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Post by Trailfoot on Jun 7, 2010 19:06:35 GMT -5
The Past
As Terra-Man dove down toward Lincoln, Catwoman's whip lashed out, wrapping around his leg and pulling him from his horse. The horse dove toward her, giving a scream, lashing out with hooves until a grapnel line from behind the chimney caught its back leg. It was pulled back for a moment before it spread its wings and started to run, dragging Batwoman for a moment before she released the line and rose to her full height, brandishing two of her slender batarangs.
Grey Ghost, meanwhile, leapt down, cuffing Terra-Man on the wrist and forcing him to drop his gun. "You've lost."
Bowels of Blackgate
Oracle's response came in over the radio. "Got it." A moment later, everyone's communicators came alive with the new instructions Jack had given her. Batgirl looked over the buttons. "Too many switches for my tastes, and I work the Bat-computer on occasion."
Outer Wall
After Reed's thug went down, a cry came out from Canary, and she fell as well. Standing behind her was a man in black, his mask covering his face, and he was joined by five other, larger masked men. The smaller man spoke, his voice soft and cruel. "The one who broke me free wants this obstacle to the escape of the prisoners here removed. Kill the girl and the large man. The redhead need merely be restrained."
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Post by Myridd on Jun 8, 2010 11:04:24 GMT -5
The Past
After Terra-Man had been taken into custody, Selena looked over at the Gray Ghost with a smirk on her red lips. "We caught the bad guy, Bats. We saved the day. Now lets get you home."
Outer Wall of Blackgate
Reed's eyes lit up with fire as the little man spoke of killing Canary and Hawk. He bared his fangs, letting out a primative growl before jumping forward and catching the small man by surprise. "Wants me restrained? Wants my friends killed? Just to get to me, huh?!" Reed growled in Ninja's ear as he grabbed the man by the throat. "Its not like I'm going to sit by and let that happen!"
Hawk moved in to try to shield Canary from the other five men as Ninja broke free from Reed's grip.
"Na uh uh!" Reed said, grabbing Ninja by his ankle as he had tried to jump over the Scottish Werewolf. With a swing of his arm, Reed hurdled the much smaller man through the opening of the wall of the prison where Ninja landed on his feet. Ninja's eyes went wide and than jumped to the left, barely able to dodge a blast from the nth weapon Reed always carries. Reed chuckled slightly, an eerie primitive sound, as his eyes focused on Ninja and he licked his fangs. "You workin' for Bane, aren't ya? Via Black Mask I assume. Don't worry, I'm sure you're not going to tell me their plans, I just want to hear you scream!" He shouted as he charged after Ninja into the bowels of the Prison.
The Bowels of Blackgate
"Most of these buttons are useless anyway, just there to confuse an inmate if he happens to get this far in an escape attempt. Just as I thought, everything is still intact." Jack glanced at the girl with him, smiling slightly to himself. "I bet you're pretty under that mask." He said quietly before returning his attention to the panels.
"All right.. Here goes. Lets see if I remember this correctly." He grinned and winked at Batgirl as he began to press a long and rather complicated series of buttons.
The Halls
Red Robin, Huntress and the others had made good work of most of the ones still inside. They had managed to prevent any more casualties and had sent several injured officers to Lady Blackhawk for medical transport. When Jack's orders came via Oracle, they were happy to oblige.
"In you go!" Tim said with a grin as he tossed a rather skinny man into a holding cell with a few other people. "Augh." He muttered softly, rubbing his neck where he had been hit quite forcefully earlier on. "Do you think this is it? Is this thing finally over?" He looked over at the others, his words being those of hope, but the look in his eyes made it clear that even he didn't believe what he was asking.
10 Seconds till Emergency Security Activation came a loud computerized voice from the loud speakers. Step away from all prison bars or you will be shocked.
The Bowels
Jack smirked slightly at his success. "That's the first step.. Up to the others now."
The halls, Near the outter wall breakage.
Ninja and Reed had caught each other in a scuffle. Ninja, tried as he might, delivered some of his best blows to Reed, who took them all with a grunt and kept coming forward.
10 Seconds till Emergency Security Activation came a loud computerized voice from the loud speakers. Step away from all prison bars or you will be shocked.
Reed fired off another blast of his weapon, and Ninja jumped to his right and straight into a holding cell. He didn't realise until too late that he was cornered, and looked on with wide eyed terror as Reed charged into the cell as well, brandishing the weapon and bringing the butt of the gun hard into Ninja's abdomen.
Five seconds. Four. Three. The voice continued.
Reed seemed oblivious to the voice, and a blow to his head from Ninja earlier had knocked his communicator away. He just kept his red eyes trained on the small, masked man as he stalked him around the small cell much like a lion would a wounded gazelle.
Two. One. Have a nice day. Suddenly all of the doorways and entryways of the prison were barred as steel bars flew across them making a terrific clang. A moment later the whole prison went black.
Outer Wall
Hawk stood alone, putting up a valiant effort against the five other thugs even though he was outnumbered. One of them broke away from the brawl and headed for the fallen form of Black Canary. "Canary!" Hawk shouted, trying to get to her but restrained by the other four.
Than, suddenly, a flash of orange and white raced by Hawk and the thugs headed straight for the man going after Canary. A second later the man had been tackled by the huge Bengal Tiger who took no time at all to rip out the man's throat.
My Selena does not want me to kill people, unless they are bad. Little Claire tells me these are fugitives. Murderers. My Selena would understand. Raheem thought to himself as he finished off his prey and licked the blood from his chops.
"Raheem!" A voice called, and Claire hurried forward carrying her lightning rod. "Hawk! Canary!" She cried when she noticed the situation was dire indeed.
During the distraction, Hawk was able to throw one of the thugs against the outer wall, bashing his head into the hard stone and letting him fall lifeless to the floor. Two thugs went after Claire, figuring the small girl would be an easier target. Hawk grabbed one by the wrist and jerked him back. The other raised his arm, preparing to smack Claire to the ground only to get a blow to his crotch by Claire's lightning rod. Electricity surged through his veins and he fell to the ground, whimpering.
Claire than went over to Black Canary, and withdrew the smelling salts Barbara had given her just in case. "Come on Canary. Wake up."
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Post by Trailfoot on Jun 8, 2010 18:18:05 GMT -5
The Past
Batwoman pulled out the return device. "Another window in two hours, at the point where we arrived. We should make sure we're there then."
Grey Ghost nodded, then paused as Lincoln approached. Lincoln looked over the three of them. "I do not know who you are, but I have to thank you... this has been tried before, but never from the sky, and my guards would have been at a loss to stop him. So, thank you."
Outside Blackgate
A moment after Raheem and Claire's arrival, Canary stirred, pulling herself to her feet and smiling to Claire and Raheem. "You couldn't have arrived at a better... time..." She looked around, to find that eight more ninjas had joined the two remaining ones, bringing the total to ten. "I suddenly don't like this..." She moved back, going back-to-back with Claire, Hawk, and Raheem, eyes moving over the ninjas as five more arrived. "Numbers aren't really in our favor, are they... Hawk, you count for three, and the tiger's likely three more. I think I can take three. Claire... you up for six?"
Inside
The ninja broke himself free of Reed, leaping back and brandishing his sword. "The invulnerable man who the large one wanted the weakness of... locked away with you. This will be interesting." He grunted as Reed hit him. "Painful, yes... but interesting."
Outside
As the ninja advanced, Canary inhaled, ready to unleash her Cry when she could catch more than one, when a sound like a giant vacuum cleaner filled the air. As everyone looked up, a dark shape descended. A grapple fired from the object, its line wrapping around one of the ninja, then the object spun, flinging the ninja away. Then the top of the object opened, and two terrible human forms rose from it, dropping down in front of Claire. Robin turned his eyes on Claire. "Hey. You Canary's Girl Wonder?"
Batman looked to the ninja, then smirked. "Raheem, you know where Catwoman is? Robin, the ugly one. Raheem, the big one. I'll take the dumb one."
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Post by Myridd on Jun 8, 2010 18:51:15 GMT -5
The Past
Selena stepped forward, taking Lincoln's hand and shaking it. "No, thank you Mr. Lincoln." She said with a slight purr in her voice as she leaned up and gave him a peck on the cheek, leaving a bright red lipstick stain. Stepping back, she returned to Gray Ghost a smirk on her face as she whispered to him "If there ever was a man I would leave you for, its Mr. Lincoln. You better be glad we're returning home." She winked, squeezing Bruce's hand.
Outside Blackgate
Claire looked towards Damien, the only person at the prison who she was taller than. "Yes. Perhaps I am. Certainly am proving myself useful." She retorted against Damien's inherent smugness.
The Pretender, former Wingless Bird. And the smaller Wingless Bird. The one who gave me medicine. Raheem thought, instantly recognizing the two. When he was asked where Catwoman was, he attempted to convey that he believed she was looking for her lost mate but the subtlies of feline communication were lost on Dick and Damien. I miss my Selena.. He thought once more before he turned and charged straight at the big one, making him feel not so big at all.
Back to back with Canary, Claire smiles a bit nervously. "Since the big one, dumb one, and ugly one are taken care of, that leaves the rest for us, huh?" She tried to keep her panic out of her voice. She wanted to be strong, help these people who have helped Gotham for so long. More importantly, she had grown fond of Canary, like she had Selena and Barbara. Claire wanted more than anything to impress her.
A group of ninjas charged them, one of them managing to strike Claire to the ground, and received a slight shock in return. The power supply of her lightning rod also gave her a protective static field. Granted she wore rubber of course. And it just so happens Claire was certified to scuba dive and was wearing a wetsuit under her clothes.
She got back to her feet and put her school's mandatory fencing lessons to good use, jousting and blocking as best she could, and giving every ninja she struck a life threatening jolt.
In the Cell
Reed returned the grin. "Interesting? Interesting why? You're not going to find out anything more than he already knows. When that man comes to collect your sorry ass, you tell him to stop hiding and come face me himself!" The Scottish werewolf growled as he took a hit from the sword that only managed to tear his clothing.
Soon the Ninja was cornered, still keeping the brave facade on his face. Reed smacked him to the side, sending him into the electrified bars that gave him a minor jolt and Ninja slipped to the floor. It could of ended there, possibly Ninja hoped it would of. But as he opened his eyes only to see the large form of Reed hoisting the nth weapon high above his head, Ninja knew more pain was coming. The weapon came crashing down, scoring a strong blow to the Ninja's left knee, sending terrible pain through his leg and causing the Ninja to howl in anguish.
"No... no please..." The Ninja muttered as blood streamed down his face from a head wound he had received earlier.
Reed would not listen to the villain's plees and struck again, shattering the other knee and bringing another howl of pain from the smaller man. Now thoroughly covered in Ninja's blood, Reed calmed down, reverting back to Owen.
Owen knelt down and seemed to look Ninja over. "We'll need to get you in splints, if you ever plan on walking again. Need to stop the bleeding to your head as well.." Owen said mostly to himself as his doctor habits took over and he began to perform first aide on a rather startled Ninja.
The Bowels
"Ah, here we go." Jack said in triumph as he flipped a switch and the lights came back on in the prison. "Red? I can begin to lead people out now, just give me the word."
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Post by Trailfoot on Jun 9, 2010 14:51:37 GMT -5
Alpha Proxima II
Hal Jordan fell back, firing off another blast from his power ring. "John, how you doing over there?"
John Stewart dove down, his green aura flaring to protect him from another blast of antimatter, generating a huge hammer to attack the beast they faced. "Ring's at 17%. I'm going to have to fall back soon... we got those reinforcements yet?"
The creature they fought was the size of a skyscraper, with enormous teeth and a wicked grin. It was also nigh-omnipotent, and had killed three Lanterns already that Hal knew of - a Green, a Yellow, and a Red. It was the Anti-Moniter - a being more powerful than the New Gods, existing with the simple purpose of destroying all universes save its own.
Sinestro grunted, falling backward. "Only reason I'm still alive is hoping to see you die before me, Jordan... ring's at 12%, and I just saw another of my Corps gone."
Hal winced. The Sinestro Corps - the Yellow Lanterns - were enemies of the Greens, and Sinestro hated him personally, but death against the Anti-Moniter was something he expected even Lex Luthor wouldn't wish on his worst enemies. "Get the Blues to form up. I think we've only got one choice, and we're going to need them to shield us while we do it."
John shook his head. "Nuh-uh. No way we're bringing that thing back to Sol."
Hal turned his eyes on John. "Either we all die here and it goes where it wants, or we draw it toward New Krypton and force Zod into this fight. Or do you want it going after Earth?"
A voice came through on Hal's ring. "It's going to be neither. Have you forgotten your vows?"
Hal looked up, to see who had arrived. There, above him, John, and Sinestro, hovered an older human in a red costume and green cape, the symbol of the Corps on his shirt, a shield of brilliant green surrounding him, flanked by the impressive form of Power Girl on one side and Jay Garrick, the original Flash, on the other.
Alan Scott spoke, loudly enough that everyone there could hear him.
"Through brightest day, in blackest night..."
Hal heard other voices - Kyle, Kilowogg - joining in with Alan. "No evil shall escape my sight."
Then - surprisingly - Sinestro and two of the Reds. "Let those who worship evil's might..."
Hal was just as amazed to hear his own voice. "Beware my power - Green Lantern's light!"
Outside Blackgate
The next few minutes were confusing and violent, but when they were done, fifteen ninjas littered the ground and Batman was standing next to Raheem, scratching the tiger behind the ear. Robin looked to Claire. "You know, you're not bad... for an amateur."
Canary lightly slapped Robin on the back of the head. "Would it kill you to give an unqualified compliment? Ever?"
Batman shook his head. "Don't make me send you both to bed without supper." He tapped his communicator. "Alphie, send the Batwing and call the Batmobile back. Oracle, situation."
Oracle responded, sending the message to everyone. "Blackgate is locked down. I need a check by eye of every cell... make sure no civilians ended up in them. Jack, Batgirl, start at the bottom floor; Booster, Red Robin, Seelie, start at the top. Claire, report back to Outsiders HQ; I'm going to need you to help me track down those who got out. Reed, tell me you're all right. Everyone else, help where you see the need; we've gotten through the worst of tonight. We'll meet up at Blackhawk Manor at dawn. Good work."
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Post by Myridd on Jun 9, 2010 15:24:56 GMT -5
Outside Blackgate
Claire narrowed her eyes at Robin, than giggled slightly as Canary smacked him. "Okay, Oracle?" She asked into her communicator nervously. "Maybe you could send Lady Blackhawk to come get me? Its a long walk, and I'm exhausted."
Raheem sat regally, purring while Dick scratched behind his ear. Suddenly, his ears went alert as the scent of fear wafted into his nose. Mixed with the smell of blood, and .. something else all together... medicine?
The bengal tiger nipped at Batman's cape and gave it a small tug before standing on all fours and heading into the bowels of the prison. Raheem paused momentarily, sniffing the ground, having located Owen's lost communicator. Moments later he had located the cell Owen and the Ninja had been locked inside.
Batman was probably shocked to see the broad, blonde haired man cradling Ninja's head in his lap while he applied hydrogen peroxide to the flesh wounds on the man's face. Ninja had passed out moments before, but Owen had managed to splint his knees and wrap his head wound. After hearing footsteps and the deep breath of Raheem, Owen looked up and smiled through the blood.
"This one needs to see a doctor. After you get me out of here, that is."
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Post by Trailfoot on Jun 10, 2010 13:13:40 GMT -5
Later Blackhawk Manor
As Claire entered the manor, Hawk clapped her on the shoulder. "Well done out there. We ought to get you in a mask."
Oracle made her way to Huntress, Canary, Red Robin, and Reed. "We've limited the ability of our opponents to do damage. Tonight, we're going on the offense... we find Bane and Black Mask, and we deal with them. I've narrowed things down to a few locations; we'll have to hit the lot of them at once to keep those two from going to ground."
Batman leaned over the chair behind Reed. "From what Robin's told me, it sounds like you're going to want to take Bane. Care to borrow the car so you can get to where he's found?"
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Post by Myridd on Jun 10, 2010 13:39:22 GMT -5
Blackhawk Manor
Claire smiled up at Hawk, looking quite please. "Ye..Yeah? I am glad I was able to help, I wasn't sure how useful I'd be. Maybe you can help me think of a superhero name?"
Raheem sat curled up next to the fireplace, his eyes half closed as relaxed. It had been good to get out some aggression, and now with everyone around he was feeling a lot less lonely.
Suddenly his ears perked up as if he had just remembered something he had forgotten earlier. After standing and doing a great stretch, Raheem padded his way over to the table where everyone was talking and made his way to Damien's chair. A moment later, Raheem was perched next to Damien's chair, as still as a statue. The next moment, Raheem surprised the boy with a facefull of tiger tongue.
While Damien was getting a tiger tongue bath, Reed had turned to Batman and grinned. "Who would turn down a chance to drive the Batmobile? And the thing with Bane... its mostly just Bane throwing a fit because he wants me to break and I just simply refuse." He chuckled lightly, feeling light hearted as he was surrounded by his allies. It had finally dawned on him that even though Bane was doing all of this to hurt him, Reed did not have to face it alone.
In the corner somewhere, Jack Houston had sunk into an armchair, with a tumbler full of ice water in his hands. I am supposed to be on vacation.. The great lakes, A solitary cabin, fishing, water skiing, tall glasses of lemonade... His eyes traveled around the room and a small smile appeared on his tired lips. You always were a sucker for a chance to play hero, weren't you Jack?
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Post by Trailfoot on Jun 14, 2010 2:16:14 GMT -5
Blackhawk Manor
Hawk grinned. "Sure. Wait here; I'll get Dove. She's usually been the brains of our outfit."
Damien fell back, laughing and trying to push Raheem away. "Hey! Stop that! You're embarassing me!"
Batman produced a key from his utility belt, passing it to Reed. "Before I go to bed today, I'll set it to recognize your voiceprint. When you give it back, there'd best not be a scratch in the paint... that paint job cost more than this house."
Question slipped up next to Jack, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Glad to see you made it through the night all right. You looked thoughtful... care to share?"
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Post by Myridd on Jun 14, 2010 8:14:57 GMT -5
Blackhawk Manor
Claire watched Hawk walk off, and she stood there by herself somewhat nervously. Huntress, who had been standing with Canary, watched Claire for awhile.
"A new little chickadee. Taking her under you wing, aren't you Canary?" Huntress asks with an approving smile. "Oracle seems to be fond of her, I can tell you are, and now I am pretty sure she just won over Hawk if they are talking about superhero names and such. Dove will love her, I am sure. Though... she seems a bit young."
Raheem finally let up on Damien, allowing the boy to stand. His hair had been smushed up with tiger spit into a oddly shaped mohawk. Little cub, come play with Raheem. Raheem bounced his head against Damien's chest that trotted off like a playful housecat, his tail swishing behind him. He walked just into the next room, hiding just out of sight, and occassionally peeking out to see if Damien was following.
Reed took the key and twirled it between his fingers. "Looks like a regular key. I was expecting steel, and black, and maybe some teeth." He said with a grin to Batman. "What do you know about Bane? Anything that could help me?"
Jack Houston look another swig from his tumbler of ice water before looking at Question. "I'm a cop, Re. A cop. Not a hero. Right now I should be tracking down the identities of every costumed person here and bring them in for distributing vigilante justice." He shook his head, running a hand through his hair as he winced a bit from the pain in his shoulder.
"I should be fishin'. Out on the Great Lakes, just me and my boat and rod. Instead, I'm still here playing caped crusader just to help a couple of pretty faces. " He chuckled at how silly he was sounding. "I know what every bat, bird,cat, faceless detective here is trying to do what is best for Gotham. I know Gotham has needed their help." He sighed again, leaning his head back on the wall and staring at the ceiling. "But, it lessens the effects of what I do. I guess I'm just jealous. I bring in the serial rapist who killed six kids, and the bat over there" He gestures to Dick talking to Reed. "Catches the latest transporter of some wacky weapon trade and he makes front page."
He smiled, chuckling again at himself. His voice suddenly got quiet, and he turned to Renee. "I used to want to be a super hero. I have a room in my apartment full of comic books and figurines. Graphic novels, illustrations, you name it. And here I am, in a room full of supers that I am fighting to keep up with, and all I can think is that I am nothing compared to them. Nothing."
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Post by Trailfoot on Jun 14, 2010 19:14:13 GMT -5
Renee considered a moment. "I don't think there's as much difference between you and them as you think. I was a cop, and now I'm in their club, even if on the bottom rung... it's not the powers that does it. Huntress and Batman don't have them. I think it's the drive... the desire to fix what's wrong, even if it means going outside the rules to do it. Having a greater sense of righteousness than of order." She shrugged. "But I could be wrong. I'm not as much of a philosopher as my predecessor was."
Damien waited a moment, then followed Raheem. "Hey... where'd you go?"
Hawk and Dove returned to sit with Claire, and Dove produced a book of birds. "How about if we look in here? See what we find?"
Canary shook her head to Huntress. "She's got skills, and she's got drive. I worry about her safety, but... well, would you have let anyone keep you out once you got in?"
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Post by Myridd on Jun 14, 2010 21:59:34 GMT -5
Blackhawk Manor
Jack Houston smiled. "You're probably right. I have the drive, or I wouldn't be here. But is it just wrong from me to want to help the normal people with their normal problems? Someone has to stand up for them, you know." He looked around the room, than turned back to Renee. "I'm glad you found your crowd, after what my crowd did to you and all. Glad you got friends. Though, when this is over, I'm taking you fishin'. You and that girl of yours. Gonna teach ya to gut a fish."
Damien made his way down the hall catching sight of Raheem looking at him from around the corner. Try as he might, it was hard to hide the huge head of a bengal tiger. When Damien's and Raheem's eyes met, Raheem took off, sprinting away at first, but than doubling back to nudge Damien in the side. Lets run. His eyes seemed to say as he led Damien outside onto the grounds for some romping.
Claire smiled at Hawk and Dove, and carefully looked through the book. "I like owls, but none of these name really fit... oh! There's one!" She pointed to a picture of an osprey. "Osprey. I know I'm not physically terrifying, but I think I could make that name proud."
Huntress smiled at Canary, nodding slowly. "No, I wouldn't. Would of fought tooth and nail to stay in the club. She seems like a cautious enough girl, and with us watching out for her, she'll find wings of her own soon enough."
Reed broke away from Batman, and approached Barbara. After drawing her away from the crowd, he knelt down by her chair, his eyes apologetic. "... I'm sorry... I know this is a group effort, I shouldn't of ran off on my own that first day. It just made me... my chest felt so tight at the thought of Bane hurting other people just to get to me" He reached up and brushed her cheek with his fingertips, he lowered his voice. "And I was worried about you. You always had a tag on us, but what if something would of happened to you? I'm not saying I don't think you can take care of yourself. Hell, I know better. I just..." He stammered, raising to his feet and looking embarrassed. "...I care about you. I care about you outside of the team, I couldn't stand it if someone hurt you..." He shook his head, looking apologetic. "I'm sorry.. there's a lot on my mind, and I'm not very good with words it seems."
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Post by Trailfoot on Jun 15, 2010 18:39:57 GMT -5
Barbara shook her head to Reed, resting a hand on his. "I'm not particularly good at relationships myself. One day at a time?"
Reed smiled. "That sounds good to me." He glanced back at the others in the Manor. "I apologize for having brought it up now, with everyone around.. I just didn't know the next time I would have a chance." He grinned. "So you actually know all of these heroes? Like, personally? Wow. That's pretty amazing. I mean, I feel like I should be asking some of these people for their autographs."
"Hawk would probably give you one, but ask Batman and Robin'll insult you." Barbara grinned. "I'm the information broker for the Justice League... well, the best one they have. They've got others, too. Tends to lead to having friends in high places."
Reed chuckled. "I suppose it would. Must keep you pretty busy too. Gathering all that information. You should get yourself an assistant. I would offer to help, but you really don't want to get me around computers.."
"I'm planning on letting Claire help me out, actually. She seems to have the skills needed, and has been a great help in this situation."
"That's good. She seems to be getting along with everyone. Girl's got spirit." Reed replied, glancing over to where Claire, Hawk, and Dove were located. "Though, I don't think you have much of a choice anymore. Looks like Hawk and Dove have adopted her."
"Canary too. Anyone who earns Canary's respect has mine too."
"Don't know Canary too well, but the tiger likes Claire. And if the tiger approves of her, I'm not going to argue with the guy." He smiled slightly, than his eyes lit up as he thought of something. "Hey.. Barb?.... Where's Bast? I know you hang out with her outside of superheroing, but you haven't mentioned her. Did something happen?"
Barbara sighed softly. "I don't know where Bast is. If anything had happened to her, I'd have heard about it through one channel or another... but she and the Batwoman have both vanished completely from the grid. I've not brought it up because..." She gestured outside. "Too much on everyone's plates already. I have a gut feeling that she's safe and had something to do, but that's all I've got to go on."
Reed nodded. "All right. I was just wondering. I bet Raheem is missin' her something fierce. Hell, I miss her." He shrugged a bit, than grinned. "I am sure it was something she needed to do immediately, or she would of informed you, I just hopes she comes back soon, I miss her cookin'."
Barbara sighed softly. "I miss her." She folded her hands, glancing outside. "A lot."
Reed placed a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "You're really close to her, aren't you?"
"We've fought the same battle so long, through so many of the same moments, against so many of the same enemies. She knew me before the Joker walked in on me, and has stuck by me after. She knew Barbara Gordon, she knew Batgirl, and she knows Oracle... and I've known the thief and the hero." Barbara laughed. "One day, when she's around, we'll have to tell you the story of our fight on the roof of the Hot Tin Roof cannery. I think that's when we really became friends... even if I sent her off to jail after."
"I'd like to hear that." Reed smiled softly, having enjoyed listening to Barbara talk about Selena so vividly. "Selena is a good person, no doubt. I heard even in her crook days she didn't like to hurt people."
Barbara nodded. "She tried to avoid hurting people, and tended to only steal from those who could afford it, though she had the museums marked as able to afford it because they looked rich even if they were struggling to stay open. Still... of all the costumed criminals I pursued, she was the one I felt least bad about having get away."
"What made her turnaround? Give up crime? I mean, I don't know much about her past and its probably not my business, but I can't help but be curious."
"You'll have to ask her. I'd say, since you're on the team with her, it is your business... but it's not mine to tell."
Reed nodded. "Fair enough."
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Hawk grinned at the name. "Well, it fits with the rest of us, at least. Welcome to the team!"
"T... Team?" Claire responded, somewhat shocked. "I.. I mean great! Thank you!" She grinned, and than threw her arms around Hawk in a hug.
Hawk hugged her back, and Dove shook her head a bit. "Just don't go learning too much from Hawk, here."
Claire released Hawk, turning to Dove. "What do you mean? Is he a trouble maker?"
"Hawk prefers to punch the bad guys first then ask questions later."
Hawk harumphed. "I prefer to punch the guys I know are bad. They answer better after."
Claire chuckled. "I think they would be more inclined to answer after a show of force, but with strength like yours? You're likely to end up questioning people with broken jaws or concussions that would keep them from responding.... But..." She tapped her chin, coming up with an idea. "Hawk, would you like to help me test something?"
Hawk smiled. "Of course, Osprey. What do you need?"
"I assume Lady Blackhawk has a training facility here? I need open space, and... I need Reed and Barbara." Claire suddenly stood up, her mind focused now. She walked over to where Reed and Oracle had been talking. "Barbara? I thought I could give Reed the device I have been working on? Hawk has offered to help test it. Do you want to watch?"
Barbara nodded to Claire. "All right, if Reed's up for doing that now." She looked to Reed.
Reed looked totally surprised. "Am I getting a present?" He asked with a big grin. Claire giggled. "In a way. Come on." She urged them to follow her back to Hawk and Dove, and than she made her way to the training grounds.
Barbara, Hawk, and Dove followed, all looking curious.
When they got to the training grounds, Claire spun around to face them all and produced a harness from a bag she had been carrying. It looked like it would fit a broad chested man, looped around his waist, as well as forming an X across his chest and back as it stretched across the shoulders. "Okay before I give you this, I need you to hit Hawk."
Reed blinked, a bit surprised. "Hit him? And what, break my hand?" He said with a chuckle.
Claire gave him a stony glance. "No. You don't break, remember, that's the key here. I need you to hit Hawk first so he can gauge how powerful of a puncher you are without the harness."
Reed nodded. "Makes sense. Okay Hawk, Can I hit you?"
Hawk shrugged. "Sure, go ahead."
Reed shrugged, than delivered a nice solid blow to Hawk's solarplexes.
Claire looked to Hawk. "How was that?"
Hawk smirked. "He's no Zod, but I'll admit... man knows how to throw a punch."
Reed grinned kind of childishly. "I hit your kidneys." Claire paid that no attention as she handed the harness to Reed. "I need you to put this on now." A few minutes later, Reed was wearing the futuristic looking harness. "This thing is lighter than I thought it would be." "Of course it is. You need to be able to move in it. Now Hawk, Punch Reed." Claire directed.
Hawk shrugged. "'Kay." And punched Reed hard enough to fling him across the room.
Reed did indeed fly across the room, hitting a padded wall and sliding to the floor. Small streams of light flashed on the harness as Reed brought himself to his feet. "... I think that was my liver.."
Claire smiled widely. "This is where it gets fun! Reed, I want you to punch Hawk again."
Reed raised a eyebrow. "What, are you trying to get us to beat each other up?" "In a way, yes. But there are benefits. The harness you registers the force you recieve when you are hit. Like when you just went flying? Well, it takes that, and gives it back to you. Punch him."
Reed looked intrigued, and walked over to Hawk and delivered another punch to the bigger man's abdomen.
This time, Hawk flew back, slamming against the wall. When he rose, he moved a bit gingerly, as if there was a bruise on his back. "Now THAT'S more like it! Can we try that again?"
"The return gets more powerful the stronger the opponent. But it can't be used by people who are just... tough. Like you Hawk, or Superman. You guys get hit, and don't go anywhere. The harness wouldn't be able to save that energy because your bodies nullify it. Reed, on the other hand, his body reacts normally to being punched." Claire got into scholar mode as she explained. "Well.. except the fact he doesn't seem to get hurt, ever. The point is he moves with the motion. That is what allows this to work. I just wanted to make sure it did before you took on Bane." She smiled somewhat sheepishly.
"..That's... awesome." Reed replied, really lost for words as he stared at his fists.
Barbara nodded. "Great work, Claire."
Hawk shook his head. "Not Claire. Osprey."
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Post by Trailfoot on Jun 16, 2010 15:17:45 GMT -5
The Next Night
The heroes were spread across the city when Oracle contacted them. "Batman, Robin... I've got Black Mask on the move on the north end. Forty-fifth, making his way uptown. He's got what appear to be some of Joker's henchmen with him. Booster, rendezvous with Batman and Robin at Thirty-Eighth and Bronze, then the three of you make your way down to meet him. All teams, prepare for my signal to hit your targets. Report if you locate Bane. Batmobile, stand by."
Seelie hovered next to Red Robin, gazing down toward the warehouse that was their target, and glanced to Jack and Question. "What do you think? We all burst in the roof, or does someone want to cover exits?"
Docks
Black Canary gazed at the large, abandoned barge that she, Huntress, Raheem, and Claire were assigned to hit. "I see three guards outside the large box. If Bane's on the boat, he's in there." She looked to the others. "Oracle's orders are to contain Bane if he's found until the Batmobile arrives. Osprey, you've got the boarding ramp. I'll break the can open with these..." She gestured to some small explosive charges. "Once that's done, we punch whoever's in there and hope it's not Bane. I'm not a coward... but I'd really rather it be Hawk or Booster who's tying him up until Reed arrives than us."
South Side
The Batmobile hovered, in a position to easily reach wherever Bane was found. Oracle's voice came through on Reed's communicator. "Everyone's in position. Are you ready for us to start this?"
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Post by Myridd on Jun 16, 2010 15:47:47 GMT -5
Warehouses
Red Robin considered a moment before responding. "We need to watch the exits. We don't want anyone to escape, because the person escaping might be Bane."
Jack nodded. "I agree with the red fella. Only problem is, we don't have a lot of muscle on our team. So we're going to have to use our smarts instead. What say we barricade the exits from the outside? You cast spells, don't ya sugah?" He glanced at Seelie as he spoke. "Think you can get the doors to stay closed? That way when we bust through the roof they ain't got nowhere to run?"
The Docks
Osprey, clad still in her street clothes, nodded to Canary. "I can make sure no one gets off."
Raheem gave no indication whether or not he understood Black Canary, but of course the intelligent tiger had understood. He did not want to mess with Bane either. That reptilian fellow had been bad enough. But, if worse came to worse, Raheem would not allow Selena's friends to die.
Huntress looked to Canary. "You going to throw those straight at the guards? How should we be prepared to enter than?"
Southside
Inside the Batmobile, Reed was feeling mighty powerful. When Barbara's words came through his communicator he grinned. "I'm in the fuckin' Batmobile, how could I not be ready?"
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