He set down the box of groceries from the bio-ship, second to the last one, on the kitchen island. Conner looked up at M'gann and the others. No one was making eye contact yet, nor were they talkative. He grabbed onto his girlfriend's hand briefly, squeezing it.
"I'm going to go get the other one," he spoke to her before releasing her hand and walking towards the hanger again. He stopped as he passed the hallway containing the guest bedrooms and noticed one door was ajar. His eyes narrowed as he noticed it was the room of the former Robin. 'No one is suppose to be there,' he thought and redirected his path to the room.
"This room is off limit- Oh." He recognized the person inside immediately. "Barbara."
Batman: -pacing in front of the table, arms crossed, focusing on the miniscule movements of the two teenagers working on the hardware-
Robin: -eyebrows knit in concentration as I piece together the micro computer, switching between screwdrivers when necessary, my other hand holding pieces in place-
Batgirl: -not glancing to yours I piece together the computer carefully looking to my small array of parts I had left-
Batman: -glances at the red blinking timer, then returns my attention to the disassembled wrist computers slowly being put back together as the time counted down-
Batgirl: -smiling softly to myself I put mine back together the next few pieces fitting easily- Photographic memory. Gotta love it. -I say softly smirking as I continue-
Robin: -finishes tightening the last of the screws, sliding the backing in place and spinning it in my hands, setting it face-up on the table in front of me with a smirk- Skills help too.
Jason Todd: -watch from a distance, trying to piece together some stuff-
Batman: -my dark eyes flicker back and forth- And...time.
Batgirl: -finishes second later- You could probably do without the flair. -I tease before looking to Batman-
Jason Todd: -watch the exchange, arms crossed as I evaluate the interaction between you three-
Robin: -snickers- Jealous?
Batman: -walks silently back to the table, picking up each wrist computer and examining them, looking up a moment later- Barbara's was more accurately constructed from the original blueprint. -sets hers down- However, Dick modified the inner processer to include a faster voice activation panel. -sets his down- You both pass.
Robin: -eyes widen in shock as you start speaking, grinning after a moment and crossing my arms- Aster.
Batgirl: Not in your dreams Boy Wonder. -I whisper to him before Batman speaks. Beams at first and then laughs softly- Hey I call cheating on modifying. That wasn't part of the deal. -I tease poking Dick's side- Show off doesn't even begin to start with you.
Jason Todd: -mutter under my breath, counting how many times you have said the word in a day, reaching the 19th time-
Robin: Ow, hey! -uncrosses my arms and swats your hand away, still grinning-
Batman: -clears throat, bringing out the next boxes, containing parts of 2 different types of batarangs, setting one before each of you- There are components of both an explosive and sound-hacking batarang in these boxes. Use the parts to build a functional batarang. -clicks a button, starting the next time-
Batgirl: -laughs softly smiling before looking to Batman and trying to look solemn again. Taking the parts in front of me starting to separate them-
Robin: -starts pulling pieces from the box, immediately fitting a base together before focusing on the finer details of the modifications-
Batman: Make sure you know what you're attempting to build. Have a set plan in mind before just putting together parts.
Robin: -glances up for a split second and shooting you a look before swapping out a couple pieces to make room for the molding aspect-
Batgirl: -smiles to myself- May not know my way too far around this stuff yet but don't think you're gonna beat me. -I tease grabbing another side of a batarang to match up working fast-
Batman: 15 seconds.
Jason Todd: -shuffle a bit closer-
Batgirl: -finishes just a few moments later snapping a few things into place- Done.
Robin: -moves on to fit together the pieces of the specialized mechanisms, setting the base aside for a few seconds before reaching for it again and attaching the two together, checking it over and finishing a few minor tweaks-
Jason Todd: -Is now a table away, leaning on it as I stare at the gadgets on the table, frowning at the complexity of them-
Robin: -raises an eyebrow at Babs, setting my batarang down next to hers- Not bad, BG.
Batgirl: -smiles- Thanks. I may not be able to modify them but I can work with what I've got.
Batman: -picks up both batarangs, raising an eyebrow, then turning suddenly and throwing them at targets across the cave, noting the aerodynamic and accuracy of the metal-
Batgirl: -smiles as mine flies and emits a sonic sound as it flies that hurt the ears-
Robin: -grimaces at the noise the batarang emits, watching both critically-
Jason Todd: -ignores the loud sounds, fascinated at seeing them fly into the air-
Batman: -turns around- Dick, yours had proper spin to promote accuracy. Barbara, the modification was creative, as well as powerful. -nods- Pass.
Robin: -grins-
Batgirl: -smiles-
Batman: -nods, pulling out the third and final container, containing two grapple hooks with some kind of damage, setting it in front of the two of them- You'll have a minute to find and fix the damage. -resets the timer and starts it-
Robin: -frowns, pulling the hook towards me and examining it quickly, running a glove over the chips and cracked anchor-
Batgirl: -picks mine up furrowing my brow and assessing it. Comparing it to the mental image of the one on my own utility belt. I immediately pull the hook off and pulling the cable lightly noticing it slipping out. I grab a screwdriver and undo the body of the gun opening it and redoing the cord before redoing the body and replacing the hook sitting it down and smiling- Done.
Robin: -grabs some repair putty and pushes it into the cracks, wiping away the excess and tugging off my gloves with my teeth to wrap my bare hands around it, applying a small amount of heat from my palms to seal it in place before lifting it by the once-broken anchor, smirking at the successful hold- So am I.
Batman: -raises an eyebrow, then steps back, gesturing at the balcony railing a floor above- Then test it.
Batgirl: -glances to you- Wait now?
Robin: -stands, checking the gun mechanisms and taking a few steps back before aiming and firing, tugging once to make sure the line is secure- Why not?
Batman: -watches Robin intently, my arms folded- It's the only way to confirm the correctness of your repair.
Batgirl: -shrugs a little grabbing the gun- Alright... -I say aiming for a moment before shooting. Once the hook lands target I tug a little glad that the line was tight and not loose like before-
Robin: -grins, watching Babs before releasing the catch on the gun and letting it pull me upwards, swinging in an arc and flipping as I near the balcony, detaching the line at the last second and landing in a neat crouch- Works fine, Bruce! Good as new!
Jason Todd: -look at you guys go up, a bit impressed but don't let it show-
Batman: -nods- It's vital to be able to repair your equipment in a short time. You will have neither time, light, nor the patience of your opponents to escape from a situation.
Batgirl: -pulls myself up on my hook swinging gracefully on the balcony- The flip was a little much. -I tease Robin-
Robin: -laughs- Habit.
Batgirl: Habit to show off. Seems it's all you do. -I joke looking down and seeing Jason- And exactly why do we have an audience tonight anyway?
Robin: -rolls eyes- I happen to /like/ my style. -follows your gaze and smiles- Why not?
Batman: -clears throat, noticing Jason inching closer to the table with the repaired wrist computers, checking the time on my own wrist computer- It's time for patrol. -walks to the main screen, pulling up a map of Gotham with highlighted patrol routes for both of you for you to study before leaving-
Jason Todd: -ignore being looked at and peer at the gadgets on the table, flipping a batarang in my hand-
Batgirl: -using the grappling hook I get back down and head over to the main screen-
] Robin: -jumps from the balcony, catching the hook to slow my fall before somersaulting and landing on my feet with a quick hop, walking over toward the computer- Any specifics to watch out for tonight?
Batman: -zooms in on certain corners and intersections- I've flagged notable hot spots based on recent crime statistics. -hits another button- The information has been sent to your wrist computers. -straightens- Stay vigilant. Keep your comm lines open.
Robin: -nods, looking over the screen one last time before heading back over to the table, pulling on my gloves and smirking- I'm sure we can manage to stay whelmed. -looks over at Jason- Try to stay out of trouble, Jaybird.
Jason Todd: You try to stay out of trouble. -smirk-
Batgirl: -smiles softly going over and ruffling Jason's hair- Don't let him mess with you too much. -I tease before heading to the R-Cycle- We leaving sometime tonight Boy Wonder? -I call grabbing my helmet-
Jason Todd: -grumble, and comb my hair back-
Robin: -walks over to the R-Cycle, picking up my helmet off the seat- Patience is a virtue, Barbara. -snickers, swinging a leg over the bike and starting it, revving the engine-
Batgirl: -wraps my arms around your middle- That's Batgirl to you. -I tease- Bye Jaybird. -I call-
Jason Todd: It's Jason! - I yell-
Batman: -watches them leave, then turns to see their blinking icons on the screen make their way into the city-
Artemis Crock: -Walks up to Barbara in the hallway, hesitantly tapping her on the shoulder- Uh...hey, Barbara! -Awkwardly-
Barbara Gordon: -turns around smiling slightly- Oh hey Artemis...
Artemis Crock: I, uh...-rubs the back of her neck- I was kind of watching you earlier...I-I mean, not watching you, watching you, but...-coughs- Anyway. Is...something up with you and Dick?
Barbara Gordon: -raises an eyebrow- Why would you like to know? -she asked closing the book she had been reading-
Artemis Crock: Well, I just noticed, since you two are usually so...close. I don't want to pry if it's something really personal, or anything. -babbles- I was just a bit worried? I guess? -realizes how absolutely stupid I sound and almost slap myself in the face-
Barbara Gordon: It's...not exactly personal I guess it's just more...complicated. -sighs- Thanks for caring though Artemis. I appreciate it.
Artemis Crock: Um. You're welcome! -sighs with relief, but notices something on your arm- Hey, are those...bandages?
Barbara Gordon: -pulls my sleeve down quickly- Oh uh yeah. Cooking incident. Got messy. -laughs nervously-
Artemis Crock: -my eyes narrow- A...cooking incident. Right...-crosses my arms loosely- Is that why you were absent the last few days?
Barbara Gordon: Well no but -stumbles over words- I fell when I was practicing and my dad thought I bruised a rib so I just..stayed home for a few days.
Artemis Crock: -nods slowly, still a bit wary, but I have no reason not to believe her- Well...you should be more careful, then. Wouldn't want you hurting yourself again, right?
Barbara Gordon: -nods- I will. It happens being in gymnastics.
Artemis Crock: Uh...well then. It was...nice. Talking to you. -awkwardly looks away, not sure how to end the conversation-
Barbara Gordon: -nods a little as well- Yeah same Artemis. Uhm is everything okay with you?
Artemis Crock: -stiffens- With me? Yes! Of course! Just, I have a test coming up soon, and uh...yeah. Not sure if I'm ready for it or not.
Barbara Gordon: What about with that guy you brought to the dance. Wally right? You two still dating?
Artemis Crock: Oh, Wally? Yeah, yeah we are. Have been for...a while now, I guess. -smiles a bit-
Barbara Gordon: -smiles gently- You really seem to like him a lot. And it's obvious he's crazy about you.
Artemis Crock: 'Crazy for me'? Pf...that's one way of putting it, I guess. -Blushes a bit, despite herself-
Barbara Gordon: Well he's lucky to have you. You're a good friend.
Artemis Crock: I...I-I'm not, really. You're too kind...-twiddles my thumbs, smiling despite myself-
Barbara Gordon: -laughs gently- No trust me. I know these things.
Artemis Crock: Thanks, Barbara. You're great, too. Whatever it was Dick did upset you, I'm sure he's regretting it as we speak. -chuckles-
Barbara Gordon: -smiles weakly- Yeah I really doubt that but thanks.
Artemis Crock: I'm serious! -grins- It's like you two are practically inseparable There's no way he wouldn't regret upsetting you.
Barbara Gordon: I used to think that but I don't know. Maybe we just needed this.
Artemis Crock: Needed...what? -furrows her eyebrows- It's not that bad, is it?
Barbara Gordon: -sighs- I'm honestly not sure. I guess I don't want it to be but I was the one who kind of started it. -I say carefully trying to explain without details-
Artemis Crock: That...does sound very complicated. -scratches her neck awkwardly- Y'know, I may not know him that well, but...Dick really doesn't seem the type to ever want to hurt you on purpose.
Barbara Gordon: He...He isn't. -I say biting the inside of my cheek nervously- I guess I get his side of the argument. It just really didn't make me feel better. -looking to you and realizing you wouldn't know what I was talking about I laughed slightly- He kind of did something recently that made me feel a little...used I guess. And I snapped at him for it.
Artemis Crock: -I remember how I felt when mom told me she begged Batman and Green Arrow to let me join the team.- I can get behind that, that's for sure...
Barbara Gordon: -smiles at you- I guess maybe I should talk to Dick.
Artemis Crock: I think that would be a much better option than not talking to him, yeah. -grins- Seeing the two of you apart has to be causing some sort of imbalance in nature!
Barbara Gordon: -laughs- Yeah...we've been best friends since he moved here to Gotham.
Artemis Crock: Thick as thieves! You two were really cute at the dance, by the way. Just thought I'd mention it.
Barbara Gordon: -blushes darkly- Oh no. No no we really weren't. Besides it's not like Dick was around long enough for us to be cute. -she said laughing softly-
Artemis Crock: -grins mischievously Do my eyes deceive me? Could it be that Barbara Gordon is smitten?
Barbara Gordon: What? No! No no no. With Dick? Oh please! Not even. -I say quickly laughing slightly before chewing on the inside of my cheek again-
Artemis Crock: Hmmm...well, alright, I guess. -grins, still not quite believing you, but I relent- ...is the reason you're mad at him have to do with that...disappearing act of his? At the dance?
Barbara Gordon: -shrugs a little- Yes and no? Sorry it's just like you said before. It's kind of personal.
Artemis Crock: Ooooo...kay then. Yeah. Shouldn't pry. Got it. -coughs- It really isn't any of my business anyway, I guess...
Barbara Gordon: I really appreciate you talking to me though Artemis. It kind of put things in perspective for him I guess.
Artemis Crock: -surprised- Well, I...you're welcome! I didn't really think I was all that helpful, but...I guess not, huh?
Barbara Gordon: -smiles softly- You really help a lot more than you know.
Artemis Crock: I'm glad I could help at all...! To be honest, I was worried if I would be bugging you.
Barbara Gordon: -laughs gently- No. Friends can talk to each other...right?
Artemis Crock: -coughs- ...friends? You mean...
Barbara Gordon: -just smiles- Of course that's what I mean. I'll see you around Artemis. -I say before grabbing my books and heading back toward the school-
Artemis Crock: Y-yeah! See you around! -I wave goodbye, a bit too eagerly, and take a moment to bask in the glory of success before hearing the warning bell and scurrying off to class quickly-
