View source for 3445/Court of Owls: Red Dead Redemption Fin - Aftermath

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/09/19
|Location=Batcave
|Synopsis=Jason and Tim return back to the Batcave in... interesting regalia, with bits and pieces of a story to tell.
|Cast of Characters=323,165,184,626,724,163,390,356
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:323|Tim Drake (323)}} has posed:'''<br>It's day four after Jason and Tim had been kidnapped in broad daylight by the Court of Owls. In the interim, the Bat Family had been working to find them... hunting down the various locations that they might have been taken, going over both the Drake family cemetery and Jason's Red Cave with a fine tooth comb, reviewing the video footage from Red Cave, even beginning to map more of the Undercity with the use of new, upgraded technology, though so far, it has been to little avail.<br><br>Still, there might be other places to look. Other places to poke their heads in, get more information. Four days, though, and no word, no note of ransom, nothing. There's a lot of reason to be concerned.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>Batman has called several of the others to the Cave in order to dole out orders for a Search and Rescue operation. There are already holographic maps of Gotham being projected in several spaces, broken down into a few select sectors, mostly located on Founder's Island. They're still likely to be flying blind though, as the measures Batman has been taking to try to get them more visibility on the Undercity have yet to be fully developed, much less deployed. The briefing hasn't started yet, so for the moment folks are free to mill about. Batman is seated at the computer for the moment, tweaking a few things here and there in preparation. Not uncommon...he is, after all, a perfectionist.<br><br>But as he's making those final adjustments, an indicator lights up on the main screen that causes a flicker of surprise, and a curious cant of his head. He brings up a bit more information on it, scanning it quickly before something that might be approaching a smile crosses his lips, but it fades quickly.<br><br>He hits the comm button on the main control panel and speaks:<br><br>"Alfred, prep for wounded." Just in case.<br><br>And with that, Batman swivels in his chair and rises to his feet, "We have two Cycles from Batcave South inbound. Be ready for anything, but so far all indications are that it's them."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:184|Dick Grayson (184)}} has posed:'''<br>Dick had spared little time for rest or recreation, having thrown himself into searching for his little brothers. They may not be related by blood, but that does not matter. He is used to running on coffee and donuts in a pinch. He has not let anything stop him from checking every source he can draw from for this. <br><br>Today, Dick has heeded the summons, having stayed at the Manor for this crisis. He has mostly lived in his suit while in the Cave in case of a quick deployment, he looks to Batman and says, "Got it!" <br><br>Nightwing runs into position, having been leaning against a wall, waiting. The sticks are not out, as the call went out for preparing for wounded, instead he grabs a medkit, ready to help when needed in case they need immediate care though he holds out hope that it's just Jason and Tim, and that their wounds are minor.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:626|Rose Wilson (626)}} has posed:'''<br>It's not normal for Rose to be down here, or to have been wandering around the Wayne Manor since the day it all went down. But someone decided that she needed to sit down, shut up, and heal instead of running off to destroy things. <br><br>So there is is, sitting nearby in her armor, with the mask on and looking like she's armed for bear. If swords and things were the weapons that one used to take down bear. <br><br>"Batcave South?" She wonders, curiosity spiking at that, but probably for mixed reasons. However, be ready for anything speaks to another part of her brain pattern, and when she gets to her feet she's not leaping to find a medkit and help there, instead she draws her sword. For that "anything" possibility.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:724|Kate Kane (724)}} has posed:'''<br>Batwoman is there, naturally, and immediately springs into action. She leaps into the upper levels of the cave, crouching in the shadows as she gets a good overlook position for the cave entry. Then she speaks quietly in her com, "Signs of pursuit?"<br><br>Because the past four days have honed her paranoia enough that she's not inclined to take any chances. So she waits patiently, hoping that her fears are unfounded.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Robin had been suiting up, his right calf still in bandages from the Talon incursion, among some other band-aids, even two on his face. Obviously they had won the battle, but the war...was not over. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;Between the Titans and the Batcave, Damian had all of his time called for, and today was no exception. As Batman gave the notice, Damian approached the vehicle platform, waiting. "You did not truly believe there was just one, did you?" He said sideways to Rose, of whom he was still apprehensive of. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;The anticipation of a possible battle weighed on Robin, but he'd be ready for whatever came down that tunnel. Even if it was Tim.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:390|Stephanie Brown (390)}} has posed:'''<br>Stephanie Brown is in her full costume and has been going over city work permits, and construction, traffic and infrastructure changes. With the Court of Owls vacating a number of bases, she has been looking for anything that might have been done as cover for such a move. Or perhaps necessary changes to get a new base online. It might be a longshot that they'd have done something that needed paperwork with the city to avoid notice, but at this point any idea has been worth pursuing.<br><br>Her phone chimes and she looks at it. Study group for her trigonometry class. She sends off a quick reply she won't be able to make it and goes back to looking through the entries. She has a screen that is cycling through time, adding markings to a map where the Bats have become aware of a spot and when it seemed vacated, versus the information from the city database. Trying to spot anything that might be linked.<br><br>As she hears of the incoming cycles, Spoiler makes a quick check of her utility belt, rising and heading over to their vehicle bay. Should it be their missing comrades, she'll be there to help. Should it be something else that turns into a pursuit, she'll have a bike at hand.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:323|Tim Drake (323)}} has posed:'''<br>Two Batcycles zip into the Batcave, skidding to a halt in a practiced manner that shows the riders have done this a time of seven or eight before. On the back of one is Nightwing, and the other is Robin-- wait.<br><br>No, that's definitely who, if you look at the costumes, hop off the parked Batcycles. Though the costmes are older by several years, back before they were armored, and ill-fitting, too tight in a lot of ways, too short in others. The domino masks are the older, cloth style, without the white film that contains the heads-up-displays the Bat Family has been using for a couple of years now. No utility belts. No weapons. If they hadn't been driving actual Batcycles, and actually knew where the secret entrance was, it couldn't be blamed of anyone who might assume this might just be a couple of normal Gothamites in Halloween costumes... tis the season. <br><br>"Nightwing" is fast to hop off his cycle, already moving towards the platform with Batman on it. Bloodshot blue eyes can be seen behind the domino mask, exhausted, but focused. There's a slight stagger in his step, but only slight-- the bats could likely catch that subtle shift in movement, even if the average person might not-- days of worthless "sleep" and nothing but a little bit of water are catching up. His eyes quickly take in the others in the Cave, flicking over them as he continues to move towards Batman.<br><br>He stops short as he sees Ravager's red-and-black armor.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:356|Jason Todd (356)}} has posed:'''<br>"Robin" is a little slower to dismount given how those short-shorts of this era's costume were cutting into his legs. Still he gets off the bike, tossing the helmet carelessly to the floor and follows after 'Nightwing' yanking his mask off too as he goes. <br><br>Like Tim his eyes are bloodshot and there's a certain listlessness to his movements, though he shows no signs of obvious injuries. <br><br>He pushes past Tim as he pauses, "Yeah, yeah, tearful reunion, etc. etc. Somebody get me some food and a change of goddamn clothing, stat."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>"No sign of pursuit, but that doesn't necessarily mean much. The Talons are good at avoiding our sensors." Batman replies, moving to the edge of the platform and watching for the new arrivals.<br><br>There's certainly a look of curiosity at the odd attire that the pair are wearing, as Batman watches them approach. Thankfully the masks are off, which makes matters of identification a lot easier. After a half-moment though, Bruce nods to himself slightly and murmurs with a bit of a chuckle in his voice, "I'm amazed the cache was still there. I'd given it up after No Man's Land."<br><br>He looks over the pair of the more critically, adding "Alfred's on his way down. Injuries? Tails? We'll worry about debriefing after you've at least had something to eat and drink."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:626|Rose Wilson (626)}} has posed:'''<br>"No. But knowing //where// Batcave South is gives me a damn better idea of where they might have been." Ravager points out to Damian, sliding her sword back into place when the arrivals are clearly who they are supposed to be. <br><br>Tim might have stopped, but Rose moves after the sword is shoved back where it goes, heading for him with an off-hand comment tossed in Jason's direction, "Nice legs."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:184|Dick Grayson (184)}} has posed:'''<br>"Wait, is that /my/ suit?" Dick asks as he sees the two approach, though a free hand slips to his side where the sticks wait. This is soon resolved by the two's arrival. Poor Jason, stuck with the short shorts. He breathes a sigh of relief and nods to the two new arrivals. Bruce's confirmation of where they got the suits registers with Dick, who says, with relief obvious in his tone, and his posture as his shoulders relax and a smile crosses his face, "Well, time to update that cache, then." <br><br>Nightwing tells Jason, "A couple of donuts are left, and no I did not take all the good ones. Welcome home, both of you! Are you both all right?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Robin kept watch as 'Nightwing' and 'Robin' dismounted and approached. A mixture of surprise and shock of seeing these old costumes in use. He stifled a laugh, again, and again. "Nice hot pants." He finally says to Jason, closing his eyes as he shakes with a silent laughter. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think they are /both/ yours, Grayson. Look at those masks."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:724|Kate Kane (724)}} has posed:'''<br>Batwoman descends from her perch, landing gracefully not too far from Jason and Tim, giving them both a smile. "What she said, interesting style of shorts there." She looks rather relieved to see both of them, then glances over at Dick with a wry expression, "Yeah, we're definitely going to need to update those. Glad to see you're both alright, though."<br><br>If there's any suspicion in her voice, she hides it pretty well, as she then asks, "What the hell happened? We got Valeria to a safe spot, but..." She trails off a bit, then moves back to let the others talk.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:390|Stephanie Brown (390)}} has posed:'''<br>Stephanie Brown is tense as the pair of motorcycles come in. Still in training, able to pick up on some of the body language tells that it is indeed Tim and Jason. But it takes her a few seconds longer than the rest to hit that point of satisfaction it actually is them.<br><br>She walks over to where they parked the bikes, watching Tim's reaction to Ravager being present. But she leaves those two to greet each other first, instead looking to Jason as he's nearer. "Definitely a new direction for you," she says of the Robin costume. "Don't be afraid to be you," she encourages him, but reaches over to rest a hand briefly on his shoulder, a sign of caring to go along with the gentle quip. "Glad you're ok," she says to both of the returnees.<br><br>She moves to the bikes them, glancing them over and then wheeling them over to final parking spots in the vehicle bay until someone returns them later. Or retires them.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:323|Tim Drake (323)}} has posed:'''<br>Tim stares at Ravager, not moving towards her yet. Batman's query is met with a glance to him and a sharp nod. "Minor injuries, just a couple of cuts. No tails that we saw. Pretty sure we lost them in the undercity... but also pretty sure we got ourselves lost. I don't think we can retrace our way back to their base, Batman." He sounds slightly angry with himself. His gaze flicks back towards Rose, and his expression is apprehensive... for a moment. <br><br>Then, exhausted or not, he shoots forward the last couple of steps and throws his arms around her, armor or not, burying his face in her shoulder. "You're alive." He doesn't sound entirely sure about it, more as if he's convincing himself. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:356|Jason Todd (356)}} has posed:'''<br>"Great," Jason says about Alfred being on the way with food as he collapses into a chair nodding to Dick. "Yeah, your costume, damn your skinny legs or I'd be wearing it instead of," he gestures broadly at the fashion travesty he was wearing. "This," <br><br>It's hard to focus with so much being said, Jason looks back and forth between those talking until Kate appears, with news, "Good," he says, "Thanks Kate," relief takes some of the tension out of his shoulders and he offers a weak smile, "So scale of 1-10 how pissed was she I put her in that box?" <br><br>It's not until Rose makes that comment that Jason puts the obvious clues together to who the girl in the red and black was, honestly since she wasn't a place to rest, burger and fries or pants in his size he'd overlooked her in the search for both of those things. Now his attention is fixed that way, as he gets to his feet again, "Um, Tim..." he begins eyes darting about for things to be used as weapons. "We sure it's really her?" he asks. "Given what Shadowguy was saying back there, it's pretty much impossible she's alive."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>Batman doesn't show any sign of laughter at the ribbing about the costumes but well, that's hardly unusual for him. Especially as he deadpans, "We'll forgive you for not managing to keep ahold of your breadcrumbs or balls of yarn this time." He notes to Tim, before letting him go deal with Rose.<br><br>At Jason's question, Batman cants his head, "Or maybe we can start some of the debriefing now. Why wouldn't it be her? She dragged herself here after the incident. She had several wounds and likely would have bled out but for her regenerative capabilities...which I suspect the Court doesn't know about."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:184|Dick Grayson (184)}} has posed:'''<br>"There's a reason I ditched the shorts early," Nightwing chuckles at Kate's, Damian's, and Jason's remarks. He nods to Tim, "Glad to see you back too, though I am guessing we are going to get something to fit you a little better too, in those." Dick looks back to Jason, "Yeah, that... was interesting." <br><br>Nightwing catches the joke, or is it, from Batman, and nods, "But at least it is nowhere near a worst-case scenario. We have them back, and we have at least /some/ information." He then lets the others speak, as it is a good day, even if he is still running on barely any sleep.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:724|Kate Kane (724)}} has posed:'''<br>Kate considers, "I'd say she was a 10 at first, then she was about a 2 when we got her out because she was worried about you, though she might not admit it. Though I suspect now that you're safe and sound, she might go up to a level that might make her godfather jealous." She pauses, then adds, "So flowers might not be a bad idea." A bit of a grin at that.<br><br>Though when Jason adds in the comment about the Shadowguy, she does arch a brow, "The who?" She tilts her head, looking a bit curious at that bit of intel.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:626|Rose Wilson (626)}} has posed:'''<br>Awkward. Rose looks like she's not quite sure what to do with that hug. Potentially the people around, or the entire messed up situation has her stand there for a split second. <br><br>Until the question of her being alive pops up, and a frown crosses her face before she glances in Jason's direction, "Wanna find out if it's really me?" She wonders, one arm reaching around Tim to return that hug, but she doesn't linger, instead starting to try and walk him to somewhere he can sit even if that means dragging him with her.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>"Sadly." Robin added, to what, was left up for grabs. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;Robin decides to have some pity on Jason and steps back to the armory to get Jason some proper pants in his size. Then Rose makes her comment and Damian makes an audible heaving noise. "Get a goddamn room already!" As he ascends the ramp to the armory/locker room.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:390|Stephanie Brown (390)}} has posed:'''<br>Stephanie Brown finishes putting the bikes away and then heads over to join the others. She stops beside Batwoman, glancing over to her and letting out a breath that if heard shows just how much tension and worry she had carried as to what had happened to them.<br><br>Spoiler has just let out that little purging of nerves and emotions, when she hears Jason's comment. It causes her gaze to swing over towards Ravager, the blond tensing again much as she was when the Batcycles were arriving but they still weren't quite sure who were on them. Hearing Batman's comment lets a little of that tension back out, if not all. Yet.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:323|Tim Drake (323)}} has posed:'''<br>Tim lets Rose drag him towards one of the chairs at the meeting table, keeping one arm around her. He shoots Jason a dark look, and then trains an even darker one on Damian. What the hell is it with Damian and Carrie? They act like people are stripping and screwing in front of everyone. To be quite blunt, that's one of the furthest things from Tim's mind at the moment. Once he's seated, he tugs Rose down into the seat beside him if she'll let him, his hand sliding to clasp one of hers. "You survived what they did to you?" he asks quietly. "They offered me a lot of things if I switched sides. Including bringing you back." He's not mincing words. "And as much as I may have wanted that..." he glances towards Jason, and then away. "Damn, Nightwing," he changes the subject abruptly. Even if Bruce wants a debrief, none of it is something Tim wants to discuss. And he's usually the good little soldier, always following orders. "How do you eat like you do and fit into this?" In fairness... Dick had grown some since he last wore this costume, much like Jason had grown a fair amount since he last wore the other.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:356|Jason Todd (356)}} has posed:'''<br>"Noted," Jason says to Kate with that same weak smile. "Thanks for looking out. Ditto to anyone else who went." <br><br>Then his attention is on Rose. "Sorry Rose, really am hoping it's you, but Shadowguy, long story with that name, said your soul was in Tim, and he was offering to get it out if Tim flipped. So, given what I saw down there, I figured a little caution might be in order until we work things out," he glances to Batman. "But you said she dragged herself right her from the Drakes?" he asks eyes flicking to Rose for confirmation.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>Batman nods in confirmation to Jason's question, "A couple of hours after Tim was taken and the Cave was attacked." It's been a remarkable cleanup job, not even any Talon bits still lingering on any of the platforms. "I may not be able to quantify a soul but based on everything I observed she seems to be....herself." He is certainly filing away everything Tim and Jason are saying, but as noted, he doesn't press for more just at the moment. Even if he's watching them closely for any unusual behavior...just in case. Probably will be for a few days at least. He doesn't think either of them would willingly turn...at least not anymore in Jason's case...but who knows what methods the Court might have for UN-willing converts?<br><br>But in any Case, Alfred has arrived not only ready for performing first aid, but with a platter of sandwiches, and a pitcher of fresh-squeezed lemonade. Both deftly placed where Tim and Jason will have little difficulty getting to them.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:184|Dick Grayson (184)}} has posed:'''<br>"Yeah, no clue how soul transfering would work. So maybe they had another angle?" Nightwing inquires, and raises a brow at Tim's comments, "Firstly, I am a trained athlete!" Technically true, but there is more, "Secondly, yeah, it takes a lot of work. The caloric intake to maintain my weight and activity is rather rough." Also true. <br><br>When Alfred brings other the sandwiches and lemonade, Dick takes a couple of steps back, letting the other two get a clear shot at them. "Eat up, you probably need it."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:626|Rose Wilson (626)}} has posed:'''<br>"Clearly they were lying....which is what I'd do in their place if I was trying to flip you. I'd lie." Rose points out with the calm assuredness of someone that knows how bad guys think. <br><br>But the matter of dragging herself, she shakes her head, "I drove Tim's car. They dumped his pockets, and I borrowed his car...which I'm fairly sure is the only reason I got here without taking another dirt nap."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:724|Kate Kane (724)}} has posed:'''<br>Kate nods slightly, "Yeah, not like they're gonna be a reliable source of information if they're trying to flip you. Though, well, it's good to know they didn't have the ability to turn the screws any harder than that." She smiles over at Tim and Rose, then glances back towards Jason, "Oh, I might have borrowed your guns. Don't worry, I restocked the ammo and cleaned them properly." She shrugs, "Not like zombies enjoy headshots, anyway."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bringing Jason's shirt and pants from his spare costume, Damian leaps down from the elevated platform. Boots clanging on the metal grating as he lands. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;"Here." He offers, handing the bundle to the second Robin. "Thanks for the...you know." He comments, looking up and giving a small smile before he heads to the vehicle platform. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the current batcycles is conscripted for duty, jumping on the seat, and with the whine of the starter, the scream of the engine brings it to life. No helmet, who cares. The screech of the tire on the surface of the bay announces his departure, making as much noise as the vehicle can. And like that, he takes off, cape billowing in the artificial wind.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:390|Stephanie Brown (390)}} has posed:'''<br>Spoiler sees Alfred arrive with the food and handles getting it to the returning men. She goes over to the medical bay, picking out a few things, some aspirin and vitamins. And that nasty smelling salve that she suspects comes from the League of Assassins. Because who else would make something helpful smell that bad?<br><br>She brings them over to Jason and Tim, getting out a couple of vitamins for each as if those are non-negotiable in her mind. And seeing if they need any painkillers. "Can help with this if you need," she says of the salve. "Any stitching needed? I could use the practice. Not that I'm asking so I can poke you both with needles," she tells them.<br><br>"That would just be a side benefit."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:323|Tim Drake (323)}} has posed:'''<br>When the sandwiches arrive, Tim quickly grabs one, and he may not even really chew much before swallowing. He doesn't respond to anyone's questions, though Damian's departure gets a lifted brow, until after he's finished two of the half-sandwich triangles and an entire glass of lemonade. Pouring another glass, he cocks his head and sighs. He had bottled up grief for days. Seeing Rose alive was a shock, and one he was trying parse... while also trying to not think about what all those last few days entailed. The idea of going back to sleep ever again seems like the worst idea ever, and his exhaustion he knew wouldn't allow him to fight that off for too much longer.<br><br>"I'm fine, Spoiler. Hood may have a couple cuts I gave him that--" he stops, then glances to Bruce. "We left two knives in the cache. You might want them to look at. Similar to the sacrificial blade we found in the murder room. They wanted me to kill Hood here with one, and left him one to try and stop me." He forces a grin. "So we split the difference, only cut each other a little, and Hood broke a wall. He's good at property damage."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:356|Jason Todd (356)}} has posed:'''<br>"Jesus they hit the cave?" Jason exclaims turning to Bruce. Thankfully most of the team was right there so he could be sure no one got taken out or worse yet, taken. <br><br> Jason is torn when food and clothing basically arrive at the same time, he takes the clothing first, nodding to Damian, "Don't mention it, Squirt, and read your note, will hit you up about broadening my repertoire," he'd been right he needed to expand a bit beyond guns. Though speaking of the givers of dakka a nod is given to Kate, "Implying I don't?" he offers with a smirk, "And as long as you used them to put some of these owl assholes down, no problem at all." <br><br>"Alright, you're you, awesome," Jason says sounding relieved. "Magic bullshit always knocks me off my game, too many variables to be sure if someone's bullshitting or not." <br><br>In the clothes v food debate, clothes win and Jay moves off towards the locker rooms to change. "Fun fact they put me in a Talon costume, second fun fact, Talons go commando, I'll be right back after I get on something decent." <br><br>He slips away to change, and returns quickly drawn by the promise of food. <br><br>"Might be worth sticking us, Blondie, or at least one of us, they made us drink something, would be good to make sure it's out of our system."<br><br>He nods then confirming Tim's story. "Yeah, wished I could have broken more than that, but beggars, choosers, etc."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>"Alfred, get blood samples for a full toxicology screen." Batman notes, before adding, "After they've eaten." He glances towards the vehicle platform as Damian screeches off into the night, lips pressed in a tight line before he looks to Nightwing and speaks, "Go catch up with him." After all "the buddy system" is still in effect.<br><br>He looks to Jason then and nods, "Quite a large group of the more mindless variety. The good news is: We've found a weakness." He adds, before briefly reaching to clasp Jason's upper arm, "But we'll get you briefed on that once you've had a chance to rest."<br><br>His attention turns to Kate, "If you don't mind staying, I'd prefer to keep the Cave and the Manor occupied in case they try to come back. I /doubt/ they will this quickly, but better to assume the worst." That and maybe he's not inclined to go rushing out patrolling when he just got his sons back, even if it was "only" a few days.<br> <br>
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