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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2014 1:22:30 GMT -5
Though Shayera's brow furrows momentarily, they lift again quickly. "Ah yes, the Gala thing," she says with a nod, as she's heard of it. Though she's not exactly sure how exciting it sounds to her. Perhaps it might surprise people that she really does love a good party, but then again that's where you run into her definition of a 'good party'.
When Selina starts to describe a particular bar, it isn't hard to grab Shayera's interest, and she comments, "Now, that sounds perfect." Well, depending on the attitude of the staff and the type of patrons that are normally present - it seems like there are so many little factors that can just ruin a potentially good bar for her, which is why she ends up trying so many of them. Eventually she's sure to end up with a few favorites to alternate between, depending on mood and which one happens to be closest when she needs a drink. And she smirks at the idea of going to a gym. "I have my own weights at home, but a gym might be nice. It would be fun to show the meatheads how much I can lift," she says with a smirk. Such men are hardly her type romantically, but it's nice to find people who can carry on an extended conversation about keeping in top physical form - something else she's missed out on since leaving the League.
As Selina speaks of Batman needing to be reigned in, Shayera is nodding easily. Though she can be quite certain that Selina has spent much more time with him, she's rather observant about people and did work with him a large number of times as a part of the League - any time he'd deign to actually come and help, really. So yes, she knows how he is. Most of the time you can sit back and just expect him to do the right thing, but there are times when he's simply flat out wrong about what the right thing is and he needs to be told so. And it isn't exactly easy to get him to listen - the man is too stubborn for his own good.
The last thing that Selina says catches Shayera by surprise. Yes, it relates to what they've been talking about, but, "Hmm, it's been a long time since I've thought about it." She gives her drink a thoughtful sip and allows her mind to mull over that thought for a moment before she says, "Well, I know that I need someone who argues with me. That sounds bad, yes, but I know that I have a strong personality and I don't respect a man who can't stand up to me or refuses to talk it out. If he can't handle a lot of passionate 'discussions', then he can't handle me. I also can't tolerate the kind of guy who has questionable morals - right is right and wrong is wrong and he needs to agree with me on that. And he can't be too dumb. Or too young, maturity-wise - that's usually the rub for me, actually. So many of the men I've met on Earth may be grown up, but they're still such little boys. Well, except the ones closer to my age, but my age on a human is rather... elderly." And while she supposes she could try dating the men that age... no. She'll just have to find ones that are mature for their age among the younger ones.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2014 10:17:37 GMT -5
She has to laugh at that sort of definition of the gala. It's nice to hear it treated so blase for once, instead of people nearly pissing themselves at the mention of it. Yes, dressing up and being around high-profile people is fun, but she has to side with Shayera. That little dive bar has memories, and is more her style. "It is pretty damn perfect. We should head there sometimes. I..have fond memories of it. And as much as people think I love the limelight, I would take a dark, smoky dive than a big production any day." As she goes to her drink again, she nods. "It may not be as much of a challenge, but it's a nice way to meet people." She's trying, even if some of her ideas aren't that original.
Quiet as Shayera lists off several traits, her mind is taking note, as well as shifting through who she knows that would fit those traits. "You need a strong man, who knows right from wrong. I look for that as well. The arguing, not exactly, but someone who stands up for what they believe in." She thinks of the men in her life, and she does love them. Strong, unwavering Bruce. Batman, and several others. Some represent humanity, others law. Others the entirely opposite of that. But each enriches and brings a certain flavor to her life that she'd be lost without.
"Now that might be the trickier aspect-finding a younger, yet not immature man who 'gets it.' Thankfully Gotham is full of some guys who understand, yet still can have a damn good heated discussion." Raising a brow at the age comment, Selina has to ask. "I'm not as well versed in Thanagarian culture, but age? I'm a willing pupil if you'd be wanting to teach me what you know. I'm an apt pupil." And she honestly is starting to like the woman, rough edges, soft curves and all. Strong women make the best, and most loyal friends.
And in her life, those that see good and bad, black and white, wrong and right, are always a boon, considering her own life wavers on so many aspects. Someone that is willing to hold their ground is more than welcome.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2014 4:50:30 GMT -5
If you ask Shayera, the measure of a party is all about how much fun the participants have and absolutely not how 'high class' or 'exclusive' it is. Not that those parties can't be fun too, but if anything she thinks that the odds are lower than average - if it's too formal for her to let her hair down, then it's probably just too stuffy for her. And she's not sure what sort to expect when the hosts are Lex Luthor and Selina. That's why she's not overwhelmingly enthused about the mere idea of the Gala - she has no idea whether or not she'd care to go.
Nodding her agreement, Shayera says, "Well, I'm certainly not opposed to anything besides work that gets me out of the house." The ideas don't have to be very original if they work - which is actually a good summary of her battle tactics too.
Nodding as Selina compares and contrasts what they're looking for a bit, she's not surprised when Selina disagrees about the arguing. After all, it's Batman's almost total lack of decent communication skills that probably makes her not at all interested in the man herself, while Selina seems to be willing to tolerate that a lot more. But it's a good thing that women have different tastes in men, or everyone would be after the same one.
She's not surprised when her comment on her age gets a raised brow - she's used to that. Far too many people assume that since she looks almost like a human around thirty, that she can't be too far off. However... "Well, unless my math on the conversion rate of time is way off, I'm about ninety years by your measure. But unless I get myself killed, I'll live well past two-hundred - maybe even three if I'm lucky," she explains, figuring that will give Selina a rough idea. She's pretty old by human standards, but certainly not by Thanagarian standards - she's in her prime, really.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2014 17:35:24 GMT -5
Now that's different. Ninety in human years is something else. And Shayera looks quite young, if she were to be a human. Young, until you get her talking and you realize she's an 'old soul' or quite pragmatic. "If I can ask, what did you do back home? For fun, considering here, while we're getting more familiar with non-human entities, but what was 'fun' back on Thanagar? And are there any similarities, or differences, other than the obvious?"
She's genuinely curious, and has talked with Kory on the subject, finding Kory's explanations interesting as well. A passionate culture, is where the other redhead came from. If she had a conjecture to make, she'd guess that Shayera's home was much more studious, and opposite of Kory's home. But the topic is a nice change from work discussion.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2014 9:55:57 GMT -5
The question causes Shayera to pause in reflection for a moment - it's hard to reflect back on Thanagar without remembering what's happened to it. Then again, it helps that she didn't actually see it, so as long as she sticks with her memories it's still in its pristine condition. "Hmm, I was as married to my job then as I am now," she comments, "But when someone managed to drag me away from it... Thanagarians tend to be very athletic - we'd go flying. But there are many different kinds of flying - racing, either in open air or through obstacles; aerobatics, either for sheer difficulty or artistry; a sort of dancing in the air, alone or in groups; there were a number of airborne sports; or sometimes we'd even fly casually or to travel. Oh, and we sparred a lot - Thanagarians are warriors and we're proud of our fighting skills. Many would use their free time to learn a new weapon or perfect an unfamiliar technique. Or when we were in a more sedentary mood, there was battle games - all different kinds - similar to chess or Risk or games like that, they were all very popular and I was known to be good at many. Thanagarians tend to be very competitive so we love our games and if we don't have one on hand we tend to improvise. Or if we just want to relax with friends, there was always someone throwing a party, very informal, with drinks and comfort food and we'd talk: jokes, small talk, gossip... And lots of stories - true stories, outright lies, legends, histories... Of course, in a lot of those parties people would drink too much, and end up in a fistfight until they passed out on the floor. And those would be the main ones, I think - there were many others, but they were rarer for me personally," she describes.
Which she can only do by throwing her mind back, oh, over five years? A time and place she'll never be able to return to. And it's that thought that encourages her to take an extra large swallow of her drink.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2014 7:35:45 GMT -5
Selina listens with rapt attention to Shayera. Most of her assumptions prove to be correct as her guest continues, answering many of her questions she asked, and did not ask. She sips her drink through the entire story, which is quite eyeopening. While she is aware of acrobatics, aerobatics is a whole new endeavor. It seems that most Thanagarians are quite dedicated, athletic, and creative to boot; a side Selina would never have attributed to the people, and their culture. Then again, she's travelled, and seen many new, and peculiar things, but still, the whole re-telling makes her yearn for another year or two abroad.
If there is anything that Selina takes away most, is that Shayera possess a keen mind. One well versed in strategy, battle-minded, and loves to fly. And if there is any way to forge a friendship, or at the very least, a potential business contact, she will do so. Alcohol, money, or whatever she can throw at it, will be done. But she's finding it's almost just the simple interactions that are revealing more to the other without judgement; even the fact of Selina's preference for men has been mulled over; and they have not came to blows. It's surprising how so many questions, and grudges can be answered when someone just reaches out, and asks.
"Parties are always fantastic. Personally, I go to these events, openers and Galas, because it's more a duty. I much prefer the quieter venues, be it at home, or a 'dive' bar. A place where you're known, and welcomed, no matter what you're wearing, what sort of day you had, or who you bring with. You really should come out with us next time we hit up Marty's."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2014 23:35:49 GMT -5
One of the problems that Shayera has is that so many of those hobbies just don't work as well on this planet. Yes she can still fly, but the number of those who could fly with her are relatively few in number and the fact that they don't have wings changes things more than you'd think - from her observations, more acrobatic flying is actually more difficult without them as it tends to lock the flyer into too much of a Point A to Point B mindset as well as providing fewer pivot points. Or maybe she's just too much a connoisseur of it, having grown up on a planet where it was treated as such an art form.
Sparring is difficult because of her strength - she could accidentally really hurt an ordinary human far too easily, so again there are few options. There's battle games, but like she said she's good at them and it's hard to find an opponent on her level - though she tends to be more successful at that than finding people who can do her other hobbies. And parties... she just doesn't get invited to very many. Though that's just as well - seems like so many of them just aren't her kind of party.
So she nods easily as Selina expresses what is basically that last sentiment herself. And also why she's so quick to say, "Oh, well, I'm sure that I'd love to!" She doesn't need to know who the rest of the 'us' are - just the simple fact that Selina suggested it in that context is all she needs to know. Hell, she wouldn't mind if they were criminals - as long as they behave themselves while they're around her. She does know how to be 'off duty', after all, as long as nobody does something she can't ignore. It would just be nice to get out and have some real fun.
"Feel free to shoot me an email anytime," she adds, then she pauses and notes, "Maybe I should consider getting a cellphone or something - I used to just use the Justice League communicator to keep in touch with people." It worked well, as the vast majority of people she wanted to keep in touch with were in the League. Right up until the point that she left the League...
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2014 17:11:47 GMT -5
"We all have masks and roles in the bigger picture. I hate to say. So at times I have to put on the happy face, the glittery dress, and do what I have to, so I can later on do what I love." And what that last aspect is, she doesn't exactly expound on, but mentioning it does make her smile.
"I'll keep you in mind. I have a small group I head out with. Utter professionals, but this bar, when we're there, all bets are off. We've gotten shitty before; you know, singing karaoke, but not to the point of being kicked out. The guys there know when you need to wind down. You may get heckled a bit for being stupid, but it's a safe place to unwind." She shifts her drink, fingers threading through her hair.
"The same here. And hopefully that check should allow for a few upgrades here and there. If you're able to help me out on security work, we could have a decent thing going. And I am serious about that other offer. You get a tip, or know someone that could provide thoughtful insight, I am more than willing to pay for it." And part of doing a good job, was keeping abreast of the situation; those that were committing the crimes, or even preventing them had a viewpoint she could use, depending on what she was tackling.
"Was the communicator like a cell phone?" She doesn't quite know what the League uses nowadays, but she is quite curious. Baubles and tech are two of her weaknesses. Then again, a good class of wine, a joke, and a handsome man she'd never turn down, either. And if her phone weren't so specialized, and have two different numbers routed to it, she'd have easily offered it to Shayera.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2014 15:19:46 GMT -5
"Well, we all have to do our chores," Shayera says with a faint smile. Yes, all those things that you'd rather not do but have to anyway. She's been doing a lot of 'chores' herself lately.
And the smile only gets more definite as Selina explains what goes down at the bar. Though the last bit makes her blink in apparent surprise. "Me? Stupid? Never!" she says rather seriously, though there's just enough of a hint of mischief in her eyes to suggest that she's not being serious. Or at least, not completely - Shayera knows how to let her hair down and have a good time, but at the same time she has some definite limits. Then again, many of those limits are rather generous indeed - much more so than many would think.
And she nods as Selina mentions upgrades - because that's probably exactly what Shayera tends to do with any spare money after her basic expenses. Every time she gets to a point where she's sure she has the best, something new comes out and it's usually expensive. Worth it, though, at least if she has the money. "I'll keep that in mind," she replies, meaning exactly that - she's not sure how involved she wants to get in that side of things, but then again it would probably be easy money on her end.
The last question that Selina asks actually catches Shayera by surprise. "Oh, only in the sense that you can use it to talk to someone far away, really," she replies, "You could use it to open up a private channel to any member of the League, or set up any configuration of group channel you want - very handy on missions. Naturally one of those is the emergency channel to the entire League. And there were as many options as you could want as far as the actual device you used to tap into it - an earpiece, or it could be build into a helmet or cowl, or a visor, or a computer... Naturally, the specifics are classified. But it's a pretty impressive network, as you can imagine - a lot of us put our heads together to make it reliable, secure, and convenient, and with the particular mix of people and resources the League has to accomplish that..." She's quite certain that anyone else would be hard pressed to make anything nearly that good.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2014 17:02:42 GMT -5
Does she herself have chores? Yes. And lots of them. Most of it has to do with what she'd rather not have to do. Which is putting on a happy face for whatever reason to facilitate what she really wants to do later. A lot of it is acting. And not the fun sort. There are very few people; in fact, she could count on one hand the few that know who she really is. Behind the Catwoman mask, behind the thief, behind the 'socialite,' the businesswoman, and public face. It takes her a brief moment to count those people, and it doesn't number more than a handful. If even that. Maybe five, and that is pushing it. Three that she can count on, one of which she'd slap if she saw him. And that would be the start
Selina cracks a wry smile as Shayera likes her little quip. "I thought so. Give me a week or so, and I'll pull together some people. And of course I'd email you. You know a bit easier how to reach me, if that helps as well until you get a cellphone."
Leaning in once Shayera starts fully explaining the communicator, she can appreciate the tech. It sounds a bit like what Batman already has, but a bit more intricate. Hm. Actually, the more Shayera speaks, the more she realizes he has already used this sort of tech, and uses it within the 'Batfamily.'
A slight laugh punctuates that thought, and she nods, leaning forward and cradling her glass. "I know someone else who has made quite a good use of that network. And it is quite impressive, especially on encryption."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2014 8:58:00 GMT -5
Nodding easily, Shayera says, "I'll keep in touch." Though she figures that the odds are that emailing back and forth will suffice for their purposes. If she's not at her computer then she's usually unavailable anyway.
Smirking and sipping her glass, Shayera isn't surprised that Selina made that connection if she's gotten to know Batman that well. "Well, how do you think we convinced him to help on that project? And how do you think we paid him back for it?" she asks with a grin. Though she's willing to bet that he's heavily modified his own network to better suit his own needs. Knowing him, probably even more security features and precise control - he's certainly one to keep tampering long after anyone else would deem it 'good enough'. In fact, she wouldn't be surprised if it's to the point that only the basic elements of the respective networks are the same.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2014 5:16:38 GMT -5
Now that was a response Selina could appreciate. Raising her nearly empty glass to the redhead, she smiles. "Good. We'll do it soon. And what you're saying...is that you bribed him with your own tech. To get him to work with you." She laughs at the thought, the sobering reality behind it being that that is one of the few things that would work with Batman. Or Bruce. He's a rather stubborn man when he wants to be.
As she finishes her drink, it's almost as if a waitperson materializes from the shadows around them. "I hate to say this, but I have another engagement, Shayera. If you want, we can get the bottle for you to take home. My treat. I am good on my word when I say I'm footing the tab." She honestly hopes she hasn't kept the woman out too long.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2014 6:13:04 GMT -5
As Selina hits the nail on the head, Shayera's grin only gets larger. It's hard to get Batman to do anything that wasn't his idea in the first place, but the man clearly loves his tech. So when Shayera and a couple of the other aliens from more advanced civilizations started putting their heads together on the project, which incorporates technologies that the Earth hadn't seen before, they made sure that Batman heard about it. And then suddenly funding, equipment, and some of his own expertise were added to the project on the promise that he'd get one for his own use - not a bad deal for anyone involved.
"Oh, that's fine!" Shayera is quick to say as Selina starts to excuse herself, "Unlike so many others in this city, I'm not nocturnal - I should probably be asleep right now." Not that she would have managed to be asleep right now anyway, so she says that only as an observation instead of being at all upset about it. "And the bottle? Yeah, I'll take that," she says with a smile. It may not be her favorite scotch, but it's still scotch.
Standing and once again having to mind her wings around the chair as she does so, she adds, "Thank you for inviting me. And for the work - it will be nice having something a little more steady for awhile," she comments, as most of the time she's hired for one small project at a time - sometimes for the same person multiple times but often for just a one-off thing.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2014 14:26:16 GMT -5
"I wish I could sleep better at night. But years in the trade, well..I sleep when I can." She offers a bright grin as well, standing as Shayera rises.
The bottle is brought out soon, re-corked and handed to the woman. "Any time, honestly. I'll give you a call, or email you when I have working plans for the faclities. And if you can get me your opinions as soon as possible, you'll be getting another check. Oh! I can do a direct deposit or I can set up an account for you, if you'd prefer." Because writing checks? So 1998. And Selina can set up a bank account pretty much anywhere-she is quite well learned in that area of finance.
"We should do this again." She offers, her mind already on who she would invite, and who to bring.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2014 7:31:29 GMT -5
Nodding to Selina, she accepts the bottle as she says, "Oh, I'll get you the info on my account - that's no problem." Well, the public one - she has several. None with that much in them, but it's good to have contingency plans with your accounts when you're a superhero without an alternate identity, including having a spare source of funds that nobody knows about.
"I can't promise when you'll get my opinions - I'd like to mull them over properly first - but it will be soon. I'm sure that you're in a bit of a time crunch, getting everything ready." And she doesn't envy Selina's position - though she does hope that it's all worth it. "So expect all that - oh, and my address for Elise - as soon as I can," she promises.
Selina's last statement gets a grin, and she nods as she says, "Already looking forward to it. I'll see you later." That said, she turns to leave. She's not exactly eager to return home, but she needs to so she won't delay further.
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