(no subject)

[jlf_redhood]

One thing I miss about working with B: access to shit. This whole system I've got going - namely, the one where I don't have access to GCPD files unless I ask Oracle really nicely - is getting old. Like, really old. And old is never a good thing when your cases are time-sensitive. Like, oh, the possibility of kids being "exported" from the docks.

But I can't get the files I need, because I don't have B's connections. Not that he ever answers my calls, but... well, he's not answering my calls. My normal go-to in this situation is "blow shit up," but I don't want to hurt any bystanders, mostly because they're kids, and blowing them up isn't saving them.

This sucks.

Comments

[jlf_superman]

I highly doubt that's true. Besides, there's nothing wrong with helping out fellow heroes, that's one of the reasons the Justice League was founded. Bruce knows this.

[jlf_redhood]

Yeah and when it's Justice League level stuff and he feels the need to call you in, that's his decision. I'd be all for you coming in and scaring the living bejesus out of Two-Face or the Joker or some of the other psychos down at Arkham the next time they broke out, but it's not like he ever calls you for that kind of stuff. He's territorial that way.

[jlf_superman]

...I helped Bruce stop the Joker once, a long time ago. As we were bringing him in, I couldn't help but laugh when he Joked about the Bat Family all shopping at the same Hot Topic. I think that might be the real reason Bruce doesn't invite me to Gotham much.

[jlf_redhood]

...yeah, that might have something to do with it. [Jason winces.] Although, gotta be honest with you, I probably would've laughed at that too. If only for the mental image of Bruce shopping in a Hot Topic.

[jlf_speedy]

I think the plan we've got's pretty solid, conning the right cops into actually doing their jobs (only in Gotham is this actually a plan).

If it plays out right, we get some advancement in the GCPD ranks in the right places, too.

And if it goes south, we go with Jason's Plan B.

And if that goes south. Well, then we call you in. We'll call that Plan C. Or maybe more accurately, Plan S. There's no rule all the plans have to go in alphabetical order, right?

Just as long as we don't have to use plan M, we're good.

[jlf_redhood]

You have a plan that we're specifically not supposed to use? Why have it if we're purposely avoiding it?

[jlf_speedy]

Well, it only comes into play if Connor dies, and it utilizes his corpse, so.

[jlf_redhood]

...I'm officially renaming that one Plan WTF.

[jlf_speedy]

I'm very good at compartmentalizing my emotions to process later.

I like to think of it as a strength, though my therapist disagrees. But then, I don't actually tell her about the vigilante stuff.

[jlf_redhood]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say there's a difference between "compartmentalizing" and "figuring out how to use your brother's body in a plan if he dies." I mean, I'm no paragon of mental health, but... I'm just saying.

[jlf_speedy]

Well, I'm not gonna leave him behind, either. I needed a plan that got him out of there, and the plan happened to take advantage of hiding him in plain sight.

[jlf_redhood]

This is the part where I nod along, right? I'm nodding. See?

Anyway, we should get going with Plan A if everyone's up on the details.

He leaves you alone for a few comments and...

[jlf_greenarrowii]

... I have several questions right now, but not about plan A.

haaaaa

[jlf_speedy]

Check your quiver for the written instructions for Plan L. I at least planned out the actions for my own untimely demise first. If that makes you feel better.

[jlf_greenarrowii]

It really does not.

[jlf_superman]

I am very tempted to put Plan S into action right now after hearing that.

[jlf_redhood]

Gotta say, I'm a little tempted to ask you to and just deal with Bruce's hissy fit at this point.

I'll call you if it looks like we're gonna be using a plan that involves a body, how's that? I'll just yell "Clark, get your ass to Gotham" as loud as I can.

[jlf_superman]

Trust me, Bruce will be far more upset about one of you dying while trying to break into a Gotham police station than about me showing up unannounced.

Which version of angry Bruce would you rather deal with?

[jlf_redhood]

I mean, if I had my 'druthers, I choose no Bruce. But yeah, I'd rather have everyone alive at the end than not.

[jlf_superman]

You don't have to call me or Bruce in, but there's a better way to do this than breaking into the GCPD. Try calling Oracle again and explaining the situation, Barbara is not going to let a case as serious as this go. If you can, contact Commissioner Gordon directly. We can get good cops on the scene, he might even want to handle it himself.

It's also very possible to save the kids yourself WITHOUT blowing anything up. You're all smart kids, I'm sure you can think of something.

And, if all that fails, Plan S.

[jlf_redhood]

Yeah, we'll keep Plan S in mind.

It's not that I think Babs wouldn't want to help - it's that I know what her other case is at the moment, and I'd rather have her on that. If there was no other way to get the info I'd call her, but what she's doing is important. Time's of the essence and all of that.

[jlf_superman]

Find Gordon then. Or you can save them yourselves. Saving kids definitely couldn't hurt the Red Hood's reputation.

[jlf_redhood]

No, saving the kids is definitely in the plan. I just need a little more info so I don't hurt them in the process of saving them. That's what the whole breaking in thing is about.

[jlf_speedy]

Plan A also gets Child and Family Services onto the scene ASAP, which I think will be a lot easier on them than dealing with a bunch of weirdos in masks.

But.... even I have to admit having Superman on the scene wouldn't hurt either.

If Big Blue wants in on Plan A, I'm all for it, send him right to the site, but I also want every single foot on the ground that needs to be there. Police, paramedics, everyone.

[jlf_speedy]

Look, Mr... uhh Superman

I appreciate the concern, I just... okay, from my side of the equation here. Not to be a downer.

The way I grew up, death was kind of a daily possibility. Crime, overdose, hell, I knew a guy who freaking managed to get a case of flesh-eating bacteria after slicing himself up on an old fence trying to steal some copper wiring from a construction site.

Now, I have a disease that, while yes, easily managed with drugs can be held at bay for a long time, is potentially and eventually fatal. The concept of mortality is something I have to think about and cope with a lot more than other people my age. And, honestly, having an organized plan or fifteen in place in case of things going horribly wrong is a coping mechanism.

As is dark, dark humor, if you get me there.