Log:A Pickpocket in Chinatown, Scene 6

A Pickpocket in Chinatown 2010/11/11 	 Battery Jian Devil Dog Lorelei Titan Fist Harlequin Lady Warp 6

Past Times

Chen is seated by the window looking out at the street while sipping a cup of fresh coffee.

Entering with a stretch of her back, Xing-Liu looks to have just woken from sleep, and is fairly aptly dressed for just such a thing. Thoughtful, she scans the shop, stepping out of the path of the door to prevent herself from being some kind of barrier.

Lorelei appears rather abruptly in the middle of the coffee shop. At first glance see seems to be wearing long, flowing robes, but no, at second glance her clothes are quite normal.

Lorelei says, "So much for that...."

Chen grins as Xing-Liu enters and fails to notice Lorelei until she speaks. Then Chen spins around is surprise, "Huh? How did you get in here?"

Puzzled by the abrupt appearance of Lorelei, Xing-Liu acts on her confusion by rushing to present the abruptly-there girl with a quick hug, grinning with a quizzical look.

Lorelei smiles, "The back way," she says mysteriously and goes to get some coffee.

A Chinese woman of fortyish enters the shop, taking advantage of the path XL has cleared.

Chen glances at the middle aged Chinese woman and greets her with a casual hello in Mandarin.

Xing-Liu accompanies Lorelei to the counter, acting like some groupie with a high degree of familiarity. She turns her head and offers a wave toward Chen, friendly smile, bob of her head, and complete silence.

The woman returns Chen's greeting fluently. She has a Hainanese accent.

Chen waves back to Xing-Liu, a cheerful smile on her face.

Lorelei says, "Hi Xing-Liu, how are you?"

The woman goes on in a friendly tone, in Mandarin, "What's good to drink here?"

Xing-Liu covers a yawn, forced as demonstration, then smiles, once again moving herself to prevent obstruction for the paying patrons.

Lorelei smiles. "Not much going on then?" She orders her coffee. "Can I get you something?"

[Speaking Mandarin] Chen lifts her cup, "The coffee is excellent. Avoid the tea. I'm sure it's as good as western brewed tea gets but the teahouses in Ming Street are much better."

"That's what I thought," replies the woman. "Oh goodness! Is that Lorelei at the counter?"

Chen nods, "Yes. It is. But don't crowd her, hey? She comes here to get away from the crowds I think.

Xing-Liu lowers her head, shaking it, then glances over and once more moves herself to prevent obstruction, this time from the unnamed older woman.

"I understand - I have had famous people staying with me before, when I lived in Hainan." She orders coffee too, now XIng-Liu has made space for her.

Lorelei looks about for somewhere to sit.

Chen waves to Lorelei indicating the empty seats at her table.

Lorelei goes over to join Chen. "Thanks."

Lorelei hesitates a moment as she sees the Chinese woman's face, as if trying to place it.

Unchanging in pattern, Xing-Liu accompanies Lorelei, taking one of the empty spots, turning the chair around to sit on it backward, one leg folded on the seat, the other left to dangle at the side.

The woman avoids staring, though it looks like she's ready to burst into talking.

Chen smiles, "I like the coffee here. And the company. Not to mention the action that I've seen already. This is a fun city to be in."

"It's a good city, though I miss my home," agrees the woman, still in Mandarin. "Where are you from?"

Lorelei looks a little lost.

Also looking lost is Xing-Liu, though not as lost as Lorelei.

[Speaking Mandarin] Chen says, "We should switch to English, if you know it, so the others aren't left out of the conversation."

"Oh, of course, how thoughtless of me!" she says. And switching to English, "I'm sorry."

Chen nods, "I'm from Lowchun. The Shaolin Temple there.

"Oh, the Shaolin temple, really?"

The blue-haired girl shows a grin of familiarity, glancing at Lorelei.

Lorelei says, "I didn't know that. She glances at XL. "Why the grin?"

Chen nods, "Yes. My mother wasn't the motherly type and as the monks owed her a favour I got packed off there as soon as I could walk.

Xing-Liu nods thoughtfully as Chen speaks, showing a vaguely sympathetic face. She seems to have some idea of that sort of experience.

"I'm sad to hear that - but did you like it at the temple?"

Titan walks in from outside, and lets the door close behind him. He notices Lorelei first, and then the other two young women at the table, and waves.

Lorelei grins. "Hey, Johnathan!"

Chen nods, "Yes. The training I had was great fun. Apart from the meditation exercises. I used to sleep through those."

Lorelei, Chen, XL and a smiling Chinese woman of about 40 are at a table. Titan has just entered.

Chen waves to the big guy.

Lorelei, Chen, XL and a smiling Chinese woman of about 40 are at a table. Titan has just entered.

Devil Dog steps into the coffee shop in what is probably full costume, red eyes taking the place in. He shoves his gloved hands deep in his coat pockets as he casually makes his way toward the bar, trying to ignore any odd looks that come his way if they do.

Titan walks over to the table where the women are speaking, "How's it going?" He turns as the door opens again, noticing Devil Dog. "Hmm."

The woman laughs. "I can understand that."

Lorelei says, "Oh, I've been meaning to ask - has anyone had any news about Trick?"

Xing-Liu is the opposite of Devil Dog in apparel, just a simple pair of shorts, t-shirt. She sits watching Chen speak, fascinated for some reason.

Chen looks at Lorelei, "You might want to put the conversation onto a public broadcast?" She grins and gestures with a finger towards the middle aged Chinese lady. "The walls may not have ears but she does."

Lorelei says, "Oh, I assumed she was a friend of yours...."

Lorelei kicks herself inwardly though. Stupid.

Chen says, "Probably from the opposition camp. But that doesn't mean we can't be friends. Does it?"

The last part of Chen's comment is spoken to the Chinese lady.

Devil Dog starts to talk quietly to the person behind the counter after reaching it, his voice soft and raspy. It seems that he wants to set up a tab. Unfortunetly stuff like that sin't as common as it once was and he is politely informed that won't be possible. "Thank you, mam." he responds simply, then turns to get a good look at the people seated around the table. He walks in their direction next, slipping one gloved hand from his coat to wave.

Lorelei's eyes goes wide, as she realiss why the face was familiar.

Xing-Liu looks to Chen, then unnamed lady, then to Chen again, expressing curiosity.

The woman laughs. "You've got me. Guilty as charged, I think you say."

Titan raises a brow, listening quietly to the conversation.

Chen glances at Lorelei, "Do you feel rich enough to paid for a guy with flaming wings to get a coffee? I think he's a bit short today."

Lorelei says, "I'm sure I can manage - do you know who he is?"

Devil Dog doesn't react openly to the fact his wings were mentioned,though he does seem a bit amused as he steps closer and says in his soft raspy voice, "He has a mind of his own." His voice has a smirk in it, "He also knows how to talk. If you don't mind, he can answer questions for you." he offers the hand he pulled from his pocket to Chen, she is the closed to where he is standing, to shake.

Harlequin walks out of the short hallway that leads to the restroom. He glances over the customers before making his way towards where Lorelei sits.

Chen shakes her head, "No. I saw him flying around over in Harrisburg."

Titan notices Harlequin as the man steps into the main room. He waves, and gives a brief nod.

Lorelei says, "Well - let's find out, shall we?" To Devil Dog she say, "Won't you join us?"

Chen shakes the offered hand, "I'm Chen. This is Lorelei, Titan, and.. no idea about the other two."

Xing-Liu looks up at the aforementioned flaming-winged costumed man, drawn by the glowing eyes though she only presents silence in her greeting which consists of a bob of her head.

Harlequin returns Titan's nod as he approaches the table. His head turns slightly to take in Devil Dog then his attention returns to the enchinting Lorelei.

Devil Dog nods his head as he returns the handshake. His hand is unnaturally hot, though not clammy like someone with a fever. Next he steps to an empty seat and leans over the table to offer his hand to Lorelei before he sits, "I'm not from the area. People call me Devildog."

Lorelei shakes Devil Dog's hand.

The woman says, "Well, since you've guessed who I am, I think I've heard that you have named me Battery. Not the most flattering name, perhaps," she grins.

Devil Dog pulls out his chair and drops into it with a sigh, reaching up to pull off his stocking cap and ball it up in one fist. "I hear this is the place to go to meat people like me. Should have guessed it was better to show up in street clothes. Problem is, I'm still pritty easy to spot for certain people, even in them."

Xing-Liu gives an understanding sort of nod, gesturing toward her blue hair with a small sympathetic grin.

Harlequin glances over at Devil Dog then murmurs in a Russian accent, "Well, one cannot judge by first impressions, even if prejudiced by what one feels." His attention then shifts back to Lorelei. "Madame Lorelei? May I ask you a few questions?"

"I suppose there's not much chance of my overhearing where you took the boy now, is there? That's ok. I didn't really much like having to spy anyway. Mm, this coffee is good."

[To Harlequin] Lorelei says, "Sure."

Chen asks Battery, "Why are you after him?"

Devil Dog lounges back in his chair and lets stuff happen around him without commenting. He probably wouldn't mind being invisible at this point, but that doesn't seem to be one of his tallents.

Harlequin glances over at the middle aged Chinese woman then back to Lorelei. "Do you intend to press charges against the pickpocket if he is found?"

Battery says, "Well, *I'm* not, really. I think he stole a couple of things. But mostly I was sent here because if Pride wants him then he must have or know something."

Lorelei shakes her head to Harlequin. "Actually I'm rather hoping I can convince him to go to school... though I admit I'm upset I had to cancel my cards."

Harlequin tilts his head to one side. "A school? Where?"

Lorelei says, "England. A school for metas."

Lorelei says, "He has friends there - though he's declined to go once before. I'm not sure he'll want to any more now."

Devil Dog idly brushes hair back from his eyes, then slips some sunglasses from his coat pocket to cover his eyes. The black glasses now appear to be red tented, but it is better than before.

It's afternoon and there are times when certain people tend to regret poking their noses into certain places. It's as Mika walks into the Past Times that she pauses and wonders if she shouldn't have chosen someplace else. Folks here are... well attention grabbing to say the least. She had planned to just grab a cup of tea for afternoon tea time and this wasn't really what she bargained for. So she pauses in the doorway and takes a few moments of silence to try to figure out whether to move further inside, or to exit, stage left. It's pretty obvious that she's in a moment of indecision at the moment..

Harlequin taps a gloved hand against his leg, glances over at the middle aged Chinese woman, then back to Lorelei. "So, I wonder if all concerned would be placated if Trick, I believe he is called, returned whatever he may ahve taken from Pride then left the city?"

Devil Dog stands, himself, and heads for themen's room, leaving a spot open at the table.

Titan raises a brow, still remaining quiet, in an uncharacteristic sort of manner for him.

Chen says, "That may be harder to arrange then you might think, Titan. Trick values his - prizes - from celebrities as important trophies. He would probably be reluctant to give up whatever it was."

Battery says, "That may, or may not, placate Pride. I doubt Mr Lee would be happy." She says this matter-of-factly, as if not taking sides. "But the boyd would be happier, maybe."

Lorelei says, "I might be able to talk him into it. There's a matter of whether I *should*, of course."

Harlequin tilts his head the other direction. "And why should you not speak to Trick, Madame Lorelei? I doubt such an impressionable child could help but be swayed by your words, no?"

Chen says, "Mr Lee might not be happy but if Trick returned the item there would be no further reason for him to seek out the boy. It would be a waste of time."

Battery nods, smiling. "True!" She seems happy with that idea.

Titan shrugs, "A waste of time, in a logical sense, perhaps. But...I'd think that...well, someone named 'Pride' probably has a lot of his namesake."

Devil Dog isn't in the room for long, but steps out of it in completely changed clothes, his old outfit gon. He walks back toward the table in black wrap around shades, a white T-shirt, blue jeans, and brown leather boots. Just one of many cute native american teens who might be walking around the place.

Battery nods again. "Yes, as I said, how Pride would react is a different thing."

"Err... bloody 'ell.." mutters Mika to herself as she slips out a pair of sunglasses from an inner coat pocket herself and turns towards the counter. "Just Earl Grey.." she remarks to the attendant. "A dash of milk please." Her english accent is unmistakable... at least to those who are listening or who can hear her voice in the crowded room.

Not quite recognizing Devil Dog in his current incarnation of apparel, Xing-Liu offers him a wave, still friendly, though she does not stare at any particular features this time.

Lorelei says, "Well, does anyone have a better idea?"

Devil Dog slips into his old seat and grins, crossing his arms over his chest. "Maybe I won't stick out so much now." he says. He still speaks softly, though he has managed to ditch the rasp.

Devil Dog says, "what is the situation?"

Harlequin takes his porcelain chin. "Well, there is always giong back in time and meddling, but that never turns out the way one thinks it will, no?"

Lorelei smiles. "Practicable suggestions?"

Chen snaps her head around to look at Harlequin, "You can do THAT?!"

Devil Dog shakes his head slightly as Chen acts surprised, though he says nothing.

Xing-Liu then slides from her backward-turned chair, facing it correctly and offering it to the disguised Devil Dog. She is then on her way to Mika's location, presenting the English-accented woman with a wave and a familiar grin.

Titan smiles. "I'm going to guess that the kid returning what he took is a good beginning. Much more likely to keep him alive. After that, well, Pride's reaction would have to be gauged. Perhaps having 'Trick' move away would be best. I'm not sure how far Pride's reach is. I got the impression that he's fairly local. But I might be wrong."

"No offense gents... ladies." offers Mika as she turns to face the room while her tea is prepared, "... but is this really the sort of place to discuss such things? I mean I do not wish to poke my nose into your business, but who knows who might be overhearing you, and you're talkin' about some rather serious business blokes..just one woman's opinion.." she offers in her cultured english accent, a shrug of her shoulders presented just as her tea is set before her and she turns to pay for it.

Lorelei frowns. "She has a point. We're so used to treating this as our hangout it's easy to forget it's a public place."

Devil Dog smirks and lounges back in his seat, "It isn't like that fact is secret, either. After all, I found you all easy."

Lorelei considers how to summarise for Devil Dog. "A pickpocket seems to have taken something from one of the organised crime factions in Chinatown. With the result that both factions are after him. He's safe for the moment - I think - though."

Harlequin gestures to the middle aged Chinese woman. "Well, we know at least one other side is alredy represented. I am simply repaying a favor to a friend."

"Which is exactly why I thought you might be a bit more... choosy in your selection of locations to discuss official costumed business. If everyone knows where you hang out and discuss it, who is to say who might be paid by whom to listen in and give them information?" asks Mika as she smiles to the attendant and picks up her tea before looking about the place... another internal debate. Drink it here, or run for the hills?

Chen says, "There's a lot of heroes in Colonial Bay. Why haven't you heroes cleaned up the Chinatown situation?" She looks over to Battery, "No offense intended."

Battery shakes her head. "I wouldn't presume to say I represent anypne."

Devil Dog looks at the Chinese woman now, seeming to consider her from behind his glasses, "So, you know about two organized crime factions, and your talking to said organized crime factions about something stolen from them? Am I talking to heros or villains here?" he seems amused.

Battery says, "I'm just a widow who misses her guesthouse in Hainan. If I'm called a hero or a villain - well, ask the people who would call me that."

Chen grins, "Not guilty to either. I'm just looking for fun."

Harlequin reaches into his cloak and takes out a piece of paper. "You can contact me through this e-mail when a decision has been reached, Lorelei. I must go check on my guest." He glances over at Devil Dog. "A bit of both in all likelihood." He then heads back to the bathroom hallway.

Titan shrugs a bit. "I don't really think what we were discussing was all that sensitive, honestly."

Lorelei nods to Harlequin. "Will do."

Chen calls out to Harlequin, "Tell Trick I said hello, will you?"

"Okay, then allow me to put this in a different manner." begins Mika as she decides to sit down and settles into a seat at an empty table, lifting her tea to take a small sip and sighing contentedly before continuing, "Some people come to a place such as this, to relax, enjoy a quiet beverage.. discussions like those I am hearing sound... dangerous, and very nearly led me to spend my money elsewhere. What if some giant robot was sent by an enemy to interrupt this... chat?" she asks softly.

[To Titan] Lorelei says, "Maybe not, Johnathan. But in general it's true."

Harlequin looks back over his shoulder at Chen. "I shall, but who are you?"

Devil Dog inclines his head, neither looking pleased or angry about the replies he gets, "With people like this protecting the city, no wonder Harrisburg looks the way it is." he pushes to his feet. "I'll look into this situation in one week if there isn't some sort of decision made. If I were thoughs Chinese factions, I'd try and mop up my tears, they're criminals, they should be used to crime. If someone steels from them, that was that person's mistake I think. If I have to get involved, someone isn't going to like what I decide to do." he smiles, "You all have a good day, I'm not too hard to find if you need me." With that he pushes in his chair and steps around the table to walk toward the bathroom himself.

[To Mika] Lorelei says, "Well, you'd be safer here than some places - it's better armoured. BUt why would they want to stop it? They'd rather overhear it, clearly."

Titan shrugs a bit, looking to Mika. "I think this 'discussion' would be less of a deterrent to coming in here than the two assassins that started a shootout here a few weeks ago. Quite honestly. That hit the news, I'm pretty sure." He smiles. "I guess you're right. We shouldn't gather anywhere, as it would cause a potential strike from some villain or other."

Chen smiles, "Tell Trick I was the woman with the shopping bag who almost caught him."

Battery says to Chen, "Oh, that was you!"

Devil Dog steps into the bathroom, and anyone who steps in after him might notice that noone is there.

Waving a hand dismissively, Mika smirks and says, "I was merely pointing out a potential alternative, not a likely one." Then she looks to Titan and flips her hand, a silver dollar neatly appearing between her fingers. This coin is rolled down her knuckles as she speaks, "Oh bravo, outstanding passive agressive smart alec comeback." she remarks towards Titan. "However, I might suggest... such discussions merely be held at locations where civilians do not gather and provide easy targets for those who may want... hostages or victims is all. Perhaps you might think about it rather than react with a kneejerk defensiveness?"

Chen nods to Battery, "Yep. Mr Lee had someone watching? That guy who seems to be all over the market maybe?"

Battery smiles. "Oh, he's always watching. That's why Chinatown is more peaceful than it might be. But actually I heard it from someone else. She was brought up in a monastery too...."

Chen frowns, and then nods, "Oh. Her..? Lucky punch. It will be different next time."

Titan shakes his head. "You misunderstand my intentions, clearly. My point is...this place is safer with us actually here, than if we are not. If I wasn't here when those assassins started to shoot up the place, I wouldn't have been able to smother the parcel of live grenades that were dropped. Anyone who attacks here hasn't done their homework." He smiles again, "And...I will reiterate...what we were talking about was NOT that sensitive. Your point, and Lorelei's, is well taken, though. Heroes should watch what they say in public. However, this was not all that bad. And frankly, calling us out for it seems like an overreaction."

"Are you sure? She is very good, and disciplined. I think she didn't fall asleep in meditation." The tone is friendly and jocular.

Chen frowns again, thoughtfully, and this time remains quiet.

"I am not 'calling anyone out'. I am merely pointing out that a suitable location for such should be secured, likely not one with civilian customers and employees. And to touch on your point about the assassins, is it at all likely that they attacked as they did because this place is so frequently visited by you and yours?" Mika grins and takes a sip of her tea, her coin still flashing down the knuckles of her other hand, "I am not trying to make anyone upset, or cause any real arguement. Merely pointing out the alternative."

Lorelei shifts uncomfortably as Titan and Mika argue.

Battery goes on, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you! Actually, I'm enjoying being here. It's could to be able to talk to you all!"

Titan shakes his head, "Actually...no. They sought refuge in here since there were heroes here, as they were being chased. Another group of mercenaries was hunting them, and when the two assassins were found here, a firefight ensued. You could argue that the assassins sought refuge in here due to the heroes being present, that's true. After all, had the heroes present been duped, then the heroes would fight their pursuers. However, these same assassins have also been known to kill people for fun, it turns out. They have no problem targetting civilians. For sport. The fact that heroes were present saved many lives. No one actually died here. Unlike later. One of the assassins escaped. And killed several unarmed people." He pauses, "They're both in custody now, though. But to answer your question, their attack on the place was not due to our presence. But their arrival here was."

Chen confides in Battery, "Master Chang told me that physical skills were limited but if one could master the spirit then that was boundless. I never did understand him. I wonder if I should have listened more carefully."

Titan shakes his head, and looks back to Lorelei, "Anyway...I'm going to head to the gym. I'm going to work off some steam. I'll catch up with you later."

Battery smiles. "BUt you are listening to him now, no? Perhaps you still can unlock the skills of the spirit."

"Then there you have it. I suggest that you may wish to re-evaluate your decisions to appear in public so much. I am sure you all have lives outside of the costumes, lives you can live which do not involve such... dramatic inference." Mika shakes her head and offers a pleasant, "Cheers.." to the departing Titan.

[To Titan] Lorelei says, "Oh - see you soon!"

Titan shakes his head, smirking...and muttering, "Clearly she doesn't know what I do for a living." He smiles, and wave to Lorelei, and the others at the table before heading out.

Lorelei grins at Titan's comment.

"Or perhaps I underrated his penache for wanting to get the last word in, even when it's wrong." retorts Mika to empty air. "Ah well, who is to say whom is right or wrong. Which came first, the chicken or the egg as it were?" she asks nobody in particular as she lifts her tea and takes a sip.

Lorelei stays quiet, not wanting to argue with Mika. Though she feels on the whole that what people talk about in a coffee shop is their own business.

Lorelei says, "Would anyone like anything more to drink?"

Chen stands, "I've been told there's a Gym around here where I can burn off some energy. Anyone know where it is?"

Lorelei says, "Yes - just across the street. It's a good place."

Chen nods, "Thanks. See you later."