Log:An Education on Madeline Kahn

The Madness of David Flyte 2020/02/24 Night Marshal|Carpenter Grimm 35

This is the East Side as it was: the part that wasn't so decayed and corrupt it had to be cut from the city and replaced by the Golden Sands development. Now it's cheerfully called Upper by real estate agents, in reference to its slightly higher elevation. It's a bit of a patchwork: shadier toward the red light district in the southeast, older and more decayed to the west, more colorful to the east and north, where several smaller immigrant communities than the more famous ones of Chinatown tend to cluster. There is crime and vice, certainly, and some racial tension, but also folk leading perfectly respectable lives just next door. Lower-middle-income housing is the unifying feature: there's little poverty, but there's little money to spare either, many people living as they might have in the Twentieth Century. The buildings too date from then, or even to the Nineteenth; perhaps more true history is preserved here by chance than at the sites the tourist trade thrives on. Here opportunity is passing the inhabitants by. Here's where it's not happening.

Night Marshal is taking things easy, as these things go. The Upper East Side is a pretty quiet area, for the most part, well...aside from the red light district nearby. But at least it's not as dangerous as Chinatown can be. He's on a rooftop, and just monitoring the police band while he looks at the streets.

To London and back again. Grimm just vanished from Trafalgar Square after Lereau did, not wanting to stay any longer. It's a long teleport for her, and she appears over the city close enough to her destination. She floats in the air, then drifts down to alight on a rooftop adjacent to Night Marshal. "Shick..." she mutters to herself as her feet make contact with the roof, rubbing her face with one hand as she takes a breath.

Night Marshal blinks and looks over in her direction. He pauses a moment to just...read her body language. Then he says in that thick accent he uses, "G'evening Miss Grimm."

Grimm looks shook. She lifts her head from her hand and whips her head over her shoulder like she was startled. Usually it's difficult to surprise her. "Oh." With a flicker of shadows and a chorus of dark whispers, Grimm vanishes from her rooftop and appears on his for convenience, but keeps a comfortable personal space distance from him. "Night Marshal. Good evening. Thanks again for trying to help us track down Zero. She was finally caught and cured. We think," she says as she tries to compose herself.

Night Marshal nods, "I'm right glad to hear that. I'm not sure how much help I was, but...I'm still glad she was brought in. Did he help find the alien source 'mother', or...wathever it is?"

Grimm forces a smile. "Well, it's that you tried. We needed all the help we could get. But we still couldn't get a lead for this...I dunno, hive mother, queen, whatever it is," she sighs. "I'm...'on leave' from the Starguard Gamma roster. At least for now. Hopefully they've had some progress."

Night Marshal nods. "Y'know...your name came up in conversation earlier today. I was speakin' with our mutual friend."

Grimm looks a little surprised. And tense at that revelation. "Were you asked to help take me in?"

Night Marshal laughs, "No. Why would you think that?" He shakes his head, "He mentioned what happened betwixt you and Porter. We chatted a bit. But...I believe the case was closed today. So...no charges t'all."

Grimm lets out a sigh of relief, her shoulders dropping to relax. "Because he warned me not to make him chase me. I've been busy trying to wrap up some issues. I wasn't sure if the case was still open or had progressed." She leans back against an AC unit, hands bracing against it as she looks at her feet a moment to let it sink in. She smiles softly and finally looks up. "Thanks for the good news. I really needed it. I'm really glad I don't have to face off with my friend."

Night Marshal chuckles. "Well...it's not like that'd have been a fair fight. You have powers and all. But yeah...no need to fight t'all." He shrugs, "If you want details about the order of things, you'll have to ask him yourself, I'm afraid. I just heard it all second hand."

Grimm gasps at the thought. "I wouldn't have fought him. Or used my powers against him," she says defensively. "I honestly never thought we'd be on opposite sides. That...that was tough on me." She takes a moment before she manages to smirk half-heartedly. "Besides, he knows a lot of metas. He'd be smart and get you all to fight me if I really went rogue."

Leaning back more, Gabrielle gazes up at the sky. There's too much light pollution to see the stars, she notes. "I was planning on reaching out soon anyway, just to see where the case was at and if it was time to turn myself in. I was kind of afraid to contact him, but I guess he would've reached out to me if the D.A. pushed it through."

Night Marshal nods, "He would have, yeah." He shrugs, "But...you know, he doesn't like to rely on meta help. I know he does from time to time, but in general, he doesn't. And...I noticed you said 'you all', like I was a meta. I'm not. I'm...just a guy."

Grimm smiles faintly and motions to his getup. "Okay, he has vigilante associates, too. If you're just a guy, you're a brave one. I can't imagine doing this without my powers," she admits. She lets out a soft little sigh. "I hope he would've known me well enough to know he wouldn't need the backup with me." Gabrielle frowns worriedly. "Actually, given all that's happened...I think I'd rather he did. Just in case."

Night Marshal chuckles and shakes his head, "Gear can make up for the lack of powers sometimes. A lot of the time, actually.

Grimm grins. "I'm sure you got the skills to make them count."

Night Marshal tips his hat and smiles, though it's only slightly noticeable under his mask, "You betcha young lady. I have lots of skills."

Grimm smiles a little more broadly at that. "If everything pans out, maybe someday I'll get to see those skills of yours." She doesn't intend for it to sound flirtatious. "I should probably leave you to your crime fighting. After the nasty character I dealt with, I feel like I need a shower. Then maybe I'll follow up with Detective Carpenter."

Night Marshal nods. "As you like, miss. I'll let him know I ran into you. Have a good evenin'."

Grimm smiles and nods. "Thanks. Good luck out there. If you ever need an assist, let me know. You can find me on HeroNet." She waves before vanishing in a swirl of dark energy and creepy whispers.

Night Marshal waits to be sure that Grimm really is gone before he gets up from where he was seated. He neesd to get home in case she really does call on him tonight. Well, this night had been a quiet one for crime. Might as well take a load off and watch a movie or something instead.

It's a good two hours after meeting up with Grimm before she finally gives Carpenter a call. Scalding hot bath, reconsidering life decisions, and getting dressed and styled took some time. She also wanted to get her head on straight. Finally, she gives Carpenter a call.

Carpenter answer the phone on the second ring, "Hello."

"Hey, Detective Carpenter," Gabrielle keeps in awkward and formal. "I ran into that guy you introduced me to for help with the bug case. He mentioned the case was dropped...?"

Carpenter smiles. "Yeah, Gabrielle. The case is closed. So...no worries. You're clear. As I thought you would be."

Grimm lets out a sigh of relief. Again. It's good to hear it from him. "Yeah, you were right. That's such a relief. I'm...I'm sorry I put you in that position. I never wanted to..."

Carpenter chuckles. "It's okay. It worked out." He takes a deep breath, which can be heard over the phone, "Are you okay?"

Grimm lets out a nervous chuckle. "I don't even know what 'okay' is anymore. I'm holding it together. For now. At least the case is one thing off my mind." Carpenter smiles, "Well, you sound okay. If a bit nervous. It's good to hear your voice."

"I...am. I just met with a terrifying guy and think I made a bargain I shouldn't have. More for insurance if all else fails," Gabrielle says quietly. "He said some things that I still need to process." She blushes a bit at his mention of hearing from her. "It's good to hear yours, too. And not while being your potential perp," she smiles softly.

Carpenter chuckles...and finds himself nearly saything something really inappropriate about cuffing her. Instead, he just nods, "I'm at home, if you want to stop by."

Grimm hesitates at first. "You...sure it's okay? Isn't there some sort of rule about...I don't know...associating with people on cases? Class hasn't covered that yet."

Carpenter chuckles, "You mean the case that was just closed? That one? Or did you do something else I should arrest you for?"

Grimm chuckles. "I can't think of anything else I'm being charged with. Can you?" It's a little flirtatious. "But yeah, I mean the closed case. Wasn't sure if there'd be a conflict of interest."

Carpenter shakes his head, "I don't think so. If they were considering keeping the case open, I'd be more concerned, but it's officially closed as of today. So...no worries.

Grimm thinks it over briefly. "Okay. Sure. I could stop by, then."

Carpenter smiles. "Up to you. No pressure."

Grimm briefly considers it. "Yeah, sure. There may still be time for Blazing Saddles now before I have to worry about any prophecies or predictions occurring. I think."

Carpenter chuckles. "Alright. I'm good with watching that one."

"I'll be there, um. Pretty soon. Do you need some time before I get there?" Grimm asks.

Carpenter shakes his head, "Nah. I'm decent. Stop by whenever."

"Oh? Darn. Well, I guess I could still come over," Gabrielle teases. "I'll be over in just a sec."

Carpenter chuckles. "Alright. See you in a bit." He then hangs up.

It's a minute before there's a knock on the door. Gabrielle needed some extra teleports to find her way.

Carpenter opens the door and lets Grimm in, "So...were you downstairs when you called? Or did you teleport here?" He smiles and closes the door after she steps inside. He's wearing a t-shirt and sweats.

"I was outside your window with a boombox. Didn't you hear me?" Gabrielle smirks. She's wearing a black tanktop with a white band logo, moto black jeans, and her leather jacket. She steps in and past him so he can close the door.

Carpenter chuckles. "Like you could find a boom box. Please. Good luck with that." He smiles. "So, you were requesting Blazing Saddles?"

Grimm laughs. "Well, I could fake it," she grins, glad to see him smile after their last tense meeting. "Yeah, I think that was on the list of things you thought I should see last time, before...stuff."

Carpenter nods and smiles. "It is, yes. You don't know anything about the film, I take it?"

"Aside from there's saddles? And they're blazing?" Gabrielle grins. Grimm adds, "You mentioned there was a woman I really needed to see in it."

Carpenter laughs, "Oh...right. Madeline Kahn." He sets up the movie and motions toward the couch. "Want anything to eat or drink? I have some...soda? Beer? Water?"

"Beer. God, I could use a beer," Grimm replies, then grins. "Thanks," she says as she moves to the couch.

Carpenter opens up a couple of beers...and then walks in and starts the movie. He offers her one of them. It's a white ale. The cloudy kind. "I want you to realize...this movie coudln't be made today. The language in it...is...well, dated. And very harsh at times."

Grimm accepts the beer and takes a sip, raising a brow at his warning. "So you're saying it'll harm my delicate sensibilities?" she grins.

Carpenter chuckles. "I'm saying you shoudl be careful which lines you quote from the movie."

Grimm chuckles and nods. "Roger that," she says as she gets seated.

The movie starts to play...and sure enough, the language, especially in regards to race...is pretty dated. Bart ends up as the sheriff of Rock Ridge...and meets The Waco Kid. Mongo turns up...and then Madeline Kahn's character.

Any time a female shows up on the screen that has lines, Grimm asks, "Is that Madeline?" Until finally Madeline actually shows up.

Carpenter chuckles. "Yeah...the blonde. Lili Von Shtupp."

Grimm nods and sips her beer. "Is that name a play on something?"

Carpenter laughs. "Yes. It is. 'Shtup' refers to sex."

Grimm laughs. "Okay, I didn't expect that to be the meaning. So..Lili of Sex? My oma would die seeing this."

Carpenter nods. "She's the femme fatale in this...only...well, it doesn't turn out like Hedley Lamarr plans. Oh...and while I think of it, that running gag about calling him 'Hedy' is a reference to an actor from the early days of cinema. 'Hedy Lamarr'."

"Oh? I feel like I'm missing that reference, too," Gabrielle chuckles. "I'm feeling really young now..."

Carpenter chuckles. "Well, that's before my time as well. But it just helps to know the history. Word play doesn't always age well."

Grimm nods and still seems to be enjoying it, even if she can't pick up on all the references. She leans back and starts to allow herself to really relax and laugh along with the movie.

And of course...the film takes taht weird turn at the end. The fake town. The modern movie studio. The shooting out in front of the theatre....and then the limo ride into the sunset.

Grimm looks confused, but amused. "That...I did not expect," she grins as the credits roll. "What a weird film," she chuckles.

Carpenter chuckles. "It usuually gets remembered for two things. The farting around the camp fire...and the racially-charged language. But yeah, it's a weird one."

"Still glad I saw it," Gabrielle says as she smiles over to Carpenter. "Couldn't go out without having been educated on a classic."

Carpenter smiles. "'Clue' shows off Kahn's acting chops a bit more, I think. But I always liked her in this one."

Grimm perks up at that. "Clue? Like...the board game?"

Carpenter chuckles. "Exactly like the board game. It's based on the game. And yes...my first reaction was...'That's a dumb idea.' But it really...really...wor ks. It's great."

"Really? Dang. I guess I better hope to hang in there for one last last film," Gabrielle chuckles with dark humor.

Carpenter turns to face her. "Is it that bad?"

Grimm lets out a sigh. "It's...hopeful. I thought. But I just found out things won't go as smooth as we hoped. It's a crazy plan. One I thought would work. But it risks my friends...and their abilities may not work the way we thought they would."

Carpenter smiles slightly. "Well, if there's anything I can do. Anything at all...just let me know."

Grimm smiles softly. "I think I already inconvenienced you too much with that case. Even just the movie nights and an escape from thinking about things helps."

Gabrielle's smile wavers. "Well...there may be one thing..."

Carpenter chuckles. "It's not an inconvience to have company while I hang out and watch movies. Especially a looker like yourself." He grins. "What's the one thing?"

Grimm blushes a bit and smiles at the compliment. "Thanks. As for the favor, I...well. You proved you'd put duty over personal feelings, so you're the one I'd trust. There's a failsafe. If things somehow get really bad...like we all fail and this evil thing is going to come through me to get into this world, there's one last ditch effort. But if I take it, I'm going to lose myself..." she says more seriously.

Carpenter raises a brow. "Okay..."

"There's a nasty Morbane by the name of Lereau. He has the power to stop this, but at a cost. It's a cost we weren't willing to pay. And it just kicks the timeline down the road. It'd corrupt me for something terrible." Gabrielle sighs and frowns a bit. "It's the Hail Mary option if things get absolutely desperate. But if it happens, I'll need you to use your contacts to get heroes together to stop Lereau and me."

Carpenter furrows his brow, "Don't you have other options to consider? I'm sure there's someone in the magic community who can help."

"Yeah, and we're using those," Gabrielle says. "This is if all else fails. I'm going to trust my friends and assume I won't have to resort to that."

Carpenter nods. "In general...don't make deals with the villain sorts. It never works out in the end."

"Yeah...no kidding. There's always a catch. I usually don't make deals," Grimm sighs. "But it somehow works for some people, so...I'm just hoping I don't have to test that."

Carpenter nods. "Well, go into it with both eyes open, at least. The villain always tries to screw you over. Always.

Grimm looks to Carpenter and nods. "I know, I know," she says with a heavy sigh. "I'll keep that in mind. Again, it's only as an absolute last resort. I'm hopeful my friends can pull this off, but we can't really afford to fail."

Carpenter nods, "I'm sorry. I'm just being protective."

Grimm smiles gently, putting a hand on his knee. "I know. Also being smart. I know it's a bad idea. But it'll buy time as a last resort. Besides...I'm sure the other heroes will save me by then."

Carpenter puts his hand on hers. "Okay. Just...making sure." He smiles.

Gabrielle keeps her smile. "Okay, well...I'll try my best not to need it. And honestly...securing Lereau as a guarantee was just so I could get another meta on board. He wanted the guarantee that he wouldn't get trapped in the other dimension."

Carpenter raises a brow, not entirely following that, but he nods. "Umm...okay?"

"Sorry, it's...a lot. I know you deal with weird stuff. Lereau offered a guarantee to retrieve anyone who got trapped in the dimensional prison once it's sealed. But if we failed to close the rifts and seal the prison ourselves, that's when he offered to close it at the cost of...well...me," Gabrielle tries to keep it simple. Not because he couldn't understand it, but because more details might worry him.

Carpenter nods. "This...prison...is it the dimension you're connected to?"

"Yeah," Gabrielle nods. "It's either some connection due to my powers, or due to the ritual this David Flyte guy used on me. But the way Lereau talks...this was never supposed to happen. He called me his Chosen One, which...I find ironic," she smirks a bit. "Considering the real Chosen One was the girl in the visions who supposedly kills me."

Carpenter raises a brow at that. He hasn't been told the full details about the vision either. But he rolls with it. "Well, it sounds like he's chosen you specifically for...something in particular."

Grimm may have forgotten she left those details out. She's also forgotten her hand is still on his knee. "Yeah. Things...changed. In the future Radical predicted, Lereau never reached me. We never ran into him. So...something changed. One way or another, once this is over, there's still Lereau to deal with. He seems to have designs on me. He said some weird stuff."

Carpenter nods. "Waht's this Lereau guy like?"

Grimm shudders a little. "Twisted. Cultured. Insane? He's not human anymore. There's just a mass of tentacles where his arms and legs should be. Tattered robes. Older face. French." Why is French thrown in there with all the rest? "And fanatical. Kept talking about my 'Apoetheosis' and how he'd be willing to 'open his neck for me'. He's got necromantic and dark magic all about him."

Carpenter furrows his brow. "Yeeeaaah. Don't trust him. That's not even typical crazy."

Grimm chuckles and finally lets go of his knee as she relaxes against the couch, turned towards Jack. "Yeah, it's...extra special. He never told me who he served, but it's not N'zrathol. He's interested in me not dying."

Carpenter nods. "Hmm. Well...that's well outside of my expertise. WELL outside of it."

"I know," Gabrielle says apologetically. "I figured it might be."

Carpenter considers briefly the idea of sharing his dual identity...but holds off. Not today. He takes a deep breath, "Well, at least I can be of some comfort. What would you like to do now?"

Grimm takes a deep breath and sighs it out in thought. "Now? Keep my mind off all of that scary stuff. Maybe that clue movie. Or drinking. Both?" she chuckles. "I'll go crazy if I don't have down time from all that. It's just so much. I want to feel normal. Human."

Carpenter looks at Grimm for a moment and smiles. "Alright..I'll throw the other movie in." He grabs his remote and pulls up the movie Clue.

"It's not going to keep you up too late, is it?" Gabrielle asks. She's already emptied her beer and looks for a coaster to place it on the coffee table.

Carpenter shakes his head, "It's fine. Don't worry about it. If waht I can do to help is keep you company...then I can burn the candle at both ends to do so."

Gabrielle smiles at his words, though she feels guilty. "I don't want to ask that of you. Maybe we can try for another night," she offers. "I've caused you enough headaches."

Carpenter snorts, "Hush, you. I want you to stay and watch. Besides, it's good enough that it's worth staying up for." He turns to face the television again. Only this time, he puts an arm on the couch behind Grimm.

Grimm hushes about the inconveniencing and smiles in gratitude. "Okay," she says warmly, getting settled and comfy again to watch the movie. She even leans in a bit against him as the movie begins.

Carpenter puts his arm around her shoulder as he actually leans against him. "You'll like this one, I'm sure. Madeline Kahn plays Mrs. White. I'm sure you'll recognize her."

Next: Log:Dressing with Confidence