maskormenacelogs | I was not myself last night

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I was not myself last night

WHO: NORMAN OSBORN and KANAYA MARYAM
WHERE: Downtown Heropa
WHEN: Evening 1/21
WHAT: What begins as a simple drug investigation turns into... not the start of a beautiful friendship.
WARNINGS: Mentions of drugs and (possibly) violence/manipulation/brainwashing/underage supervillainy. Who can say for sure?

[ Registered hero. Like many other people from his original universe, Norman was sure that term rang vague bells; he'd even been in charge of enforcing said registration, back then. Years ago, yet not (funny the way time worked here). The tattoo does nothing but faintly taunt him with its existence -- he scratches at it, feeling it itch even though there's no physical sensation. It's in your head, he admonishes himself, but that as always does nothing to rid himself of the thoughts or sensation.

May as well play along, at any rate. It's how the game is won: from the inside. First he has to study it before he can work his way around it. The assignments seem, so far, very simple. He doubts, as he stalks through the dimming light of evening, that they'll remain that way. He can be vigilant, and he doesn't foresee anything particularly challenging about investigating a drug problem.

A little abstractly, he actually finds it funny. ]

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[ kanaya's opinion on drugs is relatively undeveloped: they tell you they're bad and not to do them, but they tell you that about a lot of things. most of them she's never given a second thought, leery of compromising her mental faculties. gamzee was always an idiot before he was a monster, after all. but she doesn't really consider alcohol abuse in the same category, either.

what makes them matter today is the job. she knew the life they've been given here would come at a cost, and if this is what it takes, she can play the part of the bloodhound. better for her, better for rose, if they can maintain something until they have enough to work with on their own.

the investigation itself hasn't yielded much, no one would want to talk to a sixteen-year-old asking questions about the local drug trade, and she doesn't have the subtlety to play the part of a patron. she'd make a lousy detective, all things considered, and renee might laugh if she didn't probably get mad that kanaya's trying to begin with. for the most part, she's left it to simply watching around downtown for anything suspicious without really knowing what she should be looking for.

the tall man itching his arm seems like a good place to start. less so once she realizes who he is, but she can't help the look of disgust that crosses her face as she approaches, the thinly veiled distaste in her voice as she greets him. ]

Enjoying yourself this evening?

[ The night is relatively quiet -- not many people around, let alone ones behaving in any way that could merit Norman's attention -- and Kanaya's voice carries over that stillness quite easily. Norman turns his head, recognizing her in a purely abstract sort of way. ]

Not as much as I could be, given how I don't like to waste my own time. Better to be out with purpose. [ He looks at her with calm suspicion. ] I could ask you the same question.

[ "not waste your time, at least" she doesn't say, biting her tongue. but the evening's quiet has been nothing short of frustrating. she was hoping this assignment would be an opportunity to exercise that frustration rather than add to it.

the current company only exacerbates it. ]

We all have our purposes this evening. It's simply a matter of discerning how those purposes intersect.

It may be. Assuming they need interact at all. Personally, I can't help but doubt we're out here tonight with identical agendas. Would the two of us have anything in common?

[ He doesn't move, but tilts his head in a curious, mildly challenging way. ]

Aside from both being imPorts out for what's certainly purposeless stroll at night?

[ and rose, of course. but for all kanaya knows, he's not even aware of that connection. not that it's any secret, but she'd certainly never plus oned at the company christmas party, assuming they had one. ]

I can tell you that, for my part, I'm investigating an assignment.

[ Under other circumstances Norman might have drawn the connection easily, but he had been too preoccupied with his own mechanization to pay much attention to Rose's personal life. Reckless and negligent on his part, maybe; he didn't consider Rose someone he yet needed that sort of insurance on. ]

Then we have that much more in common as well. I'd say it was interesting if some overlap wasn't already a given. [ He smirks. ] Any luck so far?

[ kanaya rather preferred being an unknown element, really. it makes it easier to watch from afar, to not be expected if she does need to act beyond silently judging.

she sighs. ] Nothing. If I've made any finding it's that they aren't exactly going to present themselves on a silver platter for us. But that much we might've taken for granted going in.

[ in short, she's well over her head with this. ]

[ He doesn't seem to be bothered about any lack of success; to Norman, there simply isn't much to be found. Not tonight, at any rate.

After all, drug busts you can't exactly time. ]

Yes, there might be something going on beneath our notice. Our eyes and ears can only extend so far. But then, timing doesn't always work out so neatly. Whether or not there's anything occurring tonight is purely hypothetical.

Unless they just want to get us in the habit of investigation.

Well, it's certainly going to be necessary at this stage. [ waiting around isn't going to do it, but her problem is lacking a starting point, any real lead. if she had that, she could at least futilely hit her head against a wall instead of wondering which wall needs to be broken down. ]

You think this may be a preparation for future assignments?

I think we ought to consider the possibility. We're meant to be heroes, aren't we?

[ So casually, he says it. He's used to being a hero (a "hero") but not in such a small-time capacity, that tone says. ]

Not everyone shares the same sort of experience in that field. These captors seem to take the sentiment much more seriously.

They do. But there is often a wide gulf between intention and reality. [ she narrows her eyes as she says it. after all, he's one of the intended.

but then, so is she. ]

Still, it is nice to see that it isn't an entirely meaningless term. I suppose it's the mixing of various experiences that's meant to get the job done.

[ that is to say: ] Have you done this sort of thing before?

There is. But that doesn't mean they won't want us encouraged. Ready, even. Who can say exactly what kind of heroes they really want?

[ His smirk lingers, still casual, though he taps at his chin in faux-contemplation. ]

A variety maybe. That's the more practical avenue.

I don't usually bother with drugs.

[ is the dramatic irony of that statement lost on her? it's entirely possible that it is. certainly she doesn't know what the performance-enhancing cocktail actually was either way, so there's no reason to read too deeply into it.

cocaine is usually rich businessmen, isn't it? that's what every movie she's seen with it hints toward, she might've imagined him to have a special insight there. ]

Then I suppose we lack that particular variety between the two of us, or it's simply a quality we'll need to better learn.

Nothing's about to be done by simply talking about it.

No, it wouldn't be that simple. Two heads could be better than one. Or just as fruitless. We may as well explore the area given that we both made the effort of the trip. What do you say?

[ Even not anticipating them finding a drug exchange in process, Norman still isn't fond of wasted time. If there's something to be found, looking a bit longer couldn't hurt.

Also: ]

I'm Norman Osborn, by the way.

Kanaya Maryam.

[ he'll forgive her if she resists the urge to shake his hand, she hopes. but not really, that's a silly thing to hope. but it does seem like a worthwhile prospect, it will give her a chance to see what makes him tick, how he works.

she supposes she isn't unlike rose in that, but her reasons are very different. ]

It would seem the obvious course, I think, to attempt a collaboration. There is at least a chance of better results that way.

[ He doesn't offer his hand anyway, which might come off patronizing if it's a motion she's expecting. He simply refolds his arms across his chest, glancing around the street with a lidded look of scrutiny. ]

I think so. For starters we'll probably want to venture off the high road, onto the beaten path. No one in their right mind conducts a drug exchange under a spotlight. [ Except Harry, maybe. ] Either behind closed doors or wherever this city keeps its criminal underbelly. But I'd imagine it wouldn't be a large one.

That may as well be someone's basement, for all we know.

[ moments like this, she misses the city. even with more places to hide, it feels like it would've been more obvious. or maybe it was just that the city was more known, while here they're only strangers. ]

That, or one of the scattered bars around. [ with narrow eyes, she looked out toward the bay. ] Unless we just happened to intercept a shipment.

It may well be. Then again, you may always catch a stray consumer out and about if the timing's right -- they do have to come from somewhere.

[ It's true that in a smaller city like this, crime is likely to be under much tighter wraps; that usually seemed to be the case.

He follows her gaze and gestures in that direction. ]

Timing of course being the variable. Why not give it a look?

[ she puts a hand up, but the fingers remain closed together, not quite in a fist. she looks as though she's thinking, perhaps measuring?

making the walk to the pier would mean having to hear him talk more. skipping the walk would tell him more about her. if it ever comes to her needing to take him on directly, which she doesn't think she should rule out, keeping her surprises to herself would be to her benefit.

she stands there a few moments, weighing her options, before finally spreading her fingers and relaxing her arm, then pulling at the air until it gives way in a handful of threads, the space itself opening in front of them to reveal the docks.\

she steps to the side and gestures him in, her eyes as scrutinizing as ever. ]

After you.

[ Norman stares at the opening in the air for a few long moments, surprised by the ability and immediately filing it away within the disorganized recesses of his mind. It may never be important again after tonight, he acknowledges readily, but the way Norman hoards information it would be an oversight not to take note.

He steps forward, peering into the hole in space before he actually moves to step through it, then turns his cold gaze upon her, more interested now. The whole exchange is interesting in its own abstract sort of way, but now it seems to take on a new tone. Enough of one that he's hesitant to actually step through, in case it's a trap of some kind. ]

Impressive short-cut. Must be very efficient, not having to learn to drive.

[ with his own scrutiny, she immediately thinks she may have made a mistake. she doesn't know what she expected, that he'd blow it off as nothing special? she manipulates space, that's always something worth noticing, no matter how jaded you may be.

she wonders if he knows about rose's sight, if that's ever been a factor in his plans. ]

Easier still as I wasn't old enough by the time I needed to. Not that learning wouldn't provide a prudent contingency. [ more so now that they're longer in the city. why anyone would ever bother with it in the city is a mystery. ]

[ He has to presume she won't try anything funny, in part because it seems foolish when they're out on assignment, and in part because she has no motive as far as he knows. Norman is naturally paranoid, though, so it's still a few more moments before he goes through. ]

Is a contingency something you're expecting to need, or do you always overplan? Not that I blame you. I do the same thing. No such thing as being too cautious.

[ she absolutely overthinks and overplans, but she has ways to justify it to herself. ]

It's simply that I've had to do without before. Public transportation isn't as enjoyable as they'd like you to think.

[ of course, there are a lot of funny things she could try here, but she doesn't plan on it. osborn is someone she's suspicious of, and though she would be ready to do him harm if the need arises, the reason hasn't come to her yet. if he never speaks to rose again, it may never.

but she still folds her arms at him. ] So, are you going through, or would you prefer if I went first?

No. There's a reason I haven't been on a bus in decades.

[ It's a joke, but also it's not. He may take the occasional cab here or there when necessity dictates, but buses have been dead to him since his early twenties.

But of course, he has to accept the offer. ]

After you. Lest I misstep somewhere.

Well, if you had... [ she pauses as she slips past him and through, turning around to look back at him from the other side as she moves to the side. ] ...it would be entirely the fault of your own feet.

[ He looks at her, sneering humorlessly and following her once she's through, shaking his head and dusting his sleeve off. ]

That's a little simplified. [ His tone is dry, mildly offended. He then glances around their new location. ] All right, let's get this over with. The sooner we do or don't find what we're looking for, the sooner this wild goose chase can come to an end.

[ she just shrugs off that sneer, it wouldn't be her problem if he didn't know how to walk on his own. this whole thing would be a bit more inconvenient in his case and she would absolutely go without him.

instead, she turns and lets the portal close behind him, turning her focus toward the docks. one of the piers seems to have quite a few threads centered around it, interestingly enough. ]

I don't see any water fowls running about, wild or not. Might be closer to collecting fish in a very small pond. This way.

[ and she sets off toward the pier, hunching slightly, making quick but quiet steps. ]

[ Norman is not familiar enough with Kanaya to know for certain that she isn't just taking him literally to be a brat, which does not do well for his mood. Impatience and irritation pulse at his temples, but he ignores that -- sets it aside -- to follow her with his footsteps also quiet. He does move quickly and quietly for a man his size.

It's still not cold but it's cooler by the docks than where they were; a slight breeze ripples his coat. He can't see what she sees, so he assumes that maybe -- somehow -- she heard something he didn't. ]

Might it be wiser if I walk in front?

Is it wise for the hunter to walk in front of the bloodhound? [ she casts a look back with an eyebrow raised, she is most definitely doing it to be a brat. ]

Unless you know where you're headed, it would be wiser for you to follow until we arrive.

[ she slows as she reaches a small warehouse just off the pier, most of the activity she saw moving between them. she clings to the wall and she sidles her way to the corner to watch a boat unloading, but it's hard to see inside without any windows. unless she made one, at least. ]

[ He frowns, rolls his eyes, but he won't argue the point further; if they run into any problems she's free to be his (non-)human shield, as it were, and anyway it isn't like "hunter" is insulting.

To him.

He gives the warehouse a look over, smirking faintly before he turns his attention to the boat, counting the amount of people present -- or visibly so -- watching them. He listens. Maybe this will be interesting after all. He murmurs to Kanaya after a moment, quietly: ]

There's no lookout. Which means either they're new at this, or that we may shortly have company. Listen for footsteps.

Why? Could we have been noticed already?

[ she tries to follow his eyes, but stops herself. he's not wrong. she can hear them, trying to sneak up around the corner, smell the blood pumping in their veins as they get nearer. a low hiss draws out through her teeth instinctively before it dies in her throat, and she starts moving along the wall toward the sound.

maybe she'd just have to surprise them, meet them first. ]

It would appear that way.

[ No sense in keeping his voice especially quiet now, then; he moves along the wall as well, slipping his coat off and tossing it so that he can roll up his sleeves. He's curious about what Kanaya may be capable of herself, but isn't opposed to knocking some heads together either. If he must. (He would enjoy it.)

How many are there, after all? At least two by the sound of it, but it could be three. Enough for everyone, in other words. ]

Are you prepared for that?

[ she just scoffs before taking hold of the wall, climbing up it in a way that gravity should disagree with, but doesn't. not quite spidery, but clinging nonetheless.

the men coming around the corner have quieted, hoping to take them by surprise, preparing for the confrontation themselves. kanaya positions herself perpendicularly, coiling her knees as she takes a deep breath. it's a bit of a ridiculous position at rest. this has to be just as much for osborn as it is for them, he has to know that she isn't one to be trifled with. an implicit threat that shouldn't even register. ]

You'll want to shield your eyes at the start.

[ and with no more warning, she springs off, rounding the corner before launching off the wall and right in their midst, her glowing erupting in a blinding flash. they'd begun fanning out already, but it's enough to buy a moment as she takes down the one in the middle.

in a moment, the others have their attention turned on her, one with a crowbar and the other a knife. if norman wanted a distraction, he got it without even asking. ]

[ He has to admit -- to only himself, of course -- that it really is something. Kanaya's glow does make Norman squint his eyes and draw back, shielding his face with his arm until some adjustment is made, but it doesn't take him long.

It's a relief, honestly, that Norman doesn't have to worry about babysitting. He'll let her take care of herself and whomever else might be dumb enough to get involved, and with her shining there like a signal flare Norman is able to slip quietly behind the other men. They're not close enough that Norman can knock their heads together, so he chooses the man with the crowbar to disarm by wrenching the weapon from him in a motion that also dislocates the man's shoulder, before he kicks the man into -- well, at least toward -- the other with a solid boot to the lower back.

He asks: ]

Are any more coming?

[ His adrenaline is spiking, but he's in control -- obviously. He only advances on the fallen men, crowbar raised to make sure they won't get up again. Once he closes the distance he looks back in Kanaya's direction. ]

[ once she has him on the ground, she knocks her targets head against the pavement a few times before getting back to her feet and dusting off her skirt. probably not the most strategic action in a fight, but she wants to see how norman operates, too. he is definitely not what might be expected from the average human businessman. ]

Well, we've turned on the lights now, haven't we? That tends to scatter the roaches and attract the moths. If they aren't already, it will only be a matter of time.

[ with that, she pulls in her glow and moves back to the wall. there's a window higher up that might give her a better scope of things, so she gets a running start up to it.

back on the ground with norman, a radio crackles on one of the downed men, trying to determine if there was anything to the trouble. ]

[ Norman glances down at the radio, then up at where Kanaya's scurrying to, but lets his thoughts focus on the matter at hand. He kneels, using one of the felled man's hands to lift the radio up so that he can speak into it himself without leaving behind fingerprints.

He says, terse, low, and unambiguous so as not to leave whoever is on the other end much room to analyze his voice: ]

Clear.

[ And then he stands, crushing the radio beneath his foot. It wouldn't do much, save buy them some extra time. But that may be enough for the moment -- the two of them, after all, could hold their own. ]

[ when she reaches the window, it doesn't open from the outside, but she doesn't really need to get in. she spies through the other side of the glass for about a minute before slipping through a portal back to the ground. ]

I counted ten of them inside. Workers, more attention being paid to the shipment than any interruptions. I couldn't tell if they were armed, aside from... [ she nods her head toward the crowbar norman had taken from the man. ] But one's driving a forklift, so who's to say.

Two more seem to be overseeing. They might have guns. Then it's just whoever's between the ship and here. [ she looks out past the warehouse, narrowing her eyes. ] Five. I think. I know there was another forklift, at least.

They likely do have guns. At least one.

[ Norman sighs, more impatiently than concerned. He looks at Kanaya, putting a hand on his hip and letting the arm holding the crowbar still hang straight, ready for the hint of assault. ]

We could go around. Five is easy, but of course we'd have to plan for backup. However, if we tended to the men instead first we'd have less to worry about. [ Ten isn't that bad, but not as easy. ] That is, if we're interested in the pursuit.

What say you?

I can handle guns. [ as long as they aren't to the head, at least. ] They've struck already, so it can be assumed that whatever's happening here is worth pursuing. That's what we came for, after all.

[ as for where to approach, he seems capable if untested. ten certainly isn't as easy, but she doesn't believe in easy. still, there could be tactical advantages to going the other way first. ]

Do you know how to drive a forklift?

Worth it enough that it'll be more trouble for us to quit now. [ Which is to say he more or less agrees, any other agendas aside. ] We've invested too much time for anything else to make sense.

[ He exhales through his teeth, eyebrow arching, and cracks his knuckles while he considers her question. ]

Should be easy to figure out -- I'll handle it. What will you do, then? Either way we're dealing with a good handful of people.

A handful of baseline humans is hardly even a challenge. I'll have it sorted. If the outside can be taken care of quickly, we may even have the element of surprise.

[ but it may be better to use that surprise now while it isn't at risk, not that she's thought of that. she tends to be a little too direct in these situations. ]

The plan as it is now is I drop you on the forklift, then take care of everyone else. After that, it's just a matter of plowing our way in.

[ it's kind of a terrible plan, honestly. ]

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I was not myself last night

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