| A meeting with a lawyer, followed by a walk in the park | |||||
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| What: Jen Walters has a busy day at the office, while Cir-El finds she has a lot in common with Creed | |||||
So there turn out to be legal formalities involved with setting up a super team. Especially if that team happens to have a private island with a T shaped tower on it. Fortunately, Bruce had mentioned his cousin is a Lawyer, it was easy to look up her address. Cir-El has been to the Baxter Building before. Right now, she is running the streets and jumping over traffic while Koriand'r flies after her.
Koriand'r zooms along following the amazing bouncing Superlass, leaving a contrail of fire behind her. She then slows down when Cir-El lands in front of a building and lands gently before her, her hair's glow fading as she lands. "This the place? A big building..."
Jennifer Walters Is She-Hulk today she's standing at the desk with her secretary giving her some mail to send out and speaking to her about next weeks court dates. pretty normal lawyer stuff except she's big and green .
It's not easy being a reformed terrorist, mass murderer and all around Bad Guy. If the weight of a suddenly restructured and intact conscience doesn't wear you down, the gravity of all the hatred of the world for you, the suspicion and disbelief, will. Victor Creed has been, very much, feeling that pressure as of late. After a small shakeup where Victor had played the beast to spare a nearly enraged Valkyrie the swarm of onlookers that was bothering her, Victor had decided that, perhaps legal representation would be a Very Good Thing.
And with some previous history, Matt Murdock was not a likely candidate. On the other hand, Creed has been working towards claiming a role on the Avengers' roster. Maybe getting in with the Hulk's cousin will help get him a foot in the door, so to speak. Provided he can convince her of his new found desire to do good.
So here here is. Standing outside of the Baxter Building, dressed in a suit that looks like it was tailored for his enormous frame, accentuating his broad shoulders and tapering waist. The cuffs of the white shirt are clasped with diamond cufflinks, and a no nonsense tie completes the outfit in a look that is timeless and elegant. Which seems strange, given that the ruggedly handsome man wearing it has elongated, talon shaped claws, pointed ears, and large, amber eyes.
Cir-El says, "I have not actually met my guardian's cousin Jennifer, but she should be in the building directory." She notes the odd looking gentleman in the lobby, but he hopefully only is a potential threat, not an actual threat. She looks at the listing to find the law offices, "Ah, here it is. We should take the elevator, flying in widows on tall buildings is difficult, they are usually sealed."
Koriand'r nods. "I know," she states softly. "I just leave my bedroom window in Titan Tower unlocked. And people get mad when you break windows without a good reason," she states. She raises an eyebrow at the tall, tall, VERY VERY TALL man. As they all seem to be going to the same place, she extends her right hand. "Hello there. I am Koriand'r and this is Superlass. We are going to see Jennifer Walters."
Victor looks over the directory of the building, his large, golden eyes scanning the names and office numbers intently. One large hand rises, scratching a wickedly sharp nail over his stubble lined chin. As he finally catches sight of the name of the office he was looking for, he begins to draw away. That's about the time that his tapered ears twitch as the voice addresses him.
"'Scuse me, didn't mean t'be in yer way." His rumbling, throaty voice issues forth with an apologetic tone. He looks to the pair of capes, and he has to give pause. Those catlike eyes flicker between the two, and he gives an upnod. "Nice to meetcha, Coriander. Strange name ya got there. Ya don't look like the plant-power type." He says as he takes her hand within his own, shaking it gently. It seems as if he's handling her as if she's some precious china, easy to shatter, rather than flesh and bone. And then to the other, Victor nods and offers a lopsided smile that shows a hint of sharpened fangteeth. "Superlass. You on'a them..." fingersnap. "Kryptonians, right?"
Cir-El says, "Sort of, actually a bit less than half Kryptonian. Kory goes by Starfire when she is on duty, plant powers are NOT her thing." She enters the elevator and presses the button to the right floor. It is a high speed elevator, arrival is fast. She steps out and locates the door to the law office. She knocks, then enters, Seeing as it is She-Hulk at the moment, she addresses Jennifer as such, "Excuse me, She-hulk? I am Superlass, I think you may have heard about me from your cousin?" Since Bruce is technically Mia Kent's Guardian, she does not mention him being her guardian.
It's a long hallway to her office after you exit the elevators (safely) Then some glass doors (Mr fantastic glass). When you open the door Jen looks up and smiles, "Hi there .. well I'm guessing your here for me... why don't we go to my office and we can talk and yes My cousin did mention you "
Koriand'r shrugs. "Like a Kryptonian, I am also solar-powered. I am Tamaranean. Not quite a strong as a Kryptonian, but my energy attacks are stronger." She smiles and then walks over to the lawyer. "You're a bit taller and greener than I thought you'd be," she states frankly. "I am Koriand'r," she states, extending her hand towards the lawyer.
Victor tilts his head, running his thick fingers back through the short cropped, buzzed blonde hair that covers his scalp. Less than half Kryptonian. How does that even work? Creed's never been one to really associate with aliens too much, so they're still something of a mystery to him. "Right." He says, then points at finger at Kory and grins, "Starfire. Got it. Energy attacks. Alien."
Victor, as it turns out, is going to the same place, and so he's a bit surprised as he walks along beside them, into Jennifer's office. Well, this might seem awkward and stalkerish. He finds himself fidgeting with his suit, and standing a bit behind them and off to one side as the others make their greetings.
Cir-El follows Jennifer into her offices, noting the large man is following. She says, "Thank you for seeing us on short notice. Princess Koriand'r is planning to reform the Teen Titans, and wanted help with the legalities. I am hoping to join the teem, so I can associate with other superhumans my age."
Koriand'r nods. "Not Teen anymore. Just the Titans. I have two things for you to look over - apparently we need to become some kind of corporation - and I have a contract for you to look at..."
Jennifer Walters cocks her head she spots the two young hero's one is clearly alien... from the way she talks and looks.. though she looks over the rather large man behind them " How can I help Victor creed? Are you also here on super business?"
Victor, of course, overhears this. It causes his head to tilt to one side, and he looks over Cir-El for a moment. He didn't peg her for a teen, really. His gaze then drifts over to Kory, and he /definitely/ doesn't think she's a teen. Still, it's interesting seeing how the capes operate. Forming a corporation in order to be an official team? How do they make money?
"Heh. Hero'in' as a business. That's a riot, really." He says, a chuckle rumbling from somewhere deep inside of his massive chest. When Jennifer addresses him, the rugged, feral man casts his golden eyed stare on her and rolls his broad shoulders in a shrug that almost looks as if it might pop the seams on his suit. "Yes'm, I am, I guess. Seein' as I'm a registered official n' all now, and lookin' at teams t'join up with, thought I might see what I can do to convince ya to represent me. Got a few finance law things I think I could use some help with, too. Lotta... money. Feel it should go towards doin' some good."
Cir-El says, "One CAN certainly make money as a hero, especially if you happen to claim the rewards the authorities offer for the capture of felons. Still, if one has to pay for collateral damage, there is a lot of potential money to lose also." She should know, she claimed a large reward. She is fifteen, but does look older...
Koriand'r nods. "I guess. I never thought of heroing as a business - I have enough business interests, what with my acting and modeling career - and French's Mustard pays me a stipend to be their spokeswoman," she muses. "This is what I wanted to talk to you about primarily." She lays a contract before Jennifer. "I reached out to Tesladyne Industries - we needed computer assistance and... I just wanted you to look over it." The contract seems pretty simple - in exchange for technical assistance, namely getting the Titans Tower brought up to the cutting edge tech of 2015, the Titans would assist Tesladyne Industries as needed for 'action science'. Defined as when odd phenomena would threaten civilians. The assistance is not compulsory but a good reason would be needed in writing. "I know English, but this legal double-talk hurts my head."
Jennifer Walters Lifts an eyebrow and grabs the contract skimming it "Alright lets all of you go to my office we can talk there in private," she motions the group to follow her, "AS for you creed your gonna have a lot of make up to do if you wanna heal the wounds you made ' Jen makes it a point to know all the top most wanted villains Creed was on the list several times.
"Seems t'me to defeat the purpose, or somethin'," Creed says, large blonde brows knitting together over his broad, aquiline nose to form a few crinkles as he scowls in thought. "Mebbe it's jus' me, though. I gotta lot t'atone for, so the idea of acceptin' any kinda reward for savin' lives and puttin' them that deserve it in the rightful arms of justice... it just feels like it's..."
What, Creed? Cheating? Or that it cheapens the experience? It's not. He knows that. He understands that others should be rewarded for their good deeds. He, on the other hand? For him, it's about repentance. He has so much blood on his hands that he's certain it will never scrub off. Taking money for trying would probably make him feel dirtier.
Creed moves a little closer, curious about these contracts that Kory's setting out for Jennifer to look over. He reaches out and places a hand on the tangerine skinned alien and says, sympathetically, "Darlin', the legal double-talk is meant t'hurt your head. The lawyers don't want ya to understand what kinda wool they're gonna pull over ya. S'why ya need the smart ones like Miss Walters here."
Victor follows along behind Jennifer towards her office, and when she speaks of the make up, he just lowers his gaze and nods his head. "I know exactly what I gotta do. I've determined that if I wanna break even, Imma need t'save 'bout a hundred lives for each one I took or broke. I guesstimate this'll mean I gotta save... well, the world. A couple'a times over."
Cir-El admits, "In a sense, it is cheating, but it is also a way for those of us who are not independently wealthy to devote a lot of time to saving lives instead of to trying to make money. If you are concentrating on making a living, then you are not paying enough attention to other things a lot of times." Of course, one can not spend all one's time as a hero either, or one suffers burnout or the equivalent of PTSD...
Koriand'r nods. "You sure about this one, Superlass?" she asks, showing her the LLC application. "I can't make heads or tails of this monstrosity." She turns back to Jen.
Jennifer Walters sighs, "There is a better way for both. There is government contract for those that wish to be part of it as well as advertisement both of those will allow you enough to live and not have to get a job as they say." She says as she walks towards her office though Creed's words make her pause and turn around, "Alright creed I'll help you but on a trail bases understand saving the world though that's a good start " She's flipping in the document, " I'll have to read this for a few days to get it over.. but half of it looks like what I made for Robo since he has me on retainer so I know most of it " .
"I get it, kiddo. Just ain't somethin' I ever thought about. Ain't somethin' I think I could do, myself," Victor says to Cir-El, with another of those rolling shrugs of his massive shoulders. He reaches up, his wickedly clawed hands moving to deftly and gently loosen the tie around his thickly muscled neck just a little bit. Victor Creed has always been a sharp dressed man, but he's always also been the type who prefers to be in his costume, or jeans and a t-shirt. Right now, he's just wishing for some air on his chest.
"Right then. Trial basis. That I can deal with." Those deep, molten gold pools that serve as his eyes linger on Jennifer for a moment, before he adds, "I ain't gonna ask ya to be my defense attorney if I mess up, or go back t'the beast I was before. In fact, I want to set up... contingencies, in case somethin' like that does ever happen. I'm lookin' at surroundin' myself with folks who are strong and just, but ain't got a history of bad with me to cloud their judgement. Folks who are powerful enough to put me down like a dog if I act up or cross the line. And lookin' to make sure that my assets will go to good causes in such an event. Sorta... like a last will and testament."
Superlass says, "I do not know if it is the BEST Kory, I am in high school not in law school. It is just what I came up with for me." She says to Victor, "I really know THAT feeling, I kind of tried to kill myself to prevent my destroying the world once..."
Jennifer Walters nods, "The villain clause 'if I ever go villain or fall back to crime my assets will go to A: Reparations for damages done B: Hunting me down and capture or death if required based on the treat I pose." She looks to Victor, "Something like that?" She looks to Superlass, "Well from what I can see it's a contract to help them if any of their experiments get out of control." She states simply, "In return they take care of the tech for your tower but I'll have to read it over and get down to exactly what it does and work out if I can make it a better deal for you."
Koriand'r murmurs, "It's less about an experiment gone bad - what Robo does, from what he told me and some research confirmed, is that he finds trouble - phenomena or bad guys that are threatening innocents, and goes to them to deal with the issue. Sounds like the kind of stuff the Titans like to do."
Victor looks at Cir-El with a tilt of his head, his golden eyes wandering up and down her before settling back on her own eyes. World destruction in the form of a not even half Kryptonian? He'd have to find out more about that sometime. "Really? I'm kinda... surprised by that. First off, ya don't look like the kinda girl that could destroy worlds. I guess I just imagine... bigger, meaner, uglier kinda ladies for that business. Secondly, if you're some sorta relation to the big blue boy scout, how'd ya wind up in that kinda position? I figured him and his folks were all... you know... white bread, leave it to beaver types. No offense."
For what it's worth, the no offense thing doesn't sound snarky, but genuine. Looking back to Jennifer, Creed gives an upnod and confirms, "Yeah. Somethin' like that. Had a couple of ideas for where the money could go. Reparations to the families I hurt. Charities for... abused children, or to help end domestic violence. Stuff like that."
Looking back to Kory, Victor nods his head, "Sounds like... what all the capes do, right? Go find the bad and fix it, whatever it takes. Is that what the contract is? Just... you gotta go stop the bad stuff from happenin' so you can have computers in your... tower?"
Superlass flinches a bit, "Yeah, not looking like a destroyer was kind of the point when Brainiac created me by putting cloned DNA from Superman into a human body. I was made as a Typhoid Mary, a host that could carry a destructive alien virus without being harmed by it myself. I was intended to seem innocent and helpful, so I would be welcomed and the virus could spread further. I knew nothing about this until just before I tried to kill myself, I thought I was Superman's daughter from the future..."
Koriand'r blinks. "What is the earth expression...?" She then snaps her fingers. "Yes. Robo likes to do what humans call 'kick the nest of hornets'. Especially when said nest would threaten innocent people. When he goes to deal with such issues... we will help him. Besides - we Titans like to do the nest hornet kick anyway, and finding new source of bad guy to kick sounds the ideal." She nods. "It is the simple meeting of the minds." She looks over at Victor. "You used to be a bad guy? And are trying to repent?" She sighs softly. "I wish my sister would follow your example."
The name Typhoid Mary makes Victor seem to have a pang of... something. Recognition. Regret. Maybe even a bit of shame. Obviously, Cir-El isn't talking about THAT Typhoid Mary, but it still hit that string pretty hard. Still, when his eyes lift from the floor they fell to, he looks sympathetic to Cir-El. "Trust me, darlin'... I know what that's like. Bein' weaponized for ill intent, and bein' muddled in the head to think you're somethin' and someone ya ain't. Happened t'me, too."
Not that it excuses Victor's monstrosity. No, he was a monster long before Weapon X, and even he knows that and owns it.
Looking back to Kory, Victor flashes her a lopsided grin, all dimples in his cheeks and glistening white fangs. "Kickin' the hornet's nest can be a lot of fun, bright eyes. I like your style."
But the next question she asks him makes the smile fade, and he nods his head solemnly. "I wasn't just a bad guy. I was one of the worst of the worst. I mean... I'm still me, so yeah... I guess I am a bad guy. I ain't so sure that'll ever change, but... I've kinda set myself on tryin' to be better. Or to die tryin', if it comes to that. Don't know if I can ever really do enough to get the blood off of my hands, really. I've been killin' people since I was a snot nosed brat, and that's been over a century ago now. Got a lot of repentin' to do."
Superlass sighs, "I have a lot more in common with you, Mister Creed, than with many of my compatriots. We were each dealt a bad hand, but have now chosen to make something good out of it. I have no real idea what I was like as a young child though...ALL my memories are suspect. I need to build my own life, find out who is ME an be that person. I just hope that person turns out to be the person I WANT to be, not the person I am AFRAID I might be."
Koriand'r nods. "Don't worry - if you start to misbehave, we'll spank you and send you to your room," she cooos to Cir-El. "At least that is what they always say in cartoons and stuff like that."
Jennifer Walters Nods her head, "Well don't worry I can stomp all of you in this room right now so If I have too," she says with a chuckle, "but right now your here for legals.. Superlass and Kory I'll look over the documents and I'll be more then happy to check it out...as for the Corp idea I can see about it but perhaps government approved team is better since as a corp you can be sued for damages " . She looks to creed, " As for you I can draw up what your looking for unless you want something other then the standard?"
"Listen, kiddo..." Creed says, and that voice, for all of it's sounding like the man gargles gravel and broken glass, sounds warm and soft. Almost intimate even. "One thing I see now, bein' the guy I am, and all? We all make our choices of who we become. Whoever you turn out to be is what you make of it. Don't fool yerself into thinkin' that your destiny was predetermined. That guy... what'd ya call him... Brainiac? He mighta made ya to be a weapon, but he can't surpress the fact that you're a livin', breathin' and thinkin' person. Ya got a soul and a heart. You can be whatever ya wanna be."
And Kory's comment? That gets a laugh outof the giant, feral man. He shakes his head, reaching up to rub at his brow. "Now that I would pay t'see."
Then when Jennifer speaks about stomping them all, there's a devilish glint in those amber eyes, and the pupils dilate to large, inky saucers ringed in gold. Puss in Boots style. "Oh, now, Miss Walters, don't go flirtin' now. I am a single, lonely man who just left prison, after all. I'd be more than amicable to a good stompin' from the likes of you."
But it's a lighthearted jest, accompanied by a wink of one eye before he shrugs his shoulders towards the large emerald woman. "I dunno what the standard is, nor what would be not standard. So... whatever ya might think is best, really."
Cir-El smiles at Creed, "Yes, I just hope I can find out for sure that Brainiac did not plant any time bombs in my brain that have not gone off yet. I have been planning to find a telepath that can help me do that, but I have not met one yet. In the mean time, I am trying to learn who I am and what I can do, because what I can do is not what Superman can do or what Starfire can do...or even what the She-Hulk can do."
Koriand'r smiles. "Well... I would hate to trash this beautiful office with a showing of the fisticuffs when it is not needed." She then smiles. "Do you see any orange flags in those documents?" she asks Jennifer. She probably meant to say red but sometimes figures of speech escape the alien.
Again, something Cir-El says makes Victor flinch as if she just smacked him in the face. His eyes swivel back to the teenage heroine, and he says, "Used t'be I coulda helped ya with a telepath. Coulda had Birdy give ya the glow. Figured out what's what in there... She's.... gone now."
His voice cracks as he mutters almost to himself, "She was a good girl..."
A sigh, and Victor shakes his head and says, "I'd tell ya to head on over to Xavier's if ya need a telepath. Lotsa 'em over there. Cap'n Crip.... Charles Xavier himself is one'a the world's most powerful telepaths. They'd get ya fixed right up, I'm sure."
Then the orange flags comment is noticed, and Victor chuckles quietly. "Red," he corrects, and then notices as Jennifer seems to be looking over the contracts intently and not paying any heed to them. "Ladies, I think Miss Walters is gettin' in the zone. Perhaps we should excuse ourselves and let her work."
Cir-El has done what she came to do already, meeting Bruce's cousin and introducing her to Kory. She says, "A wise thought Mr. Creed. So I gather you are a superhuman, what kind of abilities do you have. Most of mine are pretty basic, almost common really."
"I'm a mutant. Born feral, more or less. I got these pretty teeth and claws, and enhanced senses. I heal damage faster than you can blink an eye." Victor says, motioning for Cir-El and Kory to follow him out of Jenn's office and back towards the elevator.
"I can pretty much be torn to ribbons and come back in just a few minutes. Because of that, some... folks... were able to bond a metal alloy called adamantium to my skeleton. Makes me a lot tougher. Bones don't break so easy anymore, and it's made my claws... well, able to cut through anythin'. Ain't yet come across somethin' I can't scratch."
He peeks at the young girl, lifting a brow, and says, "Now I ain't hearda such a thing as common abilities. Everyone seems unique. Heck, even people who can fly all seem t'go about it in different ways. So what all can ya do?"
Cir-El says, "Well I am pretty strong, strong enough to pick up a Train Engine...in the Parlance I am more powerful than a locomotive. I am fast too, I can run at suborbital velocity...that means faster than a speeding bullet. I can jump very well, I can probably jump over the tallest building in the city with a running start. I am very hard to hurt, I can take a tank shell and only be scratched. I do have super hearing, but it is the only sense I have that is really super human, I can hear heartbeats at about a hundred yards and hear a cry for help at ten miles. I am kind of learning to fly, but I am not very good at it so I do not use it much...it is not really safe for others when I use it. I also have an energy release power, it is kind of variable in effect between heat, light, and force.
Victor listens to this and nods. It's so strange to him, how Earth has managed to not be destroyed with all these super powered aliens roaming it these days. How has an army of them not descended from the sky to conquer it? Finally, he looks at her, and tilts his head. "So you're basically just like a light version of the big blue boyscout then?"
Of course, this is an oversimplification. Creed doesn't really know the specifics of Kryptonians or any other aliens. His life's work has been devoted to mundane military things, lower level underworld stuff, and the mutant front. He rarely gets into tussels with the big wigs, and even less often with alien big wigs. Does he even know one directly? Present company excluded now, of course.
Superlass shrugs, "That is kind of what I am saying, there are a lot of people out there with Strength, Toughness, and the ability to Jump. The She-Hulk there can beat me at Jumping and probably match me in toughness, though I am stronger probably. Even you, I imagine, possess some degree of enhanced strength and toughness, and possibly some speed too. Strength, Speed, toughness, and Leaping are some of the most common powers."
"Well," Creed says with a shrug of his shoulders. "Yeah, my body has been enhanced to help me be a better weapon. I'm strong. Real strong. Not like... pick up trains strong, but... then again, I never tried. I'm faster and more durable than the average bear, too."
Victor looks at her, however, and something comes to his mind. Something a madman once told him, but still rings true somewhere deep inside of him. "You're still like a god among men. Don't sell yerself short, just because there's lots of folks with strength or speed or jumpin' an' alla that. Doesn't make ya any less special. 'Sides, ya still look prettier doin' it than most, yeah? 'xcept maybe Miss Walters back there. That's a lotta woman to live up to, though."
Cir-El blushes slightly, "That it the thing though, and is kind of what I meant a bit earlier, I am never going to be the best at being someone else. I need to find out what I can do, and find out how I can do things, not try to be anyone else. I am likely never going to be as strong as a full Kryptonian and will likely never be able to look through a brick wall like one either. I will not be able to fly and blast as good as Starfire, or run as fast as Kaydin let alone the Flash...so I have to not look what they can do...and do what I can do. You are only part right though, we are not gods...it is when we start thinking of other as beneath us that we stop remembering that each person, each life, is equally important and unique."
"That's a good way to look at it." Victor says with a nod of his head, turning to lean his back against a wall. Large, massive trunks that serve as his arms fold over his broad chest, and his brow furrows. His looks down, scowling in thought, before he finally says, "You're right, of course. I think... I think about all the people I've killed, and... how I didn't just kill a person. I've killed all their dreams, I've wiped out their futures and ambitions and hopes. I've... It's something far more than just an immediate "they're dead" kind of thing. It puts it back into perspective. That being said, I stick to my guns, kiddo. You're a god among men. You're above them. Doesn't mean you're better, or much different from 'em. Doesn't mean they're any less precious and unique, and every bit as much as you are. Besides, most gods in history were depicted as being much like any other mortal creature, except more powerful. And more often than not... benevolent and wise. For bein' a teen, ya seem t'have that part down pat. I think you'll be fine as long as ya don't let things get to your head, or start thinkin' ya might somehow be any less than anyone else out there. Or any less unique for having "common" powers."
"Thanks Mr. Creed, sounds like you are pretty wise yourself," says Cir-El. She says, "There have been people who have called Kryptonians Sun Gods. I guess it depends on how you consider the term 'god'."
"I ain't wise." Victor says with a rueful chuckle. He punches the button to call the elevator, and only a few moments later, the door opens. "I'm just an old killer who suddenly found a conscience laying at the bottom of a whole barrell of blood and ugly. It's just made me thinka things I ain't thoughta before."
He nods towards the office with his head and says, "I guess your friend is gettin' held up goin' over the contract stuff. Take a walk with me? I sometimes walk around the park to kinda... soothe the demons inside, yanno?" He saus, tapping a metallic clawed fingertip against his temple, before motioning for her to enter before he does.
"Walking in the sun is a good thing, very healthy they say," replies Superlass. She does not add that it is especially true for Kryptonians.
Later, in Central Park
Pamela Isley doesn't spend much time in Central Park. Right now she is dressed as a proper scientist, only the green tint on her skin giving a way her alien nature. She is studying some of the plants in the park, then sighs as she sees a walnut tree that's not faring well. "Poor thing..." she muses softly as she runs her hand along the trunk.
Cir-El comes to central park often. She does not know why, but strange things seem to happen here more often than in most other places in the city. That makes watching over it important. It is also a decent place to sunbathe. She hears a familiar voice and looks around, "Victor, you mentioned thinking Kory was a plant worker...well there is one I have met. Hello Miss Ivy."
It's not long after leaving the Baxter Building that Victor Creed comes walking into the park with Cir-El. The pair had met for the first time as a coincidental encounter, both seeking out the legal advice of Jennifer Walters. Turns out that an old, serial killing mutant and a human-Kryptonian teen girl had a lot more to talk about than one might expect. The mysteries of life.
As soon as they left the building, Creed had unbuttoned the jacket to his suit, and loosened the pale blue and yellow tie that was cinched tight around his neck. A few buttons in the eggshell blue shirt had managed to come undone as well, letting the poor behemoth of muscle's neck breathe at last. "So good to get the formal stuff outta the way..." he's muttering, half to himself.
He hadn't noticed Miss Pamela Isley in her scientist garb. He was too busy folding his jacket over and arm and conversin with Cir-El, until the teen Superlass points her out. His eyes widen to saucers of golden, and he turns to look at the woman now. He almost doesn't recognize her, at first. It's the outfit. Not something he's used to. But then, his nostrils flare and he catches a hint of her scent, and that.... that is completely undeniable.
"Ivy..." Creed's vocal cords rumble the word low and soft. It's unclear whether that's a growl or a purr. "Long time no see, blossom."
Pamela Isley whirls as she looks at Victor, her eyes wide. Then she blushes bright red and turns her head. "Sabretooth..." she whispers softly as she leans against the tree which seems to perk up just by her touch. "This... oh by, this is awkward..."
It takes a moment for Cir-El to remember, "Oh, you are both reformed now. Nothing wrong with a chance encounter." Well, she thinks there might be a legal problem, involving avoiding former criminal associates, but she is not sure.
"Just Victor," He says, tilting his head to the side. "I am, after all, in my civies." Meaning, of course, that he's wearing a suit and tie, looking as much like a normal fellow as a normal fellow can look if he was nearly seven foot tall, five foot across and had the features of a man spruced up with cat DNA.
Victor looks back to Cir-El and blinks. He didn't know that Ivy was reformed. "We knew each other back in the day. I worked for Miss Isley as muscle and... helping hands. A few times."
As for legal issues, there wouldn't be any. Creed was let out of prison on technicalities that had him absolved of all charges against him at the time, so any restrictions he's bound by have all been entirely self-wrought. Looking back to Ivy, Victor says, "You're workin' on the side of the angels now? That's... surprisin'."
Pamela Isley was also let out on technicalities. Being that she kinda spored two members of the parole board. But she was playing good. "Sorry... it's Pamela in my civies," she muses softly, clicking her tongue. "No more than you. I thought you were as much muscle for bad guys as Bane," she muses. "When one of your best friends turns good - that can have an effect on you." She turns back to the tree and touches it, and it perks right up the rest of the way.
It occurs to Cir-El it might be better not to discuss what she was doing when she met Ivy. At least for not, it might be right, but it was not technically legal.
"Best friend? Didn't seem like you were the type to really have those." It's, surprisingly not stated with the tone that suggests it's a jab or judgment. Just sort of passive. When he knew Ivy, she came across as the femme fatale who everyone was only a pawn to be manipulated and moved to her own ends. If anything, it's a pleasant surprise to see that there's an actual human being under there.
This, however, makes Creed curious. He looks between Cir-El and Ivy for a moment, before lifting a brow. "And how do the two of you know each other?"
Cir-El frowns, "I am not sure I should tell you. Sometimes law and Justice are not the same thing, and it was a case where Justice, not law, prevailed. If I tell you more than that, you could be an accessory after the fact."
Pamela Isley shrugs. "Oh yes. Harley Quinn. Joker's former sidekick. And Catwoman to a lesser extent. But Harley turned good first... and... convinced me that honest living would serve me well. I did spore the parole board to get out, but I've been good other than that... and... I have a prestigious job at Wayne Enterprises." She glances at Cir-El. "Sentinels are a scourge - they are inhuman machines that could be reprogrammed at the turn of a hat to attack lawgiving citizens. Their destruction is necessary. I even went after them."
Victor almost laughs, looking to Cir-El. His smile is broad, toothy and bright, his yellow eyes twinkling like scattered motes of gold dust, filled with mirth. "Darlin', ya do realize that you are talkin' to one of the world's most notorious criminals. I ain't worryin' about bein' an accessory t'nothin'. Also, it ain't like I'm one to judge you for not followin' the letter of the law to get to the spirit of things."
But when Ivy speaks, he turns to look back at her. Harley Quinn is a name that sounds familiar rolling off the tongue, but he's not entirely certain he knows the woman. Catwoman, on the other hand... He shakes his head and offers Pamela a small smile. "Well, good for you, I guess. Things for me are bit... complicated. It's... rough. But... I guess it's better this way."
The Sentinel comment has his teeth gritting, though, and he nods in agreement. "Sentinels ain't ever been a good idea. So much'a what I done was tryin' to prevent those things from.... well, doin' just what they're programmed to do. Yanno it's bad when ya even have a serial killer psychopath workin' to make sure that evil ain't unleashed on the world. And they have been reprogrammed to kill all human life before. Or used for targeted assassinations. Some people were even secretly and against their will turned into those... things. Or a version of them."
"I think there has never been a weapon created that was not used, and when used it has as often been for bad purposes as good. Sentinels are a weapon, and one easily abused," states Superlass.
Pamela Isley nods. "Batman took a group of us out to Oklahoma to take out a nest of them. There were some inert ones and I was able to infiltrate them wtih creepers and animate them..." She smiles faintly. "Tiring work." She shrugs. "Ended up the active sentinels turned on their commandeered comrade - but I set off the self-destruct. Kinda fun actually but I wouldn't want to do it again - I got so tired I passed out and Harley had to use UV lamps to wake me back up." Cir-El muses, "I wonder if UV lamps would work to wake me if I were knocked out that way, or if it would take somethmg bore full spetrum." It is an interesting question, is there specific portions ofthe spectrum that can aid er more efficiently, or is it a harmonic of multiple frequencies of light?
Victor nods to Cir-El, because she speaks the truth. "Same could be said 'bout us, though, which is why those things were created in the first place."
Victor looks back to Pamela and lifts an eyebrow. Batman leading a group to fight Sentinels. Well, now he's heard just about everything. In Oklahoma, even. That's a long jump from Gotham. "Yeah," he says quietly. "Sounds like a real blast. Well, next time you ladies want to go tearin' up some Sentinels, I'm your man."
Pamela Isley nods. "I plan to stay home next time - I'm getting my lab established and honestly these days I'd rather just frolick naked inmy garden or do research on making healing salves and stuff..." She shrugs.
Pamela Isley turns to Cir-El. "I don't know the ins and outs of Kryptonian physiology - I don't know if just the UV light works for you, or if you need the full spectrum..." She shrugs. "Sorry. We could do some experiments, maybe..."
Cir-El says, "My biology is different than a full Kryptonian, things true for me are not always true for them. Actually, the Superman here is different from the one in my universe in HOW his powers function. Things would not be the same for me to him even if I were fully Kryptonian."
The talk about frolicking nude in her garden has Victor just staring at her long and hard. He's not even going to mention it. He's a man who has been in prison for far too long. It's only made worse when Cir-El makes her musing, and Pamela offers to run some experiments with it. That's not something he needs to be thinking about. Especially when he knows that Cir-El is a teenage girl. Sure, he don't know how old she is as a teen, but to him all teens are pretty much... well, teens. So, he just looks away, turning his face to stare off across the distance as he wrangles his cool back into place. One hand reaches up, ringing a finger along the inside of his collar.
"Maybe you can try layin' in a tannin' bed sometime, an' see if that does anythin' for ya." He offers to Cir-El, looking back to her as the red starts to drain from his chiseled, scruffy face and the pounding roar of waves that is his blood pumping dims in his ears. "If just a UV lamp will work on your hybrid genetics, that could wind up bein' a benefit to ya, sometime."
Pamela Isley nods. "That is an excellent idea..." she muses softly. "A tanning bed... is an excellent source of UV radiation that pepole use to tan..."
Cir-El is pretty sure she can not get cancer from a tanning bed, but whether it would empower her in an interesting question, "I may have to try it some time, just to find out if it works." She says, "I guess I should get going, nice meeting you Victor. Keep trying to be the man you could be."
"Oh. Right. And keep workin' on bein' the best you, you can be." Victor says, before he slides his hand into his pocket and pulls out a small, silver case. He pops it open and pulls out a small, white business card. It reads: "Victor Creed, Sabretooth" with a number, fax and email address. This, he hands over to Cir-El. "If ya ever need somethin', kiddo... Be it someone to teach ya a few dirty tricks when it comes to fightin', or someone t'talk to, you just gimme a call. Phone's always on me. The BSA wouldn't have it any other way. Might as well be my ankle bracelet."
Cir-El notes one problem with the current costume, it has very little storage space. A couple of small pouches hidden in the gloves and boots is about it. She puts the card into her right glove pouch...her cell phone is in her left glove pouch. She has more room for storage n the blue costume, but with her new cape it does not look as good. She gives Victor a hug and says, "Thank you, I might take you up on the combat training thing some time. I have a lot of power be am not very well trained yet."
Victor seems to freeze up, every muscle in his rather sizable, densely muscled frame tensing to something akin to solid steel. To say that the man is not used to hugs is an understatement. They've practically been anathema to his very existence. He was, after all, a child that was kept locked in a cage for his entire youth, and only allowed out once a day so that his father could use pliers to rip out his teeth and claws. Victor coulda used more hugs.
But after a moment, where he's just frozen there in place with his arms awkwardly uplifted and sort of flapping up and down like useless penguin wings, he wraps the young girl up in an embrace and pats her on the back. "Anytime ya want. Day or night. I uh... don't get much sleep." Another consequence of being cursed with a conscience after a century and a half of not having one. Nightmares and the voices of the dead.
Cir-El says, "Bye Victor, miss Ivy." Then she runs off at a high subsonic speed, practically vanishing in an eyeblink.