16029/Habitat for Humanity: Bushwick Edition

Habitat for Humanity: Bushwick Edition
Date of Scene:	07 October 2023
Location:	Bushwick <Mutant Town>
Synopsis:	People volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to help rennovate a pair of townhomes in Bushwick for some lucky mutant families dreaming of home ownership. A man and his tiger visit the site to discourage those who might find issue with that.
Cast of Characters:	Joan Wright, Jimmy Hudson, Jaime Reyes, Roberto da Costa, Kitkat, Natasha Cranston, Thomas Blake

---

Joan Wright has posed:
Founded well over 40 years ago, it is hard to find someone in the US who has not heard of Habitat for Humanity. But when one brings them up, the most common imagined scene is people building houses from the ground up on empty lots. The organization does much more than that. This is exhibited over in Bushwick today.

With the landlocked areas, there are no empty lots to add new construction to. BUT, there are plenty of homes that have gone into disrepair. Some have reached the state where no one lives in them anymore. Today's project is focused upon a pair of older townhomes acquired at an extremely low price to allow for a modest renovation budget. The primary objective? Get this building up to code so two lucky families can achieve the dream of home ownership with a zero interest mortgage.

As far as the stucture is concerned, thanks to the assistance of one volunteer, it is safe to walk through now. But the inner structure of some walls are exposed allowing for volunteer electricians and plumbers to do their work. Other areas, while safe, could be made a bit safer by replacing some of the existing supports.

It is over in that area of the house one Joan Wright is situated. Safety gear on and keeping watch over the process. A gloved hand is curled up, with a bit of a finger gun prepped and waiting.

Jimmy Hudson has posed:
When the online fliers went up around the internet, Jimmy had checked his calendar. He already knew he wouldn't be teaching, and found the rest of his day free. Having arrived at the construction site earlier in the day, he had immediately put himself to work on helping build the frame.

There was just something that was cathartic and relaxing about the swing of the hammer, the steady sound of metal on metal to wood as he drove each nail in to place with practiced ease. It's not the first time that he's worked on a project like this and always enjoyed the chance to practice.

He is dressed in a simple white t-shirt, blue jeans and work boots, the flannel shirt he had worn to the work site is now tied around his waist and the familiar blue helmet with white logo set on his head. A tool belt of leather hangs around his waist, partially covered with the flannel shirt. As he gets a pair of two fers together, he clutches a pair of nails between his teeth as he works to drive a third in.

Jaime Reyes has posed:
Having heard about the Habitat for Humanity project in Bushwick, Jaime Reyes arrives at the site with enthusiasm and uncertainty. Dressed in jeans and a graphic tee, he has a backpack with his gloves, a thicker jacket, and other things he could need for the day. Though usually embroiled in battles with extraterrestrials and malevolent forces, he can't pass up an opportunity to do some good on the home front.

Stepping into the project home, he's met with the sight of exposed walls, volunteers busily working, and the hum of conversation mixed with the sounds of construction. Amidst the organized chaos, his eyes are drawn to a figure by one of the inner walls. The woman, Joan Wright, stands poised with safety gear on and a playful finger gun at the ready.

Walking over with a friendly smile, Jaime extends a hand. "Hey there! I'm Jaime Reyes. Heard about the project and thought I could lend a hand." He says with a light chuckle. "I've got a bit of experience in being a handyman. Need an extra set of hands over here?" The genuine eagerness in his eyes, coupled with the lighthearted jest about his alter ego, speaks volumes about his character and willingness to help.

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto Da Costa is on the phone as he walks around the site, wearing a stylish black suit and a hard hat, "Well, yes Mr. Carter. We appreciate the help, no no, making the properties available was the least i could. we have a long list of people looking for places and this gets two families off the list." He nods and listens, "Right, right, sir. I'm not I will ever be able to call you Jimmy, sir. But I'll try. No, no, actually, they're a human Mom and Dad with mutant children we find that alot. Yes, sir, it was one of the tragedies of the cure. X-Corporation works with everyone, mutancy generally expresses during puberty which presents it's own set of problems but for parents raising mutant children...." He nods and raises his eyesrbrows catching the eyes of a staffer and gesturing where to direct some of the lesser trained workers, then nodding to another as a delivery truck rolls up outside. He tugs his ear briefly listening again,"Exactly, it's a problem without many resources which is where X-Corporation comes, making a place for the families, making the tribe bigger. Anyway, thank you for reaching out, yes, yes, I will thank the regional director as well. We appreciate the chance to work with you all, hope to do it again. Right, thank you, Jimmy." Berto ends the call and shakes his head slipping the phone into a pocket, "That will never get normal." he smiles to his assistant, a slight young woman with blue skin and antlers. "How long do we have before that photo op? Can we actually get some work done?" He smiles and looks about at the bustle, "Though this seems to be going pretty well, maybe it's better off with me?" he offers the assistant a playful grin and she wrinkles hee nose, "Nnnaaaaahhh."

Kitkat has posed:
What was Kitkat doing in Bushwick? Well, there was one benefit of Bushwick: people didn't just stare too much at someone looking like a humanoid cat and call them a freak. But the commotion on the street and the signs and all did make the cat curious. You know, curiousity killed the cat, or how the saying goes.

Stepping into the project home, and putting down a long, blanket wrapped item down next to the door with a heavy thud, feline eyes dart over the construction site. "What's going on here?" she asks the next closest person, who just happened to be Roberto. "What's all the ruckus here about?"

Natasha Cranston has posed:
    Of course, home improvement still requires supplies, from new wires and cabling to plaster, wallpaper and caulk -- and as it happens, Cranston Multinational is happy to make a donation of materiel and transportation. A pair of pick-ups truck with the CMS logo pull up to the building site, loaded with everything a healthy pair of homes might need. This isn't much of a surprise - CMS has a reputation for supporting charities like this - but the fact that the person who emerges from behind the driver's seat of the second pick-up is its CEO herself is.

    "Mr. da Costa, my people thought I'd find you here," she tells Roberto. "I was told your latest project could use some additional supplies, and I felt like delivering them in person..."

Joan Wright has posed:
Hearing a voice speak to her, Joan's eyes move a little, glancing to Jaime through her safety glasses. Glancing to the offered hand she does the odd act of essentially moving the finger gun over to the other hand before reaching over to take Jaime's hand. "Good to meet you, Jaime. We do need a few more hands over with the framework in the other room.

Joan nods in the direction of Jimmy who is visible due to the lack of drywall between the pair. "See the man with the flannel around his waist? That's the room. As a heads up, we're about to replace a beam in this room so I wouldn't come back in here until you secure a hard hat from the volunteer coordinator."

There's then a nod towards a sizable hunk of wood situated between two large, obvious mutants that are also wearing hard hats. She then nods up to the large beam that, while in place appears to have a sizable line that in most situations would indicate a break point. "We're okay for now but once we start moving. DEFINITELY a hard hat area. Safety first!"

Jimmy Hudson has posed:
As he's working on driving in the last of the nails, Jimmy glances up just as Joan is directing Jaime in his direction. He lifts his hammer in acknowledgement. "Enjoy all the hands we can get." he offers, his accent very much Canadian.

But as Joan pointed out, he's in the hard hat area as he returns to his work on the frame to secure up the beam that the others are holding up. "Just a few more nails, boys, then ya can settle that right on to place and we'll get to work on making it snug, yah?" he asks the pair.

Noticing Berto, there's an easy smile. He's not as much of a hustle as Berto is, but Berto's earned a lot in that hustle and made a good life out of it - nothing he can fault.

Jaime Reyes has posed:
When Jaime takes Joan's hand there is a chattering in his mind from the scarab. Something has been detected, and he's alerted. It makes him stumble a bit in his response but he tries to act like the internal warning never went off. "Great to meet you and glad to be here." Clearing his throat as their hands are released he looks over Joan once more and then turns to look to Jimmy to smile. "Great, thanks."

The others are all given smiles and waves as he makes his way toward where he was instructed to go, pausing to look towards Roberto with a smile. Clearly knowing of him and glad for the chance to meet the man in person. Shaking off the thought he makes sure to say hello to the others and then gives Jimmy a shake at the greeting and starts to get ready to put in some work.

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto Da Costa smiles easily at Kitkat, not even missing a beat as he points at the structure, "Homes for Humanity is rebuilding these townhomes for some needy families in the area. We're all helping out, it's great way to learn some skills, or just spend an afternoon doing something for other people. You can also show off any skills you might have. If you want to help you can talk to one of the people in the teal shirts they can get you assigned with a work group or just shadowing someone" He nods and turns to Natasha, tilting his head, "CEOs so rarely make deliveries." Berto chuckles, "Stark had a remote drone armor fly one his stuff over." Berto nods towards another couple of pallets of tech materiels, "I'm actually curious what his houses look like inside considering what he considers housewares. Anyway, please call me Berto. Thank you for your gracious donation. Did you have some time to help out, or just want a tour? I do have some details to take care of but I can show you around if you like." He smiles and indicates either or both Natasha and Kitkat.

Jimmy Hudson has posed:
When Jaime approaches Jimmy, Jimmy's nose twitches for a moment. Something smells different about the young man, but he's not the type that's gonna turn down the help that's being offered. "You want, once we get this beam secured, we're gonna start placing the electrical."

"If you're good with a hammer, we could use an extra hand on getting the rest of the two fers secured, and someone's gonna be here soon with the electrical." A gesture to the truck that Natasha arrived in. "Could also use some hands in unloading. Just wherever ya feel comfortable."

Joan Wright has posed:
Handshake done with, Joan brings her hands together, now seemingly dual wielding finger guns. An odd construction approach but we'll see how that plays out. Once the room is clear of those not appropriately dressed for the area, one worker stands near the doorway that most people cross over through, seemingly blocking access to un protected volunteers while he watches the rest of the exposed wall areas.

"Okay, Beam replacement is in effect. No entry without PPE! That's hard hat, hard soled boots, safety glasses, long pants, and shirt with sleeves." Joan states out loud, tagging on an explanation to the end for the sake of the volunteers within earshot who might be dealing with curiousity.

Stepping back, she watches as the sizable beings bring the beam forth, shimmying it up against the original beam before additional volunteers take to the ladders to go secure it in place. A symphony of hammering, whrring and chattering errupts, blending in with the similar songs of adjacent rooms.

Jaime Reyes has posed:
Getting himself a hardhat and a bright vest to wear, Jaime slips on his gloves and then nods as Jimmy explains what needs to happen. "I'm not a pro builder or anything like that but for sure I can help out." When he motions to the truck that could use some help to unload, there is a nod and Jaime chuckles, "That... I can do. I'm a PRO at being a laborer." A playful wink follows those words and then he's moving to help unload, waving to the folks already in place while figuring out where he can help the most.

Kitkat has posed:
"Homes for Humanity? That sounds rather strange here. Isn't this the area where they call the people all kinds of names but often not human?" Kitkat inquires from Roberto, eying him over twice before shrugging. "So just... help out for the helping? Do the helpers at least get..." Kitkat's nose twitches a moment, then smiles. "Whatever smells interesting from about there? It smells like you have food for the helpers. Count me down for lugging stuff if it gets me lunch."

Natasha Cranston has posed:
    Natasha laughs brightly at Roberto's suggestion. "Ah, while I'm sure my people would love the PR for a photo op of me in a hardhat hammering away, I'd likely do more harm than good I'm afraid," she replies. "That said, as long as a tour doesn't impede the work, I'd love to see for myself."

    She turns to respond to Kitkat's question. "'Humanity' should nowadays probably be taken as a somewhat broader term; back when Habitats first started its founders had no way of knowing how bigots would attempt to appropriate it. Suffice it to say, as far as I'm aware 'Humanity' in this case extends to everyone and everything that's sentient and in need of a better home."

Joan Wright has posed:
Joan doesn't seem to be doing much except yelling out instructions and giving appreciative nods to those doing their part. But, once it appears that the securing is done with, she makes her way up the ladder to give an additional inspection. She is quiet for a few moments before nodding, "Good work. Alright, move the ladders, and clear out for a little bit and I'll get the old beam started. We'll need two carts."

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto Da Costa smiles and nods to Kitkat, "I did do a double take when I first saw the email, it's a bit too close to Friends of Humanity for comfort but Habitat is trying to change that perception, broaden the definition of humanity as it were." He nods to Natasha, "There are times when we can use all the friends we can find. The lunch boxes absolutely, take as many as you like." Berto chuckles, "The tour, not at all, we'll just avoid the heavy work areas." He smiles to Kit kat, "If you're looking to do some lifting give me a hand getting this onto the site, then we can start the tour." He nods sagely to Natasha, "Yes, my team only let's me wield a hammer during demolition." He turns towards the truck and with a bit of concentration and darkenoing of his hair and suit to vanta black he lifts a pallet of various goods over his head and nods towards Kitkat, "Grab what you can. I'll show you where to drop them."

Kitkat has posed:
Kitkat ohs at the words of Natasha, nodding at the explanation, then the assertion of Roberto, though his words did make her head tilt a little. "What's email?" she asked, following the example of Jamie to snatch a hardhat, shunning that silly vest with the strange glowy strips for now. But after some trying with the thing, and it being very much in the way of her ears, pressing them flat, she puts the thing down again with a headshake. "That thing is uncomfortable."

When Roberto points to the heavy things... well, Kitkat is strong and easily lifts the materials, only the bulk preventing her from carying more than a couple items at one time as she follows him.

Natasha Cranston has posed:
    Not being particularly strong - or rather, unwilling to reveal how strong she actually is - Natasha declines picking up much in the way of materiel, but does don a hardhat as she accompanies Roberto for that tour.

    She tilts her head at Kitkat's question, but decides to answer it honestly. "Electronic Mail. Messages sent to one another by computer via the Internet. I take it you're not from around these parts?"

    She nods sympathetically at the complaint. "Yes, most safety equipment in general manufacture does assume that the wearer has a basically human physiology. But consider - it would be much more awkward and painful if something heavy were to land on your head while you weren't wearing a hard hat."

Jaime Reyes has posed:
Jaime Reyes is no slouch when it comes to manual labor. Helping to unload he then moves on to finding where else he can help the people doing some of the more specialized labor. Making sure he's put to good use he only pauses long enough to grab a bite when food is put out. He doesn't use any of his powers and instead relies on his own human strength and abilities to help the cause.

Joan Wright has posed:
Moving back into position, Joan observes as the instructions are carried out, eyes glancing up towards the older beam. Once the ladders and people are clear, Joan nods. "Starting removal." The finger guns pointed down start to sway. Soon the swaying shifts, making for small circular motions. There's a slight energy to the room as she does this, or it could be something imagined. It hasn't really been discussed. But, once the requested carts come into view, the two hands lift up. Each pointer finger gestures to either side of the line of the old beam. As the hands pull apart, so does that beam. There isn't any additional splitering. The beam separates right at the visible lines that had already been in it. But then the sort of fall but in a slow motion.

Joan is extremely quiet during this. Hands steady and slowly lowering. But before the beam can reach the ground, her hands stop.

"Carts." She requests.

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto Da Costa raises an eyebrow at Natasha as she declines lifting but shrugs and heads over to the area for incoming materials, placing the pallet where it can be broken down and distributed to the right workers. He nods for kitkat to place her materiels in the same area, "Yeah, right here."
     He then starts the tour, "So, we bought these as part of a revitalization project for this area, We had just gotten the Figueroa Projects on the other side of the park which was a huge win.. The last winter was brutal trying to get the tenants through with no hear and few amenities. there is only so much a band of plucky mutants can do. But the lawyers came through. It took months of sustained court fights but we managed to get the owner to sell to us at a decent price rather than put the money for repairs into the buildings." Berto gestures to the group of large brutalist structures in the distance, before scratching his chin, "But you were interested in this site, sorry. Lot of work going on. Anyway, we bought out the block, when Habitat came to use asking about projects, they wanted to take a stand on the humanity issue and thought this would be the place." He stops and smiles, "So, we arranged to sell theses properties to them and let them take over the renovations with what support they asked for. A lot of the volunteers are from the community many of them trained by X-Corporations programs and we're getting some good training in from the experts at Habitat. It's a really good partnership."

Berto checks that every one is wearing a hard hat, "Sorry about that, we are working on more variety in designs but ears are a had work around, personal force fields are a few years out. Anyway, rught, so we're making these town houses into multifamily dwellings, splitting them into two apartments each. This entry will be for the downstairs apartment, and what was the main entrance will be for the upstairs apartment. They'll share the back garden and each one space for on site parking in the back as well, quite a luxury in the city." He leads on into the apartment which is still pretty bear bones but most of the walls are laid out so there is a basic perception space. "This large space is only possible with the beams but makes for a really nice kitchen/family room area and gives the apartment a nice open spacious feel which is unusual in building of this age. Luckily, the historical preservation people had written this neighborhood of years ago, but the bannisters are original and we're trying to keep a lot of the historical charm." The tour leads on.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Here's something unusual. Bushwick, which is a home for winged people, clawed people, people made of improbable elements now hosts a full grown Siberian tiger. A big one too, which is redundant after you've seen a few tigers. Rasputin by name,

His friend, some would say handler (and be wrong), is Thomas Blake wearing steel toed boots, overalls and not much else. One hand holds a massive chain attached to Rasputin's collar. One growl from Rasputin has just sent several would be protesters fleeing. "Hello, the Foh-foes were getting uppity, We dissuaded them. This is Rapsutin. Please inquire before approaching him. He won't claw anyone but getting pinned by him is no joke..." He stops talking as he spots Kitkat. Rasputin snorts and sits down, looking about. Thomas gets pulled off balance slightly, but recovers.

Kitkat has posed:
"That... doesn't make sense to me." Kitkat answered to Natasha, totally a comuter illiterate person. More than just a little. But she knew how to haul, and moved the stuff Roberto had brought to the designated places with ease. "I come from the Land Within." Without explanation where that might be. "Oh, I have some training with objects and head... I just dodge stuff or if I get hit, I get better."

And then, while undloading, there's Rasputin. The snort makes the cat's head swivel, eye him and then smile with glee. Disregarding Thomas talk about inquiring, she just gets closer, eyes, ears and tail moving like a nonverbal statement as she pretty much introduces herself to him, asking how he is, who he is, if she should get rid of the collar for him... the standard cat greeting *in cat*

Natasha Cranston has posed:
    Natasha nods as she listens to Roberto's explanation. "Sounds like a win/win -- HfH will almost certainly sell the homes to people who were hoping to live here to begin with, and you get the PR for 'giving' them the homes as well as cooperating with Habitat who'll improve the homes at a fraction of the materiel and labor cost."

    She smiles. "And, of course, two lucky families get a better home to live in, and they likely won't care whether they received their homes through generosity or because someone wanted to be thought well of."

    As Thomas shows up, she pauses to stare for a moment. "... Is that an actual tiger?" she can't help but ask.

Joan Wright has posed:
At the request, the carts are rolled underneath the hovering pieces of beam. One at a time, Joan lowers a beam on it's old path before the positions line up and distance is minimalized between beam and cart. The motion of letting go is done, causing for the pieces of beam to thump down onto their respective carts.

"Wooh." The architect comments, watching as some of the large volunteers start to cart the pieces of discarded beam to the area for sorting out debris. She looks over to the others. "I do believe that is a good stopping point. The box lunches should be here now if you'd like to grab some food. Just swing by with the volunteer coordinator and they'll get you situated."

With a break declared, Joan makes her way out of the main room, bypassing the volunteer coordinator to instead walk over to an outside wash station. With plumbing currently being worked on, the sinks inside the building were still off limits. Hearing the not-human snort, Joan glances up quickly, peering through her safety glasses to the newcomers. "...Thomas?" She inquires, forgetting the wash station for a moment.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake nods to Natasha, watching Kitkat. "All the DNA evidence says tiger. I lean more towards human. This is Rasputin, my best friend..." He watches Kitkat's moves. Did Mr. tawny have any children. Then he takes a guess -based on his experience with felines. "Miss, I can assure you, I am the person keeping him calm and happy. I do this for felines somehow. The collar is a legal formality. Believe me, he'd pull my arm out of the socket and hardly be slowed down if he wanted. He's good. I am Thomas Blake -known as Catman."

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto Da Costa nods "Yes, all true, I'm hoping we can talk them into sponsoring a few more homes in the area if this goes well." Berto blinks at Natasha's question then looks out the window, noting the way Thomas is pulled off balance, "I mean the short answer is yes. The longer answer... I'm not sure, I don't know of anyone in the neighborhood who is a Siberian tiger morph specifically." He notes Kitkat's interaction and smiles, "Let's see if he speaks cat."

Kitkat has posed:
At the answer of Rasputin, Kitkat still did offer the tiger a heavy ruffle, fingers playing with the fur riiight at the best spots where the swiving rounds were located, then at the back of the head, spoiling the big boy a little as she kneels next to him, looking up to Thomas. "Good for you that this fine specimen doesn't want your arm for lunch. I'd totally serve it if you treat him badly."

Looking to Natasha and Joan, she glances the two over. "What's so strange about a tiger? You live in the town The Tigra lives in, who is by far more astonishing, and you are astonished by this handsome cat? He's nice but come on, The Tigra?" One could practically hear the capitalisation of the word.

Joan Wright has posed:
Hearing the general introduction to confirm her suspicion, Joan turns back to the wash station to clean her hands. Granted, the tiger and...attire was probably enough to confirm the suspicion. But, there's nothing like having the name mentioned to just cement in the identity.

Once the hands are washed, Joan moves her foot off the pump trigger and steps back. She flicks her hands of the excess moisture before grabbing one of the disposable towels. Fortunately it's not near the end of the day when those items are nearly or completely out.

Hands clean and towel tossed, she steps her way over to the people not currently dressed in construction safety gear. "Good afternoon," She greets.

Hearing Kitkat's question, she looks to her curiously. "I'm sorry, did I give off that impression?" Joan glances to Rasputin, giving a respectful distance so as not to crowd the creature. "It's not my first time seeing him."

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake gets down on his knees to be with the cats. He tilts his head regarding Kitkat. "I am a friend to all felines. I would never mistreat Rasputin. I couldn't even think of it. But not because your threat scares me. Like I said, best friend. Even when I was embarking on a life of crime... I treated my cats well. I never endangered them. Cats... are little furry gods."

Natasha Cranston has posed:
    "Miss Grant, regardless of her admittedly impressive appearance, is a sentient being like most people living in this city," Natasha points out. "Rasputin here, while certainly an admirable specimen, is an animal -- and not one commonly encountered living as a semi-domestic pet in an urban environment."

    She glances at Thomas. "I take it there's a story behind the fact that he lives with you rather than in the wilds or a similarly more accomodating habitat?"

Kitkat has posed:
"A friend of all felines?" Kitkat repeated Thomas note, smiling as she ruffles Rasputin more, toying with the big cat's fur in an affectionate manner. It's not exactly all gentle, but the fingers know where to scratch the big cat to try and make him purr. "Forget the furry, this one is quite a big cat, but indeed, I heard that cats were once regarded gods. Or messangers. In any way, I think that's somewhat deserving."

"Well, that's a good question from the woman. How did you come to become adopted by this one?"

Joan Wright has posed:
Joan tilts her head curiously as well, looking over to Thomas. It is an interesting question and likely an interesting story behind it. And being that she's not currently being harassed by people in bowler hats while he's around, she's got the time to listen to the answer.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake shrugs, "Rasputin bears the gene albinism. Left in the wild, hunters might get lucky, or a Yeti. In captivity, he might be bred with a likely female to sire a littler of white tigers. White tigers are incredibly unhealthy. They are the one type of big cat I would like to go extinct. Ras was being badly cared for in a safari park. I had a fight for a couple years to get him healthy again. Having said that there is a cute tigress that his vet has, that does not carry the gene, and he may start dating soon. As a matter of fact there are over 5,000 people holding permits to keep tigers in the USA. I try to keep them honest too..."

Rasputin takes the moment, when Thomas is low to the ground to lay a tiger sized hug on him, Forelegs around his neck and showering him with nuzzles and licks and almost bearing down hard enough to break a normal man's back.

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto Da Costa folds his arms over his chest as he regards the man, no stranger to large, semi-domesticated, moody predators of the four legged and two legged variety he does not overly react. Those as a true son of Gotham he does incline his head at the whole cats and crime things, wondering brother, cousin, is is a family thing. "Crime and cats, you must be from Gotham." He does raise his eyebrows at the affection, moving to a point where he might intervene if needed.

Kitkat has posed:
Kitkat laughes as Rasputin pins Thomas in a tiger hug, ruffling the big one as she lifts the tiger up like he's just about a cub worth of weight. Yep, she's strong. "Comeon Rasputin, he's a fragile human. You might squish him if you don't take care." The words are teasing, and added to with the gestures.

"So besides offering to look for a girl that is willing to accept Rasputin, how did you come to be adopted by him? I mean, who was that person that held him prisoner before? Or did Rasputin eat that one already? Because he totally should for being mistreated."

Joan Wright has posed:
Joan glances over to Roberto at the comment. "...Not everyone associated with Gotham is into crime." She states, tugging off the safety glasses to instead clip them to her belt. Granted, her father simply WORKS with their university. But the point is there.

Really!

Jimmy Hudson has posed:
Jimmy had been working on the beam during the replacement, but with it being complete, he had gone to find a place to sit for his lunch break. Opening up a thermos, he pours some soup into a cup, then sets the thermos to the side. Blowing across the surface of the soup to cool it, he takes a sip while the others are chatting.

He's not actively avoiding the conversation, he just seems to be going with the flow to figure out where he might fit into it. Bringing a tiger was a nice touch, and it appears that things are well under control. So another sip of soup.

Fine, he's not as anti-social as Logan, but he's not as chatty as Gabby, either.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake quickly responds, "Oh I was into crime, did the whole costume and motif thing. Knew I was the smartest guy in the room. then one day I was not. I was a villain. Nice to meet you." He snaps a salute to Roberto.

"Excuse me young lady, will you please release my tiger? He knows what he's doing and this isn't my first cat show. Also... want to grab some drinks?"

Kitkat has posed:
Kitkat ruffles Rasputin a little more, before she finally let him down again, but not without exchanging some silent words with him, that she expected him to look for her if Thomas ever did something bad to him so she would break him out. Way to encourage the pet-cat revolution.

"Just making sure you are not loved to death. But if you bring me something to eat or drink, I'd be super fine with that."

Roberto da Costa has posed:
Roberto Da Costa smirks, raising his eyebrows, "That really depends on your definition of crime. Even the masked vigilantes have been illegal at times. Though, in this case I was more referring to the themed nature of major crimes, cats, riddles, birds, egyptology, eggs, calendars, did I miss any?" He smiles and inclines his head Thomas, "That really depends on your lawyers. I've known a great many villains, luckily I'm only related to some of them." He chuckles and notes Jim sitting eatting soup. He goes out of his way to walk over with a few of the box lunches, placing it near him and then handing them out to workers around where Jim is sitting making sure everyone gets fed. Knowing for a few this may be their only meal and making sure they get their fill.

Jimmy Hudson has posed:
Kitkat's answer draws a snort of a laugh, but Jimmy covers it quickly as Roberto comes over with the box lunch. "Thanks." he drawls gently, accepting the box. "This'll go fine with the soup." A lean back on the beam he's sitting on and a lift of his head towards Joan.

"That one's pretty industrious. Kinda nice to see." he admits, even if he is very much known for being mellow. Except when he's not.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake give a tug on Rasputin's collar to get his attention. "Come on, we'll see whether there's any goodies for you. I don't let a lady go hungry or thirsty... yeah let's get a hose and get you a drink. Excuse us." His flirting doesn't usually end with him fetching soup but -cats.

He grabs a cup for Kitkat and lets Rasputin inhale a couple. Then he grabs a hose to give him a drink and a spritz. Rasputin gives a look back at Kitkat as if taking pride in his human.

Joan Wright has posed:
Joan looks over to Thomas, "Ok fine, you are. But to assume thematic and crime equals Gotham is really selling New York short on their own responsibility for the matter. And my dad is a history professor in Gotham. So- Dr. Wright. You can imagine what comments he gets to listen to."

The mention of food does cause for Joan to look over to Kit Kat. "Oh right. It is lunch time, so if you'd like one, we do have some box lunches that were delivered for the volunteers. Although you're not required to partake. Others brought their own meals. I'm about to grab mine if you want to follow."

Joan turns and seeing the nod from Jimmy, she waves a hand to the quiet volunteer. "Thank you for earlier, Mr. Hudson. Would y-" She pauses as she sees the box lunch being handed over. "Do enjoy your meal." She amends. She glances back to Thomas. "Would you like a boxed lunch as well? I do believe we have extra."

Jimmy Hudson has posed:
When Joan approaches, Jimmy offers a small chuckle and a grin. "Berto beat you to it, Miss Wright. I'll just have to save it for another time." A small tease in that Canadian accent. "Saw your work on the beam first thing this morning. Really efficent and time-saving. Appreciated watching you at work." A lift of his cup to her in a salute.

"But you should take a break and enjoy your own meal as well. We're gonna be at this again soon enough, would hate to see your battery run out." A wink and he dips his sandwich into his soup to take a bite from it.

"Also appreciate the tiger." that to Blake, "It's a good deterrent." Probably the most he's said since arriving and starting work.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake shakes his head, "No thanks. We don't do cold cuts. Soup is fine." he brings the cup back to Kitkat. As for bringing the tiger, he wanted to come and... I can't say no to that face." He steps back as Rasputin shakes himself.

Kitkat has posed:
Kitkat stays respectfully away from the water hose - and the spray made by Rasputin - as she deals with the food. Only once Thomas put the water-sprayer away, and the tiger made himself somewhat dry, she settles next to Thomas, leaning a little over.

"Rasputin is more than just a deterrent. If you really want a deterent... what do you mount above the doors around here to show you defend the home with all you have?"

Joan Wright has posed:
With Thomas turning down the boxed lunch, Joan looks back over to Jimmy. As he returns the thanks for the earlier prep work, she gives a soft smile. "Well, thank you. While the abilities are not meant to be a long lasting solution to building structural damage, it is useful for buying time to resolve the problem the right way in a safe and efficient manner."

The mention of eating does cause for her brows to lift. "Oh right! I'm talking so much about getting lunch but I'm not actually doing it myself." She nods to the others before. "Well, If you'll excuse me..."

With that, Joan scoots off to go grab her own meal.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake ponders. "I get by with a water bowl for Rasputin. It holds about two gallons. I add a steer's femur to the tableau. Most people don't bother my place. They get the message."

He smiles at Roberto. "Oh people get into crime for all manner of reasons. I was self destructive and bored. I almost went vigilante... but there were enough vigilantes. Also I needed the money. Not going to lie." He settles in and lets Kitkat nestle between his shoulder and chest. He gives her response dictated by feline protocol: the who invited you look. Thus making her know she should stay.

Kitkat has posed:
Kitkat hadn't originally planned to lean that far against Thomas, but as he kiiind of offered... She leaned her head pretty much onto his shoulder, her shoulder against his chest as she reclined. Human backrest. "So tiger in the front yard? I thought the head of a demon might work..."