6923/Red X and the Catman

Red X and the Catman
Date of Scene:	14 July 2021
Location:	New York rooftops
Synopsis:	Catman has to make sure Red X is who he says he is.
Cast of Characters:	Thomas Blake, Damian Wayne

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Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake set the meeting for Queens instead of Gotham. He changed the meeting places a few hours before hand via a no doubt dummy email address sent via a spoofed email of his own. You learn these things in Blackgate. Or you learn them in Belle Reeve.

The roof in question? It's a midtown rooftop bistro he rented. Those dark depressing rooftops of Gotham were a haven for Bats and less noted worthies. this was open and had a decent field of view and numerous exits. The last of the staff exited on cue after pepping some food and Thomas donned his bronze mask and worked the kink out of his neck. Eventually to kill time he pulled one of his 'rangs out and began throwing and catching it. He kept forgetting he had those things.

Damian Wayne has posed:
     The change of venue was no big deal, Red X could be wherever he needed to be, thanks to Goliath.

  But the clincher, wasn't emerging from the shadows, it was materializing out of thin air.

  In full view of Catman, Red X decloaks, the thermoptic camo effect leaving his suit in waves. "Catman." He comments, his voice modulated but clear to the ear.

  Red X's suit was black and silver, with his helmet being a brushed metal skull with a glowing X carved in the face. "You are working with Nick Drago concerning the demon and the Gentleman Ghost. I desire to help Mister Drago rid himself of the pests."

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake is startled by the materialization. He takes a deep breath, doesn't get too worked up. Satana pops in a lot too. It beats turning around to see the Bat looking over your shoulder. Really. As an afterthought he catches the Catarang with his metal shod hand and replaces it. then he sits down and gestures to the other chairs.

"Drago has a lot of fans. Well you mentioned you worked for your grand dad. Grandfather of Assassin's. The League," and even Catman has a hint of respect in his voice. "You're either legit (pardon the expression) or an idiot which is to say a vigilante. Fortunately, I have the means to tell which. Mr. Fakrash, would you please?"

A Middle Eastern man, impeccably attired and looking like Satana's uncle.

He speaks quickly in League argot, "Who are you, young man, who uses the name of the Demon so liberally? I would know before you both die. You for your boasts and the cat person for disturbing me."

Damian Wayne has posed:
     Red X takes a moment to sit down, at the edge of the seat, the balls of his feet firmly planted should he need to hop up quickly.

  Red X's helmet turns to Mr. Fakrash, and returning the questions in the same tongue. "I am The Demon's Hand, grandson of Ra's al Ghul, and heir to the League of Assassins."

  Then back to English: "I do not invoke my grandfather's name without cause. The Gentleman Ghost and this demon have caused my friend a substantial amount of grief. I intend to make them both wish they had not."

  He grasps at a weapon on his side, a ceremonial dagger dating back to the 1400's, laying it on the table. "This dagger was used to commemorate the start of my ascension to heir of the League, by my own Year of Blood, my own blood. There is only one in existence. This will prove my lineage, test it if you wish. Or perhaps you have another method of testing me, Catman?" That helmet turns back slowly to look at Thomas, the lifeless white eyes staring at him from behind the red X.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake takes the dagger up gingerly and feels its weight. He doesn't even look at Fakrash. "Thank you Mr. Fakrash. You're no longer needed. You can go... I didn't really like you anyway." He returns the blade to Red X hilt first.

"Thank you. It's beautiful. Toledo steel? No matter. Judging by the way Fakrash left a small puddle in his exit you are what you say you are. Excuse me no finding a better League member who could confirm you sight unseen. I can certainly use you. Would you care for anything? I mean I rented the place. Food services and drinks included."

Damian Wayne has posed:
     Red X places the dagger back on his belt, mementos from life and all. "Thank you, it is one of my favorite pieces. I enjoy keeping it for familiar reasons."

  "Mint tea, please."

  He cooly rests himself now, but he never truly relaxes. "I take no offense. People in our line of work...must take precautions."

  He reaches up to the maxilla on the helmet, and pulls up on it, exposing the area around his mouth. "What are you planning?" He asks, cantering his head and wondering exactly what the Catman had planned. "Of course, where can I be of assistance as well?"

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake gets the tea himself and sets it out. "At this point we are playing defense while our expert comes up with a plan of attack. The Ghosty is no real threat. He's a coward and we have him outclassed. The demon will be harder to deal with. But demons often have a weak spot. They also talk themselves up a lot so I've heard. Once we have the intel on him we go on the offensive."

Damian Wayne has posed:
     Red X prepares himself a cup, and takes a piping hot sip. The Moroccan way of drinking it. "Very well. Though, and I don't like that I'm making this suggestion...but Drago needs a body man. And given...your reputation, perhaps I would make a good candidate. And certainly seeing myself would dissuade the normal riff raff without showing our full hand."

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake mmmms. He grabs a mineral water. "I would prefer a rotating schedule. But that would make sense. We could certainly make that your main role, given your qualifications. You have worked security from both sides I assume. We really need to finish assembling the team and see where everyone fits best."

Damian Wayne has posed:
     "Very well." Red X offers, before continuing to sip. "Correct, both in assassinations and protecting someone from one."

  His voice was husky, but there was a distinct youth to his voice. "So, you have my contact. Coordination can happen however you wish. Who are you looking at for more of the team?"

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake shakes his head. "We're not quite decided yet. When we have everyone we'll call a meeting and discuss strategy, finances. There are some limits to his generosity. Mr. Shaw is paying for meals but warned up off the Wagyu. I'll have the payment set up disclosed when we next meet." He gets up and extends a hand to Red X.

"Everything is looking good so far. If you turn out to be Batman... I'm going to be very upset."

Damian Wayne has posed:
     Red X takes that hand, and shakes it, professional, practiced, and not overly crushing. "If I was Batman, I would be six foot tall, at least." He offers, standing back up, he was all of 5'9". "Then I look forward to hearing back when to meet." He picks up that maxilla again, hissing back and locking into place. "Until then?" He says, before turning a dial on his belt, starting to vanish. "I will be seeing you."