1155/Flocking Together

Flocking Together
Date of Scene:	14 April 2020
Location:	Robbinsville - Bleake Island
Synopsis:	Batgirl and Sparrow interview two new Bird or Bird Adjacent Heroines and hook them up with Oracle-Tech
Cast of Characters:	Barbara Gordon, Carrie Kelley, Colleen Wing, Lara Croft

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Barbara Gordon has posed:
Various people have been busy at work, all industrious, scoping out potential heroines that might work well with the Birds of Prey since people seem determined to reactivate the old network of allies and build it out with new ones.

After being tipped off to Colleen and Lara by a mutual acquaintance that informed Barbara they would be good recruits she set things into motion. First there was a good deal of research pulling up everything that could be pulled up from the internet and from there more difficult to trawl through computer systems. Once the general background check seemed to indicate they were probably not supervillains in disguise phase two was initiated.

On there phones a new app was remotely installed, a green stylized head, with a blinking red notification icon, just being persistent until it is clicked on.

Once clicked a message will be displayed.

<My Name is Oracle. I've been told that you are interested in making the world a better place. If you would like to discuss an opportunity with a like minded group of exceptional people show up in Gotham on Monday evening at 11pm at X and Y on the old apartment buildings roof.> at which point a hyperloop card is loaded into the phone goood for ten round trip rides.

Barbara is chilling sitting on an HVAC, having also told Carrie to show up a bit earlier than 11pm at the same spot. She is monitoring a tablet in full Batgirl gear while she waits, keeping track of the prospects via CCTV and other means. Not to mention the two O.R.A.C.L.E. drones hovering nearly silent high above the building.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Sparrow, aka Carrie Kelley, was situated on the rooftop as well near Batgirl. Her attention was turned to the skyline currently watching for signs of any trouble that might pop up while they were attempting to meet with these new recruits. At least it had been quiet the past few nights. That sometimes didn't bode well, but for the moment she was holding out hope that it may remain that way long enough to finish this meeting at least.

Glancing back over to Batgirl she flashes a grin. "Feels a bit like old times," she offers up before turning to walk closer to the HVAC unit to rejoin her long time friend and associate. "I guess I should leave watching to your drones for now. They're on the way I imagine?"

Colleen Wing has posed:
The message and app came as a bit of a suprise to the young woman. Nevertheless, it was just intriguing enough for her to open. An invitation such as this certainly warranted checking out. She had put herelves in much more mysterious situations before so this was nothing new for her.
The day was spent pondering, was this something she wanted to do? Did she have time to do so? Questions she did not have the answer for, but there she was finding herself upon the rooftop she had been asked to come to. The drones certainky would have picked up her arrival, given the fact she had also made no effort to hide it. Dressed in a pair of white jogging pants and a white hoodie, the young woman begins to make her way to what she can only assume is whom she is supposed to meet. Her steps are methodical and purposeful, taking her closer. She holds up her phone and states softly with a small smile. "I got this invitation...is this where the party is?"

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara had moved to the United States at the start of February after a month of training to become a SHIELD agent in London. She was to continue her training at her new assignment in the WAND offices at the Triskelion. In the time since then, Agent Croft had... had a number of interesting experience. 'Americans' were an eccentric bunch and their country was experiencing a boon in Super Hero activity like few other locations across the globe. Lara had seen a lot since moving to Manhattan, people openly flying between the buildings, to muggings being stopped by mutants with amazing powers... or mutants with amazing powers doing the nefarious deeds themselves.

It'd been an eye opening experience at what the world was going through these days, and Lara's place in all of it? Well... she was putting her skills to use under the employ of SHIELD. To acquire potentially dangerous items around the world before they could fall into the hands of those who'd use them for ... whatever terrible plan they may dream up.

She also wasn't much of a sleeper. In fact, her nightmares kept her up most nights, barely able to get even a handful of hours of sleep. A traumatic experience often does that to a person. So finding this app on her phone had lead her here tonight, she'd indulged due to her curious nature.

With black leather jacket on, gray hoodie with hood-up, and her hands in her pockets, Lara moves in to the building and up it's central staircase until she'd find the roof door. When she opens it, she first sees Colleen and she hears the question that was on her mind too.

So her shadowed eyes beneath her hood look from Colleen over to where she sees the woman looking now.

Barbara Gordon has posed:
Barbara returns Carrie's grin with a grin of her own. "It does feel a bit like old times. I wasn't entirely positive it was a good idea when Zee gave me a shove to think about starting this all up again.... but the more we meet people and talk to them about it... Honestly the better the idea seems." she glances up next to the sky. "They do have better eyes than you do, but they don't have your instincts Sparrow. Can't replicate and automate that yet." she grins and looks back down to the tablet.

"Both potential birds on the move and pretty close now. Punctual really... looks like they are just coming straight here on time. I mean punctual.. or too trusting.. or very cocky. Hard to say yet." she has an amused tone, but not a mean tone about it. "Guess we will see. Honestly I'm forgoing the whole stepping from shadows ominious and brooding but you do you while I draw their attention okay." glance down. "About.. three minutes ..thirty." she marks and then tucks the tablet into her jacket, zips it up so the uniform looks more seamless and sits waiting.

When Colleen and then Lara arrive on the rooftop Batgirl is still sitting on the large HVAC unit, which is the high ground, watching them. She nods to Colleen "Well it depends on your definition of a party, but yes a friend of mine setup the meeting and thought it would be good to talk to the both of you about some shared interests and gauge your interests in a thing we have been putting together."

Carrie Kelley has posed:
"I've lurked in the shadows of others enough for one lifetime," Sparrow offers with a chuckle as she just stands there with hands clasped lightly behind her back. The countdown offered is noted with a nod of acceptance. Then they're here. She falls silent to allow Batgirl time to give her speech with an incline of her head toward the pair.

"Welcome," she offers to the pair with a grin. "Just in time."

Colleen Wing has posed:
Colleen's eyes drift over to the other arrival, looking Lara over a moment before giving a greeting head nod. Her hands slowly rises and her hood is flipped back, revealing her ponytailed hair. Her gaze shifts over back to the the other two women, lingering there a moment as her hands are then folded behind her back.

Her eyes then drift up to Barbara, staying there as she speaks. "I will admit, your invitation piqued my curiosity. Your friend must have done some research on the two of us to dertermine if such an invite was worthy." She tilts her head to the side, a stray strand of hair hanging before her eye. "I am very curious to see what these interests are and how myself and..." Her hand gestures to Lara. "My potential new friend here might fit into said plans."

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara steps out after Colleen speaks and she moves closer to her, though not quite at a friendly distance, she pauses a bit away so that she doesn't invade the other's space. She looks to Barbara on her high perch.

"To be entirely honest, I'm more of a mind that all of this sniffs of something illegal. Of which I have no interest in participating in." She states, now holding her phone up from the side pocket of her jacket. "Installing software on other people's devices alone is a breach of legalities."

A glance toward Colleen who took her hood down - though Lara keeps her own still up. "My concern is the nature of why we've been invited here." She states in her thick British accent. "I'll put it out on the table that I'm an agent of SHIELD as well."

Barbara Gordon has posed:
Batgirl from her perch sitting on the HVAC notes dryly. "Agent Croft, I am pretty aware of the various things you do around the world. I would be surprised if you were really that upset that Oracle reached out and put you in touch with the rest of us." it is a dry amusement though. "Also yes my friend is very good at research."

She shakes her head lightly. "Nothing illegal, we aren't criminals we are good guys. I'm Batgirl and yes the Batman is real and no I won't be discussing him or any of his business. This is Sparrow. I think you met our magical friend." she looks off to the skyline. "There are a lot more actually." and she looks back down. "We are all part of a loose lliance of heroines, called the Birds of Prey. Kind of like the Justice League but still active and all women."

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Sparrow grins at mention of illegal activities. "While we *do* occasionally participate in a little B&E, it's to gather evidence, I assure you," she remarks to the pair with clear amusement. At least they were being serious about it. "There are of course some that think vigilante work is illegal. I like to think the results prove themselves in the end. We can get away with what the police can't on occasion and can provide them with evidence that they might otheriwse not have access to."

Colleen Wing has posed:
The idea of legality is not something Collen put a lot of stock into. Sure she was not a criminal. Sure she was part of a group that helped see to the safety of the streets in NYC, but there were times where lines were crossed and morality was tested. "Batgirl? I knew it." She gestures over to Lara with a smile, in what could be deemed a fan-girl moment. "Oh and Sparrow. Yes. Birds of Prey." There is a small pause in her words and she bites her lower lip before smiling again and murmuring to Lara. "She knows Batman. Like /the/ Batman."

Colleen holds her hands up in front of her, if only to calm herself. It was not a full-blown fan-girl moment but certainly noticeable. "Okay. Sorry. It's just..Bat...well you know." Disciplined reset. "Birds of Prey. I have heard of you. Tho, just on the streets. So you think myself and Agent..." She pauses not knowing the other woman's name. "Agent London would be an asset to the group." Her eyes are now fixiated on Barbara and Carrie. " I must say I am flattered over the consideration."

Lara Croft has posed:
All of them are listened to individually before Lara looks back to Colleen when she's referred to as Agent London. "Be that as it may." She says about it all, her eyes now going back to the two presenters of this proposal. "I would love to hear precisely what it is you desire from us." She gives another glance toward Colleen, then looks back to Barbara. "Or me specifically. I imagine you have individual aspirations for everyone that you invite as we all likely have our own strengths and weaknesses."

Lara glances to her right off of the edge of the building. It's dark out, but the lights of Gotham shine bright. "The plight's of this city are a bit out of my... field of expertise, I might say. Though even world renowned as they may be... I might not be qualified for vigilantism." She could be under estimating herself on that. She's a skilled parkour artist like most of the Bat's, she's a skilled fighter and a deadly weapons expert....

She's just, unlike the others here, never in her life considered the path of a 'hero in the dark'.

Barbara Gordon has posed:
"You're right, everyone we talk has unique skills. When I said we were like the Justice League in aspirations I meant it. This is a group who are willing to come help each other... a network of heroines. We aren't based in Gotham we have people in the Tri-cities and we try to do good all over not just here."

She considers Lara a moment longer. "We have people with all sorts of skills, some of them are power metas, some magicians, and some are people with unique skills and determination." glancing to Colleen there. "All of them though are trying to do good in the world."

She kips up to her feet and then drops down off the HVAC. "No one does anything against their morals or code of honor or whatever they might have. The goal is to provide resources, connect people who can help each other, and act as a multiplier together instead of just acting seperately. Large or small."

Colleen Wing has posed:
Every since her arrival in New York, Collen has not had it easy. Those she has fallen in with were not eactly criminal, in fact quite the opposite, but there were things that were certainly right up her alley of what was being spoke of. There is nothing she has heard that would deter here in the slightest. Her handmoves to tuck a rebellious strand of hair back from her eyes and she exahles slowly before speaking. "Sounds to me like something I would be honored to be a part of. One can never have to many allies and if it is bettering the people of the Tri Cities then all the better."

Her eyes slide to Lara and then back to the other two woman were they remain. "Are we given specific areas to assist and call upon assistancde as needed and vice versa? I will tell you my knowledge of NYC and Chinatown is much greater than the other cities."

Lara Croft has posed:
A glance is given over to Colleen from Lara's eyes still shaded in darkness within her hood, though the ambient light from the city's luminous light pollution does shed a bit of glow across her nose and chin. She doesn't seem quite as amped up for joining so quickly as the good Colleen here does.

Lara does look over to Barbara and Sparrow for the answer to Colleen's question, but she's soon to add her own. She draws her hands out of her jacket's side pockets and lets them rest at her sides.

"Why is it only women that you're seeking for this group?" She asks. It's curious to her after all. "Your intentions seem noble, which I admire, your methods are ... yet still mostly unknown to me, but your reputations as the protectors of this seemingly crime riddled city are notoriously famous across the world." Lara doesn't know Batgirl by name, but she knows Batman, and for her that's says a lot about a super's reputation.

"I'm interested in learning more, I'll admit. And I apologize if I'm coming across as overly cautious. It's just... well, it's how I personally approach things."

Carrie Kelley has posed:
"Trust us," Sparrow remarks with a wry grin, "We're well used to dealing with those that have a paranoia streak. That's nothing compared to Batman. Which is good," she has to admit with a tip of her head toward Lara who shall now forever more be stuck in her head as 'Agent London'. "Because that means we can work with you."

"As for only women..." She pauses there, then glances over to Batgirl giving a shrug. "That's your explaintion there, Batty-G." Her attention shifts toward Colleen at that point to give a shake of her haed. "I don't think you'll be required to patrol unless you want to. But yeah, I think the point is that we get people from all over who have knowledge of different areas. So you knowing outside of Gotham is pretty good in my opinion."

Barbara Gordon has posed:
Batgirl nods there with a glance sidelong to Sparrow with a bit of amusement. "Hey the paranoia is usually well justified." she notes defending the old man for a moment. Then she looks back to Lara and Colleen. "Good question. You know you are actually the first person to really question that bit."

She shakes her head amused it seems. "I think it is probably because I got my start with a lot of boys superheroing with me and frankly the majority of the major teams are pretty male dominated. When Oracle suggested doing it this way.. it just seemed good to me so I went along with it. I have noticed we do tend to just work stuff out and tackle problems instead of arguing about who has to be in charge or whose plan it is a whole lot more this way."

There is a pause.

"As for areas of operations.. like I said we operate all over. People are usually called on to help depending on who is available and who seems like they would be good for any particular problem. ... As for any lingering concerns well I am sure we can assuage those. We are on the up and up."

Colleen Wing has posed:
Colleen has listened closely to everything be stated, her eyes narrowed in a appearance of deep thought and consideration. There is the occasional head nod to make it aware that she is paying attention and understanding evertything that is being said. When Barbara finsihes her words, the young woman speaks. "So I have another question. My time is spread quite thin. What with the operation of my dojo, the classes I teach to the students and the sporadic calling upon by the Defenders. I was wondering if I could run something by you?" Her hands moves to fold behind her backonce more.

"I am interested. I am very interested. I was wondering if you owuld consider me a trusted ally? Someone you could call upon when needed if need be in the Manhattan area specifically. I would find it difficult to travel to far away from there on a regular basis without jeopardizing my dojo." She peers up at Barabra and Carrie, her head tilted to the side once more. "It is the only way I feel I could be fair to everyone."

Lara Croft has posed:
What all is said, Lara listens to. Each of their faces, Lara looks to them from the shadowy cover of her raised hood. She keeps her hands stuff inside the pockets of her black leather jacket as well, and her eyes end up on Colleen ultimately. After the martial artist asks her questions, Lara looks to the two presenting these options to them.

"I'll help you." She tells them. "Because it... because I know of you. I know of Batman, and I've heard enough to know that you're goal is to help innocent people. I have the same goals in my own career and path in life... and though it's true that we may be going about it radically different, if there are ways you think what I can provide will help you? Then you need but reach to me." She shows a faint smirk inside of her hood. "A more traditional phone call would be appreciated though."

Agent London, so picky.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Sparrow merely shrugs when Batgirl defends the old man a bit. "Never said it wasn't, but sometimes that got old." It's said with the sort of fondness one might expect of a family member teasing another at least. She allows Batgirl to do more of the explaining with a nod here and there as she shifts to cross her arms casually over her chest.

"That's not unheard of," she has to admit with a tip of her head toward Colleen. "I've known some dojo owners or fighters that have helped the, ah, 'family' in the past." Then again that wasn't entirely her call even if it was a familiar situation. Lara's own agreement earns a grin as well. "Oracle does like her techie toys. I'm sure there's a more standard way to reach you other than how you were called here, though," she assures.

Barbara Gordon has posed:
"Well the App does have voice communications, suppose could just do that." amused at Agent London's prference for analog to digital really. She fishes around in her utility belt then pulls out a couple of small comm devices, ear pieces. "But yes we do have a way to just beep along and talk .. yah know with voices. These are also useful on jobs." she offers them up to Colleen and Lara getting closer to do so.

"And that sounds fine Ms. Wing. Don't want to stretch anyone to thin and I imagine you and the Defenders might be useful allies to have if anything goes down in NEw York City." she smiles.

To Lara she notes "Nothing that we ask for help on should run afoul of SHIELD or WAND." yup the lady seems to know about WAND even, interesting. "But we do have a ton of access to extensive intel, and in some cases can probably help you out when you get in a pinch, even with all of SHIELD's resources behind you Agent London."

Colleen Wing has posed:
A respectful nod is given to Barabra and Carrie, her head turning to give one to Lara as well. "I appreciate your willingess to accomodate my needs. It is my priority to see to the safety of the Manhattan streets and the city as a whole. If I can do so with more friends and allies than everyone is better off for it. As I do not lead the Defenders, I do have some persuasion in what they choose to involve themselves in. Simply contact me anytime you need and I will make sure I am there to assist you and the other Birds."

A smile slowly creeps across her face. "I know the streets of the city well. Eyes and ears in places I would even choose to not frequent. I think this will be a wonderful partnership. Between..." She looks back to Lara again and nods. "Agent London and I...I think New York City will have good representation at various levels.'

Lara Croft has posed:
The Agent London moniker makes Lara smirk with amusement beneath her hood as she looks between the other three women. She likes it, more than some of her titles anyway. In her mind, it's far superior than 'Duchess'.

A nod is given over to her partner in this shady recruitment meeting. "I'm happy to help you in Manhattan too, if you should ever need it. I live in Greenwich Village, just a block south of Washington Square Park. I'm fairly new to the United States, but I'm learning quickly."

To Babs and Carrie though, Lara looks. "My specialty resides in archaeological expeditions, but... I'm sure you're well aware of that. My job within SHIELD is to acquire the worst kinds of items, be they magical or otherwise, that might cause harm to the undeserving. If anything falls in to that category, please do reach out to me." She pulls her phone out of her jacket pocket and wiggles it a little.

"I suppose this app you installed is acceptable too... since I now know it came from a good source." She looks up to the two women who'd brought she and Colleen here and smiles more open, albeit still reserved.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Sparrow nods to the pair with a smile of approval at the way things have turned out. It was a good meeting with both, and a good result in the end as well. "Always glad to have more help in any department. I'm personally more trained in detective work and fighting. I'm pretty flexible all around in what I can do but I don't have any specialized areas... Which I think will make you both invaluable in your own ways."

Barbara Gordon has posed:
Batgirl walks back to lean this time against the HVAC. "Sounds great then. We have a bit of chat and messaging capabilities in the app I gave you. Good way to ask for intel or help. We also have tech that can help run overwatch... things like CCTV hacking and a variety of other tricks to aid in seeing what is happening before it happens to you."

Winning smile after that, because she said on the up and up and well ... it is if used for good.. maybe.

"But just let us know when and what sort of aid you need and we will see what we cando. Oracle is .. very good at finding things and people."

Colleen Wing has posed:
Colleen looks down at her phone again and the app. "So all we have to do is open the app and talk into it and we are directed to whom?" She raises her eues from her phone to Barabra and Carrie once more. "This will prove valuable. Is there anything specific you think needs adressing in Manhattan at this time?" Her hands move once again to fold behind her back.

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara's left hand comes up to stroke at a few strands of her dark brown hair that are sweeping across her forehead in the night time breezes. She listens to Colleen's question about the phone app and glances down to her own before she stuffs it back in to her pocket on the right side of her stomach. She doesn't have any immediate questions, but she does intend to delve a little deeper in to what all has apparently been installed on her phone now that she knows it's a seemingly safe source from where it came.

She looks from Colleen to her left, to the others at the HVAC. A nod is afforded to Carrie and then Lara's eyes look to Babs. "What exactly is this Oracle, or who, rather?" She asks then.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
That very good question causes Sparrow to glance aside to Batgirl considering a moment. She clears her throat slightly, and tips her head toward the other redhead. "I can give a general run down if you want," she offers with a wry grin. "But you know her better than I do." Still grinning she looks back to the pair.

"Oracle is a hactivist that was once a vigilante like us. She retired due to some injuries. Now she focuses primarily on her computer skills to help out acting as an information center for us. Kind of like Charlie's Angels except Charlie isn't a creepy guy."

Barbara Gordon has posed:
Batgirl looks about to answer and then nods She gestures up and an ORACLE Drone (pic on wiki) floats down into view. "She keeps an eye on things as best as she can and helps how she is still able to. Trust me. If she could be out on the streets punching villains she would be.. but helping us do our jobs suits her fine too."

It isn't the whole truth, but it does keep the Oracle identity and truth safe for now. These are new people after all so a bit of paranoia is not to untoward. Barbara did learn from the Bat.

"Thank you too for coming though... any last questions before Sparrow and I head out on patrol?"

Colleen Wing has posed:
Colleen shakes her head and gives a casual shrug. "I don't think I do. I thank you for this oppurtunity and alliance. I think this will be beneficial for the Birds as well as myself and the Defenders. However, the true winner is going to be New York City ." A proper and respectful bow is given to all three women and she slowly rises. "Until we meet again. I look forward to what lies ahead."

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara listens to the answer and accepts it for what it is. A mysterious hacker who goes by Oracle... that's certainly on the level for Agent London. She's piecing together the start of a great novelization based on all of this. Lara's chin tips up to look skyward to the quietly floating drone up there. She's used similar tech to spy around corners or down caverns to get a look at what pitfalls might lay ahead for her.

As her gaze comes back down she averts her stare to Colleen, then back to the others. "By all means, set off on to your patrol. Keep the city safe." She turns then to move toward the door to open it and offer it for Colleen since they're seemingly leaving together and both on their way back to NYC.

"This should be an interesting partnership." She tells Babs and Carrie. "I look forward to hearing from you both."