Checks and Troubles (Cobblepot)

[Deleted]

The Iceberg Lounge: Elegant, stylish, and expansive; all things that make up a decent facade. No other Lounge in Gotham was as refined as this one. However, the word refined is so often misused that the definition has lost any true meaning that was originally intended. A sleek and wide limousine pulled up to the back entrance. Mercy Graves, with her signature cap, gloves, and sexy legs opened the door. Four men with side arms and black shades made a protective unit around Mercy and Luthor. Luthor and his unit approached the guards to the back entrance. "Identification please" said the blonde man. Lex nodded to Mercy who forcefully responded, "Raymond Shepard, meeting with Oswald Cobblepot on private water systems in Gotham". Mercy then presented an identification card to them, and the guards stepped aside. Luthor signalled for the four men to stay with the two guards and for Mercy to come with him.

To say Oswald Cobbelpot had fine taste was a good observation, to say that he is himself the brightest of Gotham's elite is a lie. This was not a pity meeting or a small talk meeting for Luthor. Small talk was for the poor, the weak, the sick, the old, the crippled, the embarassments of society. But like all powerful and wealthy men, the dark and fatal actions can have the noblest of intentions. Image makes all men do this.

Luthor ascended the staircase, brushing off stares. Mercy ran up ahead in order to get the door for Lex. The room had a fireplace that was not active, three windows, shades and lavish bird vases. Lex sat down on the comfortable chair. Gotham was a hell-hole, one that had its fair share of despicable "criminals" and corrupt businessman. Because Gotham was like this, it was the best spot to keep a low-profile. Granted that the Iceberg Lounge wasn't the lowest of profiles, it was a start. Superman was in Metropolis, not Gotham. Superman was not Batman, but both were obstacles in his way. Mercy looked at the vases, Oswald certainly had a collection. Lex sighed and straightened his tie, Oswald was never on time, something that would eventually destroy him if not solved.

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

On the contrary, Oswald Cobblepot is always on time. That time is simply not always what others would like it to be.

When Lex arrived Oswald was informed within seconds and even watched him move through the building, snorting at the self importance, even through a security feed he could practically feel the arrogance. It was then that he decided to finish his paperwork first, Lex could wait.

How important Oswald considered a meeting with Luthor depended on the situation. If Lex had something he wanted he would be prompt, if Lex wanted something from him he preferred to waste a few minutes of the man's time. It was petty but so long as Lex never came to assume it was on purpose it was a risk free method of placing his time above Lex's. The thought of which made Ozzy happy.

Oswald doesn't keep him waiting long, he was curious to see what had prompted a visit after so long but also there's a limit after which it would become rude and Oswald cannot be rude while he is playing the gentleman. He arrives almost exactly two minutes late with Mike, his over sized, heavily muscled head thug, bodyguard and driver opening the door for him.

A smile and Oswald lifts his top hat with a small bow of the head to Lex as he enters the door "Mr. Luthor, as always it's such a pleasure to see you back again" he forgoes the alias used at the door and also ignores Mercy. Treating her like a bit of the furniture, much as he does to Mike most of the time though the big man still follows him into the room and takes up position beside his chair as Oswald sits "Would you care for a drink or will it be straight down to business today?"

Three years without a visit and then suddenly here they were. Oswald is definitely curious. Perhaps Lex had gotten into more trouble he needed removing from the records, Ozzy would just love to have a second favour to hold over him, he's still saving the first for a special occasion.

[Deleted]

Lex black eyes darted towards Cobblepot, seemingly analzying every inate thought/action of his. Mercy brushed off some dust on her uniform whilst ignoring Cobblepot's overgrown and obviously slow tool that followed.

Mercy was a master of intelligence, martial arts, weapons, and a passion for torture. It gave Lex comfort to know that Mercy enjoyed Lex and didn't mind the work; it was for money and for power, two things that are always connected.

Three years since Lex entered the building, three years since Superman got in his way, and three years since he had Gotham's cheap wine, "I'll have Petrus Pomeral 1998 with a side of french bread" A sly smile showed on Lex's face. Petrus Pomeral was one of the most expensive wines in the country, and being an wine collector of sorts, Lex knew many wines.

Mercy remained behind him, a heavily modifed Glock 40 caliber pistol placed firmly to her hip. Her blue-black uniform is made of flexible microfibers made by LexCorp that are far superior than bulletproof vests as well as being fireproof.

"Mr. Cobblepot it has been three busy years since we last met, however I am in need of something. Mr. Cobblepot what do you know about Jonathan Crane, also known as Scarecrow?"Lex's knowledge was far superiors to Cobblepot's but because they were both businessman, one needed the other in order to bypass or destroy obstacles.

Lex's business had been cut short, due to Superman's actions. The main facility was destroyed by Superman. Luckily, Superman's attempts failed to destroy the blueprints for a plan in Lex's take over the world pen book. Any obscene and fastidious moron would know Cobblepot knew much about Gotham's rogues and shady dealings. Unlike obscenely stupid Gothamites, the words moron, idiot, stupid, feartful, naive, and lame do not apply to Lex Luthor.

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

Mike is generally assumed to be employed as over compensation to Oswald's meagre height. Idiots don't get placed in charge of parts of the Penguin's organisation though and Mike was as high ranking as a thug could get, there was more to him than just his size and indeed Oswald wouldn't have faked his death to get him out of a Russia prison if Mike had been just any old murderer. As he hardly ever seems to speak few see past the muscles.

After a small smile at the wine choice though Oswald, with just a gesture, puts Mike's talents to work getting the drinks "A fine selection, I believe I shall have the same" Oswald collected wines primarily to impress others, occasionally he'd have a bottle but he was more of a scotch drinker when he didn't have company.

Mike went only as far as a phone by the door and muttered the drinks order into it with a heavy accent, keeping an eye on Lex and the woman from there. His lone pistol remains hidden under the jacket of his suit while Oswald of course has his umbrella and a couple of explosive cuff-links, just in case. They both learnt to start wearing their equivalent of a bulletproof vest a long time ago too, it's only sensible in the line of work.

Oswald kept his attention focused on Lex, ignoring everything else so he wouldn't miss so much as the slightest change in expression while he allowed a little surprise to show for the mention of Crane "I've heard many things about the good Doctor Crane, perhaps you would be more specific. What do you wish to know?" Having funded some of it Oswald knew a good deal more about some of Jon's latest work than most people however he wasn't about the just blurt everything out if he could help it, he enjoyed keeping some secrets. Though perhaps for the right price he would part with them.

[Deleted]

The game never changes, however the players do. Oswald had been in the game much longer than Lex had, but that didn't mean that Lex was weak... far from to be accurate. Lex stared into Cobblepots eyes and shifted to a more comfortable position, " I wish to know about his activities, especially with Mr. Nigma" Why was Edward helping Ozzy who is probably helping Crane? To what end will this plan actually work?

Lex took another sip of the wine, it was actually quite good, surprising that even a place in Gotham served expensive, rare wine. Mercy continued to be silent, as she began to blend in with the shadows, if not for the candle light table. Lex stared at Oswald's henchman. What a pathetic looking tool. Muscular, definitely low IQ level, thats all you need to shoot a gun. However he was just that a tool to Oswald. Oswald needs a screwdriver with him, how else would he feel comfortable?

Lex's own plan was beginning to form, Crane was just a piece of the puzzle. Lex subtly smiled, business was a battle of wits and tools. Collateral damage is bound to happen, especially if you are connected to Edward Nigma. In the back of his mind, he thought about Edward threatening him with that toxin and with the failed assasssination plot of Dr. Stenet. Lex tightened his tie, never again would he trust incompetant, mentally challenged people to take care of simple matters. Leave it to the insane to not perform strange. Ironic isn't it?

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

With the wine quickly dropped off at the door Oswald accepts his glass from Mike. He'd prefer one of the nice young cocktail waitresses from the club but the less people who saw Luthor lurking around the better. Without another word Mike took up his spot by the Penguin's chair and resumed staring calmly at the visitors.

Oswald remained outwardly pleasant, showing the appropriate level of mild surprise at Lex's mention of the connection between Edward and Jon but then he imagined Lex would be the kind to keep an eye on who breaks out of Arkham too "Information on the dealings of two rogues, dangerous rumours to part with...Expensive rumours to part with" Ozzy smiled at the thought and began to think through things Lex could provide. He preferred to admit to hearing rumours than spying on everyone's business but anyone who came to him for information soon figured out what he meant. There were very few secrets he wouldn't sell for the right price.

He swirled his wine thoughtfully and took a sip before he continued, an idea causing a small sly smirk to form "You are in luck Mr. Luthor, I believe I have something you could do for me in return. An exchange of information and a favour in return for all I know of Jonathan's latest research and his dealings with Edward" of Jon's research he knew plenty, aside from knowing how to replicate it. Edward was quite the annoying mystery as usual but there were some things he knew that no one else would and he had a plan to find out more, whether he shared further information with Lex about it depended on how the deal went.

[Deleted]

Lex's eyes soften, a sign to most people that his intense plans were finished, however the softening of the eyes meant that he was calm and reserved for now. Business was like playing chess, every move you make shifts the weight of the repercussions.

Every move and plan was analyzed from many points of view. Staying ahead means victory, error is death. Lex had many errors that he could make that wouldn't derail his motives. Though, he knew Oswald could turn any kind of deal into an error.. .especially a fatal one. Machiavelli's principles served Lex well, know only if he could gain the 'temporary trust" of Oswald to keep things in balance for some time.

A sip of the expensive wine made Lex think about the deal a minute longer. The game had to be played, these deals made the game go on, keeping the experienced players in action for a few more months. Lex was curious of this---favour.

Mercy looked across, and eyes Luthor. He was Lex Luthor-billionaire, smartest man in the world, and dealer of deals. Now he had to make a deal with a lesser devil, to get through the road. " Very good Mr. Cobblepot, I'm glad to hear it." Lex nodded to mercy who gave him his checkpad, Luthor quickly snatched it and began filling in the necessary details, "How much?"

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

Oswald chuckled lightly when Lex pulled his check book out "You misunderstand Mr. Luthor, I am not asking for money..." a small grin appeared "Though if you wish to donate some funds I would not stop you"

He certainly didn't expect Lex to just give him money for nothing, it would be nice for a change but even if some insanity possessed Lex that made him do so Oswald would probably just keep looking for the catch.

"A favour and information is what I desire today. The information is simple, I wish to know all you know of Doctor Nina Stenet. The favour...a little trickier, though with your expertise concerning powerful opponents I'm certain this fledgling metahuman shouldn't cause you trouble. She is a lose end left over from the FBI's failure. In the possession of telepathic abilities as she is the girl is far too dangerous to be allowed to grow up seeing the world through the laws society has decided upon, someone must see that she does not" Oswald truthfully wanted revenge. No one went poking around in his mind and got away with it! He felt the need to come up with a better reason than his own personal concerns though.

That he didn't know anything of Force's telekinetic powers or where the girl was was most unfortunate but if Oswald was lucky it was soon to become Luthor's problem.

[Deleted]

Lex's hand, which was about to tear off the check stopped , dead even. His face hardened and his eyebrows tightened. Nina Stenet.... talented doctor with the knowledge to change science forever; if she had lived. This move changed the game again, resurrecting pawns that no longer played. Mercy, who had been standing in the corner waiting for an order, moved an inch forward. Re-adjusting himself, Lex spoke in a quiet yet informative manner " The late Dr. Stenet was an esteemed colleague in the field of Microbiology, one who had the brains and the talent to reshape the scientific community. Her skills were being wasted on useless grants in this city... Lexcorp, being an institute of innovation, needed the best of the best. A letter was sent offering her a top position."


His hand picked up the french bread that had not been touched nor troubled, and bit into it. It was fresh, however it lacked warmth. " Her charm and hospitality was taken advantage of by Edward Nigma. When she did not cooperate with his plans, she was killed. Tragic, such grace and knowledge obliterated." Clearing his throat, Mercy walked over with a Cuban cigar. " Metahuman you say? A Telepath?" Mercy lit the cigar, giving Cobblepot's henchman a cold stare. A Telepathic metahuman was a rare find. Two metahumans to get rid of... unless.... yes.... Yes that could work! "You have my word that she will be out of the picture. Mr. Cobblepot, your turn."


Any problem can be solved, every solution can cause problems, those problems hinder the man with everything, the man must remain on top if he wants to extinguish, the man with natural power.

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

He didn't know. Oswald took a moment to relish in the knowledge that his information was so much more advanced and up to date. With a light chuckle he raises from his chair "On second thoughts, perhaps I will take that check too, I'm certain I can earn it as well" he ignored Mercy still as he walked over to Lex and offered out a hand for the check "Dr. Stenet is not what you believe" He was purposely a little cryptic, he didn't want to show his hand until he had the money.

He had more questions on the matter but there was to be some give and take. Oswald had demanded much, to keep Lex happy he was aware that he had to uphold his end of the bargain too and as he knew more of his work Ozzy decided to begin with Jon "Dr. Crane has been quite the busy fellow. The word is he entered some time ago into an arrangement with an investor" Oswald fails to mention that the investor is himself "His desire was to create a new substance and he was funded under the arrangement that he would share these results. A deal he ultimately broke and one that will, if the rumours are true, soon result in a great deal of discomfort for the good doctor" Because Oswald was going to beat him bloody for it.

A light sip of his drink and Oswald continues on "The substance in question seems to have had some success if the talk of his interaction with the FBI is to be believed. Not content with being most irritatingly creepy Crane appears to have taken to the idea of literally turning himself into a monster"

[Deleted]

"Dr. Stenet is now what you believe" Lex's brilliant plans and thoughts vanished into smoke. His eyes made no change, but you could tell no one was inside. The sentence sent him off into space, searching and searching. How could it have come to this!? Stenet was killed by the Ventriloquist. Edward was devastated, the science community had lost a new hope. Mercy, who was now standing closer to Lex, waited for an order; there wouldn't be one. The truth made his lip cringe and curl. Inside it was as if an entire world burst into firestorm. He writes a check for $3,000 a relatively small amount.

That inhumane, pompous, and insolent piece of shit. From the moment he gave the mission to Arnold Wesker he had doubts. Yet, Arnold need not fail, he wouldn't... he couldn't. The doctor posed no real physical threat. God damn failure, that's what the whole mission was. Information was a trade of all businessman. The meeting is no longer in his control. And now he had to explain himself to Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot. If Arnold was in front of him, the room would be in shambles. Despicable piece of shit!

Mercy took the check and handed it to Oswald, anxious to leave and worried about Lex. His plans were not over, Stenet would not be any trouble. Oswald could have only a rumour or a lie. Before he could further think, Crane---- A new dangerous substance capable of turning the user into a monster. It sounded like a Grimm fairy tale: Substances of evil, monsters, and the blood of the innocent. Crane had to be turned to the right course, with the right approach and materials.

Finishing his drink, Lex abruptly asks "Now what about Nigma?"

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

It feels like Oswald's birthday, he felt quite on top of the negotiations and happily takes the check. A pitiful amount really but it was unlikely to be information anyone else would be interested in and if Ozzy hadn't told him eventually Lex would have found out eventually. His expression might not have changed but Ozzy was most amused by the thought that Lex Luthor was fooled by a microbiologist. Well, the Riddler helped clearly.

He pockets the check away safely and wanders back to his chair as he talks "Quite alive and well. It seems Edward intervened when Arnold went to kill her. Naturally I have no care for the man behind the idiot with the doll" he give Lex a look as he sits down. Of course he knows but to prove it he'd have to admit to having hidden microphones in the club and a reason to. For now Lex was in his relatively good books "I had dinner with Dr Stenet recently, she's quite irritating, it would likely have made the world a far duller place had the attempt succeeded. My question though is why did Edward bother to go to such trouble to save her?" he's not sure how much Lex could know but he had dealings with Edward, it's worth a shot, after all there must be a reason he tried to have her killed after apparently offering her a job.

Another sip and Oswald turns his thoughts to his last meeting with Edward, quite the unusual time it was too "Mm, Nigma. Well apparently he quite literally bought Crane's life and betrayed him in the same deal. The both of them escaped Arkham together and it seems they must be doing some business together, the nature of which I'm hoping to discover very shortly. That investor I mentioned? Well, Edward made a deal with him too. He paid off Crane's debts, gave the man the doctor's location, told him he could extract whatever revenge he wished for, provided Crane was alive and didn't know what Edward had done. An extortionate amount of money and the location of a fellow rogue handed over with nothing asked in return. Very strange behaviour for Nigma wouldn't you say?" He was still trying to work that one out, he almost hoped Lex would have an idea.

[Deleted]

Lex was not one to interrupt someone whilst they were speaking, it was rude and it meant that one had bad manners. Which is why, he clears his throat as Oswald continues spewing information like a music machine continuing to play songs. He shifts his weight, somehow listening while thinking about leaving. The meeting had gone on long enough, but the information was priceless. Glancing at the watch, one could tell Lex's time at the lounge was drawing to a dull close, but he glanced so fast and so subtly that you would have to have the sight of a thousand eagles to see it.

Lex drinks the last of the tasteful wine as the final information about Edward is told. Certainly he didn't have any plans for Edward, but it was interesting to find out what he was up to. Why Edward would help Crane was a new event in Lex's mind. However before he can respond to Oswald's massive information intake, Mercy quietly walks over and whispers, "Time to go, You have a flight to SPV tomorrow". The meeting was over. Lex stands up and says in his rich voice, "Thank you Mr. Cobblepot. I'm sure we'll keep in touch." Mercy quickly opens the door, as Lex sighs and walks out.

Past the grand scheme, past the ballroom, past the dinings and the corruption, past the deals, and past the attractive girls, and past the man dressed in bird garb. He was one step closer to Crane and now he could set a few obstacles or "deals" with his old pal, Oswald. The word to describe the meeting: Essential trap.

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

Lex may be losing his concentration but Oswald still finds great amusement in Luthor's abrupt decision to leave. He was clearly bothered by the news of Dr. Stenet continued existence, Oswald was more than happy to have caused this discomfort.

He chuckles and watches Luthor making his escape "Don't forget to deal with the metahuman girl, the FBI called her Force. I'll have the relevant files sent over" he didn't have much or he'd have dealt with it himself but at the very least he could provide a description and the name of the FBI agent she had been with when he met the girl. Lex would just have to work from there.

It was a good deal, if Lex kept his word Oswald would certainly consider it more than worth the information he'd parted with. If Lex didn't...well he'd have to provide a little encouragement perhaps. At least the check in his pocket could be relied upon, though he would be seeing that was added to one of his accounts before the day ended.

Oswald gave a small wave to Mike but remained in his seat, sipping from his wine as he watches Lex leave "A pleasure doing business Mr. Luthor" Taking the hint Mike follows along behind Luthor and Mercy, ensuring they find the exit again without straying into any areas they shouldn't be in.