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Batman has a Bodyguard?

October 5th, 2001

Participants: Dick Grayson and Sasha Bordeaux

Scene: Returning from an evening of patrols through Gotham City, Dick ventures into Wayne Manor hoping to run into his once guardian Bruce Wayne. But instead he encounters a rather unexpected surprise...

Living Room [Wayne Manor]
This is the formal living room of the manor. It is intricately decorated with valuable antique furniture, and accented with several pieces of art in various forms, be it painting or sculpture. The room has an integrated sound system that can allow music to be played, and a fairly large coffee table rests in the center of the room. A large window provides an excellent view of the grounds, provided the shutters and curtains are opened. A large fireplace sits in one corner of the room, often crackling with a warm flame in the winter months, and giving the room a light hickory-smoke aroma. When the sun shines through the window, this is one of the most pleasant rooms in the Manor, and at night, it somehow manages to remain cozy and even 'homey'. The only visible exit leads back into the Foyer.
People and Things:
Sasha

Other exits: [SD] Sliding Doors to Foyer

Standing at the window, looking out over the grounds, is the slender, athletic form of Sasha Bordeaux, Bruce's bodyguard assigned by Lucius Fox. Her arms are folded over her chest, and she looks tired despite trying to maintain otherwise in her outwards appearance. Though Dick Grayson shouldnt know such a thing, Nightwing knows that Sasha knows Bruce is the Batman, after mistakenly thinking he was either a mobster or some other terrible thing based on his disappearances and a few overheard conversations.

The Dark Knight has been running the woman ragged, on a training program to bring her up to his standards to allow her to even think about showing up around town where he is in his costumed guise in her stubborn insistence to do her "job" or helping out in other ways. She has not been told the identities of his other associates, though she's been training in the cave.

From the main foyer at the front of the house, the sound of the heavy door opening and closing once again a few seconds after can be heard. A moment later Dick Grayson appears in the doorway leading into the living room, a faint frown on his face as his wander through the large room -- clearly searching for something, or more likely, someone. His jacket still rests about his lean form while a knapsack hangs lopesidedly off one of his shoulders while he rubs his hands together in a rhythmic fashion. Oh yes, the coolness of autumn has well and truly settled over Gotham.

As the young man steps into the rather formal -- some might even say stuffy -- room, his gaze almost immediately falls upon Sasha standing at the window. While perhaps hesitent to interrupt, the crackling fireplace on the far side of the room is a welcome sight -- a haven from the chilly evening beyond the manner walls and Dick is drawn deeper into the room, clearing his throat quietly as he wanders in. "Sorry to disturb you," he says with a nod in her direction. "I... well, I don't suppose you've seen Bruce about this evening?" he asks, though he undoubtly knows where Bruce is -- or rather isn't. Say, like here for example.

Soulful brown eyes, strained with exhaustion, flit towards the sound of the voice. She hasnt yet had the opportunity to meet Bruce's ward of so many years. But she's studied Wayne's close friends and family intently as his bodyguard, to seperate the familiar from the strangers in threat assessment. Her professionalism and skill in her job is rather the thing that seems to have gotten her into this whole mess...else like the rest of the world she'd be oblivious to the identity of Batman.

"Mr. Grayson, I dont believe I've had the pleasure. I'm Sasha Bordeaux, Mr. Wayne's bodyguard. Mr. Wayne is..." "...involved in...activities with a lady friend. I doubt he'll be back in before noon tomorrow."

Yes, that sounds like Bruce alright, but somehow Dick rather doubts that that is what is tying up his former guardian on this particular evening. But certainly none of that shows on his face as the young man merely nods his head, an understanding smile lighting on his dark features as he does so. "Ahhh, I see. I didn't figure he would be at home, but I thought I would check just in case he was staying in for a change," he replies as he crosses the room, nearing the window where Sasha stands. Hefting up his backpack with one hand, he extends the other towards her. "And you're correct of course. I don't think we have met. I'm afraid I've been out of town for quite some time," he says quietly. "And I prefer just Dick," he concludes, flashing an amiable smile.

The woman accepts the hand, and her grip is firm, a strength underlying it, not of any odd proportion, just athleticism. "I'm sorry Mr. Grayson, its my policy not to refer to people in familiar terms while I'm working, but thank you for the permission." She gestures towards the seats "Did you have some urgent business with Mr. Wayne? I could relay a message if necessary when he's finished...doing whatever he does."

"Of course," Dick replies simply, dipping his head slightly in acknowledgment and evidently unphased as he shakes her hand firmly before releasing it. Lingering by the window momentarily, he peers out at the darkened estate, the strong evening breeze rustling the branches on the nearby trees, stripping even more leaves from the increasingly bare limbs. Turning away, he begins to pad back across the room towards the fireplace, drawn by the crackling warmth and the unmistakable aroma of the burning wood. "No... no, nothing of that sort. Nothing pressing. It's just been awhile since I've been in town and thought that I should stop in and speak with Bruce. Nothing that can't wait awhile longer," he assures her quietly, glancing back over his shoulder briefly before his gaze returns to the crackling flames that dance across the thick logs in the center of the enclosure.

Sasha stops staring out the window and moves instead to settle in a chair near the fire. She hates times like these. He wont let her roam the streets at night until he's satisfied she's trained enough to not get herself killed if he's busy. "If you are going to be in town for a while, I'm sure he can schedule some time with you tomorrow Mr. Grayson. I dont htink his schedule was overly full."

Lingering near to the fire for a moment longer, Dick finally turns away and nods. "I should be around for at least a few days," he confirms, setting his backpack down beside a chair opposite to her own. With the cheery warmth of the hickory fueled fire, he finally tugs off his jacket, draping it across the back of his seat before sinking into the cushioned chair himself. "I'm sure I'll have better luck if I check back in tomorrow," he agrees before a wry smile curls over his face. "Sometime in the afternoon, I think." Oh yes, whatever it is that actually keeps Bruce out this evening, his former ward is quite aware of the man's odd hours. Hours he is not entirely unaccustomed to himself.

It seems though Sasha may be familiar with her charge's hours, used to them she is not. There are dark circles under her eyes, and she has that dazed look of someone overworked and sleep deprived. She crosses her legs and folds her hands on her knee. "So have you moved out of Gotham, or just been away on business Mr. Grayson?" Its casual conversation, but she files all the little tidbits away never knowing when they may be needed.

The weary features of Sasha's face are a familar sight for Dick. Indeed, he has seen similar marks of exhaustion etched on his own face more times then he would care to admit. Around Bruce, being overworked and sleep deprived are no longer vague concepts, but instead are highly contagious diseases which spread all too rapidly. Toss in stress and all in all it's a rather nasty combination to be certain.

"No, I don't live in Gotham any longer, though I am a frequent visitor still. Though admittedly not much as of late," Dick replies, sinking back into the surprisingly comfortable chair as he folds and rests his hands upon his lap. Formal the furniture may be, but there is still a certain comforting quality about it. "I'm living in Bludhaven now, so I'm not all that far away. I've just been kept busy as of late," he explains, though there is the barest hesitance to that last statement that suggests that it may not have been only his personal affairs keeping him away. But it is quickly glossed over as he continues. "And what of yourself Ms. Bordeaux? What brings you to Bruce's employ? He's never exactly been the sort to easily accept the... restrictions that those of your profession would seem to need to put on someone like him," he says with just a hint of a smile. Not, of course, that he would ever accept restricitons on his own movements, bodyguard or not.

A brow arches as the young man mentions his new home. Then Sasha blinks a bit. "Bludhaven? Why on earth are you living in a place like that. Mr. Wayne didnt send you out into the world penniless or anything did he?" Batman or no, she might have to kick Bruce in the rear if he sent this kid out on the street that way. "As for my employment, the Board of Directors of Wayne Corp insisted Mr. Wayne be protected by a 24/7 Personal Security Assistant as they feel its not safe for him in the wake of the No Man's Land. Mr. Fox hired me and yes, Mr. Wayne has done everything in his power to make my job difficult, but I'm happy to say he hasnt been bumped off yet in spite of it."

"Ahhh, the board," Dick replies with a knowing nod as if that alone explains things. And, realistically, it does. Certainly there wasn't much chance that Bruce would have ever accepted such an intrusion into his life if it wasn't forced upon him. The smile on Dick's face broadens slightly, lips twitching with amused appreciation. "I wish I could have seen his reaction to hearing that," he muses leaning forward in his seat for a moment as he speaks. "That's to be expected. Bruce is a rather private individual... at least when not in the glare of the media. The fact that you're still here at all must be a testiment to your own dedication and skills. Or the Board must have been very determined," he chuckles drily as he sinks back into his seat once more and waves his hand idly. "As to the other, no, Bruce insured that I was well cared for. Actually Mr. Fox is the one who oversees my trust fund. I'm told that he's done quite a job with it," he assures her, a small shrug rippling through his shoulders. "Actually, I just recently graduated from the police academy there and received my first assignment on the local police force. That makes it rather difficult to live anywhere else," he concludes with dry humour.

Sasha looks a bit leery of that. "Mr. Grayson, I'm sure Commissioner Gordon could find room for you in the GCPD. Bludhaven is a tough town to just live in, I watch the news, its a cesspool. being a cop there, well that must be like wearing a bullseye on your forehead every day..."

The smile on Dick's face fades and he grows serious once more, dipping his head slightly in appreciation for her evident concern. "I'm sure that he could Ms. Bordeaux. And even if he was reluctant for some reason, I'm sure Bruce could help arrange it. And while the GCPD isn't exactly the most peaceful law enforcement assignment in the country, I don't think it's for me," he replies with another small shrug, twining his fingers together slowly where they rest upon his lap. "Gotham has it's problems -- serious ones certainly -- but there are a lot of good people here at least working to try and fix them. Unfortunately I don't think the same is true of the local authorities in Bludhaven. They need good people that much more badly then even here," he explains simply, even bluntly. "I do appreciate your concern, and I know the risks. But then there are always risks. Besides, I can take care of myself," he says with quiet surity -- not the cockiness so accustomed to youth, but simple, unadorned confidence in his own abilities.

The confidence in a young man whom she had read up as being a bit of a...well...brainless wonder...gives Sasha pause. of course that could have all been sinple media propaganda, but she hadn't expected this kind of confident eloquence from the young man. Of course, she's swiftly been learning that nothing is what it seems anymore. "Well that is a noble thought Mr. Grayson. I hope you can do some good there. What made you decide to get into law enforcement?"

"I hope so as well," Dick agrees quietly, turning his gaze back towards the fire that still crackles merrily, dancing over the thick logs with it's bright glow that sends a ripple of shadows dancing and spinning throughout the room in an elaborate pattern. "Oh, any number of things I suppose," he says, almost in a dismissing pattern at first before he pauses, a hesitation to him before merely sweeping aside such a question. "I suppose you can't really live in places like Gotham or New York without recognizing the many problems. And when you see a place like Bludhaven, you see a situation that's even worse. Bad enough that even those who should be trying to clean things up can't be bothered to make the effort anymore," he replies slowly, words thoughtful and serious before he gives a small dismissive shake of his head, a faint smile appearing on his face. "We all have to grow up sometime. Or at least most of us," he says, glancing about the room slowly. Certainly Bruce Wayne will never grow up. Though, of course in another sense he is already perhaps the oldest of everyone. "And what of yourself? What brought you to your career choice Ms. Bordeaux? If you don't mind me asking, of course."

The bodyguard nods her head slowly, then she rises. "Well I wish you the best of luck in your job Mr. Grayson. If you'll excuse me now though, I need to handle some matters, maybe I can answer your questions another time." She lends the young man a very faint smile before she wends her way out of the living room and into the upper reaches of the manor, where she has been staying in a guest room.

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...With Bruce out, no doubt as Batman, and likely gone for hours more, Dick puts off catching up with his mentor to catch some sleep in what little remains of the night's darkness...