Calling of Minds [Cobblepot]

[bane]

The Iceberg Lounge had gained quite the reputation- both for the architect and what goes on behind it's walls. As a man that was stll new to Gotham in the physical sense, Bane had an agenda and it was time to start moving the plot.

Walking into Penguin's HQ could be described as suicide by some, but for Bane? It was the beginning of things to come- he felt as if he was Gotham's Reckoning and needed to gather the troops for the pending war at hand. Nevertheless- after a few interrogations, Bane picked up knowledge of a back door used for 'business meetings' it just so happened that business was in order for Oswald Chesterfied Cobblepot, business regarding Gotham City.

Once Bane had reached The Iceberg Lounge, he made sure to keep the hood pulled over his head- the mask on his face wasn't exactly a welcoming piece. Many grew intimidated due to Bane's sheer physical size, the mask would just make matters worse. As he approached the back-door, the guards posted near it noticed the hulking presence en route- they stepped before the steel doors with a high-tech security system built in to block the entrance of unwanted visitors.

"Gentlemen, I believe Cobblepot and I have business to speak."

Approaching the door, a guard stepped up and held his right hand out- palms facing Bane.

"Do you have an appointment?" remarked the guard as from beneath that thick bomber jacket- a shrug was made out.

"No."

"Then yo-!"

With one swift movement, Bane charged forward and slammed the sole of his combat boot into the guard's stomach- all the mean while making sure to look up at the security camera above the door.

"Appointments aren't necessary," said Bane; the tone of his voice seemed to never fluctuate, it always was that cold, semi-robotic sound that was definitely chilling.

UNDER COMMAND ON MISTER COBBLEPOT, WE WILL OPEN FIRE!"

Adjusting his coat, the guard showed his holster which had a gun locked within it. Despite not being able to see his mouth- a guess could be made that a smile crossed Bane's lips as he nodded towards the guard and chuckled lightly.

"Why must it all be about war? I'm here to pay your superior a visit, no violence intended. If I wanted a war gentlemen, you would most definitely be dead where you stand."

This was most unusual of Bane, he wasn't one that felt the need to explain himself. Something was going on beneath that mask- something that Bane needed Cobblepot involved in apparently. The guards exchanged looks before conversing as they all glanced back in Bane's direction.

"We're not supposed to bother Mister Cobblepot for visitors with no appointments, but.. Under these circumstances- we'll make an attempt to, it seems as if you have a plan in need of Mister Cobblepot's advising.."

The most useful tactic? The same that garnered him the reputation in prison? It was working now- the security gard didn't care about Bane's plan with Cobblepot, he just waned to save himself from falling victim to the same fate as his co-worker. Gotham City was ran on fear, something Bane came to understand for as long as he had knowledge of the city.. And wanted to exploit that for his own gain. Grabbing at the walkie-talkie hanging off of his hip, the same guard that flashed Bane the gun in his holster gave a sharp exhale before lifting the object to his mouth. ".. Mister Cobblepot.. I understand we are never to bother you, but you have a visitor- a very interesting visitor."

There was no reply over the airwaves, that was as the guard moved the walkie-talkie away from his mouth and looked in Bane's direction.

"What's your name, sir?"

With his hands tucked into the pouch on the front of his bomber jacket, Bane gave no instant reply- this seemed to bother another guard of the flock- an African-American one.

"HEY, HE ASKED YOUR NAME MAN!"

The guard Bane dropped with a kick to the stomach was curled up near the door, clutching at his gut in absolute pain.

"N- No.. Ri- Ric- Ricky.." struggled the downed guard as the African-American guard who was named Ricky looked down.

"Do- don't agitate'em, h- he ki- kicks like a da-" the downed guard fired off a cough that sounded like a seal's bark as blood left his mouth and splattered on his hands. ".. damn h- horse.."

"Names are overrated. You ask who I am? Instead you should ask what I'm here for. I will not introduce myself to insignificant flash-light cops like yourself. But I will indentify myself by purpose.."

Bane paused and lifted both hands to grab hold of the tip of the hood and pulled it down, finally leaving his face to be seen in the light shining from the street light above. The guard's eyes went wide at Bane's face- the mask.. it was most definitely the mask.

"I am Gotham's Reckoning, inform Cobblepot of that."

Tucking his thumbs beneath the straps of his vest was under his bomber jacket, Bane waited for a response from either the guard with the walkie-talkie- or the voice of the man known as Oswald C. Cobblepot who had an eccentric sense of time, Bane glanced at the security camera again- purposely, to allow the watchful eye of The Penguin to get a look at 'Gotham's Reckoning,' as he put it..

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

Word of Bane's arrival came to the office of Oswald Cobblepot at the top of the building mere seconds after the first guard is kicked to the ground. No matter how busy he is there are some interruptions the Penguin will allow, though the security team has learnt to always phone with those interruptions, the messenger lives longer when they're not within shooting distance.

In the middle of a little practice against a straw dummy Batman he'd just begun throttling with his umbrella Oswald is, much like the falcon that was contently preening it's feathers on Oswald's desk, taken by surprise by the buzz of the intercom. After shoving the dummy roughly to the ground though Oswald answers the call with an angered "What is it?"

"A man is at the back door requesting to speak to you sir, he has attacked the guards" Security quickly explained before a growl from Oswald for the irritation of the interruption made them silent "Well why don't you just shoot him?" They weren't about to explain that it was because they didn't know who it was and if they accidentally shot someone important Oswald would shoot them "Who is it?" Oswald snapped back before they could come up with an excuse.

How fortunate for security that the problems outside the door continue and provide a distraction "We...Sir, another guard is down" there was a pause when the man's hood was lowered and they saw the mask, someone double checked for a picture on file and there was no denying it "It's Bane, Sir...He wishes to express that he is Gotham's Reckoning"

It was Oswald's turn to pause, one hand moving to idly stroke the slightly agitated falcon as he considers his options and finally responded "Escort him to conference room B, tell him I shall be along shortly and lock him in there. I need to make myself presentable" He could hardly speak to such people when he wasn't looking anything but his best and training did not bring out his best.

No response reached the guards outside the door and they became increasingly nervous with the silence, fearing they might have been abandoned and just left to Bane. As the guard lifted the walkie-talkie to try again though the door opened and the huge, unsmiling, head of security Mike stood with three more heavily armed and armoured guards, though he himself only seemed to be wearing a suit "This way" he simply said with a heavy Russian accent and walked away, assuming Bane would follow if he wants his meeting.

It wasn't far to the conference room, a room he had previously used to deal with the Scarecrow though they'd redecorated since then to get rid of the blood stains. Mike opened the door and remained by it, gesturing the masked man in "Cobblepot will be here soon" and as soon as Bane was inside he left, shutting the door behind him with a heavy metallic clang as the thick bolts locked the door tight. It was a good multi-purpose room, perfectly decked out for meetings with the long expensive table, comfy chairs and all anyone could ever need in terms of the latest technology for making presentations slightly less boring. It was also bugged with microphones and cameras to pick up secrets, which one should expect from Oswald. The heavy duty venting and thick bolts might be less expected for a meeting room but Oswald needed a place to deal with problems and it had to look normal if anyone came snooping around.

A meeting though is what he had in mind this time and seconds after the door locks a tv lowers from a slot in the ceiling, just another one of those gadgets. The Iceberg Club logo flashes for a moment as the tv starts up before the face of the Penguin flashes onto the screen, neatened up in his tux again and once more behind his desk and still in his office with the falcon perched just in view as he strokes it's feathers "Well? You desired to speak with me, I advise that you begin with an explanation" He sounds annoyed but then this is quite the intrusion into his day. He's decided he's not setting a foot anywhere near Bane until he finds out what the man wants, appearing via camera is much safer.

[bane]

"I feel slighted, Mister Cobblepot. Is this how you treat all your guests?"

With a touch of sarcasm is his usual cold voice, Bane paused in the center of the room and tucked both thumbs beneath the kevlar vest as he cocked his head back just a bit, mocking Cobblepot who sat in the luxury and comfort of his office from beyond the screen as Bane continued.

"I've done much research about Gotham City. I know much of your personal history as well. I know of your great grand-father'; Theodore Cobblepot's tenture as Mayor.. I also know that the Cobblepot family was once- important."

Probably firing off a smirk beneath the mask, Bane rolled his shoulders forward as he slowly moved closer towards the projection of Cobblepot. This was a chess match; Bane knew he could use his intellect to draw a sense of emotion- preferably anger from his unspoken ally- One thing the masked anarchist respected about Cobblepot though, was his sophisticated nature. Unlike the other hoodlums in Gotham City- aside of Crane and The Riddler to a lesser degree; Cobblepot WASN'T insane- he had full control over his actions.

"I understand that the Cobblepot family was once as established as the Elliot, Sionis and Wayne's..." trailing off his sentence on purpose- Bane wanted his words to hit like a strike to the gut- he did so by slowing his words down, by placing intermediate pauses in his sentences. Rolling his shoulders forward, he continued. ".. To say you are not angry regarding your fall from grace would be a total understatement, would it not?"

Not intending to be rude as a guest in Oswald's place of business- Bane didn't exactly give Cobblepot a chance to answer his questions as.. Well he pretty much already knew the answers to them..

"You can treat me as if I am your enemy, but I assure you- I am not. My visit is not to draw scrutiny, Cobblepot- instead, I am here to give you fair warning regarding the future of your city." with a slight pause, Bane turned back to the projector. 'As I introduced myself to your security, I am Gotham's Reckoning."

Bane kept that stare forward- his eyes burned into the projected image of Cobblepot and let his words sink in. Despite greed running Cobblepot's life, Gotham City was an important part of that.. Bane knew most of the criminals wouldn't want a life-altering event to strike down on Gotham and erase everything they've earned- especally a local like Cobblepot.

".. Please however do not misunderstand me. I'm not threatening Gotham City, I am giving you fair warning. To say my words are threats is to say there is probable negative repurcussions.. I assure you, nothing is probable, everything is a guarantee. But I come here to offer you a chance to take advantage of Judgement Day."

Bane's serious research of Gotham' 'villains' turned up interesting facts about each; for example Oswald Cobblepot. A man driven by money- greed, and power. Psychologically, Cobblepot is an insecure, fearful child that takes his misplaced and unguided anger out on everyone else for being rejected by nearly everyone. This was Psychology 101 and while there may be more to what meets the eye with the man nicknamed "The Penguin," it was an afterthought now.

".. The choice is yours." uttered Bane, almost.. in a half-milded tone. It wasn't that Bane HAD to come to The Iceberg Lounge to fill Cobblepot in on his agenda, but Bane wasn't an ordinary criminal, he was a far different breed. "Now.. If you are interested in hearing my proposal, I ask to speak with you face to face as I am not exactly the biggest advocate of.." holding out his right hand, Bane did a 'lifting' motion with it towards the projector. ".. This. I would not be disrespected by armed security, I understand that you may feel intimidated by my physical and mental status.. You are not alone."

One very important aspect of Bane's personality that was constantly overlooked was his arrogance. A man as intelligent- and physically imposing as himself feared.. nothing. Glancing down at the chairs situated around the table- Bane knew better than to fall victim to one of Oswald's traps-

"I notice trapping instruments on the rests of your chairs.." said Bane as he shot Cobblepot a sharp glare. "I am an ally, Cobblepot- we must speak.. I know you love Gotham City- maybe not those that inhabit the city- but we can rectify that.. Oh, and we can also deal with the persistent problem.. With.. What do you call him.. The Bat?"

Purposely dropping the notorious name of Gotham's caped crusader, Bane kept his eyes glued on Cobblepot's image on the screen- seeing if things could be worked out face to face.

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

"Only those who arrive without appointment and assault my staff" Oswald responded with mild irritation and a look of superiority. He truly didn't care about the well being of his staff but an attack upon them was a disrespect towards him, certainly when they were at the club anyway, the very heart of his empire. Bane was certainly making an impression and it made Oswald a little uncomfortable with the idea of being in a room with the man.

The Penguin's expression soured as Bane began to talk about his family. The idea that his family was not important...By the time Bane mentioned the Wayne's Oswald looked as dark and evil as the man who really hid inside, behind the top hat and bow tie. Glaring down his long nose at the image of Bane on his computer as he resisted the urge to have the man killed for the insult. He managed to stay silent, brooding and angry but there was a curiosity to discover the reason for Bane's visit and Oswald never forgot an insult, he would show that it was unwise to speak of his family when the opportunity presented itself.

He couldn't resist a small, angry correction though once Bane had finished baiting him and moved onto business "Your information appears to be somewhat out of date. It is true that I fell but I have since soared. A legitimate and successful businessman" a cruel little smile appeared "And of course master criminal. There is nowhere I am not important" Almost instantly his expression returned to it's usual smug superiority "After all, why else would you come?"

Slightly soothed by the thought that Bane would not be warning everyone in Gotham and that everyone who came through Cobblepot's door usually wanted something Oswald could let his anger simmer and wait until the timing was right to release it. For now there was business to do.

He didn't like the sound of Gotham's Reckoning, it reminded him of Agent Tiff. In different hands such an escapade could be advantageous, though he didn't exactly trust those hands to be Bane's. Still, there was always profit to be made in wars provided you picked the right side or got out before the bombs started falling. At the very least he must know what's going on...to be so close to Bane though...

Oswald was considering his options as Bane inspected the furniture and spotted some of the tricks of the room, there were others but Oswald wasn't about to point them out. He raised a brow at the glare but refused to be afraid of a man on a screen "A room of convenience I assure you, had I known you were coming perhaps I would have had time to prepare a more suitable area" perhaps above a shark tank or maybe the club's seals needed feeding.

His line of thought is disturbed by the mention of The Bat and he stares back at Bane, his eyes narrowing a little. Batman. It might have been a while since he personally had the displeasure of meeting the Bat but Oswald never forgets a beating either. So much pain was owed. Enough to chance a meeting with Bane? His curiosity was piqued, he was on his own turf with his own men in force just a call away. Perhaps Bane could make a good ally if he stepped carefully.

After a few long seconds of silence Oswald finally reached for the intercom on his desk "Have Bane escorted to my office" he would see where this meeting would lead. Without another word he killed the feed to the tv and seconds later the door unlocked before Mike reopened it and gestured down the hall "You will follow" he said before leading off down the hall as the three heavily armed thugs waited to take up the rear.

It wasn't too far to Oswald's office, the corridors all looked very much the same and the doors were unmarked for a reason but the elevator was plain enough to see and security opened it for them before sending the group up to the top floor. Oswald's floor.

One could imagine that half the money spent decorating the club when on the top floor alone, Oswald liked to show off his wealth and surrounded himself by the finer things in life. Artwork, statues, the finest hand crafted furniture, the items often coming with a bird theme that Oswald enjoyed so much. The receptionist outside the office didn't make any attempt to stop the group and Mike went straight ahead to the expensive double doors that separated Cobblepot's office from the outside world. The big thug was wish enough to knock and waited for his boss's "Come!" before he opened the doors and stepped aside for Bane.

Oswald stood from behind his desk, the falcon now taking a comfortable perch on his shoulder as Cobblepot appear civil once more, perhaps even friendly though he was faking that as usual "Welcome. Come in and we shall talk on your ideas, you have me most intrigued" the office was immaculate, there wasn't even an insignificant memo left on his desk for fear someone should learn something they shouldn't. The only thing clearly out of place was the training mat and straw dummy Batman still taking up a portion of one corner of the big room as Oswald had been unable to get anyone in to tidy it away with such short time.

[bane]

"I see your detest for the man they call The Bat has you practicing often.."

His eyes shifted through the room subtly, if there was alternative traps- he wanted to know where it was. The falcon was something he found very interesting- but he couldn't help himself to be amused with the straw dummy of Batman. Not letting that take up too much time though- Bane broke his attention off of the straw dummy and back towards Cobblepot.

"Allow me to apologize for the haste of this.. Meeting. I arrived in Gotham not too long ago but I know things work rather quickly around here. My presence would not be appreciated by the proper folk in charge, so let me cut to the chase."

Bane didn't take a seat across from Cobblepot, he knew better than that. Keeping himself standing, the arm-rest traps were easy to spot- he knew there was other traps lurking through the room. Tucking his thumbs beneath the top of his vest- Bane looked directly at Cobblepot again.

".. A summit, Mister Cobblepot. I wish to arrange a summit meeting, gathering the top minds in Gotham. I understand that many have unsuccessfully approached the man they call 'The Bat,' and failed- I, however.. Do not plan to fail."

In his mind, he had an answer for Gotham's Dark Knight. He managed to develop a sense of survival within Pena Dura's rough walls- and that instinct soon evolved into something much darker and unexplainable. The way Bane put his thoughts across though- the way he expressed himself definitely instilled a strong sense of confidence.

"I decided to speak with you first Cobblepot, because unlike many- you are a Gotham local, your roots are rich here. I understand you made your fortune back but your name.. "Cobblepot".. Is your name as foundation-rocking as it once was? People know you, people fear you as The Penguin more than they fear you as Oswald.. Chesterfield Cobblepot."

Research- hours of research into classified files on different men across Gotham City allowed Bane an idea on what pitches to use to arrange his get-together of villains across Gotham. It was no secret Cobblepot's menacing nature as "The Penguin" was in the top tier of Gotham's crime-lords, but his true name- a name given to him by birth is much, much prouder.

"Together, we can change that. I have methods to arrange the city you love, and make it the city you own. No more distractions, no more threats from The Dark Knight. I can give you Gotham City- as it's reckoning? I want it to be placed in hands I can trust."

Absolute power was another of Bane's pitches, still- the way he spoke, the confidence he had behind his words was amazing. The uncanny ability he had to gather troops, to build an army from nothing was a natural gift, one that he planned to utlize fully in the wake of Gotham's supreme moment of judgement.

".. Whilst many have failed, I will not, I guarantee you that. The truth of the matter is, everyone aside of the clown has a sense of fear or uncertainty locked within themselves. All of Gotham's minds, they know The Bat could interrupt their moment at anytime- you know this is true Cobblepot."

Untucking his thumbs from beneath his vest, Bane rolled his massive- bowling ball-like shoulders forward as he stood with his hands locked in front of him still glaring at Cobblepot.

"I come from darkness. I was raised to embrace it. The Bat? He tries, but he's not a true product of it. He uses the dark to beat opposition, to scare them- I have no fear of him, and I find the dark.. soothing."

His tone- especially with the way he said "soothing," there was an eerie comfort behind it.

".. But I need you at my side as I gather Gotham's most dangerous and unpredictable for a meeting of minds.. For a convention to discuss the final blow of The Bat. Yes Cobblepot, you heard correct.. I wish to extinguish The Bat, for a few reasons of my own, but for the bettering of your city.. For the benefit of Gotham City. Before I can make any more moves, I need you, a vital part of the plan to be on my side. I know better than to take people's 'word,' as a word is as easily broken as a skull. But I trust since you allowed me within your presence, you and I can establish a bond- one for the total benefit of Gotham"

Instead of taking a few steps here and there- pacing back and forth like an unsure nobody, Bane kept his position still, he kept his eyes glued on Cobblepot. With the proposition on the table he cocked his head back just a tad bit as he waited a reply. Bane had put his scheme on the table- to say it was his COMPLETE plan would be a total mistake as any smart criminal knows, one does not show his entire hand, just the bits and pieces needed to get others on-board with it.

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

"A relic from the old days" Oswald commented, gesturing to the dummy with a note of humour to his tone "A little exercise is so much more enjoyable with the right target to focus upon" He mastered judo years ago but these days he had men to do his robbing for him, men who could be caught without bringing his empire to ruin.

An apology. Oswald was pleasantly surprised and his mood remained good as he listened. There was no sign that he'd even noticed Bane avoiding the trapped chair. The place wasn't a complete death trap, most of the subtly hidden movable wooden panels in the walls actually concealed equipment that would have made the room look untidy. Three doors were similarly hidden but they lead just to Oswald's armoury, his personal escape route and a room for his birds which also doubled as a panic room because if something went badly wrong his birds would need protecting too. A couple of guns were hidden around the room along with cameras and at the press of a button the room could be filled with gas though naturally there was a gas mask hidden under the desk.

There's a light chuckle for Bane's words as he says he doesn't plan to fail "I assure you failing was never part of any plan concerning the Bat. I once had this wonderful trick with a flock of hummingbirds..." Oswald cuts short his reminiscing and waves for Bane to continue instead, his frown slowly returning with the mention of 'The Penguin'. A childish nickname, he hates it but he's in no position to be sour with Bane over the detail. In a way he was right, people did fear The Penguin, if they were smart enough to know he was still the same dangerous man they would still fear him but there were always those who had forgotten and he couldn't remind them without the risk of losing his position in society again.

His mind once more focused sharply on Bane as the man went on but Oswald raised an eyebrow at the idea "You would take the city only to give it to someone else?" a smirk "What's the catch?" he was a business man, nothing ever came for nothing in his world.

As Bane finished Oswald looks thoughtful, running a hand over his cheek for a second before he gently stroke's the falcon's feathers. He has quite the comfortable setup here. Money, power, birds. He would have to ensure he couldn't be linked if everything went wrong but that was hardly difficult, he's done so many times before. Bane would no doubt have his own agenda, one to be cautious of but Oswald was sure he could twist things so he would come out safely on top "I certainly cannot disapprove of ridding the city of that flying vermin, you shall have to tell me of this vision you have for the city though"

[bane]

Sensing a change in the [once] animosity in the air, Bane once more tucked his thumbs beneath the straps of his kevlar vest and cocked his head back just a bit, allowing his chin to point towards Cobblepot.

"My vision is quite simple; we free the citizens of Gotham."

Knowing that wouldn't be enough for Cobblepot's always thinking mind, Bane took a second to allow his attention to fall to the ground as he begun to pace slowly- back and forth before Cobblepot. No real criminal, or well- no GOOD criminal ever dispelled all of his scheme, it was against the rules of nature. You gave enough to get your theory going but not enough to show your whole hand- Bane of all people knew this. As a strategist, he kept his plans close to his chest..

"The catch you speak of, it's liberation. Beneath the thumb of the Bat, restrictions hinder the true prosperity of this fine city. With him gone, without that constant annoyance buzzing through the shadows, Gotham's true form can be revealed! Quite the special day it shall be when Gotham City can enjoy freedom.. Would it not?."

Stopping- Bane cocked his head to the side and looked directly toward Cobblepot- beneath the mask he wore on his face he probably held a smile.. One that'd probably set the alarm off on Cobblepot. Men like these two, they hid, they schemed and they executed plans to *their* benefit. Nothing they did was ever for the city, it was for their own gain- the benefit of themselves. As Bane kept his attention set directly on Cobblepot, he had put enough on the table to move the discussion.. Now, he just needed a confirmation before he'd move forward..

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

Free the citizens of Gotham. Oswald could only imagine the chaos that would result in. Easily taken advantage of chaos perhaps, still it would be a delicate operation to keep himself smelling of roses should it fall apart and Oswald was quite certain it would. It was a big task, he would believe Bane could succeed when he saw the man did.

A cruel little smile appeared on Oswald's face as he looked back at Bane, oh yes, there was more to this plan, the city could be distracted with it's freedom, Batman could be disposed of and as long as Bane didn't get in his way as far as Oswald was concerned Bane could have what he wanted. If this fell down it would be on Bane's head, he'd see to that and he'd see that he didn't get caught up in this revolution as best he could. He had much to plan for, there was much he didn't know but Oswald was intrigued and he wanted to see where it all went.

"I don't imagine they will even know what to do with themselves" he replied with some amusement, leaning back in his chair and petting the bird thoughtfully "Tell me what or who you need and I shall make it happen" he would play this game, if it removed the Bat it would be well worth it and it appeared as if Bane was a man he could work with.