The Game is a foot.. it's more a game. [Penguin, Scarface]

[Deleted]

His men had been there earlier to set up for the meeting.  The Joker had them set up the table and chair he heisted from the Troubador, two folding chairs and a baby high-chair.  When he arrived he surveyed the area, laying out a few booby traps on the roof and other entrances should some of *his* people showed up or even if he dared to himself.

The meeting had been kept hush-hush so unless one of the other two talked and word got out on the street, it should go uninterrupted. He placed his men strategically in the shadows so his guests could not see them.

All the while he was whistling "Strangers in the Night" through the whole process.  He had needed to order some materials for the scheme from Cobblepot, and Scarface had mentioned he had some plans as well that could work well with this one.  He knew having two, at times competing, crime lords in the same room was risky.  He also felt the potential would give them reason to set aside any potential differences.  not that he cared. the plan just sounded fun to him.

He sat down in the fine padded wooden chair, and examined the table.  it had several pock marks from when Rooster Stone emptied both barrels of her shotgun at his van.  He frown and wet his gloved thumb with his tongue and tried to rub one of them out. He made a mental note to next time have a table cloth, then he smiled as he envisioned using the same material to wrap it around Rooster's neck for scarring his table.

he gave a chuckle to himself and puled out his paddle ball and started tapping away.  it wa sthe only sound that echoed in the warehouse as he counted.  he'd forgotten his record with the toy but he was determined to break it anyway.

"1..2...3...4...5...6..7....12...56...23..41..69..."

[Deleted]

The place gave them the creeps.  Shadows hoping to and fro, constantly feeling like they were surrounded.  The Ventriloquist and Scarface were dressed in their Sunday best, blue pin stripe suits with red ties from a quality name brand.  Scarface had a machine gun, the Ventriloquist a small pistol tucked underneath It's jacket.

"Ye Should let me do da talking," Scarface stated in a semi-blunt fashion.  The crime lord realized that they were coming to meet the Joker, Gotham's most unpredictable rogue.  Having the Ventriloquist, or Arnold Wesker feeling confident today might be the fine line between life and death depending on how the meeting went.  "That is, unless either addresses you personally." 

They entered the main area, obvious to both that they were being watched the entire way.  Scarface pointed the tommy gun up into the sky as the Ventriloquist re-adjusted the glasses on the bridge of It's nose. 

"Yoo-Hooo, anyguddy home?" 

[Deleted]

"1256, 432, 7658... 8...8...... drat I lost count!"

A consistent tapping could be heard echoing through the vast warehouse. A singular light was shining over The joker who had his feet propped up on a wooden table. He stood up quickly and cocked his head towards the new voice.

"Scarrr over here! Yoohoo! That's right meeting spot taking place here! I got you and whatshisface Whistler...Wicker...Macrame' each a chair!"

He patted the high chair while a smile as he walked back to his seat and flipped out the tails of his coat before sitting back down.

"You may notice the empty chair. There is another coming so I haven't killed anybody today......."

His face grew dark and his grin bigger.

"Yet."

He sat back in his chair again and propped up his feet and looked at his watch.

"Oooh. I spoke too soon! *HAAAAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA* Avoid the West side today. traffic will be murder. *heeheeeheee* Sooooo. How are things?"

He began tapping his ball & paddle toy again as he looked to Scarface, totally ignoring Wesker. He had heard that the Crime Boss had some plans to propose 7 thought they could possibly be worked into his own.....one way or another.

[Deleted]

"Heh. His name is Wesker, gu't ye can call him the dummy." Scarface exclaimed. "Whatcha waiting for Dummy? Take the man's offer of hospitality!!!"

"Heee." The Ventriloquist shuffled into the meeting room with a manic like grin.

Scarface took a seat directly across from the Joker, tipping his fedora toward the Prince of Crime in Gotham City.



"You may notice the empty chair. There is another coming so I haven't killed anybody today......."

The Ventriloquist and Scarface looked to the unoccupied seat next to them. Wondering who would be the other to fill that seat in the near future. Ventriloquist smile faded when...

The smile on Joker's face grew dark and larger.

"Yet."

The Joker sat back in his chair again and propped up his feet and looked at his watch.

"Oooh. I spoke too soon! *HAAAAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA* Avoid the West side today. traffic will be murder. *heeheeeheee* Sooooo. How are things?"

The Ventriloquist and Scarface began to fidget nervously in Their seats. The thing about the Joker is that despite all of the smiles and gregarious posture, the seat they were sitting in could be laced with explosives or a large magnum pistol could be hidden inside of the classic purple jacket the clown always seemed to wear.

"Heh. Things have 'geen rough Joker. We're glad yer 'gack in town. Outside of the 'Gatman, this entire city has 'geen overrun 'gy the capes, and prior to that, the feds were locking things down real good so I could not get things off the grand!!"

Scarface lifted up a cigar up to his lips with the help of Arnold Wesker.

"We need a little scratch, a little dough, then we can get things up and running again, capiche? Heh, may'ge ye can help us out with that?! Pssst. Whats going on the West Side?"

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

Oswald wasn't in the best of moods already, he's still irritated with Joker after the incident with Lola. If it weren't for the fact he expected it from the rouges, he was pretending not to care much and this meeting had a significant potential profit he might have taken more convincing to turn up.

Meeting in a place that Joker had had time to prepare made the Penguin uncomfortable but as his car pulled into the area it appeared as though he'd still only brought his driver with him. Granted the driver was his head thug and main bodyguard Mike but as he left the big man in the car he carried on to the building alone. Backup was only a few blocks away waiting in a van but it seemed very far away as Oswald spotted Arnold as he approached the door.

So, the Ventriloquist had been invited too. It was clearly going to be a crazy filled meeting. "Scarface, it's been quite some time" He greets smoothly as he appears, acting as if it's no surprise at all. Arnold is ignored in favour of the puppet in moments of business but moments later both are ignored as he looked at Joker, it was hard to ignore such a laugh "Joker, my friend, I hope you're not about to begin without me?" For as long as his temper is in check he always appears politely friendly, it'd be hard to tell that he's annoyed at all.

He didn't bother looking around, he was sure the Joker had men around, he just hoped they were there to keep out unwanted visitors, not to help skim on the payment.

[Deleted]

The Joker stood up from his chair and, if able, grasped The Penguin's hand shaking it heartily.

"Oswald! So glad you could come. Oh no, I haven't begun. I was just about to tell Scarface here that the West side will be a little chaotic tonight because a bomb has toppled a building into another and blown many of Gotham's Blues to bit! HAAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA"

He went back to his seat and leaned forward looking at both his hopeful partners in this plot his hand flat on the table his trademark mischievous grin. He pulled out his tablet and tapped it a video feed from the bombing was playing. Police, and fire along with Hawkgirl were aiding the injured and digging through the rubble to find more.

"And this! Is just the beginning. I have a plan that will open Gotham up for us, my old friends. Y'see....Batman may be a thorn in our side but he has help. His brats of course but who is his *biggest* ally? Why that do-gooder "by-the-book" Commissioner Gordon of course!!! But we all know he doesn't always go "by...the...book...." he has that signal on the roof and is in cahoots with Batsy. the mayor has a manhunt order out for Bats and WHO I dare ask is ignoring that order? GORDON! That's OBSTRUCTION and I won't stand for it!!!"

He slammed his fist on the buck shot ridden table.

"It's time to shine some light on the mayor and have him see this. It is time my friends for Commissioner James Gordon to face his own good justice, and with that the house of cards shall begin to fall. Once he is incarcerated many small devices will go off simultaneously to keep the shaken up police AND the Bat brats busy. The road for us will be paved in gold my friends....."

"Oswald, I know we have had our differences and such, but I would like to commission you to provide some certain materials to help the cause, oh and also Gordon's brat attends college at Gotham university. I want photos.... as threatening looking and some as risque as possible. They will be a gift to her father while he his locked up. To give him a message of sorts. *heeee* Don't bother to follow her at night from what I hear the girl's a bookworm and will just be studying She hardly seems the sneak out and party type."

He gave a mocking shudder.

"Scarface. Your task would be to pull in the greenbacks once this gets underway, capeche? The rewards would be the loot. I merely want 20%. I'm in this for the fun. You two haggle out your shares. *Heeheee* It's time we truly rule this town!! now. Who's with me??? Oh and Penguin.....if this goes well, I may have a little chickadee for you by the name of Rooster Stone."

[Deleted]

Suddenly the tablet went black and Joker giggled.

"Ooops they found my camera, and....the second bomb which has probably gone off already. *heeheeee* So predictable."

[Deleted]

Taking a seat in between the two Gotham City rogues, the Ventriloquist turned his head first at the Penguin.  Merely nodding.  It has been awhile since they had seen and encountered the Penguin.  A few months perhaps?  A random encounter at the Iceberg Lounge. 

There was a slight growl from Arnold Wesker upon the entrance of Oswald Cobblepot.  The Ventriloquist did not like him. Not at all, mainly because of the disrespect the Penguin showed him.  Addressing Scarface and not him.  Some nerve!

"Penguin.  This 'geen awhile.  Yer entrance in this meeting makes it more credi'gle.  The Joker here has 'geen quiet active.  Refreshing.  Heh."

Scarface and the Ventriloquist worked together on listening to the Joker, and the clown's desire to pick on Jim Gordon, focusing on Barbara Gordon as one of the key moving parts of the plan.  The sudden explosion and mention of the camera made the Ventriloquist jump out of their seats.

"Gordon eh?  Mighty tall order, especially going after his daughter. Ah' assume that ye want one of us to help you with that?"  Scarface waited for the answer but the response was the explosing going off. "Whoa!  What was that a'gout?!?!" Scarface asked about the explosion!!!

Looking to Penguin, the Ventriloquist was interested to see his response.

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

Oswald's eyes flicked down quickly to check the Joker's hand for joy buzzers before he shakes it, at times he'll play along or even fall for the odd practical joke but he wasn't in the mood to be electrocuted today. Thankfully this time he appeared to be safe and allowed his attention to be drawn to the tablet and the feed of the explosions.

Resisting the urge to reach for his phone and get the full details on exactly which building had fallen Oswald instead glanced at the empty chair left for him. He immediately gets second thoughts about actually sitting on it though and aims a small prod at it with his umbrella as he smoothly replies "So I notice, I do hope you haven't incinerated any of my investments this time" He sounded in good humour, teasing and not in the least surprised that Joker had been blowing up buildings whether he knew about it or not.

Joker's views on Gordon were interesting though. He remembers with fondness a time when Gotham's Commissioner was open to bribes, then Gordon came along and waged war against the gangs and Batman was there to help him, buying the support of the police became so much difficult after that "If the Mayor has yet to notice the Commissioner's views on the Bat then he has buried his head far too deep. I believe he more likely chooses to ignore them as he spouts words to please the masses but to save face he may be coerced into action and if not he can be always be replaced. The fall of the good Commissioner is something I would not be opposed to witnessing"

Reaching into a pocket Oswald withdrew his cigarette case and moments later his lighter, deals with the rogues had a tendency to draw out old habits he was otherwise trying to resist plus it gave him a moment to think. Gordon's brat was easy to find, the hardest part would making the photographs look threatening, he wasn't hoping for risqué the girl seemed far too dull. He'd find some young idiot with passable acting skills and give them a camera, it wouldn't take long and he could deny all if they were caught.

The mention of Rooster stone was what finally got him to stop planning his part of the job and he looked at Joker, a questioning eyebrow raising "60% and some payment up front if I'm to be supplying the materials" He quickly settles down his first offer before even voicing the question "Why is it I should care for Miss Stone?" He was genuinely curious what the Joker thought was going on.

An uncomfortable flinch meets the picture on the tablet disappearing and he flicks a glance at Arnold. Another building falling, just like Scarface he was also curious what the point was "I assume that camera feed is secure?" He's more concerned about unwelcome visitors tracking it and stopping by, though perhaps they'd be too busy saving people.

[Deleted]

Joker finished his momentary laughing spell and took a deep breath, leaning forward in his chair.

"Oh Gordon I just the beginning. I will state my case to the mayor and if he disagrees to see my....rightful point of view I will persuade him to arrest the Commish cuz y'see Bats is breaking the law too. Sure he's not out there murdering by the dozens by potatoes...tomatoes. He's still breaking the law & they're letting him do it. the mayor has to, by law, relieve Gordon of his duty and lock him up and then afterwards? Batsy's on the run again. Hee!!!!"

His eyes were wild with excitement for his plan to the point where the two could tell if anyone tried to get in his way it would be all too fatal.

"I"m going to turn Gotham again bats. I have an ace up my sleeve that I've been holding onto a long time and it's time to play it. Watch your TV boys.....Summer Gleason will be broadcasting her report about on her show. HAHaHa!!"

"Then Gotham is ours free reign to move your little underground Ozzie, and free to have your little corner Scar, and well sorry Arnie, you're still outta luck. AhAhA!"

Joker got up and paced the adrenaline really pumping. He made huge gestures with his hands as he spilled out his plan often taking a moment to toot his own horn through a series of laughing attacks. When Oswald mentioned the bombing Joker paused and thought.

"I dunno Penguin old buddy. Did you have any offices in the building that Fun Times, Inc? Sorry if so, chap. I had to make an announcement."

He also mocked being offended at the question of the video feed.
"Mr. Cobblepot. I set the feed up personally, what do you think? Maybe you'd like to take control of this escapade! We allll know how your plans work out!"

He paused and smiled pulling a list from his jacket and tossed it on the table before Oswald.

"Estimate your bill and let me know how much. You know where I am, but watch your step. I do hope large bills are acceptable? Oh! and as far as Ms. Rooster Stone. I dunno, 2 flightless birds both running clubs, and she's a very very strong willed and beautiful woman. I know how you like them Ozzie...I can even introduce you! She's FAR better than that...that.....what's her name again? Harley 2....oh it's on the tip of my tongue..... Nora? No That's Victor's wife on ice....come on Ozzie help me out here....."

[Deleted]

Scarface let out a big grin as the Joker included him in on the plans and left out Arnold.

"Heh.  See dat Dummy.  The clown knows who is in charge and yer silly role in this outfit."

The Ventriloquist took a deep sigh and frowned.  Admitting defeat.

"Y--Y--Yes. I guess you're right.  I still have a lot to offer though!" 

"No ye don't!  Ah' left you in charge of us these past few months and all you've managed to do is creep out females and leave us without money!" 

What Joker said about Batman breaking the law was correct.  Sometimes the Clown Prince made sense in what he said.  Actually the Joker made sense a lot of times, the thing is, the Joker is willing to take the necessary steps and follow through on the darkest thoughts normal people will have towards a certain situation.

The Ventriloquist continued to sit down and looked between Penguin and the Joker, obviously in defeat, but looking for any type of social assistance.

Scarface interjected, almost jumping on the table.

"Leave da daughter to us, what's her name?  G'argara Gordon?  Heh, Scarface has a plan.  One of her friends, Jules, the Dummy and I have g'een keeping tag's on her.  We can use her as the key to all of this.  Heh."

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

Turn Gotham against the Bat, he was sure something would go horribly wrong, it always did with the Bat but so long as he got paid it didn't really matter to him though if it worked he'd certainly be ready to take advantage of it "It is true that things would be a great deal simpler if there was a lot less cooperation going on between the forces of law and order"

Oswald was somewhat surprised that Scarface didn't object to his request to take the largest share of the spoils, he was expecting to have to negotiate but perhaps the distraction of falling buildings has worked to his advantage because he's certainly not bringing it up again and swiftly moves on "Fun Times, Inc? Not that I recall, you know I don't do fun" He joked with a small smirk.

The puppet's request to deal with Gordon's brat doesn't seem to phase Oswald either and he gestures as if to brush the task aside "If Joker considers it acceptable I'm sure such a task should be easily completed by one such as yourself, Scarface" Less risk for Oswald and if Arnold mucks it up he can charge extra to get it done right!

The list is accepted from the table but before he could do much more than glance over it the Joker spoke again and Oswald's grip on his umbrella tightened a little though his smile didn't seem to shift as he moves closer to the Joker "Ah, I see, you believe I have some desire for ex-cop cowgirls who seem to have neglected to notice the invention of the car" going to place a hand on the clown's shoulder seemingly friendly until he suddenly grips it tighter and a blade shoots out of his umbrella very close to the Joker's face just as a warning "It's Lola. I haven't worked out your bill yet" His pleasant smile snapped into a snarl as he dropped the gentleman act "Is now really the time you want to piss me off?"

So many look at the short, little, round man and forget his horrible temper just constantly hides under the surface. Lola was a bad button to push, not least of all because he had yet to pay Joker back for that little stunt.

[Deleted]

Crashing in like a cannon ball, Harley bounced into the room. She was grinning from eat to ear as she forced the rather rusty pogo stick to fling her up into the air before she came crashing down. She had been hunting down Joker's whereabouts for awhile since they parted awhile ago and now she was busting in on this little meeting and was gonna set things straight.

She was no longer wearing the skin tight one piece, now she was nearly nude aside from her tight black and red shorts and matching corset. On her hips were two gun holsters and places for her knives, yep, she had gone off the deeper end for sure. her hair matched her new look, in tight ponytails with her hair half red, half black, her skin was a lot paler and her smile was more sinister as she looked at the men.

" I don't think so Penggie " She said as he pulled her favorite gun from the holster on his hips and aimed it at his round head. She tilted her head to one side and gave a rather insane smile," Back off from Mistah J or say Bye bye to your fat head!"

[Deleted]

To see her entrance took him aback slightly, and it also drew his men out from the shadows.  Her appearance however really threw him off.  If he had a gag of eyes popping out of his head at the sight of her he'd have used it.  His mouth was hanging open and was actually stricken silent. Other than three words that was a squeaked whisper,

"Holy Jackpot, Batman."  

That was until she brandished the weapon which brought a big grin and look of smug confidence to his face. His eyes trailed back to Cobblepot and he raised a brow at the rotund man.  their partnerships had always been rickety at best, and The Penguin's next move would determine if this one would continue.

"We may have to table that for a later time, Ozzie.  Back to business? I hope we can continue our negotiations.  I would have to have our little discussion here.......terminated.....prematurely.  Wouldn't you agree?  aheehee...hee"

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

Oswald predicted something was bound to happen when he threatened Joker but Harley's appearance wasn't it. She wasn't exactly known for sitting quietly and hiding. Oswald smiled at her threat though "Harley, my dear, how unexpected to see you. Going for a new look?" He straightened up as he talked, moving the blade further from Joker before finally it snapped back into place, hiding within the umbrella as he stepped away to give the pair a little space and reassure Joker's goons.

If he'd really wanted to hurt the Joker he'd just have done it, his displeasure at the behaviour had been expressed though so he seemed to be back to his usual polite act and smoothly returned to thinking of business. There would always be time for revenge later when the deal was done and Oswald had the time to plan such things. The fact that Harley was pointing a gun at his head didn't seem to bother him at all. It was practically standard behaviour in rogue deals and they might be crazy but they still needed him.

He finally glances over the list provided and begins mentally calculating how easily he can get things "I'll make the arrangements to acquire the goods and have them shipped, any time restraints on any of the items? Unless there is anything more you require for this plan of yours I imagine that's what you were hoping to hear?" Business as usual, as if nothing ever happened.