


The two ultimately began taking so long that Tim had the Durn caretakers begin to make lunch. Tim was far from a patient man, to say the least. At some point, one of them said something about quail, but Tim insisted lamb. Primarily because he could, but also because he didn't want poultry of any kind at the time. Lo and behold, by the time the two returned, Tim was already in the dining hall cutting into tender, perfectly-seasoned lamb with a side of some complex pea soup. He was well over halfway finished with his meal, but the other meals were still warm at the very least. He saw as they were guided into the room, looking up at them with a glance, then back down to his food. The lamb was so soft and supple he barely had to cut it and it melted in his mouth quickly enough that he could respond to them in just a minute or so. "Given you're alive, I presume it well. In order, I want two things from each of you that you believe are the most important facts learned from Troubadour, then you may elaborate on anything else you wish," he instructed them. He was pretty matter-of-fact, but it served a point. By making each of them think critically on the events, figuring out just what was the most important part of it to them, he made them reflect on what happened and it gave him more value to what they said. 


They would both eventually tell him everything anyway. What was important was understanding how they thought. What they thought. What they valued. 


@Crono @The Regal Rper

 

[Archon]

The atmosphere exuded by Marcel changed entirely for a moment. The heated processing of their internal chess match was thrown for an abrupt loop with the quick, almost reflexive response that Marcel offered: "Do you want my personal motivation or my real ideal Gotham?" It was a legitimate question in all fairness. Actually, it was more than a legitimate question. It likely divided the entire defense that James was building up. He asked his question only to be countered with a proposal of two alternatives both of which he was likely infinitely curious about. He could answer both, sure, but that wouldn't suit this game. Which did he want to know more? It was a question that Marcel was curious about, too. Did Gordon look at the big picture or the small one. Did he question the man in front of him or did he want to know if their ideals honestly aligned. The resounding thought that their ideals couldn't align was present in Marcel; he knew himself and he knew Gotham. He was sure a cop like this Gordon couldn't potentially have the same desires for the city as he did.


No, this was different. Even if they didn't align, how close were they? Were the lines just blurry enough to let the heated ambition of one low-level cop that despite his intelligence and skill was often ridiculed by his peers get to his head? Could see see himself taking a chance that no one else in their right mind would take. This man in front of him was a shadow. The only title he ever went by consistently was NoOne. There were no files on him, no press coverage, no pictures, no detailed reports. This was entirely uncharted territory and the person that lead him to it was one of the most revered vigilantes in the city: the Red Hood. That alone inspired the thought of what would NoOne do with the Red Hood even if he disagreed? These were all things that were being processed through Marcel's mind. What could James possibly want. What could his thoughts be. How would a man like him approach this situation truthfully.


Marcel was running simulation after simulation in his head. That ultimately is why he answered with his reflexive response. A thoughtless one. No strategy, little consideration, just a blunt amount of honesty that if he displayed earlier would have made his competency as questionable as that of NeoShade beside him. Marcel determined that Gordon was expecting something deep. Something manipulative. Something powerful. Or, maybe even something so simple it encouraged the man to think. Instead, he tore through all of their chess match bullshit to ask the real question. Did James honestly give a damn about why Marcel wanted to reshape Gotham or did he care more about the shape Gotham would be in after--if they succeeded? That is what Marcel wanted to know. How far could he go with this officer. What were his limits? How much was he honestly like his great-grandfather and grandfather before him? This was the time that he put James Gordon, IV on the line.


@Archon @LokiofSP @ChazGhost

James' face remained masked in ambivalence, seemingly unfazed by NoOne's rapid-fire response. But internally, his mind ached over the meaning of such a simple pair of questions. If Gordon opened their conversation by removing a pawn off the board, NoOne just took a Knight - yet that apparently didn't matter - since the sheer nature of his response meant the mental tug-of-war they were playing was thwarted. NoOne had effectively finalized their meeting with a very simple inquiry. Of course, it was nothing more than a glorified "Yes" or "No". NoOne may have been able to fool simpler foes with such a prettily worded confrontation; yet James was better than that. If Gordon deigned to ask of NoOne's true ambition, then it would get him nowhere. That was for all intents and purposes, the wrong answer for both men. It would not only alert NoOne that James was more willing to uncover his secrets than make Gotham better, and it would gain him none of those serets. It was nothing more than senseless bait, if NoOne thought for a moment it was a trick James would fall for; he was sorely mistaken. With a sleight alteration of his hand, James took out a pen, a large case-report, set the hotdogs beside him and began - what seemed to be - nothing more than paperwork, before stopping. His face displayed one of deep concentration and rigorous thought. Even if it was an act.


Of course the Police Officer was going to do the only real option he had here... Or perhaps that was NoOne's intention? Regardless, he was bound to see this through, "For the Greater Good"... Or was that something he merely told himself to sleep better at night? This was treason to the GCPD - officially - at least, he was willing to take a leap of faith, if Ramirez was gone, Gotham could flourish. Then James could become a nemesis of NoOne, if necessary but for now he was stuck with little choice but to work with them. After all, if he refused he could only imagine Freddy would take Ramirez out with... less intelligent methods.


Instantly, James sat up straight; his face contorted in a feigned look of disgust. "No, I won't betray the GCPD, I'm not some corrupt cop you can manipulate and use like a puppeteer." James through the previous food-gifts Freddy had granted him a little ways past NeoShade and NoOne, but almost inhumanly - he clasped Freddy's hand and slipped a note into his palms - "Go home, Ron. Forget this meeting ever happened." With a deliberate stride James paced from the scene with grim speed. He was playing this smart, he couldn't give NoOne any ammunition to use against him in the future. A voice recording of this... arrangement would be disastrous. He couldn't really say why, but he trusted Freddy more than these two newcomers; and Freddy was a killer. Perhaps it was better to have the danger you know, than the danger you don't.... However even as he walked from the scene, his bluff resounded in his mind over and over. Wasn't working with vigilantes against Ramirez exactly that, corruption? Hadn't he already betrayed the GCPD by taking this leap? Wasn't he essentially becoming a pawn - a puppet - for NoOne to use?


Freddy's Note:


I'm in, you know I am. The City needs to be rid of Ramirez, and I'm the guy to help you and your friends do it. Show them this later, in a few hours. I need to cover my tracks, you know how it is.


@LokiofSP @Sir Les Paul @ChazGhost

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Marcel took deep consideration to what James had just said. The cop could prove a problem. If he was leaving this early, it meant one of two things: he was legitimately second-guessing his allegiance with them (or the GCPD, depending on how one turned it) or that he was seriously deciding to assist them, in which case he needed to prepare. Both mentally and his resources. Marcel had to make the split-second decision which it was regardless the paper that he wrote to Freddy. If Gordon was wavering, Marcel would have Drake kill him. Simple as that. Marcel had no time to waste on a flaky ally nor any intention to squander their initial impact on the city known as Gotham because of one unreliable cop. Marcel had to take everything into consideration. The way James acted. His physical mannerisms after being approached. His speech. What he said. What he reacted to and how. Most of all, why would he avoid that question. Of all things, that last one bothered Marcel the most. Why would James avoid such a simple question? Even if he realized that Marcel was using the most subtle of techniques to gain information from him, would divulging so much matter to him?


Marcel ultimately made his decision based on one thing. One consideration. James was no stupid man. Even in his final words, he told them that he was no corrupt cop that could be manipulated. He had a sense of pride somewhere inside of him. If James was that intelligent, he had likely already made up his mind. If James was a religious man, he struck Marcel as the type of man that would not ask for a miracle, but take what he wanted and ask forgiveness later. Ah, yes... Marcel pinned it down. If James was a danger to them, if he wasn't so interested as to at least watch their first few moves, then he would have been considering the outcomes of what if he wanted to turn them in. What if he ran off to the precinct to rate them out. The answer was obvious. He would be killed before he even left the alley. If he did any research on the two, including knowing Freddy, he knew that his death would hardly weigh anything on them. James showed no display of panic or fright. No fear for his own life. James had no reason to fear for his life, Marcel surmised. It was possible he was wrong, but Marcel bet his money on James returning to Freddy somehow.


"Interesting friend you have, Ron," Marcel said aloud, watching James waltz away from their scene at notable pace. If he wanted to bark an order at Drake to stop him, his time was fleeting. If he second guessed his decision, this was the time to do it. But no... no, Marcel felt fate was too strong this time. Something assured him that there was poetic irony in a former Gordon helping him out. The original James Gordon assisted Batman because he was what the city needed. Not what they wanted, but what they needed. If this Gordon was to help them, he felt some instinct tell him that it was for the same reason. They were no longer the Shadows of Bludhaven. If James was joining their force, if they earned even the first beginning of an alliance with Gordon, if fate had lined up every start so that a new era of justice was around the corner, then the four would be the Shadows of Gotham. Fredrick Todd, the shadow of the Bat family; Drake Swift, the man of shadows; James Gordon, IV, the Shadow of the Police Force; and, Marcel Ducard... the Shadow of Vengeance. 


@ChazGhost @Archon @LokiofSP

 

[Crono]

Brian hadn't realized he was hungry til he caught a whiff of prepared food as they entered the manor. Further in Tim was spotted already eating, and the moment the older man spotted them he already started a sort of debriefing. Brian heard what Tim said as he moved towards the table, though inwardly unhappy to find himself forced with the task. "That he's a dick," Brian remarked quickly while he took the fork in hand but paused before eating to try and get a second fact out, "That he's here to check out some new threat and decide if he wants to kill it. Luckily not a kid this time." With that he took a bite of the lamb in his plate blow, to which the smell had been making him salivate. After another bite and knowing his first remark about Troubadour wouldn't keep Tim happy he decided on a replacement, one of which he made sure to swallow before saying so as to get the words across. "He'd also told me that I had evil inside me. You know, after he quite literally ripped me out of my own body and into some sort of alternate dimension. You failed to mention that part on the job description when you brought me on-board."


Momentarily he glanced towards Alphus, of course there was the part where he was told the younger mans soul being touched by some great force. But he'd been warned against telling Alphus this, even though it was still a choice. Instead he would speak to Tim about it the next time they were alone to get his thoughts on the subject. For now it was his secret to keep. 


@The Regal Rper @Sir Les Paul

 

[Loony_Bin]

Freddy watched the exchange between Marcel and James with great interest, watching the two men go back and forth. There was clearly much more going on beyond the two's conversation, but Freddy couldn't keep up with it all. He cursed himself mentally, extracting information in ways that weren't intimidation had always been difficult for him, and he typically found himself a bit to impatient and blunt to be able to speak cryptically. So as he watched the two go back and forth, he couldn't help but grit his teeth slightly, feeling heat slowly rise to his face, 'Damn, I knew James was smart, but he and NoOne are practically in their own little world. Can't even tell what's really going on...' He looked away after a few moments, his gaze drifting towards the man who'd just appeared from the shadows not to long ago. Although NoOne had said he was working with others, Freddy had assumed he'd been talking about some randoms, but someone who could seemingly move through shadows? That was someone he'd need to keep an eye on...


"Go home, Ron. Forget this meeting ever happened."  Freddy was snapped out of his analysis of Drake as he found James clasping his hand and slipping a note into his palm. As he watched the Lieutenant walk away Freddy heard NoOne speak from behind him,  "Interesting friend you have, Ron," Freddy nodded at NoOne, unfurling the note James had given him. He gave it a brief read over, feeling relief that the meeting hadn't been a complete bust. 


Freddy turned to face Drake and NoOne, "Okay, so it looks we're done here then. We're going to head down and plan out where to go from here, as well as get properly acquainted with each other..." He looked towards Drake while saying this, "...and since SOMEONE used the rest of my bread." He cast a glare towards NoOne at that point, "...combined with the fact that I don't feel at all comfortable enough with you to bring you anywhere important, why don't we get something to eat while we talk? I know a nice little place downtown, not to far from here. Talked to a friend there not long ago, and not enough people go there for there to be to many eyes, especially not at this time of night..."


@Archon @ChazGhost

 

[The Regal Rper]

While the scent of a prepared meal was intoxicating, Tim's desire to know of what transpired with the immortal turned Alphus' attention away from food and towards the subject at hand. Taking his seat not too far away from Brian or his mentor, Alphus did not dig into his food as Brian had, but instead covered it with a cap and filled a taste for lamb with ice cold water. While he sipped, Brian spoke.


The part about being ripped out of his own body and placed in some alternate realm did answer the young man's question on what exactly had happened while he conversed with the immortal, so there was at least one thing cleared for him. Catching Brian's glance, Alphus wasn't a hundred percent sure what to make of it. Perhaps his winged companion wanted to add something, maybe he was suggesting it was his turn to speak. Whatever the case was, he decided it wasn't something big that needed to be dwelled on and moved on to add in his own cents. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]A fact I would like to note, falls in line with what Brian here, just said[/COLOR]." He paused to gently place his glass on its coaster before continuing. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]Brian and I were separated not long after our meeting with the Troubadour began. Not only that, I'm sure you know Sir that our immortal acquaintance made sure to cut ties with any outsiders that may be listening. While I don't find it odd in the slightest, I did find it interesting he deliberately separated Brian and I, keeping me in the physical realm and taking Brian to well, that alternate dimension.[/COLOR]


"[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]The second fact I would like to relay will be divided into two parts; the first is the most important, the second is just something I'm saying because I believe it would be something you may like to know. 1. Aside from the threat Brian mentioned, the Troubadour mentioned the return of Gentlemen Ghost. He's in Gotham and he's apparently partaking in some sort of action, what that is though I'm sure we'll learn soon enough. And 2...", [/COLOR]again Alphus paused to take a sip of water. This one was a bit longer than the others though, less than six seconds passed before the glass met its coaster once more. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]2. The Troubadour said I should learn to find myself so that I can find an even greater spark. That is all, Sir[/COLOR]."  With his report given, Alphus rose a few seconds later as a man- spindly and of light complexion, that wore the same black and light green vest as most of the staff- delivered him a kit that Alphus used, with the man's aid of holding up a small mirror, to remove the contact lenses he currently wore.


@Crono @Sir Les Paul 

 

[ChazGhost]

After introduceing himself Drake just watch Gordon and Marcel play their game between eachother and try to find out more then should about eachother. Drake sighed during this, he disliked these kind of games, unless he was playing and winning. His mind wonder for momment looking around the areaqand spotted a squrril in a tree. Then for whatever reason out of boredom he moved his shadow over to the tree branch the squrriel was on and cut the branch. The squrriel fell to the ground dazed as Gordon left.


When Freddy started talking to him Drake started paying attraction and said "What... Ohh yeah sure I'm up for some food. I want to know who you are. Unlike NoOne I don't know who everyone ever is... How the hell do you know that much again?" Drake said looking over to Marcel when asked the question.


@Sir Les Paul@LokiofSP

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Tim took what the two said into consideration. Primarily about their separation. It made sense for Troubadour to sever communications, but not so much to separate the two. Troubadour liked to play his games. In fact, playing games with two people often allowed him to create enough chaos to prolong his game before doing 'too much good' or 'helping out too much'; some cosmic or shamanistic nonsense about balance. Tim understood the concept, never quite took to it. What mattered is that Troubadour didn't toy with them quite was much as normal. He continued eating in silence as he pondered this. He reflected back over what the two said. Alphus, as verbose as ever--at least in comparison to Brian--held the key to what he needed. Brian brought up that they were separated first, but Alphus was the one to reiterate it and even question it. If Brian wasn't questioning it, despite his experience in the field, chances are, he knew the reason why they were separated. If that reason was great enough to contradict the normal patterns Troubadour displayed, then Brian most certainly knew something. Furthermore, if Alphus wasn't aware, Brian didn't share it. It hit Tim that he would likely have to debrief a second time with Brian alone.


"Sounds about right," Tim said in response to just about everything the two brought up. Primarily in regard to Brian complaining about having his soul ripped out of his body. It was probably new to him, in all fairness, but it wasn't like he was made into a fireball as he hurled through the sky, crashing into the ground and requiring intensive hospitalization. Nah. Not that bad. A moment passed and as he did, Tim stood up to walk over to both Alphus and Brian respectively. He was carrying two boxes--the fancy type one often saw brand new smartphones come in, or other consumer electronics. "A new threat and the Gentlemen Ghost... You don't see many new threats in Gotham, but if he said its new, it probably is. The Gentlemen Ghost is also a problem... the city has a lot of resources for him to utilize, and I'm sure he will," he said, giving his insight on the two topics. While the two were eating, he sat one of the black, glossy boxes to the side of each of them before returning to their seats.


"Gifts from Waller. Even I have some. Details are in the box, but ultimately, it's the most secure comms system I've had hands on in years. The watch is nice, too, but if not for it syncing with the comms, it would be little more than a glorified Fitbit. Either way, Waller wants them on all agents. All communications go through them, all data is stored. In the boxes, you'll find the instructions to them. Read them, memorize them, shred them," he instructed both of them before returning to his dinner. Tim was a man focused on his food and the lamb that remained on his plate was still delicious luke warm.



@The Regal Rper @Crono





"If you didn't by cheap, Better Brand bread, Ron, it wouldn't be a problem," Marcel replied, poking fun not only at the poor quality brand of bread Freddy had, but his persistent false name of Ron. Oh... that wasn't going away any time soon. As calculating, logical and cynical as Marcel was, even he had a sense of humor, and he found 'Ron' hilarious. His run-in with Gordon was rather enthralling. Up until this point, he hadn't had a mental battle like that at all. It was the type of conflict he only expected from a Bat. It was a true situation of iron sharpens iron. It was the perfect training for when Marcel finally tracked down Damian. He needed to be prepared. With those scenarios running through his mind, he looked back over to Freddy. "Lead the way," he said, "I've got nothing better to do tonight. Unless you want to put on a suit and go bash some skulls."


@LokiofSP @ChazGhost 

 

[Crono]

Brian continued eating as Alphus gave his own to facts, and he couldn't help but feel like the second one the younger man had given would have to do with what Troubadour had told Brian about Alphus's soul. The man decided to backtrack a little to the fact that they'd been split up. "Maybe he took me somewhere I couldn't be a problem." He rubbed harshly at the back of his neck with a sheepish smile, "Which I arguably was since I did try to hit him. But to be clear he started it, started poking his nose where it didn't belong. Whenever we locked eyes I got glimpses or flashes of his life, and he pretty much got to look at mine like a pop-out book at the same time." Brian took deep breath as he momentarily took a break from eating, leaning back in the chair with his arms crossed and staring at the plate ahead of him as he thought back to it. "The only time I really got to see a full moment play out was when he basically forced me to hone in on a single point in his life." Curiously he looked up from the plate to Alphus, "How long was I gone, for you? Felt like hours for me, it was exhausting." 


Brian eyed the box next to his plate momentarily as continued eating then looked up at Tim who'd sat back down, "Presents from Waller with no strings attached?" Though it wasn't too surprising if anyone who was considered an agent of the League was receiving them. This also likely meant Waller knew that Brian was working with Tim and Alphus now, though he suspected Waller would have found out on his own anyhow. He was still unsure of exactly how he felt about being an agent for the League, it made him a little uncomfortable. "Who else is active out there?" Brian asked, not particularly to either of them though he guessed Tim might know more on the subject. "If we run into any vigilantes or League members in the city I'd rather know ahead of time instead of getting surprised."


@The Regal Rper @Sir Les Paul

 

[The Regal Rper]

"[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]As far as I could tell, it was close to an hour[/COLOR]." Alphus replied. The Italian butler had long left, once Alphus had finished using the kit. He didn't begin eating until after Tim had briefly explained the equipment Waller had issued them and even then, Alphus didn't begin looking at the material within its container until he'd eaten well over half of his plate of lamb. Taking a moment to pull water from his glass till he was satisfied before setting it back down gently.


Opening the box to the equipment after dabbing his lips, Alphus took out each device and gave them a quick look over just as Brian asked his next question. "[COLOR= rgb(128, 128, 128)]Who else is active out there[/COLOR]?" It was an important question. One Alphus only occasionally pondered over till now. Waller giving them these devices meant he either recognized them or if not that, then he at least deemed them acceptable of using League equipment till he could formulate a test to judge their competence. Whatever the case was Brian was right, it wouldn't do them any good if they ended up running into common allies only to end up fighting them due to a misunderstanding of each other's positions. It wouldn't do anyone any good at all.


Exhaling loudly through his nose, Alphus turned his attention to the device in his hand -one of the communicators- the young man carefully examined it. Two buttons, rotation based dial and-- krrr. Pressure was applied to either side of the earpiece in attempt to break it open. This went on for a few seconds with the use of a nutcracker to test the durability of the device. He didn't pay any mind of anyone paying attention to what he was doing, but he took this method as being a better route rather than slamming the communicator into the table and possibly denting the wood. After six seconds he stopped and placed the nutcracker down then looked the comm. over.  "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]Not even a scratch[/COLOR]" he muttered more to himself. Waller was packing fine material. But that was a given. Still, it never hurt to test.


Not wasting a second more on experimentation Alphus placed his hand in the container, drew out the instructions and began reading. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]Allies aside, I assume since we have been given this technology then that means we've received some form of acknowledgement by the ULJ[/COLOR]", he followed up on Brian's remark, as he flipped a page. "[COLOR= rgb(64, 224, 208)]Does this mean we'll be going after Gentleman Ghost on the ULJ's orders through you, Sir[/COLOR]?"


@Crono @Sir Les Paul

 

[Loony_Bin]

Freddy shook his head at NoOne's suggestion to get in costume and go on patrol, "Trust me, that's what we're going to do, but not yet. Right now, I want to sit down, and talk for a bit about what it is we're going to do next. So now, if you'll follow me..." Freddy turned away from the two men, leading them out of the park, and a bit away from the area they were previously in. Much of the journey was spent in silence, at least on Freddy's end, as he was still attempting to figure out what exactly had happened between NoOne and James. Something had happened between the two of them to make James at the very least somewhat respect the man behind him, but he couldn't figure it out. He was so wrapped up in fact, that he almost passed the small diner he'd intended to bring both men to. 


It was, of course, the very same one Damien had ordered him to a few days ago. He figured it was out of the way enough that they could have a proper conversation about Ramirez and their plans without problem, but public enough that if either man behind him tried anything, there'd be someone there to call the cops, hopefully forcing them to have to make an early exit.


He opened the door and stepped inside, the waitress leading the three men to a booth in the back. Freddy then ordered his food, waited for the other two men to finish their order, then began their conversation, "Well then, let's start out with the obvious..." He place the note James had given him in the middle of the table, allowing the two men to read it, "James is in, which is, of course, great news. Would've preferred if I could've talked to him more before he assumed I was going to half-ass taking out Ramierez, but it worked out in the end I suppose." Freddy looked between the two men, his eyes settling onto Drake once more, "Now moving on from that, who the hell are you? I mean, I knew NoOne was bringing someone along, but I assumed it would be a group of men or something, not just one guy. You're name is Drake right? Tell me, how did you pull of that trick when you popped out of nowhere? Is it teleportation? Some kind of power, tech, what is it?


@ChazGhost @Sir Les Paul

 

[ChazGhost]

Drake followed Freddy to the dinner with Marcel. Drake studied the dinner as they came up to it and entered it. It wasn't the type of place he usually goes to but he figured Freddy picked the place for a reason. So Drake just shrugged and headed into the dinner after Freddy. Drake sat nearest to the wall opposite to Freddy. When it was time for him to order he said "Well I would a cheese burger with fries and some mountain dew. Ohhh and your number as well." 


Drake looked over the note once Freddy placed it down. Drake read the note and shrugged. He would leave those details to Marcel plan out and count Gordon down on his own list of allies. Then he listened to Freddy's questions. "As I said I'm Drake Swift or NeoShade for business. I worth more then a whole army of guys, that why NoOne asked me to join up with him.  Now how I pulled of my little trick, let me ask you a question back. You ever heard of Richard Swift, aka the Shade?" Drake said smirking as he decide to have his shadow go onto the table and started making it change shape and generally playing with it in front of Freddy.


@Sir Les Paul @LokiofSP