Nina Stenet
"Great acts are made up of small deeds." - Lao Tzu
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Player: Avalikia ~
Registered On: Nov 4, 2010 0:01:40 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 696
~ Relationship Status: Single
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Post by Nina Stenet on Jun 29, 2012 17:16:43 GMT -5
Unlike Oswald, Nina has no particular reason to fear the FBI getting into her business so long as they stay within the bounds that they're supposed to - she doesn't do anything illegal on the side. Therefore, as far as she's concerned they can investigate her all they like as long as they keep to that. And though there's a slight hint of concern in her expression when he comments on the possibility of it going wrong, it disappears as soon as it comes - she's confident enough to simply shrug off the idea that her own evidence wouldn't work if she chose to produce it. It's that she'll end up at that juncture that she's worried about.
"I have my reasons," she says in answer to his question, hinting that she's not prepared to disclose them by leaving it at that. While there's a lot that she could freely tell the man, she's not about to shy away from refusing to answer a question like that: strictly none of his business, and probably harmful for him to know. She actually doesn't mind, to a certain degree, that he's curious about her - that's to be expected. It's that she has to watch him like a hawk to make sure that he doesn't cross any boundaries that she doesn't like.
And rather than responding verbally to his statement confirming that he is, in fact, threatening her, her expression shifts to indicate how she feels about that. Though she's really quite confident that she'd be able to handle anything he might try to throw at her, the fact that he's even trying makes her rather angry. Defiantly angry, though not to quite the same degree as she'd need to in order to refuse anything he says just to spite him. It's just that anything he'd ask of her would have to get past a rather robust cost/benefit analysis first and she's not afraid to say no.
And though she can't consult with his inner accountant, she's seen no evidence that he has any reason to go to the lengths that he'd have to in order to do anything substantial to her and therefore begins to suspect that he's just testing the waters to see how easy she is to scare. Answer: not very. If he'd actually told her that he had some reason to wish her ill, whether it was her fault or not, or if he seemed deluded or crazy enough to want to harm her even without one then she would have taken the threat a lot more seriously. As it is, she's cautiously confident.
Of course, her mood is completely different as she thinks about Edward. Does he even realize how badly he hurt her? Does that even matter given the fact that he probably doesn't care either way? She's tried to put that and Edward behind her every day since, but the question of how continues to elude her. Yet Oswald's statement causes her to look him in the eye and quietly say, "Yes, I have." Terribly amazing, and terribly terrible: she's always thought both. Just because he's gone from seeming to favor the former in her case to the latter doesn't mean that her perception of him has changed. She really wishes that it would though: if she could simply hate him properly that would go a long way into healing the wound he left in her heart.
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Post by Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin on Jul 24, 2012 14:30:35 GMT -5
Oswald is very careful with his words, at no point has he said he is threatening to rip her life apart and get the government to make her disappear. He has only ever insinuated it. From an outside point of view he could have simply been innocently discussing her recent troubles with the authorities and sympathising with her. He was perfectly correct when he said it was up to her whether she ended up in more trouble too, at no point did he say he'd cause that trouble. Clearly she's just jumping to wild assumptions. Accurate but wild.
Internally Oswald is slowly working up to a full blown mental rant about how irritating the woman before him is. Why do people have to make these things so hard? He treats them to an expensive meal, the food for which finally turns up, he's pleasant, he hasn't shot them yet. Why must people be difficult? Had she only been willing to do things his way perhaps they would have had time for dancing at the club, it could have been such a pleasant evening. Instead it was like talking to a more tight lipped and less egotistical version of Edward.
It all comes out as just a heavy sigh as he places his wine back down on the table and ignores the food for now, going for a tired, defeated expression as he looks back at Nina. He has more fake appearances than just his usual high society act "Dr Stenet, I understand your nervousness but really it is unneeded, you have only to yell and I'm certain half the restaurant would be happy to rush to the aid of a beautiful young woman such as yourself. I dread to think what you have been told about me. I imagine between the papers and Edward you have been painted quite a picture. I assume Edward did mention me?"
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Nina Stenet
"Great acts are made up of small deeds." - Lao Tzu
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Player: Avalikia ~
Registered On: Nov 4, 2010 0:01:40 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 696
~ Relationship Status: Single
~ Character Profile
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Post by Nina Stenet on Jul 26, 2012 4:21:37 GMT -5
The tired look that Oswald gives her doesn't seem to do anything to change Nina's outward demeanor. Why should it? This conversation was his idea, and she doesn't particularly want to be having it. So if he's at all dissatisfied with it, then as far as she's concerned that's his fault and he can join the club.
On the other hand, she does recognize that she ought not to frustrate him too badly. Not that she's about to give him what he wants for fear of retaliation, but there may be ways to mend a few of the cracks in the conversation. Her eyebrow lifts as she asks, "What gave you the impression that I'm nervous?" Actually, she'd figure that your average woman that had heard what she's been told about Oswald would be far more nervous right now than she is. She's being extremely cautious, yes, but that's only wise. And if she's cautious enough, perhaps she'll end up not having anything to be nervous about.
"While I'll admit that he mentioned you, he said nothing that wasn't extremely complimentary," she answers politely. Or at least, she's under the impression that someone like Oswald would have taken it as a compliment. Even if it did render Nina far too informed about him. And she's not about to be easily persuaded that she should ignore anything that Edward told her - he's extremely intelligent, after all, and it was said while he was still very much concerned about her well-being. She could probably safely bet her life on any of that advice even now.
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Post by Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin on Aug 9, 2012 15:56:45 GMT -5
The problem with being extremely cautious around Oswald is it gets it into his head that there's something he doesn't know that's worth looking for. Had she behaved like a foolish airhead at best Oswald may have just wondered how Edward could have had anything to do with her without killing her but he likely wouldn't have consider her worth the headache he'd get listening to her chatter on about nonsense. At worst he'd refuse to believe a microbiologist could be so stupid but it may still have thrown him off.
She has caught his attention and now his curiosity, it's a dangerous thing to do for any of the rogues.
"Your words my dear" Oswald responds to the question "You act as if I would pluck them from you and twist them to some ridiculous plan. I have no plan Dr. Stenet, I am merely attempting to aid an old friend and very lucrative business partner" The Penguin lies so smoothly, he hasn't even spoken to Nigma since well before he entered Arkham at this point. He shows concern, just enough to appear as if he's trying to hide it as he lowers his voice "He's been behaving so strangely. Quiet. From what I have found some past dealings have caught up with him, there have been...questions asked by certain individuals which suggest a dangerous movement against him" inventing concern and feelings, it was worth a shot, the woman was quite troublesome, as far as he was concerned soon his alternatives would be surveillance or having it beaten out of her. It should be no surprise to people that Cobblepot lies sometimes, he remains largely truthful during business transactions, his reputation relies on him not breaking his own deals very often but this is no business transaction and he hopes it will be a trick unmentioned by Edward, after all why would he have used it against Nigma? The man didn't care.
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Nina Stenet
"Great acts are made up of small deeds." - Lao Tzu
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Player: Avalikia ~
Registered On: Nov 4, 2010 0:01:40 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 696
~ Relationship Status: Single
~ Character Profile
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Post by Nina Stenet on Aug 10, 2012 3:17:14 GMT -5
"Ridiculous plans are not unheard of in this town, and we've only just met," Nina replies mildly, "You act as if the very idea that I'd have cause for discretion is ridiculous." Unfortunately for Nina, she's a terrible actress. The possibility of lying or being intolerable doesn't even occur to her - not because she wouldn't do either, but because her mind doesn't even bother to suggest an option so doomed to failure.
And on top of that she knows that, while having the attention and curiosity of a rogue is a bad thing, there are ways to safely navigate that and they're not limited to the rogue falling in love with you. In this case, being someone a rogue is curious about but also not someone who seems like a threat simply causes the rogue to want more information. Which isn't hazardous in and of itself, especially since it would be rather difficult for anyone to find out anything about her that isn't extremely uninteresting. Of course, there's the problem of the rogue possibly getting it into his head that he can force anything out of her, but she can prove that notion wrong if she has to.
His words on who she presumes is Edward cause her to go thoughtfully quiet for several moments even after he's finished quietly expressing his concerned. Nina herself, practically starved for any sort of information on Edward - mostly because she simply wants to know that he's doing okay, has noticed that he's been too quiet. Which has gotten her concerned because, while he also goes quiet for long periods when he's just that deeply into some grand scheme, she has her doubts that he'd be so quick to do something that big so soon after what happened at China. But if it isn't that, it's probably a bad thing.
Then again, just because she's concerned about Edward doesn't mean that she feels the need to respond to Oswald's concerns. Edward is, after all, a highly intelligent, powerful, exceedingly sexy, and... well, he can probably take care of himself. And if he actually needs anything from her, she'd hope that in spite of the fact that his feelings for her have changed that he'd think to ask her himself. "Well, unless either of you are desperately in need of bleeding edge medical research, I doubt that I can be of any assistance whatsoever," she finally replies, "I'm a doctor and a scientist, not a hired thug, hooker, assassin, crooked cop, or anyone else likely able to help pull Edward out of whatever hole he's dug for himself this time." Her voice takes on an almost bitter tone as she says this, as she really wishes that she could at least know what's going on and provide moral support at the very least.
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Post by Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin on Aug 21, 2012 16:03:28 GMT -5
That's it. Cobblepot has decided. He's going to have the infuriating woman bugged. Her home, her car, her work, wherever he can get and if that doesn't work he'll just have to beat her and see what falls out. How generous of him not to reverse the order of the plans.
Outwardly Oswald keeps up his act, his look of concern doesn't even waiver as she refuses to reveal anything again "A pity, had I an idea who was at the head of this movement perhaps I could be of some use and remove some of the pressure. Without informing Edward of course, I'm certain the fact that he has a bit of an ego has not escaped your notice. His over confidence does get him into such trouble. You may not believe you can be of help but it seems to me you have been witness to more of Edward's life than anyone recently" that was pushing it, whichever goon Edward currently had was probably occupying that spot but still, she didn't exactly behave like she was simply someone to have done business with Edward and the period over which they'd been in contact would have suggested a very large job with no results.
Blackmail or personal reasons seemed far more likely. Oswald couldn't imagine having any interest in the dull woman but considered it all the same and tried to remember those henchwomen Edward used to have, now those he could see the appeal of, all spandexed up. Such a shame they were entirely spoiled by the image of Edward in spandex too. God how he wishes he could forget that. Nina didn't even seem like the henchwoman sort.
"Perhaps there was someone in China or Freeze took exception to something? I need more information if I am to help" He saw no harm into nosing into Edward's recent dealings if he was going to play the part of a concerned friend. Of course he knew about Freeze too, police reports are lovely things. He assumed however it was something else to do with Edward.
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Nina Stenet
"Great acts are made up of small deeds." - Lao Tzu
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Player: Avalikia ~
Registered On: Nov 4, 2010 0:01:40 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 696
~ Relationship Status: Single
~ Character Profile
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Post by Nina Stenet on Aug 23, 2012 1:40:15 GMT -5
"You're right," Nina agrees easily, knowing well Edward's overestimation of himself and penchant for getting himself into trouble as a result. He has a particular talent for that, or at least that's what she's observed. Then again, Nina's awareness of this is probably a lot smaller than most, because while she's noticed this along with everyone else she's also noticed that he also has a particular talent for getting himself back out of trouble. She fell for him because he's utterly brilliant, and her opinion of that has only gotten greater, not smaller. At worst, his intelligence has a few blind spots, but he still finds his way through.
Which is why it's so easy for her to add, "But may I point out that you seem to be under the assumption that I'm at all concerned about Edward's well-being. What exactly gave you that impression?" She actually has several reasons for asking that question, partly because if he can give a real answer to it then it would be a very helpful thing for her to know.
"And I don't care to speculate on exactly who he may have upset. He never has kept me up to date on who is mad at him and who isn't," she adds, "About all I can tell you is that it probably isn't Catwoman... Probably..." At least she's pretty sure that Selina doesn't blame Edward for what happened in China and wouldn't do anything extreme against him even if she did. She shrugs and takes another small sip of her wine.
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Post by Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin on Aug 29, 2012 18:07:58 GMT -5
Oswald decides to consider the idea of blackmail the more Nina speaks and the more he finds her irritating. Had he not personally known just how hard it is to keep Edward under the threat of blackmail for any length of time it would be a suitable fit. Ensuring the Riddler behaved for months? He was certain that was beyond practically anyone, never mind an apparently law abiding scientist. Perhaps if she was making the most of her skills in microbiology she could engineer a way to keep someone dependant on her, much as Ivy controlled Nightwing. He wouldn't put it past Edward to find a way to worm his way out of even that, the man was indeed good at getting himself out of trouble but for now it was his best bet.
He merely smiled at her question and made a vague gesture with one hand, taking advantage as she leaves herself open for the question "I do apologise for the assumption, please do correct me. What was the nature of your relationship with Edward?" he's not telling her anything either.
His smile fades when she mentions Catwoman "You know Catwoman too?" he can't help but question it, it's like discovering everyone's secretly been to a party and avoided inviting you. A most uncomfortably, familiar feeling.
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Nina Stenet
"Great acts are made up of small deeds." - Lao Tzu
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Player: Avalikia ~
Registered On: Nov 4, 2010 0:01:40 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 696
~ Relationship Status: Single
~ Character Profile
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Post by Nina Stenet on Aug 30, 2012 4:56:22 GMT -5
Nina's lips purse instantly at that question and she's suddenly frowning. "That's not easy to define," she answers honestly. In a way they're exs, but not really because they were never officially 'together'. Yet they were very much 'together' in an unofficial sense for months. And it's further clouded by the fact that she still very much has feelings for him, while he seems to have none at all. "I think that the most accurate answer I can give you is to say that we know each other. But what's relevant to this conversation is that I'm not going to help him unless he asks for it, or I can plainly see that he needs it myself. Otherwise, what happens to him is not my concern," she explains, without really explaining anything.
And when she sees Oswald's smile fade at the mention of Selina, Nina's expression brightens slightly. After all his implied threats and attempts to pry, she takes a certain perverse delight in the fact that particular fact seems to bother him. "Yes, Catwoman's a good friend of mine," Nina answers, knowing that saying so doesn't really compromise either of them. Unlike her relationship with Edward, with all its deep emotions that could be liabilities, her simple friendship with Selina can't really be used against either of them unless someone simply wishes to really tick off the other. "And she's out of town at the moment, so I doubt that she's after Edward," she adds with a shrug.
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Post by Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin on Sept 28, 2012 14:44:52 GMT -5
She knew Catwoman. She knew Edward and Freeze, Lex had wanted her dead, she'd had a run in with the Ventriloquist and Oswald just can't see how she's remotely important. Under different circumstances Oswald might be happy for the new piece of puzzle but the woman was just a mystery and the conversation was getting uncomfortably out of his control. His mind was wandering to questions he didn't want answered and he wasn't happy with the memories of feeling young and powerless that came with them.
"Yes, of course she is" he vaguely mutters about Catwoman being away, his mind's not really in it anymore. Selina and her were good friends...Who else did she know? Were they all good friends? While he was...He cut the thought short and continued after a moment "Well, most enlightening but I have other business to attend to. It was a pleasure Doctor Stenet, I'm certain we shall meet again" His voice was as smooth as usual though he appeared distracted and surprised Linsey by getting up to leave. She quickly followed behind and intercepted the waiter before he could get to Mr Cobblepot and request the meal be paid for "Have the bill sent to the lounge" handing a business card to him as she passed by before she swiftly disappeared after Oswald.
Something had clearly bothered the boss but as far as Linsey was aware he had no particular connection to Catwoman, no more so than the rest of them. She certainly hoped that was the case, the way his attention sped through women she'd be lucky enough to get hold of any of his money even without adding a Lycra clad thief into the mix.
Mike saw them coming from the car and quickly flipped off the radio and hid his takeaway under the seat before getting out to open the door for the boss. Things obviously hadn't gone as planned, the long pause of silence once they were all in the car was evidence enough for that but Mike knew better than to interrupt it and eventually Oswald gave the order to move "Home"
The Penguin stared out the window as the city passed by and tried to focus on the puzzle at hand but kept stumbling on older thoughts. What if she knew everyone and his friends liked her better? This horrible, dull irritating woman, twisting words to the point of confusion. He couldn't even decide if she was worth shooting! If they liked her would they blame him?...It was ridiculous. Oswald Cobblepot does not have friends! Business associates, employees, colleagues, people he's on good terms with. People only pretended to be friends to get things from you, set up the trap for humiliation. He shoots people all the time, he didn't need friends, he was better off without them, they could have their stupid boring doctor...He wanted to be with his birds and think, he could trust them, they alone would never choose someone above him.
Oswald's thoughts on the cruelty of childhood are interrupted by Linsey several minutes later as she tries to determine if it's such a big lapse in concentration that she can take advantage of it "Further actions, sir?" She's disappointed when Oswald only requires a moment to respond, opting for the choice to wait and gather more information "Monitor her phone records and bug her home" Linsey hesitates, she's looked into the security of the apartment block already "Sir, her apart-" Oswald's snarl silences her "Bug something" there was the boss she knew and had come to fear the temper of, still lurking below the surface and quick to anger "Yes, Mr Cobblepot" she quickly responded and made notes to have someone investigate the lab security instead. Silence fell for only a moment before Oswald sniffed and a small glare was sent at the back of Mike's head "Explain to me why I am detecting the aroma of Chinese food" some days he wouldn't care so long as it didn't get on the car but when Oswald was unhappy he took it out on everyone.
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Nina Stenet
"Great acts are made up of small deeds." - Lao Tzu
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Player: Avalikia ~
Registered On: Nov 4, 2010 0:01:40 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 696
~ Relationship Status: Single
~ Character Profile
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Post by Nina Stenet on Sept 29, 2012 1:16:36 GMT -5
Nina's eyebrow lifts in surprise when Oswald abruptly starts to say goodbye and get up to leave. "I hope you have a good night," she says with a polite nod as her only statement of farewell. Anything else she could say would probably either be rude or a lie - it certainly wasn't a pleasure for her, she is not looking forward to maybe seeing him again, and yet she won't begrudge wishing him well. Especially if him being well reduces the odds that he'll feel the need to bother her again.
The moment that he's out of sight she gives a deep sigh and her hand goes to her forehead - suddenly looking very tired. "Certain that we'll meet again..." she mutters, half to herself, "Wonderful..."
"Yeah, I think that you only made him more curious," Shawty comments, "Though that's because you didn't really tell him anything. I wonder why he left so quick just then though..." She'll have to ponder that one over later...
Nina makes a quiet sound of agreement, adding, "Well, it couldn't really be helped. We'll just have to keep an eye out for him. Remind me - how many people might be spying on us now?"
"I believe we're at nine, counting him," Shawty says, not having to think too hard about that. Given that she's in charge of Dr. Stenet's security it's not hard for her to think of all the possible options, but some of them are much more likely than others.
Scoffing quietly at that, Nina says, "What's one more?" Unfortunately for Oswald, that side of Nina's life is actually very small and it doesn't come up much. And when it does, she takes care to be sure that she's at a time and place unlikely to be bugged.
That causes Shawty to frown, since she finds each one unacceptable - well, maybe the vigilantes are okay - but knowing there's not much else to be said on the subject, she takes this opportunity to idly ask, "Do you think that it would make things any worse if we ordered dessert on his tab?"
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