15493/Cats and Cranks

Cats and Cranks
Date of Scene:	30 July 2023
Location:	Financial District
Synopsis:	Emma snarks about costumes while meeting Hellcat and gives her rich people critique.
Cast of Characters:	Patsy Walker, Emma Frost

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Patsy Walker has posed:
Won't people ever learn that crime (usually) doesn't pay? If they did, someone like Hellcat wouldn't be all that necessary. It could give her more time to write as her alter ego.

But that's for another time.

This particular moment, an afternoon in the Financial District had been interrupted by a few wannabes trying to knock off a bank. Not the worst ever, they managed to subdue a couple guards with some kind of gas masks forced on them that left the pair unconscious with no other ill effects thanks to the contents, but the thieves hadn't counted on Hellcat being in the vicinity.

Dealing with them was academic at that point, with the only thing left to do being wrapping up a statement given to the police that responded. "...and you might want to have those canisters tested, just to be sure there's nothing worse in them." The gas masks have already been collected as evidence.

Emma Frost has posed:
Crime does pay. Just one has to be in the world of business and corporations. Then it's all legla, and when it's questionable one has these amazing things that are called 'lawyers' to handle everything. What threat of legal force can't resolve, good old donations and bribery can. A litlte nudge, some bad press, a bit of blackmail.. Virtually anything one wants to do can go the way they want when you know what buttons to press in society.

And then Emma goes to walk on towards the bank and gives a glance over. "Ah, the latest shade of idiots. Everything is electronic these days adn anything in the vaults will always be insured. And no one will keep anything worth something in there in the first place. If you hit one for a few hundred thousand, that won't even cover your expenses for this sort of job."

Patsy Walker has posed:
Hellcat wraps everything up with the cops, the robbers loaded up to be taken off to the local precinct for processing. "Interesting trick," she says to herself, one last glance toward the gas masks. "Haven't seen anyone try that before. Figured it'd take too long to deal with, but they actually got it to work."

A shake of the head and the costumed heroine takes stock of what's nearby, seeking to determine which way to go next. The police band is quiet for the moment in the aftermath. Eyes pass over Emma Frost, then return after a pause.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would glance over at Hellcat and then go to cross her arms, "I'd hardly call it a trick. Just a waste of time without particularly good intelligence. These type of jobs take a large amount of preparation and expenses. You're limited to what you can physically carry, which will weigh you down substantially. That's presuming that there's anything worthwhile even in there. Which most times there won't be. If you're after a specific item that requires exact intelligence, knowing what you're after, and confirming it's location and identity. Which is rarely worth it. And you might be which-cat?"

Patsy Walker has posed:
"I'm sure they thought they could get away with enough for it to be worth the effort," Hellcat remarks to the woman. "Sucks to be them."

She squints at Emma, her eyes appearing as all white thanks to the mask and cowl she wears. It's similar to Batman's, but different in subtle, certain ways. And, her costume is very much not Batman-like.

She adds, "Name's Hellcat. You look familiar, but I'm not quite placing it." This could be true, or it might not be. A claw-tipped hand comes to rest at a hip.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would fold her arms over her chest and glance over at Hellcat, "Emma Frost, CEO of Frost Enterprises. I suppose that it's not something immediate to roll off the tongue. I should make some heads roll at marketing for limited public awareness then." There aren't a great many successful female executives.

"But, where are my manners? Do forgive my cynicism of these circumstances. But you did good work here."

Patsy Walker has posed:
Hellcat returns a half-smile, close to a smirk. "I figured. I just to hear you say it," she claims. In doing so, she circles around closer, looking very much like she's sizing the other woman up briefly. "If I had to give myself a title, I'd go with 'Hellcat, CEO of Butt-Whoopin' Fools Enterprises.' I can see the ads now." Hands go up, as if gesturing at a poster neither of them can actually see.

"And..thanks. It wasn't too much of a problem. Now everyone can go back to their deposits and withdrawals in peace."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would mm, "I"m sure that there are quite a few that would be competitive for that. Best not to presume to go too far above your station. There's a lot of pressure for that title. So do you have magical powers? I don't see anything demonic about you."

Patsy Walker has posed:
"Oh, that's such a relief. I've had to do so much to keep the spaded tail from growing back," Hellcat answers, gesturing toward her backside, which of course shows no such sign of anything of that nature. "But taking down guys like those is some of what I do best. Everyone needs to have something they're good at."

That's it. Keep things loose in light of the reminder brought up about demonic things. Not a good topic to get into right away with someone else. "I'm sure some people think I'm magical."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would muse, "Well, I don't know. I feel like if you were magical you'd probably have some sort of variation of your attire. If you were something hell or demonic based, your outfit would have a flame motif to it. If you were more of a magical girl, I might expect a tiara of sorts or a headband. Even if you're not going for the full combat skirt or something frilly."

Patsy Walker has posed:
Hellcat scoffs, "One day a week, I like to get all fancy, but not when I'm out like this." The suit clings in all the right places, with the sash around her hips left to dangle off to one side as an extra bit of style that breaks up the golden yellow that makes up most of the suit aside from the head and part of the arms and legs.

"I think Wonder Woman's got the market cornered on taking care of bad guys while looking spiffy in a tiara. I don't want to step on her toes, you know?" A few interesting things to weigh in consideration, then she adds, "This is kind of a classic anyway, and I've grown to like it."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would shrug, "Well, I suppose it's a start. The sash works. You need to hwoever make some adjustments. And I suppose that you're allowed to not call yourself Magical Cat." She would tap at her chin. "And yes she does. And I haven't seen ehr with a cat headband. I suppose though that blonde sidekick of her's might do it though." That Wonder Girl would totally do it.

"Andh ow long have you worn it for?" She would inquire. "How long have you been active on it?" Street level heroes could be active for decades after all."

Patsy Walker has posed:
"What sort of adjustments?" Hellcat asks, a hint of doubt creeping into her tone. The look /is/ simple, but effective enough in conveying the feline inspiration along with helping her look good while doing whatever it is she's up to at the time. "I think the magical cat is more famous from that play on Broadway," she quips.

Heights are similar, Hellcat only giving up a couple inches or so depending on what kind of footwear Emma's in, and she lifts the back of a hand to her forehead to feign a wound. "Oh, heavens! Do I look that old to you? Decades?" A shiver she plays up follows, then she says a little under her breath, "Almost ten years now."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would muse, "Well, it's hard to tell without you taking off your mask. Even then, you cuold just be using a lot of makeup.." Or having just had a couple of surgeries like Emma has. All right, Emma's had more than a couple of surgeries. "The hair is real or a wig?" She would inquire. Real hair meant for a rather painful thing for someone to grapple with after all. Something like a wig could also help better conceal the identity.

"So you've been doing this since.. High school?" She errs on the side of politeness rather than going 'since college' which would imply that Patsy could be in her thirties! And /middle aged/

Patsy Walker has posed:
Hellcat says, "I don't take my mask off for just anyone. It's important to keep this me from the other me. The hair's all mine, though." So red. So very, very red.

The same hand returns to her hip, her stance shifted slightly toward that direction. "Let's just say I've seen enough stuff for someone probably twice my age. I'm a long way from AARP, but I've heard of some friends getting their mailers already and they're only in their thirties. That's pretty insulting, if you ask me." She begins to walk along, seeing if the other woman will follow. A few people have already begun to stare at the two.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would mm, "Well, in tthat case there's no real way to tell or make an educated guess on the matter." For the woman's age, at least. Emma's still being polite after all! It can be hard to tell when someone is wearing a suit of reinforced leather.

"They want to get their clutches into you early. That mteans you're likelier to panic and pay to get thier newsletters even when they're not obligated to give you anything in the slightest. It's extremely effective marketing. One should be jealous." She would take the cue to follow Patsy.

Patsy Walker has posed:
"Well, if you have to know, mid-20s." Some would have an opinion on that age in relation to the cat motif, but Hellcat isn't offering it up on her own. "And their marketing ways hold no power over me. I plan on being able to retire long before I need them, but I'll still show up to their bingo nights if they have any."

The sash sways with her steps, and if it looks like she's practiced in how to walk in order to draw eyes her way, that's probably true.

Emma Frost has posed:
So high school. That's a somewhat unusual age to start but that makes sense. That age lends itself to the feeling of foolhardiness and invincibility that makes one crazed enough to put on homemade spandex and charge out to try and stop bank robbers.

"So where are we going? I would hope that you're not going to take inspiration from how to properly do a bank robbery from me."

Patsy Walker has posed:
If Emma only knew of this costume's origins, and how it's adapted to only the wearer of it now. That's a story in its own right.

"Oh, me? I'm just walking. You're the one who chose to follow me," she answers, glancing toward Emma with a grin that's too wide to hide the joking nature of her comment. "I just wanted to get away from the bank. If I was going to try to steal from one, that'd put me in with the one over in Gotham that likes all black." A pause so she can tap her chin. "Or black and purple, depending."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would shrug, "Very well." She has however taken enough effort to cloud the minds of the others in the area to have had her departure veiled. Anyone with cameras would find them deleting those last few minutes of conversation and anything else that might have stood out.

"Very well, thank you for reassuring me on that matter." Emma would deadpan. "So, what brings youaway from the bank? Surely other things than my companionship."

Patsy Walker has posed:
Hellcat goes unaware of the mental adjustments made to the others, especially because she's left out of it. Nothing to adjust in this case. "You know, I hadn't thought that far ahead yet," she admits, with the two generally in unison with their steps although her own pace isn't a quick one. "What does someone like you do for fun around here? Count your money? Stare at what's in your closet while going through an existential crisis because you just can't decide which outfit to choose?"

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would muse, "Why, I have more than enough money. Not that I'm resistant to making much more and I already have things in motion to make me even more obscenely rich. And I'll just buy a department store or two when I'm not sure what to wear. What I can't find that I want I'll just ask Janet Van Dyne for a favor to make me one. I have her on speed dial."

Patsy Walker has posed:
Hellcat whistles in appreciation. "That's an impressive bit of name-dropping and flexing. Well done." Clearly, she's seeing the lighter side of things. Good way to hide the darker half and keep it tucked away. "I'm familiar with Janet, though I'm guessing not on the level you are. I've spent some time around a few groups when I've had the chance. Some of them really know how to party."

She drops her voice so only Emma can hear it. "So what's it like, being able to just throw money at whatever you want without needing a second thought? Pretty empowering, I'm betting."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would smile, "Well, I would hardly say that I know how to party. Fortunately Janet is capable of making up for my complete lack of ability comparatively to that. Then again few are on her level other than the Asgardians, and even then I might say she could teach them a few things. And you don't seem the type to be ridiculously rich and prone to whims on the level of someone like the Waynes or Starks." Not that Emma is remotely in that class either.

Patsy Walker has posed:
There are certainly levels to this, and Hellcat isn't very high on the ladder. Lower rung. Not the lowest, thankfully. "Eh. Sometimes a successful night is just remembering there's leftover pizza in the fridge so I don't have to figure out something to make," she says, shoulders moving in a shrug as her gloved palms face upward for a moment.

"But I've heard about what those Asgardian parties can be like. Maybe someday.." A wistful expression shows, where visible. That means mostly just the twist of her lips.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would mm, "Well, just go to the Asgardian Embassy sometime and say you want to try some of the mead, and that you'll trade stories. That tends to get them very willing to let anyone in. They're very welcoming of outsiders. Just give them a tale and sing them a song."

Patsy Walker has posed:
"I'm not sure they want to deal with my caterwauling, but I've also heard stories about the mead," Hellcat muses. "I'm not enough of a drinker to think I'm ready for that, but I guess that's part of the fun." She seems to be relaxing just so, regardless of where her guard was at with this woman. "I'm sure the stories would be grand. I should totally get She-Hulk to come with me if I do that. We're pals, you know." Or if Emma didn't, now she does.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would smile, "Having not been there myself, I can only speak for the reputation. And I believe I've tried to get Ms. Walters on retainer on a few occasions, though she's rather booked up and I'm sure has an extremenely extensive client list as it is. And money only goes so far when you're in such demand as she is. I'm sure that by reputation she would love to take you with her."

Patsy Walker has posed:
Hellcat nods. "She's good people. I think that's a silly saying and it doesn't make sense because of the singular/plural contradiction. I'd never actually write anything like that, but..she's good people." Someone cat-calls toward them and she feigns blowing a kiss before muttering under her breath, "Scumbag. Might as well just howl like a dog and be really obvious about it." Not like it's the first time she's had someone give her that kind of attention. She knows how she looks, and how Emma looks next to her. "But yeah, I'll have to talk to her about that."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would shrug, "Well, you could just put some fear into him and sharpen your claws a bit. Or are you not the type that would enjoy using someone over as a scratching post? And I can't presume to speak for Ms. Walters other than by reputation. And for the howling like a dog part, I believe there's some Tex Avery cartoons which are appropraite to the subject if you like the classics."

Patsy Walker has posed:
Hellcat waves the suggestions off, overall. "He's not worth it. The only thing I'd worry about would be him trying to take advantage of someone else who can't protect herself like I can." To that effect, it leaves her reconsidering wasting any effort on him. "Know what, hang on."

She crosses the street, where the guy is looking suddenly unsure of this. Maybe he didn't expect her to actually respond? "Something you wanted to say?" she asks pointedly, making sure he can get a good look at her flexing those sharp claws of hers. He begins to stammer out something before she cuts him off by covering his mouth with a hand.

"No, I didn't think you did. Why don't you scamper on back home before I think about having you neutered. Don't let me see or hear you doing that again."

He runs off quickly, and she looks back to give Emma a thumbs-up.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would grin, "Good, at the very least give him a reason to not try that again with someone else. Men have to be properly trained and broken in or they tend to think too much of themselves. He won't try that sortof thing againw ithout a lot of thinking on the matter. And might even tone down his appropach to something appropriate. You have to train them first. And you just gave him a proper reminder of his place in society."

Emma would watch idly. "And by simply tolerating it and ignoring it you reinforce his assumptions and enable him to get more aggressive in the future, which doesn't do his future targets any benefit."

Patsy Walker has posed:
Hellcat reaches Emma again in time for her opinions on the matter, and she raises a brow behind her mask. It's already got yellow versions of such that have a way of emphasizing her different attitudes. "Yeah, something like that. You like training people, I take it." Just an observation, but the concept is suddenly stuck there in her thoughts. "Just had to make sure he knows it's not okay to be that way toward people."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would grin, "Well, as a Corporate Executive it's required. One needs it in their minions when it comes to doing thier jobs. They have to be sufficiently cowed to obey o rders and not think too highly of themselves to take their own initiative. And are you making an offer?"

Patsy Walker has posed:
That's to be expected. All jobs have some kind of training involved. Wait, were they talking about jobs, or something else? Hellcat keeps walking, though she pauses at some of the choice of words toward the end of the woman's explanation. "Wait, what?" she asks, head tilting just so. "I'm not..I mean, I've already got my own career." She's caught at least a little off-guard, though it seems as if she's considering asking for more details vs. just staying quiet about it. "Why?"

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would muse, "Oh? Your own career? I'm sure that going out dressed as a cat and beating people up makes for all the lovely cash flow. Though if you're looking for maximization of your income you want to have a separate business model for it. And this is harldy the time nor the place to explain.."

Patsy Walker has posed:
"I do detective work as well," Hellcat explains. This..is also not the most lucrative thing out there, which ought to be obvious. "And I like going out dressed as a cat and beating people up. Or saving people. There's obviously a need for it." It's probably safe to assume she hasn't spent much time thinking about maximizing her income.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would smirk, "Yes, and that's when your client can pay the bills, which I presume that you're too nice to require of it. And those that can afford the bills tend to go for those higher class than wear a literal catsuit. No offense darling."

Patsy Walker has posed:
Hellcat sniffs. "None taken." Or not much taken. Hard to say. "God, it's as if you know me or something," she mutters when the scenario of letting someone have one 'on the house' when they can't afford the help is brought up. "But I still say I look amazing in this." She gestures at the outfit.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would shrug, "Well, eprhpas. You are in bright primary colors which while I can say some might find it an appealing palette and aesthetic plenty of others might be put off. Ultimately it's your decision but I would think that no matter what your agility it makes you a much easier target."

Patsy Walker has posed:
"Makes it easier for them to see who's about to kick their butts," Hellcat sniffs. "Besides, I didn't really pick the colors out. I got used to them, though. I don't need to go around looking all dark and broody like some people. I'm not Batman." Scuffing at a few of her claws, she casually adds, "And being more of a target just keeps me on my toes. I may have lost one or two of my nine lives, though."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would shake her head, "Oh, it also makes you for a far easier target dear. I'm sure that your invulnerability helps some, but some cracked ribs due to someone hitting you with ana utomatic weapon or a shotgun is still going to leave a mark. And something more muted is likelier to let you ambush someone."

Patsy Walker has posed:
Hellcat mehs. "Maybe I'll play around with some different colors. It's just hard to get away from what you're used to. But you'd know something about that, wouldn't you? I hear white's your thing." She snaps her fingers and points at Emma, as if to say 'gotcha.' "Not that I'm saying no to trying new things."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would smirk, "It's a lovely color. I'll give you a hint. It's the one that all other colors merge to and offer thier presence to. White is all of them combined. All they have to offer. The best of them all."

Patsy Walker has posed:
"And even easier to see when you're trying to ambush somebody," Hellcat points out, tapping the side of her head like she's Kayode Ewumi as Reece Simpson in Hood Documentary. You know, the one everybody thinks is actually Eddie Murphy? "So as a contrast, I might have to consider black after all."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would mm, "Or not even black. That's already rather common for those that have your particular costume.. Affiliations. You don't wnat to make everyone thinking that you're a ripoff of them, don't you? Also you in turn risk them presenting themselves as you."

Patsy Walker has posed:
Hellcat grimaces. "Well, I'm not going around as a female version of the Pink Panther," she mutters. "But you raise a valid point we'll need to consider further." They've reached an intersection, and she jerks a thumb toward one of the directions. "Much as I've enjoyed this, I've still got some business to deal with before too long. I don't think you'll be that hard to find if we want to talk some more, hmm?"

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would muse, "Yes, I suppose so. You've made it rather simple to notice you. You might want to look into getting some sort of way to broadcast yourself more. I might call for a Cat Signal? Or is that too gauche? But, regardless, ta-ta." And Emma goes to walk off.