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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2011 12:14:54 GMT -5
Now it's Hawkgirl's turn to feel mildly insulted - what does she mean by 'for someone that swings a pretty heavy mace'? Fortunately, now that she has her helmet back on her raised eyebrow is obscured. But she'll let that pass.
Instead her smirk stays as she shakes Mary's hand to seal the 'agreement'. But then she becomes much more serious, "I do have a plan." And certainly not an easy one! "I want you to come get a good look at central Gotham. It isn't normally that big of a hot-spot for crime, but... when someone wants to make a statement around here, that's where they usually strike," she says grimly, "And if only to prove that the FBI isn't stopping them, I suspect that some of this city's major criminals will want to make a statement very soon." Her jaw noticeably tenses as she's talking about what has her the most worried here. A lot of people could end up dying in this city before it's over.
"But what I need you to do is simple: be a hero. No matter what happens, whether the FBI turn on us or not. Especially if the FBI turns on us. They've forced the vigilantes further into the shadows, but the vigilantes all have the same problem: they have only their wits to protect themselves from harm and have to stay in the shadows. People like us can afford to be bolder - to actually be seen out doing what we believe in: stopping criminals and saving lives. To show everyone that we're the good guys and this is a witch hunt," she says, a hint of anger clouding her tone at that last part.
"But because of what I intend to do, there's a good chance I won't be able to help you after awhile: if they want to arrest a hero, I mean to let them," she says, looking over at Mary, "No lives rest on me keeping my identity a secret. What's more, I'm very well known and popular with the public - people may have their doubts about the vigilantes here, but you'd have to be blind and stupid to doubt where I stand. If I were arrested, the public would be outraged. So I haven't been keeping where I live a secret, and if they come for me I don't intend to fight or escape. And even if that doesn't work as well as I hope, at the very least it will serve as a warning to everyone else: if they're willing to arrest me, then nobody is safe. And most of them have far more to lose than I do." And in spite of the very risky and daring nature of her idea, she seems to be perfectly calm about it. Which shouldn't be a surprise - this is Hawkgirl we're talking about.
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Post by mm on Oct 31, 2011 13:02:41 GMT -5
Hawkgirl's demeanor wasn't the only one growing more serious as the allies flew side by side, heading into the heart of central Gotham. Mary Marvel's face was like stone, more aware now than ever that the risk of have federal agents jumping out from behind every corner was a legitimate risk. Not that their guns would harm her but if they waved them in her face would she fight back or surrender for the greater good? The revelation that was Hawkgirl's brilliant idea made Mary's own potential decision that much harder to make if it ever comes to that.
"You know I can find at least a half dozen things wrong with that idea of yours. but what irks me the most is that it makes sense no matter much I would hate to see you place your neck in a noose, Shayera." She wanted to just shake her head and tell Hawkgirl how crazy she suddenly thought she was but she couldn't because her idea was logical. Not pleasant but probably logical, and because Hawkgirl would never listen anyway if her mind was really made up. The fairer sex was just stubborn like that and if it were Mary, she would never let anyone talk her out of it either.
"I don't admit to something like this very often Hawkgirl but I don't know if I can handle it without a shoulder like yours Hawkgirl I wish you'd reconsider." She frowned, her eyes cast downward while they kept flying, scouring the streets below in search of anything or anyone that need saving. "The vigilantes have more than their wits to help defend them. They have us also. Speaking of which, where do you currently stand with Batman and the other members of the Bat-Family in the midst of all the turmoil? Have you spoken to any of them?" She asked with a visibly noticeable raised eyebrow of her own this time.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2011 14:27:25 GMT -5
"Hmm, don't tempt me, Mary," Hawkgirl says quietly, "I ask myself at least once a day whether or not I should go through with it, but the fact is that if I can stop the FBI that way, I'll be doing more good for everyone than I could ever do while staying free. Honestly, I'm sure the hardest part for me would be sitting there guessing what's happening to the city and keeping myself from busting out to come help." It simply isn't in Hawkgirl's nature to sit idly by while others are having to fight. If there was anyone else who could play the role she's picked better than she can, she'd gladly let them have it.
When asked about the vigilantes, Hawkgirl nods, "I spoke to Batman. I didn't get the chance to tell him my plan, but I convinced him that because of all that's been happening he needs to relax his normal policy on who he 'allows' in 'his' city. He isn't normally a fan of heroes in Gotham, but given the circumstances he needs the help. With all the vigilantes being chased by the FBI, he and the others are having to cut back. Both he and you will get all the help I can give for as long as I can give it. But I'm sure you'll do fine without me when it comes to that - just watch yourself. This isn't Metropolis."
She slows as they approach the city center, which is dominated by the City Hall and other grand public buildings, as well as the massive Robinson Park. "The thing to keep in mind about Gotham is that while the criminals around here aren't extremely powerful, most of them are extremely clever and at least partway insane. Never put anything past them - they'll literally do anything. They're the type of people who would plant bombs in a crowd for no other reason than that they think it's funny." And, based on Hawkgirl's tone, she's absolutely disgusted by all of them.
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Last Edit: Oct 31, 2011 19:23:48 GMT -5 by mm
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Post by mm on Oct 31, 2011 19:12:42 GMT -5
"Well, I am not trying to steal your thunder Hawkgirl. Not in the least. Though as I said I would hate to see you behind bars. That would be very selfless and very noble on your part. Still I can't help thinking just now. Maybe it would make more of an impact and away more people against what the FBI is doing if someone with more to lose attempted your idea. Nothing against you at all but if someone with an identity that's secret, someone with a family to protect had the things they care about stripped from them with their rights when they surrendered and were locked up, it might make more people sit up and take notice." Mary sighed softly, now deep in thought but a big surprised those words just came from her mouth. She could only speculate if Hawkgirl caught on to where she was headed with her statement.
"Although I had been doing most of my crimefighting in Metropolis I am not completely unaware of some of the villains. I've lived here for a little while and they always seem to be on the news or splashed across front pages. I would never put anything past them. Just like the bible says about Satan though, he disguises himself as an angel of light, though he is the most evil and foul of all beings. The evil in some people is harder to spot than others but your words make sense my friend."
Her face remains stoic as they approach the park, Mary's watching eyes continuing to watch every detail as closely as possible while the people far below them seem to spot them. "This park is really beautiful, been here to jog a few times already. Anything in particular I should know about this area?"
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2011 20:47:34 GMT -5
Oh, Hawkgirl knows where Mary is going with that, all right. But she'll hang onto that comment for a moment. Instead she nods to what Mary says about the criminals. "It's one thing to see something in the news, another to be there in person, and another to take the responsibility upon yourself to respond. But if you expect the unexpected, then you should do fine."
She looks around at the surrounding landscape and comments, "It must be nice being able to blend in." She can't land anywhere this public without causing a small riot of people wanting to meet her unless there's an emergency, in which case she's too busy working to enjoy it. She notices the attention that the two of them are getting on the street below, but she doesn't pay it much mind - the people in Gotham aren't really used to seeing flying heroes, but perhaps it would be good for them to get used to the sight. They need to know that in spite of the trouble the FBI are causing, there are others looking out for them.
"The thing to know about this area is that there's been a number of problems between the FBI and the newly homeless. A lot of people have lost their jobs, get kicked out of their apartments when they can't pay their rent. The smart ones find somewhere to squat. The rest come here because they can't leave the city and don't know where to go, and the FBI pick them up for violating the curfew," she frowns and shakes her head - what can a hero do with a problem like that? It's definitely better to get the FBI out of here as quickly as possible.
It's then that she goes back to Mary's first comment. As they pass the park and approach the University she looks at Mary and asks, "Have you ever been arrested?"
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Post by mm on Nov 1, 2011 2:38:07 GMT -5
Mary , as she had been, was wisely listening to every piece of 411 Shayera filled her in on. Indeed, what CAN a hero do with a problem like that? There had to be something and between the wisdom of Solomon and her own intelligence hopefully Mary thought she'd be able to think of something. Her heart went out to the homeless and her face became an angry scowl at the sight of the government picking them up and throwing them in prison like they were picking trash off the street and throwing it into a dumpster. That thought started to drive her livid.
It was the question that Hawkgirl asked when they came close to the university and it's campus though that made the heart of the Maiden of Might skip a beat. One day. One very bad day. The memories struck her like the lightning bolt that triggers her transformation. That's the problem with having a virtually photographic memory. The bad horrible memories burn just as vividly as the good times.
She should have expected such a question to come eventually but it still surprised her. Based on everything they'd been talking about she still should have expected it...but she didn't. The smile ran away from her face as she put the figurative brakes on, pulling up and standing upright in mid-air, her cape twisting in the air as she turned with her back facing Hawkgirl now. She folded her arms across the chest as she remembered the scariest moment of her life. Not her life per se' but the life of the powerless 18 year old this Maid of Might shared space with.
"I...I need to go." She stretched out again as though she were preparing to take off; silently wondering if Hawkgirl would believe the truth even if Mary had told her.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2011 11:51:01 GMT -5
Well, that certainly isn't the sort of response she was expecting that question! Hawkgirl stops suddenly herself. But though it's a bit trickier for her to stay stopped since it's her wings keeping her in the air, there's enough of a wind for her to manage. And, skilled as she is at flying, she actually doesn't really need to think about it much.
Instead her sharp eyes quickly take in Mary's movements and she immediately says, "Hey, you don't have to answer that if you don't want to. Though if you do, I'm a good listener. Either way, you don't need to leave." Though Hawkgirl is one to normally talk with boldness and authority, suddenly her voice has taken on a quiet, almost motherly tone to it. She is, after all, considerably older and more experienced than the young woman - either side of her. And she really is a good listener, in spite of her independent nature.
On the other hand, if Mary feels the need to take off, Hawkgirl knows that the young woman could easily out-pace her so she wouldn't bother trying to follow. Not that she's likely to be of much help to anyone who doesn't want it - assisting someone in that situation takes a certain gentle finesse that's well beyond her personality.
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Post by mm on Nov 1, 2011 12:38:06 GMT -5
The first thought that popped into Mary's mind when Hawkgirl asked the surprise question was instant judgmentalism. She'd only started getting to know Hawkgirl and she was getting comfortable being around her already. Mary was never really a shy one and always seemed to make friends rather easily. She felt as if she had already made a new one in addition to having someone to watch her back and vice versa here in Gotham as alien as this city still was to her costumed identity and her to it. Now she feared that if she told Hawkgirl the answer she sought that she'd get snubbed. Still she had already non-verbally given a response for all intents and purposes by her sudden action. Might as well take what's coming and face the music.
The Maiden of might pulled up in her tracks again, still leveled horizontally but turning her head ever so slightly to let her soft blue eyes taking Hawkgirl's from the visage again. Cracking a faint smile at Hawkgirl's apparent understand Mary pulled her legs up, switching positions until she was standing vertical and drifted back until she was face to face with the Thanagarian once more.
"The answer to your question is yes. Surprised?" She whispered, making direct eye contact but keeping her voice calm and her expression collected. "I've had a bit of a police record and I don't know if it's ever been completely erased. They tell me it has but now with what's happening in the FBI you never know. Fortunately that's all about the other me, my alter ego. It's a long story but I am innocent of what I was accused of. To make the story short I was accused of shoplifting once after I had run away from home following an argument with my adopted parents. Accused of shoplifting by a sleazy cop who just wanted an excuse to paw me. I was groped and nearly molested. The rest of the story is complicated and I would rather not go into it right now."
She sighed deeply and tried to shake the memories out of her head, pausing for a few moments before explaining her current stance further. "My bottom line is I am not too comfortable with the police in general and I don't normally tell people what I just told you. On the other hand sometimes there are things you just have to do whether you like it or not at the risk of your own comfort zone. I may not like the idea of being arrested, having my identity exposed and putting certain people at risk but like the lyrics of an old song that I like go; Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose and nothing is worth nothing if it ain't free or something like that. I would do what I had to for the greater good if the need arose. Do you understand what I am saying?" She smiled a bit wider, growing more curious about what Hawkgirl must think of her now.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2011 13:51:12 GMT -5
Hawkgirl is quiet at Mary tells her story, her face showing nothing but simple attentiveness. Though when it's finished, she's very quick to ask, "Did you really think that would make me think less of you?" She shakes her head to answer that question herself. "That just makes me want to track down and beat up a certain sleazy cop," she says honestly. She's hardly going to go blaming someone for something that someone else did to them.
But since that's a more delicate topic and not even the matter at hand, she adds, "Don't think that I don't appreciate that you're willing, but just because you have more to give up does not mean you'd be any more effective at changing the public opinion that I would. And I can do it without risking anyone else's life. And I've experienced worse than arrest; I've been taken prisoner before."
She hastily amends the story in her mind into one that fits her cover as a Thanagarian peace officer, "It was back on Thanagar: I'd managed to track down a group of criminals to their stronghold, and we quickly organized a raid to arrest them. But they'd been expecting us and had a trap ready, and we were caught. It was nine months before my team was rescued and not all of us made it - to say that we were not well treated would be putting it mildly. The idea of being held by the FBI means nothing to me compared to that, and that's the other reason I'm perfect for the job." And to judge by how utterly unflinching she is about telling that story, she's at peace with the memory. And she hopes that's enough to dissuade Mary from her idea; offering yourself up to the hands of an enemy is not a child's game.
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Post by mm on Nov 1, 2011 21:36:42 GMT -5
Mary could appreciate Hawkgirl's logic. It didn't mean she agreed with her and it didn't mean she was going to let Hawkgirl talk her out of it. When the time came she wasn't sure what she'd do. If they were together at the time, chances are they wouldn't be but if they were would she just let the government imprison Shayera or would she force them to put her away in Shayera's place? She'd have to think on that but she was done arguing it out with Shayera for the moment. Time to change the subject. Going around in circles about it was counter-productive right now when they had more important things to take care of, such as sweeping the skies of Gotham in such of criminal activity that needed a lid put on it.
"I see your point." was her only response before she waved and started to drift off, motioning for Hawkgirl to continue the tour so they could get back to business. "The tour you've given me has been very informative, Hawkgirl. I'm surprised that nothing seems to be happening so far. It's a good surprise though. Where are we headed next?"
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2011 22:10:26 GMT -5
Hawkgirl nods and turns southeast, picking up speed again as she comments, "East Gotham. While I'm certain the criminals will use central Gotham to make their statements, the current trouble is, as is usually the case, centered in east Gotham. With the FBI cracking down on the street crime and setting a curfew, you don't see as many criminals. But when you do... The level of violence just keeps going up." She shakes her head.
"Though half of the time there's a disturbance, it isn't crime but the FBI raiding somewhere new. I don't think it's a good idea to interfere at all with that - that's how they caught the Question," she frowns slightly as she adds, "He's lucky to have escaped. Even luckier to have survived." While Hawkgirl can fully support the idea of risking one's own life to save an innocent, she doesn't think that it was necessarily wise for him to have done it in that case. Then again, smart as the Question is, he has this... 'thing' about the government.
"Which reminds me of something you should know: Huntress told me that he said that they have a girl working for them that can read minds. Another reason you should avoid them. Thanagarian minds, fortunately, naturally defend themselves against mind-reading - even J'onn doesn't read my thoughts." She frowns, once again hoping that they don't try; she doesn't want the girl to get hurt, no matter who she's working for.
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Post by mm on Nov 1, 2011 22:45:03 GMT -5
Mary's shoulders stiffened & shuddered slightly, when Hawkgirl mentioned East Gotham. "Believe me, you don't have to tell me how bad the east side is. Sheer filth judging by the poor state of the buildings. the dirtiest streets in all of Gotham and what bothers me even more than how people can stand to live like that is how the government just sits back and let's it happen instead of using the tax money they gather to clean that neighborhood up. I have flown over that area before and I can feel the bad vibes radiating even from miles overhead." She frowned, continuing to watch the landscape as they flew in tandem.
"I don't plan on confronting them unless I have to, especially after what you just said about them having a mind reader on their team. Last thing I need is for them to tap into my head. I'm as good as toast after that. Wouldn't be surprised then if they tried to nail me for breaking curfew once they know my secrets. Don't need that." She chimed in. "Is it just me or does this seem like an unusually calm city since we have been patrolling. Not that I am complaining but I shudder to think it might only be a calm before a storm."
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2011 23:15:28 GMT -5
Even as they approach the worn apartment buildings in east Gotham, Hawkgirl doesn't slow. Instead she angles their path so that they'll fly over the warehouse district near the dockyards. The port used to be bustling with activity day and night, but with the embargo in place it's strangely empty. "Many of the people who live here in east Gotham don't really want to, but the housing here is dirt cheap and all they can afford in the city. It's the ones who want to live here so that they exploit the others that are the problem. Oh, and that's my building over there - I'm renting the loft above the top floor," she adds, pointing at a skyscraper with a thin spire on top. The building looks like it used to actually be a rather nice structure, but that would have been a long time ago.
"And yes, that's exactly how I'd describe it; the calm before the storm. The FBI have several major criminal groups backed into a corner - forcing them to change locations every night, arresting their men. And we all know what happens when you corner something meaner than you," she comments with a frown. "While I can easily root for the authorities when they're going after actual criminals instead of my friends, I'm afraid that they'll underestimate what they're up against. Who are they to think that they can succeed in this fashion when Batman hasn't in his?" Which is actually only the barest of hints about just how much respect that Hawkgirl feels for the dark knight. The two of them can disagree forever about methods, but he's the single toughest human being she's ever met and she can't ignore that.
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Post by mm on Nov 2, 2011 9:49:16 GMT -5
The first thought dancing it's way between Mary's ears, in one and out the other, filling it with other thoughts as they flew over this section was that Hawkgirl sure picked the right area to live in. Not that she didn't deserve better but that more than anything else she'd seen so far, this section need a protector unto itself the most. She imagined that the citizens of this east side probably held Hawkgirl in high regard, as a beacon of hope with wings on perhaps. "Thanks for telling me, that will definitely cut down on the time it takes to find you when I need you." She gave her most heartening smile while winking at Shayera. Although I can't say I am not partially temped to beat up those doing the exploiting the way you wanted to beat up a sleazy cop earlier. Seriously do they not know better or just not give a.....just not care?"
Mary sighed softly and shook her head. "It's actually because of Batman that Captain Marvel and I discovered each other after years of separation so while I may not agree with all of his methods I do have alot of respect for him. As long as they are helping combat actual criminals then I will give whatever help I can. If the villains want a storm, I've got plenty of lightning to accommodate them." She gave a slow nod and cracked her knuckles, while waiting for Shayera to continue the tour.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2011 11:42:59 GMT -5
The unpleasantness of the neighborhood was actually one of the selling points to Hawkgirl when it came to her choice of residence. Since she doesn't hide where she lives, everyone in the building and most people in the area know that she lives there and as a result the amount of crime in the immediate area plummeted to almost nothing without her having to do anything but move in. Sure, that was mostly because the criminals there wisely took their business elsewhere instead of changing their ways, but at least the local residents can know that they're living in safety. Too bad her influence only extends for a couple of blocks in each direction.
And it's not like Hawkgirl is suffering because of her choice - her needs for a place to live are... unique. It mostly has to do with the height of the ceilings, the openness of the layout, the ease of access to the outside, and lack of easy access from the inside. Where she's living now was never intended to be lived in, actually, but it was easily converted and the building's owner is happy to be collecting rent on what's effectively an extra apartment.
"If you visit, remember it's not secure. Never come as your normal self," she warns, but her smile indicates that Mary's welcome to. Which is the exact opposite of Hawkgirl visiting Mary's place - that she'd only do in an extreme emergency and very cautiously. She's certain that Mary Bromfield wouldn't like having to explain why a superhero paid her a visit if she was spotted doing it. Mary Marvel visiting Hawkgirl, on the other hand, would surprise nobody.
"Oh, I've already beaten up a number of them. Problem is, there's many more where they came from. And it's a mix - some of them genuinely don't know that there's a better way, while others are simply out for themselves," she says as she slows, the warehouse district now passing beneath them. A vast field of large, featureless buildings dominate the area. "This is ground zero for a lot of the worst fights between rival gangs and with the FBI. These buildings are where many of them hide their weapons, contraband, and other equipment. And, increasingly, where they hide themselves. Trouble is, there are so many buildings that are perfectly legitimate that it can be difficult to weed them out. Especially since this a part of my regular patrol, they know it, and they've gotten very clever at keeping what they're doing invisible or perfectly normal looking from the air," she says, a hint of annoyance clouding her tone. She hates it when criminals try to stop her from stopping them!
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