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And Just Who Let Her In?

October 10th, 2001

Participants: Dick Grayson, Batman, Barbara Gordon, and Sasha Bordeaux

Scene: With a little time to spare before his customary evening patrol, Dick ventures down into the Bat Cave with Barbara to talk with Bruce... and discovers that there is already an unexpected member of Batman's inner circle present in the shadowy confines of the cavern...

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Main Level [Bat Cave]
Here is the nerve center of the Batcave. The staging area for nearly all of the Batman's operations, this level is not only where all the entry points from the Manor lead to, but also where the Batcomputer is kept, and the Batmobile is usually parked when not in use. The Batcomputer is a massive affair with multiple screens, powered by three Cray-III supercomputers and connected to an unimaginable amount of information thanks to the aid of Oracle. It sits on a raised platform, right next to a spiral staircase that leads further down into the cave. Most of the rest of this level is occupied by the carport for the Batmobile. A narrow bridge spans the chasm between the Batcomputer and the car port. The car port floor doubles as a freight elevator to lower the Batmobile down below into the auto-shop portion of the cave, and is also a turntable that can turn the batmobile about after it has been parked, preparing it to take off again. Aside from the spiral staircase and freight elevator, Both hidden entrances from the Manor (The clock in the study, and Bruce's bedroom) feed into a staircase (Clock) and Elevator (Bedroom) that terminate here. This level is almost always active in some way, even if it's just the computer running diagnostics.
People and Things:
Barbara
Sasha
Batmobile
Batman

Other exits: [A] Archway to Tunnel to the Outside [E] Elevator to Bruce's Room [D] Stairs to Sublevel 1 [U] Stairs to Secret Passage

Batman is seated at the computer, the cowl of his costume pulled back, his fingers steepled before him, and a rather unseemly scowl painted on his face. He looks....even grimmer than usual, if that's possible. And oddly, there's nothing -on- the computer screens at the moment.

Sasha sensed the tension in the house last night, when she was generally given a major brush off and enough icy silence to send her off to the Tap Room for wings. Something bad went down, and the Bat wasnt going to let her in on it. She comes down the stairs in her workout gear, taping up her knuckles. She's been unrelenting in th training, wanting to prove to the big jerk she can cut it to do her job. She refuses to let Wayne fire her.

Barbara comes out of the elevator, pushing herself to Batman's side, looking at the computer. "Oh wonderful, I thought I got that bug fixed." She mutters.

Batman glances over to Barbara, his eyes almost not recognizing her for a moment, before he nods, "User error..." Good GOD! Was that a JOKE?!? Not that there was any humor in his voice, mind you. He looks over to Sasha, nodding slightly, "Sasha, Barbara, Barbara, Sasha." He knows
Barbara's already fully aware of Ms. Bordeaux, and her 'situation'.

Barbara nods slightly, "Ms. Bordeaux." She glances at the computer again, and stares at the screen, "Last thing you tried?"

Sasha blinks as another voice can be heard in the cave. The stubborn (most mules swoon over her talent for it) personal security assistant moves over towards where the unmasked Bat sits, reflexively. Granted the guy could break her in two, but she is STILL his bodyguard, as absurd a situation as that is. She looks from the blank screens to Bruce, to Barbara. Then back to Bruce as if expecting an introduction or explanation.

She nods at the brief, informationless introduction, as if she expected as much from Mr. Mystery. "I dont believe we've met. Sasha Bordeaux...Batman's..." Oh great, how do you explain this one? At least she remembered to call him Batman. "employee." That should suffice. She frowns a bit as Barbara seems to know her last name already.

When the lift comes to a halt, Dick Grayson steps off the platform after Barbara, glancing upwards towards the roof of the cave lost in the shadows above. The surroundings are familiar enough and the young man lingers behind for a moment with his own thoughts, gaze slowly darting to and fro as he looks for subtle differences. But the moment passes and he quickly finds his attention diverted towards the nearby screens and terminal of the batcomputer where, not incidentally, Batman is seated. Frowning slightly at Barbara's murmured comment, he slowly walks over towards the pair though he blinks in clear surprise at the presence of the third person present in the cavern.

Batman murmurs in the same monotone, "I believe you've already met my ward, Dick Grayson?" Well, it certainly stands to reason that his 'son' would be in on the big secret, doesn't it? Though it clearly doesn't explain Barbara's presence. In reply to Barbara's question, he glances at her, and almost smiles, "It's in a decompile subroutine. I'm just thinking...." More like doing the computer's job in his own head. Besides, he just....didn't want to deal with the machine tonight. Sometimes a body just has to think for himself.

Barbara glances at Sasha, "Barbara...." She considers for a moment before adding, "...Gordon." Then she glances at Batman, "Want me to look at the situation?"

The frown is still planted on Sasha's lips over the whole 'She knows who I am but I havent a clue who she is business'. But then a few things click...Barbara's appearance for one. The woman turns over facts in her head, not unlike Bruce, only rather than dwelling on the moody and dark, she delves into where she's seen the redhead before. It doesnt take her long, she was a secret service agent afterall. (Oh, and her telling her last name didnt hurt either)

"Former Congresswoman Gordon?" She scowls at Bruce deeply as Dick joins as well...a whole pack of people in the know. "So just how many people know this big secret of yours? So I know who I need to keep my mouth shut tight around?" She hates being in the dark...go figure...bats and dark seem to go hand in hand. She props her hands on her hips indignantly.

Well, well, well, isn't that interesting and most definately unexpected? Bruce never used to be the trusting sort, and somehow it's hard to imagine that times have changed that much. Which only makes Dick that much more curious to know the details of how his bodyguard came to be present in this room. Stepping out of the shadows that hang heavy in the less well lit portions of the cave, he nods to Sasha briefly, regarding her through narrowed eyes as he murmurs a polite greeting before falling silent and turning his gaze back towards Batman. Poor fellow. Between computer problems and annoyed employees, he seems to be a little tied up. Perhaps now wasn't the best time, afterall.

Batman rattles off rather instantaneously, "Counting yourself, 18 that I'm aware of. At least three others that likely have strong suspicions." He looks to Barbara and shakes his head, "It'll come back online in a few minutes. Thank you." He glances between Barbara and Dick, then back to Sasha, and actually, in a rare moment of weariness, lets out a sigh, "I suppose some manner of explanation is in order. Sasha's position essentially dictated that it would be impossible for either of us to function effectively without her being in the know. That, and she overheard a conversation she shouldn't have." He flickers a dark gaze to her at that. Hm, surely he's not still sore about that, right? "Barbara assists with technical support. And Dick has been with me almost since the beginning." He doesn't offer any more then that, just yet. Their secrets aren't his to give, after all. Well, they -might- be, but he's not going to presume so much. "Beyond these two, Alfred, and Selina, whom you already know about, there's also Dr. Leslie Thompkins, Robin, Azrael, the seven core members of the JLA, and a small handful of my enemies." The latter obviously directed at Sasha, to answer her question.

Barbara nods, "I think it'll probably do just that, it's done that before." She grins slightly, though hidden to batman, before looking at Sasha, "And yes, I am the former congresswoman."

Sasha lets out a frustrated breath, blowing one of the loose locks of hair up and out of her face. "All right...so 15 people on your side and trusted with it, and at least 3 who are bad news, possibly six. So maybe it would be some small wisdom if you were to let me in on who those 3, possibly 6 enemies are, in case they realize, 'Hey, she's his bodyguard, she must know a lot more than she actually does, lets get to him through her!'. Just so I can keep on my toes?"

Ah, ever the fountain of practicality. She glares right back at him regarding the overheard conversation. Hey! She just thought he was some crimelord or mafia or something, not the (holy tights and cape) Batman! He's the one that spilled those messy beans. These two really seem to borderline hate each other. For some folks in the room it is likely pretty amusing (Lord knows it probably gives Alfred giggle fits).

Wow... eighteen. Surprising how that number can just keep on creeping up and up. Though in some respects it's amazing that they've been able to even partially conceal their identities as long as they have when one stops to think about it. Contenting himself with a simple nod at Batman's accessment, Dick turns his gaze back towards Sasha as she continues on her little rant, lifting a hand to his face for a moment to conceal the brief smile that lights there. Still, it's nice to see someone beside himself give Bruce a hard time. It doesn't happen often. "Ahhh... sorry to interupt," he says, breaking in for a moment as his features grow serious once more. "But I was wondering how Batgirl was?" he asks quietly, eyes swinging back towards Batman and the formidable computer he stands in front of.

Batman glances back to the blank screen, "She'll be all right.....she'll just be off active duty for a couple of months." Even to the relative newcomer Sasha, it should be readily apparent that this is exactly the source of his current agitation. Though she may not realize it's because he blames himself for her injury, not that he's upset about her being off 'active duty' for a couple months.

Barbara nods, "Yes, she will be. I'll be making sure of that." Barbara says this matter of factly, like it's something that happens on a daily basis. Perhaps it does. "And....she'll have full use of the facilities to recoop."

Sasha's scowl deepens as she ticks another one off on the "know it all" list. "Am I correct in guessing Batgirl is just her name and not her official relation to you? Or do I have a whole other kind of secret to keep?" Well come on, up til now she didnt know he was more than a playboy with the IQ of a pez dispenser and he turned out to be Batman, she wont discount him being a secret dad until she hears otherwise.

At the mention of someone being out of it for a few months though, her face flickers with concern, and those who notice might sense the sincere protectiveness that Sasha really does have for her client. Its what makes her so good at her job. She really does give a damn about the people she is assigned to protect. "What happened to her?"

Remaining solemn, Dick nods at Bruce's words, his own gaze thoughtful as he does so. A couple of months. And it could have been worse. A lot worse. All to confront someone who really shouldn't have been that dangerous. Introspection turning towards worry, a frown begins to creep across the young man's face. "She was caught in the edge of an explosion," he answers absently though the question wasn't directed towards him, leaving the details up to Batman.

Batman thinks that's explanation enough, apparently, as he rises to his feet and begins to march towards the Batmobile, pulling his cowl into place. "I failed her." He adds by way of his -own- take on the situation, as he opens the door of the vehicle and starts to climb in. "Sasha has full run of the cave, but should be concentrating on her training. Feel free to give her some pointers." He adds, "And no, Batgirl is not a blood relation." It goes far, far deeper then that, in his mind. "I have work to do." And without another word, he slams the door of the batmobile, fires up the engine, and screeches off into the pathway towards the surface.

Barbara sighs, "He'll keep taking it on his own shoulders. Somehow I don't think he was even like this when..." She frowns, "...lets not go there."

Confusion, and a definite uneasiness is apparent in Sasha as her "charge" goes barelling off into the night, and she cant follow to be sure he doesnt wind up in a body bag. She sighs and rubs the bridge of her nose. "I hate it when he does that." She looks between the other two. "So...do you two put on pajamas and run around rooftops too? Or like me are you just sort of in the know?"

Mouth half open to object to the sudden departure, Dick watches the cowled figure's departure in silence as he shakes his head slowly, brow furrowed with concern. His eyes linger on the Batmobile as it races down the long passage leading away from the main cavern and out into cool evening air. At least until Barbara's words catch his attention and he glances back, a slow nod of agreement accompanying her words. No, something's just can not be easily dwelt on -- even years after the fact. "I didn't get a chance to talk to him about... ahhh, I'll catch him later," he muses before his eyes slide back towards Sasha, a little of that worry fading away. "I've been known to walk along a rooftop or two in my time, but not usually in my pajamas," he replies with dry humour.

Barbara grins, and looks at her wheelchair, "Since this happened, I haven't gone to rooftops. As for my pajama's..." She shrugs, "...I think light blue and white pajamas would be...attention getting."

Sasha look rather...tired now that Bruce has departed. He's given her 30 days to prove herself and train to his standards or be fired from her bodyguard position, regardless of how big a cow Lucius Fox would have over it. She made the mistake of letting him realize she'd be too honorable to reveal his secret even if he tossed her out on her rear end. Now she has to prove she can cut it, or file for unemployment. She's been going on little sleep, pushing herself harder than she should (of course the fact he locked out the lift against her access code, forcing her to walk up and down those endless flights of stairs in the cavern hasnt helped. He can be such a snot.)

"Well then, I guess I'm on my own for training tonight. Never thought I'd have to take even more tests just to keep my job...I thought it was hard getting into the Secret Service..." She snorts softly.

The amusement fades quickly from Dick's features, unable to sustain itself for long despite the imagery or running about Gotham in his pajamas. And the cavern is not the most suitable place on the estate for moments of levity at the best of times. Something of Batman permeates the place -- the very rock. Something shadowy and grim. "I could probably help you for a while if you needed a little help. I'm... well acquainted with Batman's techniques," he says, glancing down at the watch circling his wrist momentarily. Oh yes, he's had more training sessions then he could possibly count. "I should have a bit of time before I have to take care of my own business."

Barbara nods, "I'd give you some help, though it'll be tricky." Her face is frozen as she starts toying around with the bat computer, "Ahh...that's what he did wrong." She chuckles.

Sasha looks to the stairs with a grimace "Well then...I'll meet you in the training area in 5?" She has to take the stairs, she isnt going to demand the two of you do as well.

Barbara glances at Dick, "I should work out a little...care to join me?"

Dipping his head in acknowledgement, Dick's gaze darts towards the stairway leading towards the rather extensive training facilities. "It sounds like a plan then. I'll meet you there shortly," he agrees with another nod before turning back towards Barbara. "Definately. Since I missed Bruce, there's something I need to talk to you about anyways Babs," he agrees with a slight smile, though it disappears quickly. "I'm afraid it involves our old friend Harley's little performance last night," he says, a grim note creeping into his voice.

Sasha moves to the stairs and descends.
Sasha descends the Stairs
Sasha has left.

Sublevel 2 [Bat Cave]
The second most vital part of the Batcave, this level is primarily dedicated to training and the maintenance of equipment. To one side rests a large, open training area and gymnasium, as well as a shooting range, with a wide array of firearms on display. On the opposite side sits a machine/auto shop area (also where the lift from the level above leads to), and the continuation of the large library of books, files, and research materials from upstairs. Towards the rear of this chamber, rests the 'trophy area'. Many and varied momentoes of past cases are kept here in perfect condition, but none so precious as the Robin costume worn by the late Jason Todd, vacuum sealed in a plexiglass cylinder in the center of the trophy area. Batman's sole memorial to his lost partner. It seems that no matter how noisy or active the rest of this level becomes, there is always a somber mood about the trophy room.
People and Things:
Sasha

Other exits: [D] Stairs to Sublevel 3 [U] Stairs to Sublevel 1

Barbara descends the Stairs
Barbara has arrived.

Sasha is warming up a bit on a heavy bag, and her form is good though she could use better technique...they dont let people without some ability into the Secret Service afterall, but they mostly rely on guns, and Bruce already gave her the "no guns" speech. Ok it wasnt so much a speech as an order...ok so it was a creepy growly threat.

A few minutes after Sasha has begun her evening's workout, the lift bearing Dick and Barbara arrive, coming to a halt on the far side of the room. The young man has taken a moment to change, a pair of gym shorts having replaced his worn pair of jeans and he walks slowly across the floor to the rather extensive gymnasium layout at Barbara's side. "I'm sure you've already dug up a fair bit on what Harley's been up to, but it's trouble. I'm almost certain that the busload of children that was hijacked this morning is her work. It's just too big of a coincidence for it not to be," he says quietly to the woman at his side.

Barbara nods, "I've heard. Don't have a lot of information on the kids, though I do know she hasn't made a phone call yet, so i fear for the kids."

Sasha sends a fist at the bag with a resounding thwack then she flits her eyes towards the motion. She's alert, even exhausted, you have to give her that much. She blinks though, perhaps wondering if she's hallucinating, because Dick Grayson sure as high holy hell is NOT built like some rich amn's rich ward. He's built like...well hell like Bruce but sleeker. Maybe asking about pajamas wasnt specific enough. This is going to get weird...she just knows it, she hates when it gets weird.

A concerned nod concurs with Barbara's statement and the grim look lingers in Dick's eyes as the pair near the gym component of the level -- and more specifically the heavy bag that Sasha works at. "No, and she isn't going to. She didn't kidnap them to ransom them, she did it to keep them as hostages. To keep us off her back until her 'big show'. On Halloween would be my guess, judging from her performance last night," the young man replies with an odd certainty even as he glances down towards Barbara for her opinion on the matter. But as they near, his gaze shifts to Sasha, nodding slightly to himself as she works the punching bag over. "So what does Bruce have you working on at the moment?" he queries quietly.

Barbara says, "Bagging Bane and the Hatter. I think I'm close to Bane...one of my sources is talking to a link to a lady who might have information." She sighs, "And there's the damn terrorists.""

Sasha says quietly "General calisthenics, weights, and acrobatics training, and obstacles. Some crazy course I have to run through and make certain times at certain levels." She grimaces, she's only made it to the second level in that in the last week. And she has 7 levels to get through. And 1/4 of her time is already up. NOT a good sign.

She blinks as Barbara talks of Banes and terrorists. "Terrorists? What kinds of terrorists?" Uh oh, Secret Service agent is cropping up again. She pauses in her swing and just holds the bag, looking for answers.

Nodding absently as Sasha gives him the quick version of her training to date, Dick lets his gaze dart between the two. "I think we can probably have you up to speed fairly quickly. Considering your line of work, I imagine you have a solid foundation in the fundamentals of what we do," he agrees quietly before putting aside the matter of training for just a moment, attention turning back towards Barbara. "Tracking down Bane and the Hatter would help a lot, and let us turn our resources to other things. Certainly Bane appearing the other night was... unnexpected," he says drily, a rather large understatement. But with that, he falls silent to allow Barbara to elaborate on the matter of terrorists. Talk about your luckless cities. All they need is a biblical flood and things would be complete.

Barbara says, "The terrorists are...cybernetic, possibly. It's hard to tell, since we haven't gotten one alive. Almost like someone doesn't want then alive. wierd."

The bodyguard looks between the two and she arches a brow. "let me help. I have...contacts, people...info sources you cant pull up on a computer or beat out of a snitch. I can probably get you more info on your terrorists from my old co-workers than you could get from databases. The folks I worked with, they keep paperwork as vague as possible..they prefer stuff like that doenst find its way to hardcopy. Let me make some calls..."

Its evident she wants to help, wants to show she can contribute something here...anything. She needs to show she's worth keeping.

Cybernetic terrorist? That sounds like it has the potential to turn into something very, very troubling. The frown creeps back over Dick's expression as he listens in silence, finally giving his head a slow shake. "Just what we need around here," he mutters quietly, glancing down towards the woman at his side. He doesn't bat an eye at Sasha's suggestion, merely regarding her levelly for a moment before his attention returns to Barbara. "I know little about the case, and you might be surprised what Barbara can turn up through her sources," he replies, just a hint of a smile crossing his face at that. He's certainly been surprised by it often enough. "But I'll bet if you can find anything out, no one will be disappointed." Otherwise he leaves the matter to Barbara. It's her area of expertise.

Barbara hmms gently, "Means letting you in on a lot, but I suppose if Bats trusts you, then so can I." Still, by the tone of her voice, she isn't comfortable with just sharing her information with just anyone, especially people she met just hours before.

Sasha nods and she grimaces. Nothing like being an initiate of the club, when the club didnt have a choice in taking you in. "Well...I'm going to go run for a bit I think...maybe you can show me some tips another time Mr. Grayson. Miss Gordon, nice meeting you." Uneasily Sasha moves back to the stairs.

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...With Sasha finishing up her training early, Dick still finds himself with sometime to pursue his own workout before the demands of an evening of patrolling the city's rooftops and back alleys presses in on him...