A Belated Apology (Nina)

[jimgordon]

A subtle silver saloon crept its way through the busy streets of Gotham's west end, maintaining a low profile. Despite the importance of its driver, Commissioner James Gordon, the car drifted under the radar. This was not official business, nor was it a dodgy underground dealing. What this was, initially, was something all too rare amongst activities of the GCPD - a kind-hearted personal mission. There was no money or power at stake, nor were there any reputations of Gotham's finest on the line. The only possible ulterior motive Jim harbored was the faintest bit of curiosity, and a concerned curiosity at that; he hadn't got her face out of his head all week, wondering how exactly such a seemingly innocent and successful young woman could get caught up in the crazier side of Arkham's inmates' dark antics. Ex-beat cop Gordon knew better than most how easy it could be to wind up on the wrong end of a knife or gun or a shoddily put together eviction notice on the city's lonely streets, but to wind up on the wrong end of green and purple question marks was another matter entirely. Most of what Jim could deduce from reading over the landfill of reports left over from the FBI nonsense was that Nina Stenet had been systematically targeted frequently, for varying reasons by various people from various corners of the blurry good-evil-lunacy spectrum. Unfortunately, as much as Nina appeared to be yet another of Gotham's victims, she was treated with severe aggression from the feds. Jim lowered his brow and squinted as he struggled to listen to her voice, which had been fixed into his head ever since he had seen the video. So much so that he'd forgotten about the husky-voiced mask who handed the tape to him, relegating that figure to the back depths of his mind for now. As much as Jim had his questions, he knew deep down that a sincere apology was the first order of the day.
"Poor girl..." he muttered to himself with an honest sadness.

Jim turned his car onto the street where he supposed he needed to be, though it wasn't a journey he was comfortable with. The commissioner may have had to take up office on the west side of Gotham City, but he certainly didn't enjoy being there, which made much of the streets a new adventure. It was full of robotic people, marveling at their profit figures whilst some meek mother of four mops their floor and shines their shoes. He could just about make out one of the worst offenders, Wayne Enterprises, in the distance. The man himself didn't seem so bad, probably just another victim of circumstance, but the people sitting on that top floor were as vulturous as the rest. Jim was so focused on his deep trails of thought that he nearly slammed into the car in front, but he managed to slam the breaks on and jolt himself just in time. He knocked his head on the steering wheel, cursing what he believed to be a symptom of aging, probably because he wouldn't like to admit he'd made a genuine mistake driving, which was the much clearer sign of aging of course. As he did though, resting his head on its side in the build-up of traffic, he noticed the Stenet Labs sign right next to where he'd come to a halt. For once the powers that be had cut the commissioner some slack. Jim took his opportunity quickly and pulled onto the pavement outside, looking rather pleased with himself.

It was almost as though the smell of smug in the air had activated Jim's gag reflex as he stepped out of the car and closed the door. He cleared his throat excessively and messed with his tie, loosening it ever so slightly in some futile attempt to distance himself from the people around him. He was wearing, as was usual, a beige trench coat over a white shirt and black tie. Young Barbara had so often told her dad to loosen up and try some new looks for a change, but he rarely did. They were comfy and, more importantly to Jim, made him look significantly less official than the poster boy detectives surrounding him all day with their slick Italian suits, paid for in all likelihood by Rupert Thorne or another of Gotham's social pillars. James Gordon ensured he had nothing in common with such men. Before heading inside Jim opened up the boot of his car and pulled a thick brown envelope out. He stared at it for a while, still unsure as to whether he was doing the right thing in taking it to Nina. Once again though it felt like the slightly less-official but correct solution. It would be no use to the police department anymore anyway, given their limited power over such matters. Jim squeezed it into the inside pocket of his coat and locked his car up. He had a quick sigh to himself. It wasn't easy coming to the realisation that doing the right thing was quite a lonely old hobby in Gotham City.

Barely noticing the lab's unimposing outside features Jim stepped through the front door into the relatively small building. He didn't really like to judge given that Nina may well have had a preference for a small workspace, but it seemed like the unfortunate twists and turns in her recent life had taken their toll. Jim remembered very well the reports on the old lab being blown to pieces and the feeling of deep regret he experienced. He also couldn't help thinking that perhaps then was the time to go and apologise, not now, feds or no feds. In truth the time he had been spending clearing up the mess and chaos from that whole scandal had been quite productive work, but Jim didn't see it that way. At the very least he could see a couple of causes he could have committed himself to than paperwork in hindsight, but that was the nature of the job these days, especially as commissioner. 'Keep crime figures down first, worry about actually stopping and preventing crime later' - those were the mayor's instructions, but Jim had never been too good at following orders, more so the ones he didn't agree with. All things considered though, at that one moment in time, he couldn't come to any other conclusion than he should've been where he was standing, doing what he was doing, much earlier. It was hard to take, but more than likely something he wouldn't do again. Sometimes he wondered if his job title was even important given the trouble it caused.

Looking quite awkward as he lingered in the reception area, Jim tip toed over to the only desk he could find. He wasn't really used to such a quiet working environment, usually finding himself surrounded by hundreds of ranting and raving police officers and city officials. It was nice, the lab's atmosphere, but Jim couldn't quite get used to it. The commissioner probably thrived on having corrupt bureaucrats storming out of his office every day.
"Hello," he began, peering over the counter, and then Jim paused for just a little too long. He realised he had no idea what to say, he realised he'd made no appointment and had really no reason for being here in whoever's eyes were looking back at him from the desk. This presented more of a problem when he was really in no mood to be declaring that he was the GCPD Commissioner. But then they'd know, wouldn't they? Maybe not. But surely they would. Jim really had no idea.
"My name is.. er, James Gordon. Is Ms. Stenet available?" Jim's voice was cautious and high-pitched as he tried his best to be as polite as he could. He was beginning to feel that sense of worry creep in as he wondered if Nina would even want an apology. Maybe she wanted nothing to do with him. Maybe his coming here today was just going to be a well-meaning, disastrously-conclusive visit. Jim gulped and pushed his glasses up as they slid down his nose, now just as prepared to leave as he was to say sorry. He felt just a tad ridiculous, to say the least.

[Nina Stenet]

When a silver car pulls into the small parking lot outside of the lab, Shawty glances up from her paperwork to look out the window. Visitors are an unusual occurrence at Stenet Labs, as they mainly interact with other, larger corporations who rarely want to do anything in person. And with Dr. Stenet's personal safety always in the back if not the front of Shawty's mind, she's very quick to spot something like that. Though when she sees only one man in the car she isn't much worried. Especially if Dr. Stenet is involved, any threat from one person is probably easily solved, though after their recent meeting with the Scarecrow both women are somewhat more cautious than usual - and they're usually pretty cautious.

But as the man steps through the door and she sees him properly, she knows that her biggest worries are unfounded - she rather doubts that the commissioner would hurt Dr. Stenet. There's always the worry of legal trouble, but since she'd suspect that if it was anything to worry about then he wouldn't have come alone. So she nods politely to his greeting, and when he introduces himself and asks for her boss she says, "Commissioner Gordon. If you'll give me a moment, I'll inform Doctor Stenet that you're here and ask if she'd mind an interruption." She admits her recognition easily, remembering him well from playing backup for Dr. Stenet when she delivered a certain envelope while wearing a certain disguise, though if asked she could easily give several other equally true reasons why she'd know him on sight. Her tone is very polite, even as she corrects him on Dr. Stenet's title, not unfriendly but very business-like.

Quick to leave the reception desk, Shawty heads for the short hallway that connects to most of the other rooms in the building. As she steps into the lab area, she sees Dr. Stenet neck deep in petri dishes and clears her throat a little. "Dr. Stenet, Gordon is here to see you," she says.

Nina glances up at that, not needing any clarification on who Shawty means. She frowns immediately in thought, almost reflexively trying to work out exactly why he'd be visiting her now. The only thing to happen recently outside of the normal tedium that has become of her everyday life has been a couple of unwanted meals with a couple of people she'd rather not know, though of course other past events could easily come back to haunt her if the right bit of information has come to the commissioner's attention. Yet she easily remembers when she met him, even though she was pretending to be someone else at the time. Though she's still a bit on edge about anything to do with the authorities since that whole mess with the FBI, she also remembers how fair and understanding he seemed to be and therefore has cause to be optimistic about his purpose in being here.

Then again, optimism has been a rather hard thing for Nina to feel recently. It's been far too easy for her to wallow in self-pity instead, especially when she's not absorbed in her work. She's been throwing herself into it, both as a distraction and in hopes that it will somehow restore her sense of purpose and happiness. No luck with that plan yet, however. At best her work is merely something to live for - something that keeps her alive even though she's hardly happy with her life. She'll admit that she's severely depressed, though she isn't quite sure what to do about it. It's not like she's going to go tell a psychologist that she's upset that the Riddler doesn't want to see her again. Instead she's trying to figure out why she didn't feel this intense sense of emptiness before she met Edward - if only she could get that back. She'd been perfectly content with a life without Edward before she met him, so why can't she have that again?

Pulling herself out of those thoughts, she nods to Shawty and comments, "This can wait." Shifting one of the petri dishes so that she'll remember which one she was working on, she stands and follows Shawty back to the reception area. As she reaches the reception area, she forces a polite smile. "This is an unexpected surprise, Commissioner Gordon," she comments, holding out a hand, "What can I do for you?" Regardless of his reason for being here it doesn't hurt to be polite, so unless and until he gives her a reason to act otherwise, that's what she'll do. Shawty, meanwhile, returns behind the reception desk to continue with her paperwork, though her observant eyes continue to watch both of them.

Nina doesn't look much different now than she did in the video, not being one to vary her appearance that much, though the look in her eyes is noticeably different. As she'd explained what the FBI had done to her, she'd been full of fire and self-righteous anger, but now her eyes are tired and dull.

[jimgordon]

A quick tug of his collar and clearing of his throat confirmed Jim's unease when he heard the words 'Commissioner Gordon' come out of the woman's mouth. Whatever convenient reasoning he had for assuming people wouldn't no seemed exactly that, convenient, not applicable. Maybe if he had some other clothes Jim's disguises would consist of more than just not leaving his badge in his top pocket. It was ludicrous really to assume people wouldn't know the face of one of her heroes (or name, at least), but Jim could never really see himself in the light that others did. He was a just a cop, right? All the attention didn't feel right in his own self-deprecating heart of hearts. Jim was a little in the dark, of course, not knowing the real reason behind Shawty knowing his features from a mile off. He therefore hung his head and coughed once more for all of half a second, before shooting into life with his eyes wide as he was corrected.
"Doctor Stenet!" he yelled, almost interrupting the receptionist with his fretting tones. Normally Jim wasn't a massive fan of such titles, normally he'd get them wrong on purpose. That day, though, Jim convinced himself that only his best behavior would do. He was relieved of any embarrassment as the receptionist went on her way to find Nina.

Jim took the opportunity to have a little look around whilst Nina made her way to him, although he stood stiff as a rock as he did so. It wasn't his business, after all, to go rooting around Dr. Stenet's things, even if she was an incredibly intriguing woman. So many questions of Jim's could likely be answered by glancing at a few pages in the folders on the reception desk. Maybe. Maybe not. Before Jim could find out though, and not that he knew he wanted to find out the answers to his questions in such a manner, he'd need one of two things: a warrant, or a Batman. It didn't matter how focused he was on the job at hand, Jim always had Gotham's famous protector in the back of his mind, wondering what role he'd play in this new episode of the city's drama. At this stage, Jim was tempted to go straight to the bat signal tonight and ensure Batman backed off from any investigation he may be carrying out into Dr. Stenet, but he knew it would be futile. And stupid. After all, if Batman had a hunch, it was probably worth following up on. Jim had to remember that he wasn't Nina's protector, even after seeing that video. It was hard, sometimes, to not feel like he could have done more, known earlier about this and so many other atrocities committed by that gang of rotten thugs, the FBI. But trying to call off any investigation into a woman who had previous dealings with Riddler and the feds, even as a victim, was not a wise move, and deep down the wily old detective in Jim knew it. He had to maintain an 'open mind'.

Nina's introduction took Jim by surprise, but for once he didn't look like an oaf as he jumped, quickly offering the doctor a smile. The first thing he noticed was how different Nina looked, which Jim picked up on in the first few seconds. She didn't look like somebody who needed help, or calming down, or anything really. She looked fed up with work, sure, but even a committed-to-justice police commissioner looked a little weary from time to time. Jim found himself questioning the absurdity of his situation once again. It all seemed like such a good idea when he set off from the station, one good deed in a world of evil, very idealistic. Now it was coming to light to Jim that this wasn't going to go flawlessly; in fact, it'd probably be very awkward and realistic, nothing at all like he had imagined. Jim took a deep breath in and shook Dr. Stenet's outreaching hand with a firm grasp, conjuring a fake grin as he worried about her response once she knew why he was here. None of this was doing the old man's heart any good at all.
"Yes, it is a little," Jim responded, hinting that the whole thing was something of a surprise to himself. His carefully constructed plan seemed to be getting more impulsive by the minute.

"Pleasure to see you, in the flesh, Dr. Stenet." Jim didn't think initially that Nina may have no idea the masked person had handed him that video tape. The mask may have mentioned she was sent by the doctor, or something, but he couldn't remember too well. It was all very fuzzy. Despite what you see on TV, the work of a detective is not fit for aging men.
"I mean, you know, the odd news story here and there has featured pictures of you and the like." Jim nervously corrected himself, not wanting to get too deep into their discussion straight away. He looked around and chuckled to himself, trying to laugh off his mistake, when he saw the receptionist glancing at him with piercing eyes. She seemed a little tense, as though their presence was maybe disturbing her work. She was being subtle, but Jim was a good detective. He felt slightly uneasy as she watched him, even when he turned to face Nina again. Jim had no idea that she was much more than just a phone-answerer to Dr. Stenet.

"I just have a few things to, er, iron out, I suppose. It's very unofficial. Is there somewhere we can talk?" Despite trying to seem friendly, Jim probably came across as a little strange and creepy. Why wouldn't he just say why he was here? It felt a little strange to just say 'I'm here to say sorry', but this song and dance was getting laughable. He hoped he wouldn't be treated by Nina the same way he'd treat a man, who he'd never actually spoken to face-to-face before, coming into his office and asking for a chat. Jim was fully prepared to be shown to the door, but he desperately hoped that he wouldn't be.

[Nina Stenet]

Fortunately for Gordon, both Nina and Shawty only expect a certain level of perfection from him and it's certainly less than total. In fact, Nina would judge it to actually be to her benefit if the man was less than perfect. She has, after all, done a number of things that she'd rather him not know about. None of them could be discovered by perusing the files that she keeps in her office, however. The few slim clues that may hint at any of that are carefully hidden away in her apartment, and there's very little of that. Partly because it's only prudent and partly because anything connected with any of those events inevitably reminds her of Edward, and being reminded of Edward has not been a good thing for her.

She returns the man's handshake with a firm one of her own. Her polite smile eases quickly into a rather passive expression as he comments on the ways he's seen her before. "Among other things, I'd imagine," she comments mildly. Given just how much attention she's gotten from practically every other player in Gotham's cops and robber game, the fact that she still has some attention coming from the GCPD isn't shocking in the least even if his visit now is unexpected and somewhat concerning.

Though when he says that he's just here to ask a few questions, if anything her expression relaxes just a little. Not completely, as there's always the matter of exactly what kind of questions he's planning on asking, but that rules out the worst case scenarios of reasons for his visit at least. What doesn't ease up at all is Shawty's quiet observations of them, but then again over-protectiveness is a good trait for a bodyguard to have.

Nina nods immediately to his question, saying, "Of course, I understand. And yes, we can go to my office. It's just this way." There's a number of reasons why she wouldn't refuse answering a few questions, so she easily and immediately agrees to it. The small room that she heads toward is not far down the main hallway, which is sparsely decorated due to the building's primary function as a laboratory. Nina's office is a bit better in this respect, as it has a few things on the walls for visitors to look at. There's a distinct lack of personalization in the room, however - her degrees are framed and displayed on the wall as if to indicate that anything she says ought to be taken seriously, there's a large picture of a drop of water hitting the surface of a pool on the back wall, but there's nothing in the room to make it seem well used or lived in. If anything she lives in her lab - this room is mainly for meeting people her lab does business with, most of whom are so arrogant that she needs to remind them who they're speaking to.

She immediately sits in the large chair behind the desk, inviting him to sit in one of the comfortable visitor chairs with a vague wave in their direction. And she leans back in her chair a little, both to be more comfortable but also to impart a sense of casualness to the room. She has a habit of formality with people she doesn't know very well, but this is definitely a situation where too much formality could cause more problems than it solves.