The "Ultimate DC" RPG

[Johnny Blaze]

I raise my eyebrow and smile amused at him. Wonder where else he's excited. Hmm..does he even have that function anymore? I mentally palm my face. Geez Dinah gutter much? and with Jason over there. I glance over and he smiles at me from around Roy, who also turns and shoots me a drop dead sexy grin. My heart sinks. I'm so doomed...I never expected to have guy trouble. I turn back to Captain Atom.

"Would that be because you're excited, nervous or mad? 'Cause I hope it's only one of the first two." I say with a smile.

"Hello there", he said as raised his glass, "my name is Thomas Elliot, but you can call me Tommy."

I turn at the man next to me, at this point I was just getting somewhere with the 'captain', after all you never know when such information will be useful. I smile and nod.

"Dinah Lance, and I assume you've heard of Captain Atom." I say inclusively as I motion towards said person.

"Of course", replied J'onn as he gave the Captain a nod and a smile, "who hasn't heard of the good Captain's exploits."

"I also have heard of you, Ms. Lance", continued "Tommy" as he turned back to face Dinah.
"I have a confession to make...", continued J'onn with a suave smile, "I have a great interest in detective work. It's sort of a hobby of mine. I read about and study old case files whenever I can get the time when I'm not at the hospital or at functions and the like. And I must say, you're handling of the Pamela Isley case not too long ago was very interesting."

 

[batnkevlar]

IC: Bruce Wayne



Not quite the reaction I expected. But better than I did expect. I should be grateful for that alone... I'm far too concerned with other matter to engage in an all out war between a rival company.

I let out an equally rehearsed laugh, a little, at his comment.

"Hey, someone's got to keep those people happy.", I say. "No, this event tonight is for poverty in Gotham. Notably Park Row. But aside from that, I just couldn't help myself when the notion of throwing my own little bash was brought up."

I raise an eyebrow.

"Speaking of which, Lex, sorry that I didn't make it to your yacht party last week. Buisness concerns caught up with me. You know how it is."

"It's all right. It didn't go exactly how I had expected, but it was all right. I learned a few things about throwing parties."

I sipped my champagne and looked at Bruce.

"In fact, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. Is there a spare room somewhere near? This conversation is for our ears only."

 

[Byrd Man]

"Would that be because you're excited, nervous or mad? 'Cause I hope it's only one of the first two."

"I assure you Miss Lance, I'm just a little nervous, Me being a country boy from Texas hobknobbing with high society."

Just then the older gentelman from before cuts in on my converstion.

"Hello there...My name is Thomas Elliot, but you can call me Tommy."

"Dinah Lance, and I assume you've heard of Captain Atom."

Of course, who hasn't heard of the good Captain's exploits."

"I also have heard of you, Ms. Lance."

"I have a confession to make...I have a great interest in detective work. It's sort of a hobby of mine. I read about and study old case files whenever I can get the time when I'm not at the hospital or at functions and the like. And I must say, you're handling of the Pamela Isley case not too long ago was very interesting."

So she's a detective and He's, well I don't know what he is. He holds his self strangley, like he's a tall man in a short man's body. He has peircing eyes as well, almost as if he can read me like a book.

"Well seeing as how she's a detective and I'm a pilot, among many things, What exactly is it that you do, Mr. Elliot?"

The General buzzes in my ear again.

"Nate, Drop it. He's on a classified assignment, I barely even know what he's doing."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"Would that be because you're excited, nervous or mad? 'Cause I hope it's only one of the first two."

"I assure you Miss Lance, I'm just a little nervous, Me being a country boy from Texas hobnobbing with high society."

Just then the older gentleman from before cuts in on my conversation.

"Hello there...My name is Thomas Elliot, but you can call me Tommy."

"Dinah Lance, and I assume you've heard of Captain Atom."

Of course, who hasn't heard of the good Captain's exploits."

"I also have heard of you, Ms. Lance."

"I have a confession to make...I have a great interest in detective work. It's sort of a hobby of mine. I read about and study old case files whenever I can get the time when I'm not at the hospital or at functions and the like. And I must say, you're handling of the Pamela Isley case not too long ago was very interesting."

So she's a detective and He's, well I don't know what he is. He holds his self strangely, like he's a tall man in a short man's body. He has piercing eyes as well, almost as if he can read me like a book.

"Well seeing as how she's a detective and I'm a pilot, among many things, What exactly is it that you do, Mr. Elliot?"

The General buzzes in my ear again.

"Nate, Drop it. He's on a classified assignment, I barely even know what he's doing."

"Tommy" smiles at the Captain as he turns to answer his question.
"I am the head surgeon at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. My main area of expertise is neurosurgery, but I dabble in a bit of everything."

From his surface thoughts, J'onn could tell that the Captain had another agenda here than just PR work. Still, he did not press deeper into his mind; from what he could sense it was nothing malicious.
Right now he was just trying to pass the time as he waited for the Flash to arrive.

 

[twylight]

I look at the two men, each seems..occupid. It was barely perceptable and if I hadn't been looking for anything I wouldn't have noticed it. But a detectives observing is never turned off.

I smile.

"Thank you Dr. Elliot, I didn't know that my part in the Isely case was know outside of a few local police officers." That was odd, but it could have been written off as an enthusiast. Not my finest moment, nor a case I consider 'closed' either, and that bothers me.

 

[Johnny Blaze]

I look at the two men, each seems..occupid. It was barely perceptable and if I hadn't been looking for anything I wouldn't have noticed it. But a detectives observing is never turned off.

I smile.

"Thank you Dr. Elliot, I didn't know that my part in the Isely case was know outside of a few local police officers." That was odd, but it could have been written off as an enthusiast. Not my finest moment, nor a case I consider 'closed' either, and that bothers me.

"Well, it wasn't", replied J'onn, "but I have my sources."

"As I'm sure you do as well", he continued with a wink and a smirk.
Truth be told, he did hear of the Isley case, but it was from fellow detectives that he used to keep in touch with. Still, he was picking up the details of the case from Ms. Lance's surface thoughts...as well as her suspicions of him and the Captain.

Ever the detective, J'onn thought to himself.

"Now, how do you know Bruce, if you don't mind me asking", "Tommy" asked Dinah as he took a sip of his drink.

 

[Batman]

IC: Bruce Wayne

"It's all right. It didn't go exactly how I had expected, but it was all right. I learned a few things about throwing parties."

I sipped my champagne and looked at Bruce.

"In fact, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. Is there a spare room somewhere near? This conversation is for our ears only."

I raise an eyebrow, at first. If I were any other man, I would automatically assume this to be something buisness oriented. Then again, I'm not any other man. Needless to say, I'm a bit cautious, given his reputation. But curious, all the same.

I look around the room, seeing the conversation between everyone. I'm sure no one will miss me for a few moments. And I doubt any abscence for that long will help or hurt my truer, greater mission in holding this event. I look over, spotting Alfred out of the corner of my eye. He can handle things while I'm away.

I turn back to him, with a smile and nod.

"Sure thing, Lex. Let me just have a quick word with my aide.", I say, before turning and walking over to Alfred. I look around, before putting my arm over his shoulder, and leading him to the side of the room. The one away from listening ears.

"Keep a watch until I get back. I don't want anything getting out of hand, here. Not unless I'm the cause.", I tell him.

"Far be it from me to question the motives of a raving young billionaire with his own personal martini bar, sir."

I raise an eyebrow.

"You didn't have to say that aloud, you know."

"I know.", He says, with a smug look. Smartass.

"...Look. Just keep an eye out. I'll be back momentarily.", I say, as he nods.

As I walk off, I pause, and turn around.

"Oh, and I need you to do something else for me.", I say, looking across the room. "You know that dark haired woman you just showed in? The one with the dull looking escort?

He looks over at Lane and her escort, before nodding. "Indeed. But if I may be so bold, Master Bruce, what exactly is your point?"

"Well, that's Lois Lane. And I want you to buy her a drink."

He raises an eyebrow.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Do it and say it was from Bruce Wayne. Not you. I don't want the press to think badly of their evening tonight.", I tell him.

He nods.

"Whatever you say..."

I smirk, as I head back to Lex.

"Follow me. The study's just right down the hall.", I say, as we exit the room.

As we walk down the hall, passing various guests who don't pay us any real attention, I can't help but wonder what Luthor wants with me. Last time I checked, neither of our companies were on good terms. Maybe a reconciliation?

I remain skeptical. But then again, everything else about tonight has surprised me. I'm surprised the party has lasted this long. I'm surprised Luthor seemed so friendly with me, out there. I'm surprised I haven't died of boredem yet. Maybe this will simply be another addition to the collection...

I allow Lex to walk in ahead of me, as I shut the door behind us. Time to find out why I was taken from my gala. I can only hope it's important enough to require that...

"What's on your mind, Lex?", I ask, taking another sip of my drink.

Good god, I think I'm becoming accustomed to the stuff...

 

[batnkevlar]

IC: Bruce Wayne



I raise an eyebrow, at first. If I were any other man, I would automatically assume this to be something buisness oriented. Then again, I'm not any other man. Needless to say, I'm a bit cautious, given his reputation. But curious, all the same.

I look around the room, seeing the conversation between everyone. I'm sure no one will miss me for a few moments. And I doubt any abscence for that long will help or hurt my truer, greater mission in holding this event. I look over, spotting Alfred out of the corner of my eye. He can handle things while I'm away.

I turn back to him, with a smile and nod.

"Sure thing, Lex. Let me just have a quick word with my aide.", I say, before turning and walking over to Alfred. I look around, before putting my arm over his shoulder, and leading him to the side of the room. The one away from listening ears.

"Keep a watch until I get back. I don't want anything getting out of hand, here. Not unless I'm the cause.", I tell him.

"Far be it from me to question the motives of a raving young billionaire with his own personal martini bar, sir."

I raise an eyebrow.

"You didn't have to say that aloud, you know."

"I know.", He says, with a smug look. Smartass.

"...Look. Just keep an eye out. I'll be back momentarily.", I say, as he nods.

As I walk off, I pause, and turn around.

"Oh, and I need you to do something else for me.", I say, looking across the room. "You know that dark haired woman you just showed in? The one with the dull looking escort?

He looks over at Lane and her escort, before nodding. "Indeed. But if I may be so bold, Master Bruce, what exactly is your point?"

"Well, that's Lois Lane. And I want you to buy her a drink."

He raises an eyebrow.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Do it and say it was from Bruce Wayne. Not you. I don't want the press to think badly of their evening tonight.", I tell him.

He nods.

"Whatever you say..."

I smirk, as I head back to Lex.

"Follow me. The study's just right down the hall.", I say, as we exit the room.

As we walk down the hall, passing various guests who don't pay us any real attention, I can't help but wonder what Luthor wants with me. Last time I checked, neither of our companies were on good terms. Maybe a reconciliation?

I remain skeptical. But then again, everything else about tonight has surprised me. I'm surprised the party has lasted this long. I'm surprised Luthor seemed so friendly with me, out there. I'm surprised I haven't died of boredem yet. Maybe this will simply be another addition to the collection...

I allow Lex to walk in ahead of me, as I shut the door behind us. Time to find out why I was taken from my gala. I can only hope it's important enough to require that...

"What's on your mind, Lex?", I ask, taking another sip of my drink.

Good god, I think I'm becoming accustomed to the stuff...

I look around the study. Small, but nice one just the same.

"Bruce, I'm sure you've been keeping track of the metahumans in the news?"

I pace around.

"How did men like you and I get our power? We inherited it from men who strived hard, and then we strive harder to make it better. 'Tis the natural order of things. These metahumans, they bear gifts that are not there's to have. They cannot control it. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Judging from your lifetsyle, you don't even spend a fraction of what your company earns, so I'll make you an offer."

I face him, man to man.

"A merger between LuthorCorp and Wayne Enterprises. Call it whatever you want to call it. For the greater good of mankind."

I pace again.

"With our combined investments, we can restore man to it's rightful place, on top of the ladder, where we can protect our own, and punish those who abuse their wasted power. We can keep track of these so called metahumans, and in turn, protect ourselves from their threat."

I look at him again.

"What do you think?"

 

[Batman]

IC: Bruce Wayne

I look around the study. Small, but nice one just the same.

"Bruce, I'm sure you've been keeping track of the metahumans in the news?"

I pace around.

"How did men like you and I get our power? We inherited it from men who strived hard, and then we strive harder to make it better. 'Tis the natural order of things. These metahumans, they bear gifts that are not there's to have. They cannot control it. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Judging from your lifetsyle, you don't even spend a fraction of what your company earns, so I'll make you an offer."

I face him, man to man.

"A merger between LuthorCorp and Wayne Enterprises. Call it whatever you want to call it. For the greater good of mankind."

I pace again.

"With our combined investments, we can restore man to it's rightful place, on top of the ladder, where we can protect our own, and punish those who abuse their wasted power. We can keep track of these so called metahumans, and in turn, protect ourselves from their threat."

I look at him again.

"What do you think?"

I think...

I think the man is paranoid. And that's putting it in mild terms.

Yes, metahumans are powerful, provided a select few even exist. The one from Luthor's own home springs to mind. The Nazi, or something... the man who can fly, anyway. And not to mention two of my own guests, this evening: Barry Allen, who has oddly yet to arrive, and Nathan Adam.

But the hostility Luthor brings into his voice when mentioning them certainly leaves me even more curious than before. Why? Why has their extinction suddenly become his priority? A bad experience with one? Or is it simply a matter of... jealousy?

I think I only just realised that he made me an offer for one of, potentially, the biggest mergers in buisness history.

"I think that you've definatley become a man of vision, Lex.", I begin. "But I think the more important question is not what I've heard about these metahumans, but what you've heard about them. If I make due on your offer, my company isn't going to become a target for these people, is it?", I question.

 

[batnkevlar]

IC: Bruce Wayne



I think...

I think the man is paranoid. And that's putting it in mild terms.

Yes, metahumans are powerful, provided a select few even exist. The one from Luthor's own home springs to mind. The Nazi, or something... the man who can fly, anyway. And not to mention two of my own guests, this evening: Barry Allen, who has oddly yet to arrive, and Nathan Adam.

But the hostility Luthor brings into his voice when mentioning them certainly leaves me even more curious than before. Why? Why has their extinction suddenly become his priority? A bad experience with one? Or is it simply a matter of... jealousy?

I think I only just realised that he made me an offer for one of, potentially, the biggest mergers in buisness history.

"I think that you've definatley become a man of vision, Lex.", I begin. "But I think the more important question is not what I've heard about these metahumans, but what you've heard about them. If I make due on your offer, my company isn't going to become a target for these people, is it?", I question.

"Funny you should say that," I replied. "The greatest events in history have transpired because men took risks and saw ways through obstacles. Not ways around, ways through."

I open up a book of Wayne's and open it to a page on Robert E. Lee. A page cannot begin to describe the man he was. A book cannot begin to describe the man I am.

"The biggest merger in business history, Mr. Wayne. We can put the power back into the hands of the righteous. Imagine how many poor orphans could be helped. With the merger, we wouldn't be adding up combined revenues, we'd be multiplying them. And that, my like-minded friend, would make many orphans happy."

I put the book back.

"And no, Bruce, I assure your company will not be a viable target for metahuman frustration."

 

[twylight]

"Well, it wasn't", replied J'onn, "but I have my sources."

"As I'm sure you do as well", he continued with a wink and a smirk.
Truth be told, he did hear of the Isley case, but it was from fellow detectives that he used to keep in touch with. Still, he was picking up the details of the case from Ms. Lance's surface thoughts...as well as her suspicions of him and the Captain.

Ever the detective, J'onn thought to himself.

"Now, how do you know Bruce, if you don't mind me asking", "Tommy" asked Dinah as he took a sip of his drink.

I wave my hand in an abscent fashion.

"Well, if you rememebr a certian party interupted by a man called the 'Scarecrow?' I talked to Mr. Wayne briefly there. Personally I'm wondering why I was even invited tonight." I say frankly something I might regret later, but oh well, win some, lose some. Besides the Doctor was interesting.

"Tell me, in your studying of detective cases, private and public, have you ever heard of my father?"

 

[Batman]

IC: Bruce Wayne

"Funny you should say that," I replied. "The greatest events in history have transpired because men took risks and saw ways through obstacles. Not ways around, ways through."

I open up a book of Wayne's and open it to a page on Robert E. Lee. A page cannot begin to describe the man he was. A book cannot begin to describe the man I am.

"The biggest merger in business history, Mr. Wayne. We can put the power back into the hands of the righteous. Imagine how many poor orphans could be helped. With the merger, we wouldn't be adding up combined revenues, we'd be multiplying them. And that, my like-minded friend, would make many orphans happy."

I put the book back.

Orphans...

The images fly through my mind so fast, I barely even realise it when I've drifted away from the conversation.

"-nd no, Bruce, I assure your company will not be a viable target for metahuman frustration."

I reassume myself, after my... revisiting, as it were. There's no time to dwell on that. Focus on his offer, Bruce. And... it's a big offer. Possibly too big of one, too fast. I don't know if I'm ready to do something like this, yet. My father built Wayne Enterprises up into the buisness that it is today... To add another name to it seems almost disrespectful.

Yet, LuthorCorp isn't nessacarily a name to turn down. It brings it's own level of respect and finance to the name... with our combined investments and family history, it isn't hard to imagine the outcome.

But then again... am I really even concerned with that? I spend less time at the office these days... I'm alot more focused on the streets, and taking on Gotham's criminal element, than I am with the welfare of it. At the same time, maybe that gives me even more reason to accept.

I don't know. I just don't know if I can honestly make a right decision ontop of all of my stresses pertaining to tonight. If I had more time...

"I don't know. I mean, it is a rather considerable offer. And you bring up alot of good points. But...", I continue, "Would I have time to consider this? I just don't know if I can make the decision at this time... I'd have to consider it and go over some things at the office. But I'm definatley interested, Lex. Believe me when I say that."

 

[batnkevlar]

IC: Bruce Wayne



Orphans...

The images fly through my mind so fast, I barely even realise it when I've drifted away from the conversation.

"-nd no, Bruce, I assure your company will not be a viable target for metahuman frustration."

I reassume myself, after my... revisiting, as it were. There's no time to dwell on that. Focus on his offer, Bruce. And... it's a big offer. Possibly too big of one, too fast. I don't know if I'm ready to do something like this, yet. My father built Wayne Enterprises up into the buisness that it is today... To add another name to it seems almost disrespectful.

Yet, LuthorCorp isn't nessacarily a name to turn down. It brings it's own level of respect and finance to the name... with our combined investments and family history, it isn't hard to imagine the outcome.

But then again... am I really even concerned with that? I spend less time at the office these days... I'm alot more focused on the streets, and taking on Gotham's criminal element, than I am with the welfare of it. At the same time, maybe that gives me even more reason to accept.

I don't know. I just don't know if I can honestly make a right decision ontop of all of my stresses pertaining to tonight. If I had more time...

"I don't know. I mean, it is a rather considerable offer. And you bring up alot of good points. But...", I continue, "Would I have time to consider this? I just don't know if I can make the decision at this time... I'd have to consider it and go over some things at the office. But I'm definatley interested, Lex. Believe me when I say that."

"Very well, Bruce. You have two weeks. There are other companies out there. I mean, it might take Sivana Industries and Stagg Corporations to rival the business deal you have here, but if that's what it takes, I can make it a triglomerate. But truth be told, you'd be the best choice."

I open the door to the study.

"I expect the hall's this way?"

 

[Purple Man]

An animal that walks like a man. That is what that rag known as the Daily Planet called him. The mysterious Catman of Africa. Why could he have not been the Mancat of Africa? Did it sound better the other way around, or were they implying that he was more cat than man?

Though he lived, hunted, and ate like the big cats in which he shared a home, he was still very much human. Thomas could speak English fluently, even though his human interaction over the years was quite limited. A stack of moldy books kept his humanity in place.

The great African Catman felt like an animal at the zoo in Gotham City. The dark towers reaching skyward felt like bars trapping him. Keeping him from running free. The smell of the city, the pollution and the rot offended his keen nose. How could people live like this? Decaying like the garbage they surround themselves in.

Prometheus cursed the world when he brought them fire. All one really needed was a strong body and a killer instinct. Life had gone on for billions of years without the machinations of man. How much longer could the world survive with the terminal cancer of humanity?

He had regained some vague semblance of comfort as he stretched out in the luxurious limousine, as they left the urban sprawl for the more quiet surroundings of Wayne manor. Out the tinted window, he could see trees and grass. The beautiful green of nature.

The tuxedo sitting across from him was ignored as Thomas exited the limo. Like an animal on the prowl, his keen eyes surveyed his surroundings before taking a single step. Each move calculated and executed with the utmost care. Taking the doorknob in his firm hand, he opend the door.

Entering cautiously, barefeet were caressed by a carpet that probably cost a ludicrous amount of cash. Several of the less notable party goers were quick to notice that this wildman didn't quite grasp the concept of formal wear. He had arrived just as he left Africa. Clothed only in a tan loin cloth, and a necklace with several different animal teeth, and a glowing green rock as the centerpiece, his face peppered with stubble and his wild blonde hair hanging slightly past his broad shoulders.

Rich men scoffed and made foul comments to one another as rich women gasped in shock, and did what they could to veil the giddy thrill they got at seeing such a bold sight.

The Catman cometh

 

[twylight]

Before the good doctor could answer a wave of gasps rolled across the room as the crowd seemed to part a little. I leaned to my right and peeked around the Doctor, only to retract my head quickly with a jerk and stare at the Doctor blankly.

I bite my lip trying not to laugh and a press my eyes closed for a second before opening them again.

This was a joke, right? A publicity stunt by the spoiled rich kid? Or was it something more sinister, after all villains don't exactly conform to the conventions of modesty.

Just so long as I keep my eyes about the loin cloth I should be alright. I nod to myself, I'll keep what little innocence I have.

 

[The Question]

Lois and I step into the room where the party is. As we do, we're passed by.....

"Tarzan?"

 

[Byrd Man]

Before the good doctor could answer a wave of gasps rolled across the room as the crowd seemed to part a little. I leaned to my right and peeked around the Doctor, only to retract my head quickly with a jerk and stare at the Doctor blankly.

I bite my lip trying not to laugh and a press my eyes closed for a second before opening them again.

This was a joke, right? A publicity stunt by the spoiled rich kid? Or was it something more sinister, after all villains don't exactly conform to the conventions of modesty.

Just so long as I keep my eyes about the loin cloth I should be alright. I nod to myself, I'll keep what little innocence I have.

I see Miss Lance stifle a laugh and bite her lip.

"What? Do I have some food on my face?"

I wipe my face and look behind my shoulder and see what she's laughing at.

"Sweet Christmas! and I was afraid I was underdressed."

A man in a loin cloth has just walked into the party. I turn to my two new acquaintances.

"Well like my momma used to say "It ain't a party till a man in a loin cloth shows up."

I giggle and take another sip of my scotch, The General doesn't talk, he doesn't need too.

 

[Batman]

IC: Bruce Wayne

"Very well, Bruce. You have two weeks. There are other companies out there. I mean, it might take Sivana Industries and Stagg Corporations to rival the business deal you have here, but if that's what it takes, I can make it a triglomerate. But truth be told, you'd be the best choice."

I open the door to the study.

"I expect the hall's this way?"

I nod, once, hiding the underlying thoughts of doubt that I have.

While I am aware of how big of an offer this actually is, and while I have no reason to distrust Luthor... as of yet, mind you... What he doesn't know is the fact that I have spent a fraction of what my company earns. What he doesn't know is that I had to use every last resource at my disposal to immediatley repair the damage done to the mansion when Victor Fries stormed it. What he doesn't know is the constant bribes I had to make to some of my employees in order to gain access to certain areas of the science and technical divisions of my company that would otherwise be unsafe to let in the hands of a "raving young billionaire with his own personal martini bar". What he doesn't know is that I'm currently in the process of paying for a new, better equipped prototype of the Tumbler that was destroyed in the police force's brutal attack on me.

What he doesn't know is that by night, Bruce Wayne, son of the wealthy buisnessman who strived hard to bring Gotham City to a level of decency, dons a cape and cowl in order to continue on and improve that same ideal.

If I was to turn over half of my company's dealings with him in terms of the merging, I would need to cover alot of tracks. Tracks that only a titular owner, or co-owner of Wayne Enterprises could manage to discover. I cannot risk accidentally devulging my identity to Luthor. Especially with his obvious paranoia towards men who can do the nearly impossible. Or in my case, strive to.

As we both walk out, and head back into the party in our own fashions, I notice alot of wide-eyed faces and gasps. I raise an eyebrow, looking around. What could they possibly be-

...

Good god.

I immediately turn to Alfred, who's standing near me.

"Alfred. Remember when I told you to keep an eye out?", I whisper.

"Indeed I do, Sir.", He whispers back, still in shock over our latest guest.

"Well... THIS, among other things, is the kind of situation that I was talking about.", I whisper back, before turning, and cutting through various people towards... Well, I believe I heard someone refer to him as "Tarzan".

"Excuse me... Excuse me, please... Sorry... Excuse me...", I tell various people, barely even paying attention as I try to contemplate just what, exactly, to do.

I can't nessacarily tell him to leave. Not before I know who he is, and if I'm the reason he's here. The loincloth he adorns is hard to tell of origin. It could be anything from sheepskin, to leather. But the necklace, I know I've seen before. Various animal teeth. Mainly unrecogniseable, but a few can be identified as the fangs of many african dwelled cats-

Oh. Oh dear god. It's Blake. Thomas Blake. The man who taught me the importance of animalistic totems is now in my home. In America. In a loincloth, infront of only god knows how many married women. I could swear that I sent him a tuxedo, with his instructions and passports.

And here I was, hoping The Captain wouldn't steal the show...

 

[batnkevlar]

I head out of the study, Bruce Wayne right behind me. It is then I see a man... a beast, perhaps, wearing a loincloth. Only a loincloth.

A Tarzan of sorts. Haha... I doubt any of these "cultured" people have ever even read the novels.

I've heard of this man. His necklace are obviously african in origin, and his loincloth a pelt of some sort. Probably not cat, as he supposedly is their protector.

Catman.

Not Wildcat, that boxer man downtown. This cat is in no way linked to my payroll.

It might prove beneficial to make it so.

I walk up to the man.

"Hello, I am Lex Luthor of LuthorCorp. Please to meet your acquaintence, Mr. Blake..."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

I wave my hand in an absent fashion.

"Well, if you remember a certain party interrupted by a man called the 'Scarecrow?' I talked to Mr. Wayne briefly there. Personally I'm wondering why I was even invited tonight." I say frankly something I might regret later, but oh well, win some, lose some. Besides the Doctor was interesting.

"Tell me, in your studying of detective cases, private and public, have you ever heard of my father?"

Before the good doctor could answer a wave of gasps rolled across the room as the crowd seemed to part a little. I leaned to my right and peeked around the Doctor, only to retract my head quickly with a jerk and stare at the Doctor blankly.

I bite my lip trying not to laugh and a press my eyes closed for a second before opening them again.

This was a joke, right? A publicity stunt by the spoiled rich kid? Or was it something more sinister, after all villains don't exactly conform to the conventions of modesty.

Just so long as I keep my eyes about the loin cloth I should be alright. I nod to myself, I'll keep what little innocence I have.

J'onn had known her father, albeit briefly. He had actually worked with him on a major homicide case a decade ago as John Jones. He was a great detective and...something wasn't right.
J'onn suddenly picked up dozens upon dozens of shocked psychic cries. Cries of repulsion, some of lust...something was definitely getting the people of the party riled up.
J'onn turned around as he saw Dinah look around him and stifle a laugh, and he turned a quizzical eye at the figure he saw enter the room.
Here was a well-built blond-haired man dress in nothing but a loincloth and a tribal necklace.
J'onn immediately performed a quick mental scan of the man's mind to make sure he was not a threat to the innocent people in the room.
He discovered no sense of intended danger from his thoughts, but he did discover a juicy tidbit. This man, Thomas Blake, was connected to Bruce Wayne. That this Catman of Africa had trained Wayne during the boy billionaire's quest that would lead to him becoming the Batman.

Interesting.

I see Miss Lance stifle a laugh and bite her lip.

"What? Do I have some food on my face?"

I wipe my face and look behind my shoulder and see what she's laughing at.

"Sweet Christmas! and I was afraid I was under dressed."

A man in a loin cloth has just walked into the party. I turn to my two new acquaintances.

"Well like my momma used to say "It ain't a party till a man in a loin cloth shows up."

I giggle and take another sip of my scotch, The General doesn't talk, he doesn't need too.

"It would seem so", replied J'onn as he turned back around to the conversation with the Captain and the captivating Ms. Lance.

"And I wonder why I never am able to make it to these kinds of parties", said "Tommy" with a chuckle as he raised his glass and then took a sip.

"Anyway", J'onn went on as he turned to look at Dinah, "to answer your question, Ms. Lance, I have heard of your father. Only briefly though. There was a homicide case he worked about ten or so years ago with another detective that I...read up on."

"From what I read on the case, he seemed to be a very talented detective", continued J'onn in-between sips of his drink, "no doubt he's who you received your impressive detective skills from."

 

[Purple Man]

A warm reception if he ever did see one. Which of course he had not. The Cat stood proud, while the Man grinned at the looks on all those blue bloods faces. A small victory for the wild man in the realm of the elite. Business men, politicians, reporters, lawmen, and all other sorts of people with money would now remember Thomas Blake, if not by name then by appearence. A victory for the few men who would rather protect the Earth, than loot and plunder the dwindling supply of natural resources. Death, War, Famine, and Pestilence, were but play things to these men. Tools to manipulate an ever fearing population. The four horsemen of the apocalypse riding under the banner of the United States of America.

Armani suits and elegant cocktail dresses could not conceal what they really were. Parisites, and viruses. The emerald eyes of a great predator scanned the room, assesing the man or the animal within the party goers. A mild mannered reporter, a detective that seemed to shy away from anyone with a lit cigar or cigarette, a man as if made of metal, all seem to have some special mark on their souls. He knew about marks. Three long claw marks streaked across his chest, never fading memories of the night he battled the Lion king. He never thinks of the outcome, leaving the past buried in its grave.

Thomas could feel Bruce Waynes presence without even seeing him, the dark hair man made no noise when he moved, derived from his alter egos namesake. So how did, the Cat find the Bat? Could the cats sensitive ears pick up the vague ultrasonic cry of the Bat? Did this apply to human beings? They had both embraced their animal totems, they were now more than men. As animals he locked eyes with the young billionaire, connecting at a primal level. Blake was in his jungle now. The Batman and the Catman of Gotham City. He had never heard of the dark knight before, but when the time would come that he heard of the mysterious vigilante, he would know who was behind the mask, or more correctly, who was showing their true face.

He wanted to say something to the one man who he taught to accept their animal totem, the one man who he ever considered a friend. But there was only thing known to be able to get in between a friendship, one thing that could distract even the mightiest of Lions. Women.

Blake knew of her beauty before he had seen her. Her voice like a songbird calling out to the vigilant feline. The Cat and the Canary. If there was any doubt in his head about her animal totem, which there wasn't, when he had looked upon her he knew she was much more than your average, leggy blonde. It took what humanity he had left to keep himself from licking his lips in anticipation. Who got in between him and his prey sent his soaring spirits, crashing to the ground. A bald businessman was definitly not arousing. One could go as far to say that he was anti-arousing.

I head out of the study, Bruce Wayne right behind me. It is then I see a man... a beast, perhaps, wearing a loincloth. Only a loincloth.

A Tarzan of sorts. Haha... I doubt any of these "cultured" people have ever even read the novels.

I've heard of this man. His necklace are obviously african in origin, and his loincloth a pelt of some sort. Probably not cat, as he supposedly is their protector.

Catman.

Not Wildcat, that boxer man downtown. This cat is in no way linked to my payroll.

It might prove beneficial to make it so.

I walk up to the man.

"Hello, I am Lex Luthor of LuthorCorp. Please to meet your acquaintence, Mr. Blake..."

"Luthor..." Emerald cat eyes narrowed, teeth that were rather sharp for a human being formed a predators grin. "The pleasure is all mine. Some men from your corporation once came for my land. My pride had never feasted so well." Memories playing like a movie in his head, brought him back to that day. The first time he had ever killed a human being, the day he realized that guns could not stop him. The day he realized that he was more than a man. He hunted the hunters like an animal. "I have no desire to speak with you, you are everything that is wrong with the world."

The light shining off the bald mans head was painful to look at. He wanted something more easy on the eyes. Now where was that blonde?

 

[twylight]

I see Miss Lance stifle a laugh and bite her lip.

"What? Do I have some food on my face?"

I wipe my face and look behind my shoulder and see what she's laughing at.

"Sweet Christmas! and I was afraid I was underdressed."

A man in a loin cloth has just walked into the party. I turn to my two new acquaintances.

"Well like my momma used to say "It ain't a party till a man in a loin cloth shows up."

I giggle and take another sip of my scotch, The General doesn't talk, he doesn't need too.

"It would seem so", replied J'onn as he turned back around to the conversation with the Captain and the captivating Ms. Lance.

"And I wonder why I never am able to make it to these kinds of parties", said "Tommy" with a chuckle as he raised his glass and then took a sip.

"Anyway", J'onn went on as he turned to look at Dinah, "to answer your question, Ms. Lance, I have heard of your father. Only briefly though. There was a homicide case he worked about ten or so years ago with another detective that I...read up on."

"From what I read on the case, he seemed to be a very talented detective", continued J'onn in-between sips of his drink, "no doubt he's who you received your impressive detective skills from."

"Your mother is a wise woman." I say smiling at Captain Atom as Tommy speaks.

I glance at the man once more as Luthor starts talking to him. I don't envy him at all, before focusing back on Tommy.

"Oh yes, that was one of my favorite cases, I remember when he was working on in." I say lightly covering sadness at the thought of my father, especially that bittersweet case. He'd died shortly afterwards, in fact Slam considered it Dad's last case.

I put on a smile.

"I've only got a fraction of my fathers skills, I doubt I'll ever be as good as he was. I see myself more akin to my mother." I say honestly. Strange, this man makes me feel completely at ease, or is it that I'm hungering for a conversation that doesn't involve me putting up barriers of flirting. Albeit that was fun but this ws enjoyable.

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"Your mother is a wise woman." I say smiling at Captain Atom as Tommy speaks.

I glance at the man once more as Luthor starts talking to him. I don't envy him at all, before focusing back on Tommy.

"Oh yes, that was one of my favorite cases, I remember when he was working on in." I say lightly covering sadness at the thought of my father, especially that bittersweet case. He'd died shortly afterwards, in fact Slam considered it Dad's last case.

I put on a smile.

"I've only got a fraction of my fathers skills, I doubt I'll ever be as good as he was. I see myself more akin to my mother." I say honestly. Strange, this man makes me feel completely at ease, or is it that I'm hungering for a conversation that doesn't involve me putting up barriers of flirting. Albeit that was fun but this was enjoyable.

J'onn smiled warmly, "Do not sell yourself short, Ms. Lance. Although you may not think you are on par with your father, I believe you to be just as capable a detective as he was. In fact, you can put me down for being sure of that...call it a gut feeling."

J'onn's "gut feeling" was more telepathic intuition, but he couldn't tell her that. Though he knew without a shadow of a doubt the potential this woman had within her.

"So, have you worked on any interesting cases lately", asked J'onn as he continued to make small talk as he waited for the arrival of the Flash.

 

[twylight]

J'onn smiled warmly, "Do not sell yourself short, Ms. Lance. Although you may not think you are on par with your father, I believe you to be just as capable a detective as he was. In fact, you can put me down for being sure of that...call it a gut feeling."

J'onn's "gut feeling" was more telepathic intuition, but he couldn't tell her that. Though he knew without a shadow of a doubt the potential this woman had within her.

"So, have you worked on any interesting cases lately", asked J'onn as he continued to make small talk as he waited for the arrival of the Flash.

I raise my eyebrow at him.

"Thank you." I say politely at the praise. It's not something I'm used to and catches me a little off guard.

I give a little internal start but don't allow it to show outwardly. My cases..well there was this one for an ungrateful vigilante. I smile covering up my dark thoughts towards Batman, yes, when I see him he's going to regret that. I should seriously demand payment for these services.

"Nothing official, most people shy away from female detectives, especially ones as young as myself. I am working a little on the murder of a local mob boss but that's in my spare time."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

I raise my eyebrow at him.

"Thank you." I say politely at the praise. It's not something I'm used to and catches me a little off guard.

I give a little internal start but don't allow it to show outwardly. My cases..well there was this one for an ungrateful vigilante. I smile covering up my dark thoughts towards Batman, yes, when I see him he's going to regret that. I should seriously demand payment for these services.

"Nothing official, most people shy away from female detectives, especially ones as young as myself. I am working a little on the murder of a local mob boss but that's in my spare time."

"Yes, it's sad that things like sexism and racism still rear their ugly heads in today's world", replied J'onn with a sad shake of his head.
"I see it a lot in the medical fields as well. People are just not as confident in women doctors and surgeons as they are in their male counterparts."

"Anyway, that's a debate for another time", said J'onn as he continued his conversation with Dinah, "is there anything you can tell me about this case you're working on in your spare time? I'm no detective, but I might be able to help."