Log:Bar Bully

2020/08/12 	 Carpenter Dreamgirl Peter Magda Grimm

1

Carpenter holds the door for Grimm as the two of them enter the tavern. "It'll be on me today. I know you're having money issues."

Grimm blushes as she steps in and smiles at him. "That's too nice of you, Jack," she says, feeling a tad guilty about her money situation. "I have to figure out something that fits my hectic life, and there isn't much that's...favorable," she leaves it at that.

Carpenter smiles and nods. "No worries. I understand. You'll need to get back to classes too sometime soonish." He heads with her over toward the bar.

Grimm walks alongside him with a smile. "I'm sure I'll figure out a way to repay you," she says with a bit of a suggestive smile. Then she looks stricken at the mention of classes. "Ugh, yeah. I need to sort that out and register for fall. If I can even make that happen."

"Make it happen, or it won't," advises a certain silver-haired woman from a booth.

Lien is seated at the bar, as that's where the beer is dispensed from. She also has a beer, as that's where the beer is dispensed from. It makes perfect sense, of course.

Peter steps inside the tavern, halting at the entrance and looking around nervously. Avoice behind him tells Peter to go in or get out the way. He steps further inside, turning to apologise to the man entering behind him.

Carpenter glances over toward Magda after her comment and smiles slightly. He then says to Grimm, "What would you like to drink?"

Grimm looks over in Magda's direction and gives a polite wave. She somehow feels like she just got caught by her mom. "I'll, uh. Do that." Once she gets her sister back. Gabrielle turns to Jack and smiles back. "Uh, meta associate," she explains. "I'll have...hmm...a sazerac. Have you had to work with her yet?"

Carpenter raises a brow at the drink choice, but he nods. He then shakes his head, "I'm afraid I haven't had the pleasure of working with her."

Peter makes his way slowly to the bar and orders a lemonade and lime. The barkeeps but one of the patrons bellied up to the bar laughs and says, "Go home to your mother."

"It's a whiskey drink. I think you may like it. You can try some of mine," Gabrielle offers with a sweet smile. The smile dims a bit as her eyes flick past Carpenter to the man getting bullied.

Lien gets the 'keep's attention while Peter gets harassed a little. She gets herself a refill, and then some. The additional is not for her, however, as Grimm finds a bottle imported lager being set before her. To wet her whistle while she waites for the sazerac... or because someone did promise her a beer.

Carpenter's eyes narrow as he looks toward the bully. He orders the Sazerac for Grimm, and then an Old Fashioned for himself. He doesn't say anything to the bully just yet, wanting to see how things play out first. It could just defuse on its own. Of course...the beer shows up as he finishes placing the order.

Grimm looks a little surprise by the appearance of the beer, then looks around. "Uhh, I didn't order....a..." she starts, her words trailing off as she spots Lien at the bar. "Oh. Hey," she says with a little, polite wave.

Peter picks up his lemonade and lime and starts turning to leave the bar. The man who spoke grabs Peter's arm, "Have a drink with me. A real drink. Harry," the man waves to the barkeep, "two whiskeys."

Lien lifts her own, replaced, beer to Grimm in an alcoholic salute. She even offers a smile (or smirk, such as her face allows).

Magda sighs quietly. "There is always one," she murmurs under her breath as she rises from her booth. "Excuse me," she says as she approaches the whiskey buyer and the lemonade drinker. "Do you mind? He is late for a meeting."

Grimm takes the beer and lifts it in return to Lien. "Thanks. Apology accepted," she offers a smile. She's in a good mood. A really good mood. She takes a sip of her beer and looks back to Jack to get his attention briefly, then looks between Magda and Peter's situation back and forth to indicate that...maybe there's gonna be some trouble. She tips her beer in Jack's direction. "Want some?"

Carpenter nods to Grimm and smiles, "Mmm. Sure, thank you." He takes a sip of Grimm's beer and hands it back to her, while still keeping on eye on the potential altercation.

Peter nods to Magda, "My apology for being a little late, Ns Gutzu." It would seem the barfly has at least heard of Magda. He hurriedly releases Peter's arm and turns back to the bar as if any disturbance has nothing to do with him.

Dreamgirl enters, in her familiar curvy 5'4" brunette form, with Chris's arm about her. "Find us a table - I'll get the drinks," says Chris.

Magda nods courteously to the barfly. "Thank you," she tells him, then turns to go back to her table before having another idea. She turns back to the bartender and tells him, "Make those whiskeys Laphroaigs" -- which is what she herself has been drinking -- "and put them on my tab." It is by far the best this place has to offer.

Carpenter nods to himself as the situation defuses. He looks to Grimm, "So, what was the apology beer for?"

Lien arches a brow at Grimm. Not that she doesn't welcome the acceptance. It's just that... smiling? Really? She wonders if this is Grimm's third or fourth stop. Maybe Lien has had more beers than she thought. Though it could also be the company's fault, so she gives Carpenter a nod, too, before she turns back in her spot.

As for any potential trouble brewing, she isn't too worried. Worst case, she gets to be in a bar fight that doesn't require travelling all the way to the Burg.

Grimm leans over to whisper to Carpenter, "She was one of the people who got converted into a bug. I helped piece her mind together once she was physically restored. When she got released from Starguard Medical, I introduced myself and explained what I did. And...she punched me in the face."

Carpenter nods to Grimm and says, "So...apologizing for punching you?"

Peter follows Magda back to her table and nods toward a chair, "Thank you," he says in a lowered voice. "I really do have a meeting but I'm early not late. Do you mind if I sit with you until then?"

Grimm nods to Carpenter and leans back. "Yeah."

Carpenter pays the barkeep as their mixed drinks show up on the bar. He tips well. He then takes a sip of his drink and smiles. "I don't like bothering to mix drinks at home, most times. It's too much work. I usually just add ice."

Dreamgirl generally tries not to catch anyone's eye as she goes in search of a table, but she spots Carpenter and Grimm and gives them a nod.

Carpenter spots Dreamgirl, and does recognize her current form from past experience. He smiles and gives her a wave. "Hey there."

It takes a moment for Grimm to place Dreamgirl. She looks like she did at the park. Before she turned into the adorable Emilia Clarke. She blushes a bit and offers a polite wave and a smile.

"of course you can," says Magda. "Watch do you do??

Dreamgirl says, "Hey, Detective. Anything up?"

Peter smiles shyly, "A multitude of jobs really. Occasionally save the world. Fortunately for everyone that's not a full time job. Standing in for politicians and celebrities when there's a known assassination plot against them. Movie stuntperson. Work for the State Department. We met at the coffee shop. Chen Li, shapeshifter, and in your debt."

Carpenter shrugs and says to Dreamgirl, "Trying to track down a killer vigilante. That's the main thing, I think. Aside from that, most things are going well. How are you?"

Dreamgirl smiles. "Things are more back to normal now. As much as anything is normal for me."

Grimm sips her beer quietly, trying to clear her mind of ...well, whatever she guesses it was that caused Dreamgirl to change last time. She's not even sure how DG's powers work.

[To Carpenter] Dreamgirl says, "What's this about a killer vigilante?"

Magda ahs! softly in recognition and interest. "The pleasure is mine," she replies. "And in fact, you are just the sort of person I would like to speak with -- someone who can show a regular face to the world. Tell me, how interested would you be in an occasional international intrusion and rescue? Usually three to six days in-country."

Carpenter says to Dreamgirl, "There's a western-themed vigilante targeting criminals and gunning them down. And it's not Night Marshal. This guy is called 'Judge'. Apparently he and Night Marshal have had a couple of shootouts now."

Peter sips his drink before answering in the same lowered voice, "It rather depends on the who, where, and why. No intrinsic objections in principle."

Grimm drinks her beer thoughtfully. "Hmm...so...both are cowboys. Maybe the Judge guy would respond to being called out for a shootout or a duel at high noon or something?"

Dreamgirl says, "I haven't heard of him,. But I'll keep my eyes open,"

Magda nods in understanding. "'Who' usually is a power generator of some sort -- intense light, magnetics, electricity, even thermal of some sort from time to time. Usually twelve to fifteen years of age. 'Where' is ... typically in less-developed countries; they're more likely to be sold, there. Which, I suppose, answers the 'why' as well." She accepts her Laphroiag from the server, glances over at the bullying barfly as he gets his taste of probably the best scotch whiskey he'll ever have, and returns her gaze to her booth-mate.

Carpenter sips his drink and nods to Grimm, "That might work. Which of the two is faster? Have you been able to tell?"

Grimm thinks seriously on that. "Well. I think Night Marshal's younger. Which would make me think he's faster. I...didn't really get a chance to tell, really. The first time I encountered the Judge, he shot me in the back. He's using some special cape-killer ammo. It tore right through me. I nearly...well...let's just say I was lucky Night Marshal was there. I ow him." She drinks her beer, taking a big sip this time to finish it off and set it aside. "The second time, it was like a mexican standoff. So I wasn't able to really tell who was faster. But I'd put money down on Night Marshal."

Peter listens. Then shakes her head slightly, "You don't need me. Or you do need me but also someone like her," he nods toward Grimm. "The problem is not getting in. I can do that easily. The problem is getting out. For that you really need a long range telepoter. Blip in, grab, blip out. Be a thousand plus miles away before the opposition has woken up."

Carpenter nods, "He's pretty quick, for sure. So...maybe? I haven't seen them side by side."

Peter nods, "Okay. I can fill three of those slots. So have you a hacker lined up?"

"You don't want to see them side by side. Judge is unhinged. He may just gun you down too for trying to arrest the perp instead of killing him. That's why he seems to want me dead," Gabrielle says worriedly. Just in time for their official drinks to arrive. "Thanks for the drink, Jack," she smiles at him, though the worry of the topic is still there.

Carpenter smiles. "You're welcome, Gabrielle." He nods. "Don't worry. I wouldn't try to bring the guy in without some kind of backup."

Magda laughs. "All at the same time, in different places? If that's true, wonderful. And no, not yet."

Peter smiles, "You've been at this longer than I have. You know when you need the brick, scout and face sidelined."

"Developing countries," Magda muses, "are interesting studies in psychology and sociology both. Much of their interaction still depends on in-person work -- and sometimes that's because electronic interactions are unreliable -- or untrustworthy. Which is why I would want four people who understood the mission and their parts in it."

"I know you wouldn't. But if you do run into him while he's after a perp you're after...he doesn't like interference. Hero or not. I don't know if he'd respect the badge," Gabrielle says. She adds as a vote in confidence in him, "Just making sure you have a heads up. I think you'd come out fine if you did end up dealing with him." She lifts her sazerac and smiles at him, offering to lightly toast by clinking glasses. "And maybe you can give him a butt kicking for what he did to me."

Magda's gaze focuses on Peter's false face. "I need help in finding the others, is all."

Peter nods, "Then count me as scout and face or brick backup. On a case by case basis. No offense but I'll want to know the what,where and who for a mission before committing to it."

Carpenter nods and clinks glasses with Grimm, "Maybe I should start wearing a vest, huh?" He shakes his head, "I've worn one on special occasions, but not for everyday work."

Grimm sips her sazerac. "Mmm. Maybe, but I don't think standard issue vests would hold up against cape-killers. I wouldn't be opposed to you wearing one. But you've managed just fine all this time." She smiles at him. "I trust you to decide when you need one." She hasn't heard the conversation going on with Magda and Peter, and assumes they're having that private meeting Magda mentioned to the bar bully. "Did you want to try my drink?" she offers, sliding it to Jack. "You looked like you'd never heard of a sazerac before."

Magda nods in agreement. "The 'what' will always be the same. The specifics on the 'who' will always be a part of the mission -- I'll usually be able to narrow the initial flare to about a half-mile radius, but that's usually all I'll know. The 'where' I'll be able to tell you by the time I make the call. City-wise, at least." She manipulates her PDA, then says, "It's open for a handshake. /Do/ you know any candidates for the other slots?"

Carpenter nods to Grimm, "Sure, I'll give it a try. I'm assuming you already know what an old fashioned tastes like, right?" He takes a sip of Grimm's drink. "Mmm. Interesting. Thanks."

"Yeah, I enjoy old fashioneds, too," Gabrielle smiles, not needing to steal some of his drink. The sazerac is rye whiskey in an absinthe rinsed glass, simple syrup, angostura and peychaud's bitters, with a lemon peel garnish. "I like it because it's strong, sweet, and smooth," she comments with a grin.

Carpenter chuckles, and offers his drink to Grimm, "Want a sip?"

Grimm smiles. "Sure. I can't refuse an old fashioned." She takes a sip and savors it. "Mmmm. I should've gone with the classic," she grins and slides the drink back to him.

Peter says, "I used to know of a first rate hacker but I haven't heard of him being around for a while. He might be dead. He lived of the edge. Name was Daemon. Can't help on the face. The two I know are far too straight laced to go with ends justifies the means. Brick? Rescuing kids? Paragon if she'd come out of retirement. Which I kind of doubt. She's got a family. I hope she wouldn't anyway. Otherwise... Sentinel. That new teen, Riptide. Impulsive but tough. For sheer combat capability Artemis."

Magda considers what she knows of each as Peter lists names. "Discretion is the watchword on these things," she muses. "Knowing who to hit, how, and most importantly, when /not/ to. Add in the 'maskless' part ... which includes undisguisable features; last I saw of Paragon, discreet she was not." She considers. "So not Artemis, I think. From what I saw, she would never turn down a direct challenge. Sentinel ... may be too well-known, but I could look him up. I'm not familiar with Riptide."

Carpenter takes his drink in hand again, and sips from it. He glances down the bar at the bully from earlier, who seems to be keeping a lower profile now. Carpenter nods to himself, and looks back to Grimm, "Any plans for this evening?"

Peter says, "Riptide is a teen. A strong brick. Typical teen impulsiveness topped with 'I'm a Meta' means he needs guidence. He's gathered a rep as destructive. I hear he's trying to correct that. Maybe not that discreet but when the bricks start to play discreet goes home."

"Well..." Grimm thinks on that. "I'm still waiting to hear back on Victor Price. I...think I can get to him. Or someone close. A friend of mine was able to track down a property of his in Europe that I may go scout. But I can be free tonight." She flashes him a smile. "Especially for you. Did you have something in mind?"

Carpenter shakes his head, "No plans for tonight. I'm off the clock for the rest of the day." He smiles, "I was leaning toward watching a movie or something." He thinks to himself... o O (Though...this relationship is going to make it tough to maintain two identities. I'm going to have to play it by ear.)

Magda nods in agreement. "True enough. It's the self-control needed /before/ it's time for them to come out to play, though. Like the old movie says, 'Be nice ... until it's time to not be nice.'"

Magda hears the word 'movie' and glances towards Grimm and Carpenter, an idea vaguely fielded by Gabrielle forming in her head. It isn't fully developed, though, so she doesn't say anything.

Peter looks over at the door. "There's my meet and greet. I need to go earn my fee. You can contact me either via Starguard, or if you prefer a quieter method, leave a message at the clinic in Harrisburg. I visit there seberal times a week to deliver food the community kitchen there."

Magda indicates her own PDA waiting for a contact from the shapeshifter.

Grimm leans agains the bar, turned to face Carpenter as she smiles. "Mmmm. So you're free all day. I should take advantage of that. The day's still young, and I think I can delay my plans."

Carpenter shrugs and smiles. "Only if you feel like you can spare the time. I wouldn't want to delay you in your quest that you're working on now."

Magda watches Peter go and meet his contact, and returns to sipping the Laphroaig before, a few minutes later, finally getting up and going over to Lien. "Thank you," she tells the younger woman quietly.

Grimm smiles back at him. "As eager as I am to make progress...I probably shouldn't continue on my scouting mission alone and should wait for backup, anyway." She had planned on going solo so others wouldn't get hurt. Though now she has another reason to be a bit more careful. "So I feel like I can spare the time. Maybe a movie and a little something before I continue on the case," she smiles flirtatiously.

Carpenter nods again to Grimm and finishes his drink. "Okay, sounds good. More noir tonight? Or is there something else you want to watch?"

"I'm up for something noir. Mmm. Some danger? Maybe involving a gumshoe?" Gabrielle asks, having picked up some of the lingo. She senses Magda going over to Lien and wonders if Magda's presence is what motivated Lien to make her apology with a beer.

Carpenter nods. "Mmm...I'm sure we can come up with something. I have a few more in the library. Or we can watch one of the spoof films if you want something ligther."

"There's spoofs?" Gabrielle asks in surprise. She hadn't realized.

Carpenter chuckles. "I'm pretty sure we watched one. 'Johnny Dangerously'. 'Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid'. Or something like 'Fatal Instinct'. Though that last one is really making fun of a slightly different genre."

"Oh, yeah, I liked Johnny Dangerously. I haven't heard of the others. Hmmmm. Smoldering noir or laughs. I think I could go either way," Gabrielle flashes a smile.

Carpenter thinks about it, "I think I'm leaning toward something more serious." He quirks a slight smile.

Grimm smiles at Jack with a faint narrowing of her eyes in suspicion at his smile. "Mmhmmm. I'm down," she grins and finishes her drink at last.