MENTAL LINK.

[batmotif]

[Though it may be the first time that Bruce has reached out to everyone mentally, there’s no hesitation in how quickly his voice permeates in other hosts’ heads. As with most things, the man gets right to it — besides, this isn’t exactly being done for the sake of pleasantries.

Straight to business then:]

(If you’ve been paying attention, you’d know that Public Security Commissioner Seong-Hye Ngozi has been hiding something. I plan on visiting her office to find out exactly what that is.)

[Images of the office building itself filters through the link, the fruit of prior research and reconnaissance. And the implication is more than clear that this isn’t exactly going to be a scheduled office visit.]

(I’ll need distractions outside of the Public Security offices. Only volunteer if you’re confident that you know what you’re doing.)

[He’s sure questions are on their way, but he’s not willing to entertain them preemptively. Thus, his words end there.]

((ooc; this is the post for your character to ICly offer themselves to help with the break-in plot. (As detailed here.) Note that while Bruce might not find everyone’s credentials compelling, that won’t stop your character from coordinating with others if they want. He's not your supervisor!!!

Therefore, threadjacking is highly encouraged so all characters can sort out their plotting together!)

Comments

[greentech]

( I'm coming with you. You're going to need someone to deal with the electronic security, right? )

[ There's a pause. ]

( Also, I have that thing you wanted built. )

[batmotif]

[He answers a question with a question.] (Have you figured out if this world's security is something you can crack? I imagine the systems are different than what you're usually used to.)

[And excellent, Pidge.]

(Thanks.) [WOW A THANK YOU FROM BATMAN, ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED] (When do you want me to come pick it up?)

[greentech]

( It's... complicated. It's not that I can't crack it with some time nad work, it's more that they're really good at detecting and flagging outside or anomalous activity. If I'm on-site, it'll be a bit easier to cover my tracks. And at least then they won't have a location trace. )

[ She pauses. There's a mental shrug. ]

( Whenever. It's just sitting in my room right now. )

[batmotif]

(I'll be over to pick it up later.)

[As for Pidge being on site, the answer to that is not so cut and dry.]

(Having to be on-site is going to complicate things. We're relying heavily on stealth and infiltration, and continuing to add more numbers to that team might be more detrimental than helpful.)

[greentech]

( And you think I'm going to slow you down. )

[ Someone sounds disappointed. ]

[batmotif]

[Don't sound so disappointed, Pidge. He thinks everyone is going to slow him down, most of the time. But to be fair, that isn't exactly what he was thinking.]

(No, I think your abilities are better suited off-site, where it's safer. If you think it'll prove more difficult, have you spoken to any other hosts who share your tech skills?)

[greentech]

( Difficulty may or may not be an issue. The issue is that they're really good at tracing people who break in from outside. Accessing the physical hardware so we can get a datadump would leave less of a footprint or trail. )

[batmotif]

[She has a point, but-]

(But you didn't answer my question.)

[Precautions are necessary. Being as cautious as possible was necessary. If he can avoid any complications, perhaps find a way for her to strengthen her skills, even if it means relying on others, he'll search for that solution first.

Not that Pidge doesn't have a good point, and it isn't ignored, despite his insistence.]

[greentech]

( Angel and Sam? Yeah, I've talked to them. I don't really see why that matters, though. )

[ Yep, she's a prickly teenager alright. ]

( I'm still good enough. )

[batmotif]

(Whether or not you're good enough isn't the issue. The issue is where you're going to be the most effective, without compromising stealth.

Talking to them matters because I want you to collaborate with them if they're willing. Three heads is going to be better than just one.)

[greentech]

[ Pidge is a touch frustrated. No one ever doubted her on her old team. They just... trusted her to get the job done. Of course, it was a smaller team and they didn't have much of a choice. ]

( Angel and I both think that having physical access to the hardware is probably the surest way of making sure we don't get traced. I HAVE talked to them. )

[batmotif]

[That frustration is noted, but it (probably annoyingly) slides off of Bruce like water. There is a mental equivalent of a sigh somewhere in there, too.]

(Let's talk about this in person.)

[Face to face conversations are still more manageable to him than exchanging words (and more importantly, feelings) over a mental connection. Besides, he has something to pick up, anyway).]

[greentech]

( You know where to find me. )

[ She's in her room, with some odds and ends scattered around her, computer set up and gently humming along. It's not a complete mess, but it's definitely a teenager's room. ]

[batmotif]

[It doesn't take long for Bruce to arrive; he's often punctual enough, especially where something as critical as talking about a mission is concerned, and picking up equipment.

Two knocks on her door, if she couldn't already sense him drawing nearer due to their mental link.]

[greentech]

It's open!

[ Pidge is perched on her bed, computer in her lap. She types something and then glances up, adjusting her glasses. She points at the desk - there's a grapple gun there, although it looks as if it's been put together with spare parts and stuff you could buy at a hardware store. ]

Let me know what you think.

[batmotif]

[He enters, only briefly glancing around. The mess is not completely unexpected, and Bruce watches his step as he enters, closing the door behind him. No greeting, he just makes his way to where the grappling gun lies, picking it up and examining it.]

I'll have to give it a test run or two. I'll let you know if any adjustments can be made.

[But of course, that's only half of why he's here. He drops his hand, feeling the balance and weight of his new gadget while he simultaneously states:]

I know you're frustrated, but you're smart enough to know why we can't afford another member on our team.

[snaphiss]

( There's a third option, you know. We're supposed to be some sort of hive mind. We may as well use it to our advantage. )

[greentech]

( No one asked you. )

[snaphiss]

( You have a better idea? I'm all ears. )

[greentech]

( Yeah. I go and take care of it myself. )

[snaphiss]

( Do you have any stealth or espionage experience? )

[greentech]

( Yes. )

[ She doesn't feel the need to elaborate. At least not unless pressed. ]

[snaphiss]

( You were so talkative before. I'm disappointed. )

[greentech]

( Maybe I'm just not interested in talking to you. )

[snaphiss]

( Whatever personal disdain you feel for me, I'm on this mission. If you're going to be working with me, you need to put that aside. Be professional. )