9449/Shredder and Owlman: Villany at a Cost

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Shredder and Owlman: Villany at a Cost
Date of Scene: 04 January 2022
Location: Panessa Studios
Synopsis: Lincoln brings on Shredder for a series of assassinations throughout the city of Gotham giving him a place of operations within the city.
Cast of Characters: Lincoln March, Shredder




Lincoln March has posed:
     It's a dark and storming night in Gotham. Sheets of pure white snow fall down in heavy walls against the bleak blackened background of the city skyline made from twisted and tormented brick and steel. It's cold as ice here in the city with low temperatures signaling the full force presence of winter in every direction.

     Panessa Studios is overgrown from decades upon decades of abandonment. The colorful posters of the black and white age of cinema have faded beyond all recognition, the massive water tower bearing the name of the studio lot has lost some of its letters the calligraphy having fallen down to the ground bellow only to be covered in snow and overgrown with flora.

     Cars left behind have long since rotted away to the frame covered stem to stern in thick black flora and a thin layer of ice and snow above. The cars left here seem to have been abandoned when the studio shut down unable to find a buyer. Most of the vehicles left behind were set for day to day operations and just forgotten all together behind layers of dirt, debris and fauna.

     Yet deep within the lot lays a wild west set. It's as overgrown as the rest designed in bright and vibrant colors that are blinding to the eyes but perfectly suited for the black and white screen. Inside the bar is the meeting spot between the foot clan and one of their most recent patrons, a mysterious figure who paid a tidy sum just to make certain their arrival for discussion of potential employment.

     Standing in the shadows of the bar is a lone figure clad in bits of silver armor with a pitch black musculature print suit beneath. His face is completely hidden behind a featureless white mask with two orange glowing eyes. He runs a single talon across the bar top collecting dust with his finger.

Shredder has posed:
    The invitation to Gotham was not one that Shredder was interested in assigning to a designated elite. Or Karai, or even Kitsune. This was something that he wanted to attend himself. The Shredder already had been seeking opportunity. Gotham's warring gangs and colorful rogues drew enough attention of the local vigilantes that it was a perfect place for a discreet team of ninjas to operate without much fear of discovery.

    The cold weather is no deterrent, and in the shadows, it seems that no one is present, that the figure is indeed alone. Two minutes past the appointed time. Enough that extreme punctuality that would indicate an abundance of eagerness has passed, but not long enough to be rude. Then as if from the silent exhale from another planet, a foot steps into view. Steel armor bladed on all sides protrudes from his shoulders and forearms, a muscular form beneath that armor present by the deep purple of his clothes. A black shozuko is stretched across his steel helmet, a reminiscent of the ancient samurai. The Shredder in the flesh.

    Two figures in rice hats and demonic looking masks frame him with polearms, cloaks draped over their bodies to hide what might be beneath, just as silent as he.

    "You wanted a meet," The Shredder says quietly and patiently, his tone even and neutral.

Lincoln March has posed:
     Lincoln flicks his finger to one side, and a pair of figures in strange all black uniforms with mirrored goggles appear out of nowhere. How they had missed detection is anyone's guess but they move across the snow without leaving a mark, highly trained themselves in the various martial arts of this world and yet obviously something more than human as they settle to either side of Lincoln.

     In truth they hadn't been at the bar itself, they had been waiting outside for the appropriate signal, but good theater was needed for a proper introduction to someone of such skill.

     Lincoln gives a light bow of respect towards the arriving Shredder and his two Talons perfectly replicate the motions. There's a strange ethereal like nature to the three of them as if they were there and not at the same time, just another one of Gothams mysteries. The breathing is slow, methodical, almost too slow to the point where one might wonder how the figures are even staying alive with how little they breathe.

     "It is a pleasure, you will forgive that I did not invite you to my home, but I felt neutral ground more appropriate." His own voice is authoritative with each word carefully hand picked and selected before he begins his slow speaking. "I am the one they call Owlman, and these are some of my Talons." His cape billows from behind him a network of silver feathers that mesh together to form one cohesive whole that can drape about his form.

     "Normally we are not one to seek the aid of outsiders." He begins properly, rising back up to a full stand. "We handle our situations with care, but in this matter the timetables have been accelerated beyond standard operational parameters." He stands stock still as a statue barely even moving to breathe. The motions he does make are as slow and deliberate as his words.

     "We choose not to operate in the winter, as such and will avail ourselves of your services in elimination of key obstacles." He pauses for a long moment, before producing a list from his cape, a paper list with only a few names. "Your targets, you will be paid well for your service."

Shredder has posed:
    The Shredder doesn't even seem to shift his gaze toward the Talons, unconcerned. It's only fair, since he brought two of his own. "Key obstacles," Shredder says. "And what exactly are your key obstacles? The targets? Or something that they represent." Perhaps not a normal line of questioning for those who are taking simple mercenary work. A bit more invasive than some might get. His attendants seem almost like statues, their eyes, while not hidden, are nothing but dark holes in the mask, shadows concealing where they may be looking without a turn of the head.

Lincoln March has posed:
     "They are of the mistaken opinion that what they hold has more value than their lives." Owlman begins ever the slow speaker in his choice of words and yet still holding that natural aura of intimidation of his own. "Normally we would outlast them, and bankrupt them slowly over time, but you have no doubt knowledge of the meteorite heading for New York City?"

     He pauses for a moment before continuing. "We require the pawns, which view themselves bishops, removed from the board prior to its landing." He never once looks away from The Shredder instead keeping his attention deadlocked on the other man. "Removed in such a way which sends message to other pawns reminding them of their place."

Shredder has posed:
    "Indeed. Even my New York operations are going to be affected by it," The Shredder says. "If it strikes, then there will be significant lines redrawn. The one who draws them first will draw them darkest." He glances at the list. "My fee does not always come in the form of financial renumeration," he says. "An event like this must be capitalized, by you, and I am not of a smaller mindset. Gotham's vigilantes have often contrasting views to that of New York's, and with the forced mixing of the two cultures, war is inevitable, between the vigilantes, and between those of the underworld."

Lincoln March has posed:
     "I see we are on the same page." Owlman confirms as he looks dead into those glowing eyes belonging to shredder. He's still as a statue even still as he speaks only breathing when absolutely necessary and even that is not often enough for a normal man. "We have branches in every major city." Owlman confirms after a time in silence. "Our operations in Gotham however are of primary concern with the city of New York chalked up for a temporary loss." He chuckles lowly before stating. "A likely temporary merge of the divisions in //our// organization may occur."

Shredder has posed:
    "The Foot remains unified," Shredder states. "But the crowded nature of Gotham has made it previously inefficient to set up a base of operations in this city. It's easier to manipulate what goes in and comes out of the city from other locations. The Batman, though his schedule is predictable, runs a rather well equipped little gang. I could see a pre-emptive cooperation as being profitable for both of our organizations, not to mention a successful cooperation could have good long term effects."

Lincoln March has posed:
     "We are in full agreement." Owlman states calmly and succinctly as snow falls through the cracks in the worn down facade of the old wild west set. "With our combined resources we should mitigate difficulties in the transition to a post meteorite scenario." He pauses for a moment catching a bit of snow on the palm of his hand out of nowhere. He lets it rest on his silver gauntlet before it eventually melts away into nothing. "Should all work according to plan we will have a perfect territory for you to operate in the next two years or less."

Shredder has posed:
    Shredder gives a slight nod as that falling snow melts upon impact with the helmet due to the heat from his body within, creating small beads of water on it. "Very well, then onto the details of these targets," he says, stepping forward to the overgrown remains of the bar. "Are any of them considered to be a challenge based on previous attempts? Or are there any unknown quantities?"

Lincoln March has posed:
     "The targets are not difficult per say, but as said, we choose not to operate in the winter months." He brings his hand back down to his side before wrapping himself in his silver cape. He warms himself within the cape attempting to maintain body temperature. "The long game is often the most productive, but in this case our hands have been moved for us." He motions back to the sky once more, with a single gauntlet clad finger. "You hold our faith that you will be able to succeed with relative ease in all but one target." He pauses for a moment. "Mineto The Dragon Kurita, a mutant with a life-span to rival our own and control over fire, and ice, who fled from Japan in the mid nineteenth century."

Shredder has posed:
    Shredder looks down at the list, reaching for it. "Mineto," he says, sounding mildly surprised. "What would he have to do with Gotham?" The name is familiar, though. "I have not heard his name in some time. Why take the trouble to kill him?" he says. "He's been around as long as I have, he will not be so easily removed."

Lincoln March has posed:
     "He was a trusted ally for a time of our organization." Owlman offers. "Long before I entered the fold." He pauses for a long moment. "He has betrayed the sacred trust of our institution." Owlman turns his head to one side in disgust. "For temporary monetary gain."

Shredder has posed:
    There is a notable pause, as if considering the scenario. "Very well," he answers after a long pause. "I will contact you when we've closed our end of the arrangement. In the meantime, I will require an independent area of operations within Gotham City, At least a single structure, preferably three that will not garner attention from authorities and are low profile to the local vigilantes."

Lincoln March has posed:
     Owlman nods his head low before starting to speak again. "That will not be an issue, as this entire city belongs to the Court." He pauses for a brief moment before adding. "We have already prearranged for several new locations within the narrows to come up on the market in anticipation of this venture." He gives an almost audible smile as he speaks gliding across the ground slowly but deliberately. "None will pay you any heed in the narrows while you operate allowing you a safe and secretive location beneath the city itself."

     He flicks his hand and suddenly there's a ring of keys in his grasp. "You'll find the addresses on the ring." He holds the keyring out with both hands towards Shredder. "May they serve you well, and may this venture prove mutually beneficial."