15242/New Hope, New Projects

New Hope, New Projects
Date of Scene:	27 June 2023
Location:	Palm Tree Boulevard and Post Road
Synopsis:	Caleb is renovating a place where his family could settle in, and friends drop by.
Cast of Characters:	Caleb Dykstra, Michael Hannigan, Phoebe Beacon

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Caleb Dykstra has posed:
When Caleb said the Dykstras were setting a location where to set roots, he meant it. Scoping out an old warehouse that was to be sold but no actual offers had yet been placed over the years, the family had found it at a considerably low price. The main structure was intact, but put in the cleaning (more like sterilizing), the renovating (more like reworking the infrastructure), the moving in, the setting up... Well, it has been a trying endeavour. But one that slowly bore fruit.

The liveable areas would be up above, last stories, converted into a duplex/loft. The other two stories would be for the tools of the trade.

And, going into the tools of the trade, Caleb was already making his projects, involving wood and glue. He invited one of his helpers and friend to come and see what he was working on, knowing he's a musician and all.

Finishing glueing up two wood pieces, he eagerly awaits for his arrival...

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Considering Mike's general involvement with the Dykstra siblings was basically getting them the hell away from Gotham. Caleb's invite over to check out the new living arrangements being made for the remaining Dykstra family member was not turned down. The musician was once more dressed down, not really wanting to draw too much attention to himself as he made his way over. Once he's certain he has the right place, he steps over to a doorway. Of course the Gothamite would gravitate over to a warehouse. Giving a shake of the head, he lifts up a hand to bang on the metal door. Considering how big Caleb was on security, certainly the student understood the concept of locking doors, right?

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
Yes, locking doors. And cameras, too! Ib fact one is pointing at Mike right now.

From his workshop spot, Caleb presses a switch, looking at the screen that shows him in high-res and color. He smirks, and presses a little switch...

And just at the door, the sound of dogs barking, coupled with thumping and rumbling of the metal gate is made heard, so much so that the lonely passer-by is even startled at the sudden rumble!

Ah, yes, there's also a sign on the door that says, 'Beware the guard hound!'

The passer-by moves along, instinctively moving much farther from the building. But, after a few seconds, the sound stops, and Caleb is heard over the intercom. "Come on in!" And the buzzing sound follows, which unlocks the door.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
That sign would probably be more effective against Mike if he didn't know Caleb did not have a dog. That'd probably be a noticeable thing with the family staying at the retreat studio for awhile. Plus the dorms.

To the invite and the clack of the door, Mike pushes the door open and steps through.

It's not until the door shuts behind him that he looks up to the nearest camera. "Guard hound?" He repeats.

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
"Spits fire and eveything", Caleb says with a wicked smile. "What? It's a fair warning. Have this alarm system fully automated, and it's going to be a funhouse madhouse, you know?" He thinks, "Still trying to figure out where I'll put the extra crispy italian meat..." He shrugs, "Sheila always wanted a pet friend. You think...?"

He waits to see Mike's reaction.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Mike gives a blank look as Caleb details the dog. "...You had multiple dogs in the soundtrack but the sign is referring to hound in the singular. Might want to make sure the details match up."

Advice given, Mike glances back to the warehouse. "So, how're things going with making this place livable?"

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
"Oh, it's taking a while", the teen says. "You get to find out real fast why places this big come so cheap: tennants who didn't bother to pay rent." He chuckles. "Don't worry, it's all up to code now." He points at his project materials, neatly set in a space away from the door. "Wouldn't have my stuff here if otherwise."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Mike nods, "Ok, so not quite 'Father moving in' ready yet." Looking in the direction of the indicated project materials he glances over. "What type of projects?"

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
"Well, they're not ready yet, but...", he shows up the schematics, "Have a look at these beauties, and tell me what you think."

They're models for electric guitars, measurements all set on paper. One is six-stringer, the next one a seven-stringer, and the other one is a baritone model, with a longer neck.

"If this turns out alright, I may have to start selling orders."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Mike steps forward, taking a closer look for a few moments. "...You like making instruments?" He asks, seemingly not really expecting a confirmation to the question. He glances back over to Caleb, "You know, if you want to pursue this a bit more, we do have a work study program with the school. Could get you more exposure with other instruments. But I'm sure Wade would want to balance it out with other skills. Sound engineers usually make more than instrument makers."

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
And it's at this point that Caleb can't help but chuckle, "They do? Hmmm, I dunno... Doesn't acting also help to put money in the account?" His face becomes more serious. "But I mean, be it really good, a custom, hand-made guitar can sell for four, sometimes five figures." He shrugs, going back to ground levels of reality. "Of course, it helps if an artist puts it out there." He's not making the suggestion, just makes the plain talk.

"Oh, but did you know I was in a band back in Gotham, before all my mob funtimes?" He nods, "I did. Good enough to put us in a 'battle of the bands' contest."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
"Well, not by much," Mike admits regarding the difference between instrument makers, "But, doesn't hurt to have skills for more than one job. It makes you more marketable."

Mike looks over to the design a bit more, nodding to potential cost of guitars. "...The thing about four, five figure price tags is you typically need to have a reputation before people are willing to pay that much. So, you need something that can pay the bills while you build that reputation. But you do have an advantage in the connections you now have through the school. One way to build up the reputation is certifications."

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
"Which I never would've had back in 'Bat-city'", Caleb admits. "Here, I can change the resume from 'dealer', 'errand boy' and 'henchman', to 'engineering', 'mechanical engineering', 'smithing', 'carpentry', among others." He shakes his head, "I swear that city casts a very dark shadow over its people."

"But no more - for me and mine, anyways." But, in the very far corner of his mind, he wonders if he should swallow those words. "When you stop by Gotham, tell Phoebe I said hi."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
"Hmm." Mike nods, "Well, to take from a good song. Sometimes darkness will show you the light. You're very much aware of what you don't want to become now. Maybe that'll be the fire that rockets you to your new life goals."

Mike cracks a smile, lifting up his forearm to display the scar. "While this was not fun to get, it did end up indirectly opening doors I didn't even know could be opened."

Example provided, the arm drops as he nods. "And sure. Whenever I run into her again I'll let her know."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    And right about then is when there is a THOM. THOOM. THOOOM. of someone rapping, not so gently tapping, tapping on a warehouse door.

    The Wayne Spare Heir, and nothing more.

    Although she was in a light jacket, designer boots, and her motorcycle that certainly is just a little demon-touched parked to the side. She'd seen Mike walk in from a distance, and she was being just a little nosy.

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
Now, Caleb is about to ask something, when there's someone...

Well, quoting Edgar Allan Poe for scene introduction.

"Uhm, hold that thought..." With a finger, he presses the button to the CCTV shining down right on Phoebe.

Deadpan.

"Scratch that", Caleb's deadpan continues, nodding to the screen. "I tell her myself." He presses a button, and speaks over the comm, "Do come in!"

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Hearing the not so gentle rapping upon the warehouse door, Mike turns his head to glance over that way. Another glance is given to Caleb as he checks on the screen to see who it is. Once he's told to 'nevermind' on the request, a brow arches. The side of his lip curls upwards in a bit of amusement to the change in situation.

Even when moved out, Gotham has a way of showing up.

He looks back to the door, smiling in greeting to whoever may open that door, having a general idea who it might be.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    "Oh hey! Caleb AKA Jake from State Farm!" Phoebe's voice can be heard, and she steps inside, giving a small grin. Her hair is completely hidden beneath a hairscarf today.

    "So, this is where you guys secreted off to? Am I allowed in or is this a Gentleman Only club?" she asks brightly, sliding her hands into her pockets.

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
"Your ears caught fire, or something?", Caleb feels the compulsion to ask. "Because, just when we were talking about you... Poof!, you show up!"

Really, what're the odds? Mr. Fantastic and his children could probably say them outright, but let's chalk it down to infinitesimally small because otherwise we'd be here longer than it takes everyone here to scene just to get that number right - with scene pauses overnight, no less.

"I was just telling Mike to tell you I said 'hi' when he'd stop by Gotham", he explains. "So... Hi!"

He hmms for a moment, looking at Mike. And he tests a theory.

He just says, "Florence Pugh."

Deadpan.

He looks between them both, "Hey, if I'm saying people's names, and they're showing up..."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
The timing of Phoebe's arrival could not be better. It's almost like someone just called her or something. Getting a sense that he's being looked at, Mike glances back over to Caleb as he mentions a name.

"...If you're testing that you might want to try someone else who lives near here. London's a bit far."

He looks back to Phoebe. "Great timing." He agrees, "What brings you to Happy Harbor?"

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    "What, I'm not enough pout for the crowd? Geez. Going back to Gotham, see ya!" Phoebe jokes, and takes a step backwards before she grins.

    "I mean, I could start naming names, but knowing my luck --" she pauses, and then her expression flattens "They'll just have horrible something happen to them. Like horrible gas."

    And to the answer why she's over this side: "I had a couple of errands to run and the weather was decent. And my bike just got a tune up so I wanted to hit the road and see if I could shake out any issues... but uh... I got a Hell of a mechanic."

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
"Nope, nope - you're gonna stick around, you can't leave." He makes a call, "Dad, need a couple more Big Belly Burgers, the...?" He looks at Phoebe, waiting for what she wants.

In the meantime, he keeps his voice lower, covering the mouthpiece on the cellphone, "Uhmm... Random female super-hero?"

To Phoebe, "Oh, a mechanic, eh?" He nods his head towards the 'mechanics' department of the warehouse. "Glad we're still not open for business. After the help you offered, I'd be offended at not returning the favor somehow." Okay, maybe not; but it's a customer's offer.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Mike gives a nod to the explanation, generally filling in the details over past knowledge not brought up this time. "Well, as she said, she has a hell of a mechanic so you'll just have to come up with another way." Mike comments.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    "Oh, I'm good. I have a special diet, so I'd have to see the menu. Unless they have chocolate milkshakes in which case *gimmie*. I'll contribute!" she replies, and she gives a nod.

    "Yeah, he kinda keeps things low key until he blows his top, which isn't too often, and usually the people who caused it kinda deserve it." she gives a small grin, and shakes her head.

    "Look, Caleb, I got *extremely* lucky in that my story got picked up by Bruce Wayne. THe least I can do is pay for my own milkshake!"

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
And Caleb pulls up a menu, which he shows to Phoebe. "You sure? I mean, they got veggie burgers...", he tempts. And turning to his phone, "I think chocolate milkshakes are in order, here." Listening to Phoebe, he frowns and shakes his head, "Picked up by whomever in the past, girl, this treat's on us." Concerning Phoebe's mechanic, he adds, "You make him sound like he's a short-fused vigilante."

To Mike, he shrugs, "Well, tight spots are few and far between, but they do happen from time to time, right?"

Michael Hannigan has posed:
"They do." Mike agrees, "...But sometimes when someone does you a solid, you don't have to reciprocate to them. The best way to show appreciation is to get your stuff in order, and when you spot someone else struggling. You do the solid for them."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    "Short fused..." Phoebe gets a far off look, and then looks to Mike, and states "yeeeaaaaaaah he can be a little...." she trails off a moment, considering the Things She's Seen, and she taps her fingers a moment, trying to come up with a nice way to say it.

    "... fiery."

    And then she gives a huff about the milkshake.

    "It's one milkshake Michael, what can it cost, ten dollars?"