Owner	Pose
Shen Kuei	Shen Kuei has been very active lately in the wider metropolitan sprawl. As a product of taking jobs, Shen Kuei has been performing a significant amount of research on the talent landscape: heroes, organizations, agents, and villains. It is absolutely crucial to understand who your competition is, and what kind of nonsense may bust down a door and ruin a perfectly good covert mission. In particular, he becomes very interested in Gotham which seems to have its share of powerful but also quite skillful defenders. A number of notables emerge including his old frenemy Shang-Chi, the great Iron Fist, and, of course, Batman and his menagerie of allies. Another notable, the Black Canary garners additional attention from Mister Kuei. Through a deeper investigation based on rumor, collection of street camera footage, and articles involving a certain Roxy Rocket, he couldn't shake a nagging feeling of familiarity. The list of people 'That Good' is a short one in the world. After days of introspection with the identity just on the corner of his thoughts, a moment of 'eureka!' led Shen to begin searching for one: Dinah Lance. Years had past, but he remembered the very formidable practitioner for a course of classes in Hong Kong with Sifu Guo, master of Shuai Jiao. Photo-ops with prominent masters are not that uncommon, dragging up a picture from the past, he found himself with what seemed like a fairly certain match. The rest of his efforts were normal leg-work. Privacy, these days, isn't what it used to be. A phone number is eventually dredged from the depths of the internet, and a call is made. In conversational Cantonese, Shen Kuei casually announces, "Miss Lance. You may not remember me, but this is Shen, from Mister Guo's class. It has been sometime, but I was just recently delighted to learn you were in Gotham. I, myself, am in New York City. We should meet and catch up. How about ramen?"
Dinah Lance	Dinah Lance considers herself fairly new to the vigilante circuit, but she is more well-known in martial arts circles than even she realizes. True, she regularly practices with Ted Grant and other notables, including Iron Fist. But in her personal assessment it's not really a big deal. She answers the cell phone in the flower shop, and immediately remembers Shen. She also remembers his skill, and she's frankly a bit surprised. Just to be on conservative side, she also speaks in Cantonese. "Hello Shen, and I do remember you. Master Guo's class was years ago. I'm a bit surprised that you found me." Not that he was able to find her, but that he would think of it. Details are exchanged, date and time are set, and then Dinah leaves the shop in the hands of her assistant for a couple days. She arrives at the Ramen Empire on a motorcycle, wearing jeans along with leather jacket and boots. A plain white t-shirt underneath completes the outfit, and she steps into the restaurant to look around.
Shen Kuei	Shen is waiting in one of the booths. His outfit consists of a button down white dress shirt, sleeves rolled up over his forearms, and a pair of blue jeans (the stretchy kind which are the greatest invention ever for martial artists.) When he notices Dinah, he slips out of the booth and offers her a martial salute: one hand vertical and open, the knuckle of the other hand lightly pressed into the center of the other's palm. This is accompanied by a very mirthful grin as he gestures at their surroundings. "I hope this is fine. I was in the neighborhood recently as an unexpected guest of the Chikara dojo and found myself starving on the way out. I promise the ramen is very tasty.. even if the decor." He points to one of the scrolls on the wall which says 'Bus Noodle River', "...leaves something to be desired" He will wait for her to draw nearer before offering a more western handshake and then sliding back into the booth. "Thank you for meeting me.. I know very few people in the area."
Dinah Lance	Dinah Lance recognizes Shen, of course. It hasn't been THAT long, after all! Smiling at his salute, she returns it comfortably and even adds a slight bow. "It looks wonderful, actually. And thanks for reaching out to me." Her gaze follows his point to the 'River' scroll and she chuckles. "I sometimes wonder how Chinese restaurants would be better if they didn't try to cater to cheesy American ideals." she offers. Stepping closer, Dinah returns the handshake as well, and then slides into the booth across from him. "I've not exactly tried to put my name out in the community, Shen. I'm a little surprised that you found me."
Shen Kuei	Shen raises an eyebrow at Dinah, "Well, my skills extend considerably further then just the realm of martial arts, Miss Lance. I believe I mentioned that I worked for the Chinese government when we last met. I am.. very happy.. to be freed of that yoke, but my servitude did come with no shortage of training in the arts of investigation." His smile becomes mischievous as he leans forward conspiratorially. He whispers), yet the speech pattern is almost sing-song, "Someone has been moonlighting as a vigilante." He sits back up, the 'cat caught a canary' smile remaining on his expression. He then turns slightly in the booth to look at the menu on the wall, "I had the Shoyu last time. I think I will try the Tonkotsu this time. Please order what you want.. my treat." Just like that, he moves the conversation along to something more mundane, but no doubt, he expects some kind of reaction, maybe is even looking for one.
Dinah Lance	Dinah Lance chuckles softly and nods when he mentions having other skills. The blonde cants her head a little when he drops the softer accusation. "I didn't think this meeting was an accident, or that you came across my name in the yellow pages." she replies. "As students of the same Master, I also appreciate your candor. And discretion." She leans back a little as well, watching him with a curious smile. "I was thinking the chicken and wonton, myself. Share a pot of tea?" "And while we're on the subject of skills extending beyond the realm of martial arts, if you're ever in the market for flowers for that *special* occasion, feel free to stop by Sherwood Florist in Gotham." She adds a wink as well.
Shen Kuei	"You can always count on me for discretion." He offers her a slight pout, "You know.. I hoped for a little reaction, but clearly, you are acclimated to this world well beyond your years." He offers a dramatic sigh and waves over the waiter putting in their order. "And a pot of tea, please. Let's go with.. Jasmine." When the waiter leaves, he murmurs, "Most Americans do -not- know how to brew green tea. I'm sure you've noticed." He muses for a moment and then crosses his forearms on the table, the prominent muscle definition on display. "I will certainly consider it. Reliable business partners are.. difficult to come by.. but I must admit, I only know so much about you.. and if you are out 'doing what you do', I'm not certain how well our values align." He skips a beat and assesses her with green eyes, "I am not without heart, but I usually have ulterior motives when applying my skill. You seem... most generous."
Dinah Lance	Dinah Lance lifts a brow, that smile turning a bit competitive now. "Playing the 'older and wiser' card so soon, are we?" she quips back. "And there are many things that Americans don't know how to do, besides brewing tea." She settles comfortably, and once the waiter departs and the conversation shifts her smile fades a little. "Again, I appreciate being open about this. If I understand what you're telling me, then you have some concern about crossing paths with the Black Canary." It's a casual enough mention, really, but she continues. "Shen, what have you gotten into, since leaving the government? If you will forgive the blunt nature of my question."
Shen Kuei	"Older, yes, wiser, quite debatable. I do not think anyone has ever called me, 'wise." He offers in reply to the quip. In regards to her comment about Americans, he simply shrugs and continues his amused expression. As she gets to the point at hand, his expression becomes less mirthful. "I do have some concerns, yes. Though considerable curiosity. Formidable skills such as your own.. are very marketable." He exhales a breath and leans back in the booth, his arms unfolding, one hand casually drumming on the table surface. "I get myself into a great number of things.. but I try to be judicious about my choice of clientele. I appreciate the bluntness, but any specifics are absolutely out of the question." "As for crossing paths, I do not know enough about what 'motivates' the Black Canary. I'm just under the distinct impression.. it is not profit. One should seek to understand what is unknown to them. It was my hope you might enlighten me." When the tea arrives in a metal kettle, he uses his napkin to lift the top, inspecting it. He takes a whiff and considers. "One more minute."
Dinah Lance	Dinah Lance folds her hands together on the table before her. The smile returns as they continue the verbal sparring. "No, Canary definitely isn't motivated by money." Otherwise she wouldn't have to live about her flower shop! "She sees herself as filling a role in society; a role that the police can't often fill by themselves. It's a common philosophy amongst vigilantes, I think you'll find." "I take it that your own motivation is a signification departure from your previous service to the State, Shen?" Her smile become a bit playful, then. "Dare I suggest that you've become a capitalist, even?" It would certainly make sense, yes.
Shen Kuei	Shen nods along as she confirms what he suspected about Canary's motivations. He seems intrigued. "I do not think I play.. much different of a role. I just work by a different set of expectations. I suspect... the thrill is very much the same." He folds his hands together and hides a growing frown behind them at her question about his departure. He sighs deeply, his voice lower. "I.. absolutely despise.. the -People's- Republic of China.. and its attack dogs known as the Ministry of State Security." He sits up straight, his hand curling into a fist to rest upon the table. "I believe the English term is.. indentured servitude. I have had almost every moment of my life controlled by the Party. No more. And yes, I would consider myself a capitalist, as I am to capitalize on my own work and choose my own missions." He pauses, his smile returning. "And so far, it's everything I ever dreamed. All the thrill, none of the bureaucratic bullshit."
Dinah Lance	Dinah Lance expected such a response from him, actually, where the PRC was concerned. Again, it's not uncommon for former servants to despise their former masters. "I'd even go as far as calling it 'political slavery', but I get the idea." she replies. "But as far as bureaucratic bullshit goes, here in America it's become almost an art form all itself." "But I don't expect you're talking about working missions with the government, or even the police department." He said he wasn't going to get into specifics, but she is starting to see. "So you're going to be on the East Coast for a while now, Shen?"
Shen Kuei	He removes the strainer from the tea pot and sets it on the table now that there's been an appropriate amount of time to steep. He then carefully pours each of them a cup into the provided small white cups. He nods, glad she understands his view of the PRC. He shakes his head, "No. I won't trade one master for another. Though, I am willing to work for certain government sponsored agencies in exchange for goodwill and blind eyes." He eyes Dinah thoughtfully, "I may be wrong, but I think.. you are gauging how big of a problem I will be. Part of me.. really wants to be pitted against you. That would be a thrilling match. However, the way I see it, we are both on the wrong side of the law. As I said, I'm picking targets carefully. There are organizations which share the same rotten core as the Republic. They will always gravitate toward the top of the list. Besides, they tend to be the most fun to antagonize."
Dinah Lance	Dinah Lance laces fingers together on the table, watching his face while he pours the tea. "You're not wrong, Shen." she replies simply. "And no, you really don't want to be pitted against me." It's a statement that is both casual as well as bold. It could almost be considered cocky, were it not for her skill. "You're not tipping your hand, and I respect that. But neither am I. My methods may be in a gray area, but I'm trying to stop *criminals*. People who hurt other people." She draws a deep breath, then exhales in a low sigh. "The fact that you'd be working against criminals is just a technicality."
Shen Kuei	"But I do Dinah. An easy win.. is a pointless win." He rolls his eyes and smiles lightly, "Drink your damn tea, while I process what you just said." He allows silence to descend upon them, but his gaze doesn't leave her. He raises his tea cup and toasts her before taking a momentarily sip. He will allow the silence to stretch for a few moments before he resumes the conversation. "Just a technicality.. That is horseshit. Isn't that the technicality that defines being a vigilante? You swoop in and break the laws of the land to usher in the justice that the police won't. You violate due process and people's rights because you know.. you are right and that system has just failed." He shakes a finger at her, "Just because I charge and act on a grand scale instead of at street level.. doesn't exclude me from that loop hole. And as I said, I am not without a heart. In fact, only days ago, I was outside on the street putting out a car fire and carrying a local back to her apartment because of a severe prior injury." He narrows his gaze at her, "You hurt criminals. I hurt criminals. Let's at least agree on that common ground."
Dinah Lance	Dinah Lance sips her tea slowly, watching him all the while. And she watches him as well, even when she lowers the white cup. "There's a big difference, actually. I'm not doing it for personal reasons or for personal gain." she replies. "I don't -charge- for my skills. Can you say the same?" "Everyone can have their philanthropic moments, Shen, but it sounds to me like you've become -quite- the capitalist. And yes, I do short-cut due process. I won't sugar-coat it. But don't dance around the heart of the issue just to hover on technicalities, either."
Shen Kuei	"You seem to have a very black and white perspective on the 'heart of the issue'. Let me confirm, because there is mutual gain.. personal for me.. and justice for someone else.. that makes it wrong. Soldiers, police officers, and fire fighters are horribly compensated in this country... but they are compensated. The largest charities in the world who feed millions of hungry mouths have well compensated C.E.O.'s." He sips once more from his tea, "Yes, I -charge- for my skills. Frankly, I need too. I have made and am making enemies of some of the most powerful organizations in the world. Have you heard of HYDRA by chance? I am not on their welcome list. As a result, I need resources, but no, I won't pretend to be altruistic. I absolutely spend my earned rewards on luxuries. Why should I not want to be wealthy?" "Oh, yes.. quite the capitalist, but also a good world citizen. So please, clarify, what is the 'heart of the issue'? Am I not 'pure' enough?"
Dinah Lance	Dinah Lance shakes her head slowly. "It's not about being pure or anything so idealistic, Shen." she replies in a softer voice. "If you want to be mercenary, that's certainly your choice. I'm not trying to stop you or change your mind. You're the one who sought me out, remember?" "I'm just telling you that if you break the law and I'm around, that I will stop you." It's just that simple in her mind. "Color it however you want, but THAT is the heart of the issue."
Shen Kuei	"If that's how it will be.. That's how it will be then." He once more raises his cup to her, "Though.. I might propose you ask questions. If you catch me breaking into a holding company's record room who happens to be backed by the Triads, you may want to look the other way.. unless you want to aid the drug dealers and sex traffickers. Hmm?" He pours them each some more tea and sets the pot down, the ramen orders soon arriving there after. He produces a pair of metal chopsticks from a pocket, sliding them from a pouch, before he leverages them to stir his bowl. "How about we come to terms. I won't expose you to the police, if you won't expose me. If you disagree with an objective of mine, then we fight. Winner takes the spoils. This way.. we both continue with our work and do not make hell for one and other." He takes in a mouthful of noodles and chews delicately, swallowing then continuing. "I would like to remain amicable. I greatly respect your martial prowess, and who knows, maybe you can convince me to cast off my materialistic ways. Does that work for you?"
Dinah Lance	Dinah Lance tilts her head at that, lifting a blonde brow. "Are you negotiating with me, Shen?" she replies, looking amused. "Or are you blackmailing me? Black Canary is a member of the Justice League." Whatever THAT means these days, but hey. "But I do concede your point. I'd like to add that it would be easier if I knew your objectives in advance, but I also understand if that's not acceptable to you." Dinah starts into her noodles as well. "You keep to the criminals, don't leave any corpses, and I'll stay out of your path. It also might be good for us to meet regularly and compare notes as well."
Shen Kuei	"Good business-people keep good business-practices. I have plenty of enemies and can always use more friends." He shrugs to her, "If I understand correctly, even the Justice League most obey the law or at least keep up some pretense. No, I am not blackmailing you. I'm just stating bluntly that I will fight back if I need to." He offers a sigh as he manages to land at least one point in the verbal sparring. "Objectives.. I may be able to share, just not the identity of my employers. That is for their own protection. Yes, keep to criminals, and I dislike leaving corpses. It's the sign of a sloppy job and it contributes poorly to my legacy. As for meeting regularly to compare notes.. I would like that." He takes a moment to enjoy more of his ramen. "In exchange for your understanding, I'll extend you a line of complementary credit if you have need of my services. You know my fighting skills, but I would argue my skill at infiltration rival them." He gestures his chopsticks at her, "Do you like the ramen?"
Dinah Lance	Dinah Lance listens while she eats, nodding slowly. "Fair enough. Objectives, but not employers." she agrees. And the blonde looks pleased that he won't be murdering people, either. "That does put us on a more equal footing, Shen." When he offers credit her immediate response is to shake her head, but she catches herself. This is more a matter of personal pride than anything else. She's made the flower shop work, and she doesn't need anyone's help for that! Dinah smiles, and when she nods it's almost formal. "The ramen is quite good, thank you. And thank you for the credit offer as well. I will keep that in mind." She pops a wonton using chopsticks before continuing. "It sounds to me like we have reached an understanding, Shen. And I'm glad we could have this talk."
Shen Kuei	Shen nods his head solemnly, the conversation evidently having been considerably more serious then he expected.. in some ways he feels scolded. "I am glad you like the ramen, and I'm glad I tracked you down. This is must better then misunderstandings in the field. Though, I'm sure we are not entirely... what do you say over here.. out of the woods? No, we may find ourselves at odds, and if we are.. I look forward to a battle between masters, and I promise not to gloat too much when I.. " He offers in a most formal tone, "Whoop your ass." A friendly grin follows, bravado is part of the game. One can be respectful while highly confident in their own skills. "Though I am sure you feel the same way. I look forward to our next session of 'Noodles and Notes'." Shen keeps the remainder of the conversation casual, focusing on their mutual experiences in Hong Kong. Some discussion on new techniques. Maybe even a few exploits with the names changed to protect the innocent. At the conclusion, he pays for the check and leaves first. "See you on the street, Miss Lance."