we're so noir.

[shakeandbake]

WHO: The City's new X-Factor, original members & new ImPort recruits.
WHERE: X-Factor HQ aka some offices at City Hall.
WHEN: Tuesday, all day.
WARNINGS: It's X-Factor. All warnings apply, amirite.
SUMMARY: X-Factor members meet and mingle.
FORMAT: Whatever we want. We're X-Factor, gosh. Multiple threads within! It's a free for all, ya'll.

Comments

[batmantled]

What gave it away? [ It's a dopey, but hopefully disarming grin. He glances up and away from her to take a little more of the room they're standing in. ]

Nice setup, by the way.

[cloud9]

[ Sflkj fights.... Great. ]

Um. S-Sure, I guess. [ A beat. ] So, uh. What kinda cases did you guys work? Like, back home and stuff?

[insufferablysmug]

Mmm. [ She chooses not to address that tangent. A leader probably shouldn't snipe at her troops constantly. (Immensely frustrating, actually.) ]

It is.

Did you have any questions?

[insufferablysmug]

Primarily cases involving the use of powers that make it difficult for ordinary law enforcement officials to handle them. Or simply cases that need discretion, or there isn't enough evidence to get police involved yet.

[batmantled]

Actually, yeah. Mostly about what you're looking for in terms of involvement.

[ oho wow. straight to business then. ]

I think you're doing something fantastic here, but it's probably only fair to let you know my other obligations might make it hard for me to be invested a hundred percent of the time. But I'm willing to lend my database [ THE FILTERED WATERED DOWN VERSION ] and help with the hands-on casework whenever possible.

[acrossyourpath]

Mostly wondering how we'll handle our "cases". Are we going to operate in teams, or independently?

[insufferablysmug]

That will depend on the case. Some cases don't require a team, some do.

If you have a preference, you can let me know. [ Whether she'll actually take that into account is another matter entirely. ]

[acrossyourpath]

I could deal with a partner. Can't make any promises about a whole team.

[ She smirks a little. ]

But I'm not shy about taking any cases.

[insufferablysmug]

If you have other obligations, we can work out a case-by-case schedule for you. X-Factor can be quite flexible.

What is your database like?

[insufferablysmug]

Noted. Perhaps it's something you'll grow used to.

[ Heh. A raised eyebrow. ]

I wouldn't have guessed you to be.

[acrossyourpath]

Anything's possible.

Is there anything I should know?

[insufferablysmug]

That seems to be a constant across worlds.

Nothing comes to mind, but I'll let you know if anything comes up.

[acrossyourpath]

Please do. I can't help but be curious.

[batmantled]

[ With that he'll take out one of the handhelds and offer it to Monet. Seeing is usually better than lip service in cases like this. ]

That's about ninety-seven percent of the history of imPorts in this place, including stuff from the old network. Criminal files, arrests, warrents, and newscasts. All cross-referenced.

[insufferablysmug]

[ She keeps herself from looking too eager, instead taking it calmly, looking it over with cool politeness. ]

This does seem like it would come in use. You must have been here a long time.

[insufferablysmug]

You know what they say about curiosity and cats.

[ a beat ] Though perhaps in your case it doesn't apply.

[batmantled]

Not as long as a few of my associates, but I guess it adds up. [ He's studying that expression a little more discerningly. ]

You can hold on to the handheld if you think it'll help. No need to call unless you have questions.

[acrossyourpath]

Definitely not. I'm sure you already know I tend to have a little luck on my side.

[insufferablysmug]

I'd say more than a little.

[insufferablysmug]

It would. [ She isn't that thrilled at the prospect. But her face is serene as she examines the handheld. Rictor will love to see this. ]

I imagine it will help. Good to know you're bringing assets onto the team.

[acrossyourpath]

Obviously enough to spread around, or else I wouldn't be here.

[batmantled]

That's the plan, yeah. [ It's honest, at least. Still, a tough nut to crack is a tough nut to crack. ]

So what's the interest in bringing in new blood? You know a few of these guys from home, right?

[insufferablysmug]

Mm. I'll look forward to that, then.

[insufferablysmug]

Good.

[ She sets the handheld down and looks up at him. ] One of them, yes. To bring the team to full strength, the only option we have is to recruit outside our numbers. Lachesis hasn't seen fit to bring many of us here.

[batmantled]

Isn't that always the way. [ Nightwing would have casually grabbed a seat on the edge of the desk, but Batman stands his ground and meets her gaze instead. ]

I hope I can offer something to make up for what's lacking.