Question
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There are always questions.
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Post by Question on Jan 31, 2012 15:59:27 GMT -8
Question's Journal: January 31, 2012
Hub City's transfigurations are subtle yet do not escape Question's notice. Gotham City's underworld upheaval is old news, but then the passing of the mantle was a tightrope for many. There is a new Batman, a new Robin, but then Bruce Wayne is as mortal as Vic Sage. The legends and symbols endure whereas the mortals behind them are legion.
Some teams have gone separate ways in recent months or taken on new members. What comes from these shifts will reveal their answers to Question for even a conspiracy theorist's patience is necessary. It comes with the role among other things.
The kettle on the stove whistles. Question turns off the burner and pours the steaming water into a muggle before adding a new tea bag. Hot tea is less addicting and more soothing than coffee. He was never big on coffee and the beans well most people don't know what they use to grow those beans in other countries. Too much importing without knowing what's used to grow or make the imports is dangerous.
Maybe not flouride dangerous, but some believe too easily in plurals they are deceived about on a daily basis.
It was time to consider if going to Gotham would be a necessary trip or if he was simply doing it out of curiosity to see what the Bat Family is doing to continue the struggle that its founder had begun a lifetime ago.
As for Oracle, he had to wonder what had become of her allies in the Birds of Prey.
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Question
Junior Member
There are always questions.
Posts: 87
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Post by Question on Jan 31, 2012 20:04:28 GMT -8
Question's Journal: February 1st, 2012
Even with all shifts in the lives of people, there is still something to be said for some things... some people... don't change or more perhaps for nothing is always what it appears to be. Oracle's nemesis, Noah Kuttler aka Calculator, plays the straight man these days, but past experience has taught Question to believe specifics.
"Everything has a specific nature. There are constants in both characteristics and habits. Neither time or reality can alter this."
Whatever Kuttler is up to now, he would have to the source before it endangers Oracle or anyone else with ties to Gotham City. Perhaps even beyond Gotham though this depends on how far Kuttler intends to go, if he is indeed up to anything.
Some have attributed apophenia to Question in the past so maybe it was just that, but the movement of supervillains from their usual cities is suspicious to say the least. It would mean going to them because going to them was the only way to get their attention.
Face to face. He picks up his fedora, slides on his trenchcoat, and does the usuals before locking up his apartment.
Concerns for his regular contacts in Gotham isn't the only motivation for leaving Hub City. There were things he wanted to get away from that were always reminding him when he was there.
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Question
Junior Member
There are always questions.
Posts: 87
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Post by Question on Feb 1, 2012 16:55:53 GMT -8
One last stop before leaving Hub City behind for Gotham City. The Pontiac won't make it there without a full tank of gas. As I pump the gas, I do a mental inventory of what's in the trunk, in the front, and the glove compartment. The chaos in Gotham is escalating though of course the news downplays. The absence of Batman is being felt in all corners. His enemies circling his allies and his allies weary of his enemies. War is coming to Gotham City, but then it was always a war and Batman most like a general. The Leonidas of Gotham City perhaps. Again legends inspire mythologies and Gotham's legendary Dark Knight was the catalyst.
Someone else will have to lead now. Naturally one of Bruce's 'sons' would be a natural candidate, but which one remains to be seen. There can be another Batman, but things are different now. The old ways may no longer be the best ways. Gotham City needs a Batman that much is clear, but then the enemies, Batman's rogues, are likely to exploit his death.
Oracle and the others can fight on in his name, but as I already thought, its not enough just to fight for the legacy of the Batman. Someone else must become Batman. Justice is balance, Bruce Wayne is dead, but Batman must return... sooner rather than later.
Still I have more than a feeling that Oracle and the others will need my help.
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Question
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There are always questions.
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Post by Question on Feb 1, 2012 19:40:53 GMT -8
It is unlikely that my movements are entirely invisible. Least of all to Oracle. She's got 'eyes' or contacts of her own. Notably Black Canary being perhaps her oldest and closest agent. Dinah is a formidable and attractive woman, but then I'm not her type. I doubt there is a way for someone like to be a type yet I have been able to work well with many women I find physically attractive over the years. This includes Renee Montoya, Helena Bertinelli, and others for starters. I suspect my respect for Oracle stems from her daring to ask questions and finding the answers with all her resources in play for this.
Mind is will and hers is perhaps what fascinates Noah Kuttler.
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Question
Junior Member
There are always questions.
Posts: 87
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Post by Question on Mar 12, 2012 17:02:14 GMT -8
Question's Journal: February 12th, 2012
[the other side of Riddle Me This (?)]
Oracle's new Clocktower residence overlooks familiar Gotham City landmarks, all famous or infamous depending on historical context. The Industrial District is home to many shady businesses including Sionis Corporation - the legitimate face of Roman Sionis aka the Black Mask - at least until Roman was shown to be the Black Mask. Word on the street has that Joker maybe taking up residence in one of the buildings in Sionis Corporation complex.
Deadshot is active potentially with targets spread across the spectrum of Gotham including (if proven) Oracle, Black Canary, Robin, Nightwing, Batwoman, Huntress, Misfit, and other crime fighting personalities. Someone is after what's left of the Bat Family - is it Noah or someone working with Noah?
I spot Riddler with his trademark cane and he's heading for the Stacked Deck. A proven meeting grounds for Gotham Rogues besides the Iceberg Lounge in the decadent Bowery part of Gotham City. The Stacked Deck conversely belongs to the Park Row section of Gotham. This places it in same part of the city where one find Ace Chemicals, Monarch Theatre, Solomon Wayne Courthouse, and the alley where the Waynes were murdered.
I think some of them are going to the familiar spots because they are trying to draw out members of the Bat Family. They feel daring now without the vigilant Batman shadowing them everywhere they go now.
I have neither the gadgetry nor the body armor that's standard with virtually every Bat Family members. I have only my mind, my training, and usually criminals are not known for fair play. I can see that the locals in Stacked Deck packing all manner of weaponry. If I wait too long it would mean involving myself in an all out bar brawl.
As I near Riddler, two women put themselves between us then both swing. I quickly duck before doing a leg sweep tripping one of the two up while the other hits me with her staff weapon. The one I leg sweeped kicks me when she's down. It goes back and forth like this for awhile as Riddler looks on in amusement.
At least until I take the staff weapons from both of them by twisting their wrists. One could hear an audible snap as the wrists sprain. I wasn't here for them, I was here for him, and he begins to realize it. He begins to run and I give chase. He scoots around a corner only for me to take the brunt of his trademark cane to my face.
It is a stunning (dry chuckle) turn of events. I yank the cane away from him and hit him with it quickly. His shock is short lived as he crumples to the ground. He'll live, I didn't hit hard enough to break anything, and such is the anticipation of a beating that spooked him.
He quite literally faints at the sight of his own cane being swung at him. Unexpected yes, unwelcome no, and nearby is a van that he came here in with the hench ladies. In the box, is a timed riddle meant for Oracle as well as others for Black Canary, Huntress, Lady Blackhawk, Nightwing, Robin, and Commissioner Gordon.
It is a time consuming process to disarm them. Once done I leave them in a human size riddle box along with the Riddler himself outside GCPD Central. Let them take him back to his cell wherever that might be now.
I'm certain the Daily Planet Gotham Branch will keep the disarmed bombs out of the head lines because after all just knowing a super-criminal is out of action is enough to lift spirits possibly. Bombs would just scare people needlessly.
As for Query and Echo, I left them tied up outside the Iceberg Lounge. Maybe Cobblepot's restaurant could use more waitresses who can fight hand to hand.
Why did I go easy on them?
Also Riddler's PDA reveals contact with someone who has ties to Noah Kuttler. This supports my notions of Kuttler being the architect behind this conspiracy or at the least a mind of assets to bring to it.
Either way, its already begun, and now to wait for Oracle to notice.
Not sure. In the web of this conspiracy, Query and Echo are pawns whether they know it or not. The act of removing pawns from the board is likely to force whoever is behind this to recruit others to finish the 'jobs'.
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Question
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There are always questions.
Posts: 87
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Post by Question on Mar 12, 2012 17:21:17 GMT -8
Question's Journal: March 12th, 2012
Made a brief detour to Arkham Asylum when word of a new drug is circulating through dealers in places like the Wash, the Narrows, and other parts of Gotham that grip at desperation and writhe at lack of direction. Places where buyers are ripe for release from their burdens, but eventually reality will snap back. Its a fix, nothing more, nothing less, and its a short list to consider as for who could be behind the drug.
Joker and Scarecrow rank as the most probable candidates for this though I lean more towards the former professor in this moment. The guards patrolling the grounds loop in their movements to create the illusion that there are 'lights on' here. There is something trademark familiar about their spaced out countenances.
"Mad Hatter's technology...that's why they are moving like this."
My only proof here would be to take one of the control bands back to Oracle. Still I don't know what could provoke them or if they even have a program for combat against anyone who could interrupt their programs.
I stealthy made my way towards a lone guard and attempt to subdue him by asphyxiation and he struggles against my grip. His extertions slow until finally stopping. He's still breathing... still alive... I remove the control band and turn to leave only to find my attack on their comrade didn't get pass them.
Some are in riot gear and others are not. It is a very perplexing situation, but for now getting off asylum grounds would be best.
Needless to say it took a great deal of energy and time to fend them off. Knocking them out was only a temporary measure as the more I took down, the more rush to confront me. Someone was intent on keeping these developments secret.
I'd have to reach Tetch and get him to stop them. Its his designs after all, but their fighting style feels more indicative of being drugged. Their speed is looks supernatural, but I outlast them somehow.
I had to.
Tetch was compliant to shutting down his 'stolen' technology. I ask who is behind this and he knows not. He doesn't read like he is lying.
I return him to his cell and head for the nearest security room. It would be one way to do a head count and if the camera network is down I'll have to do a visual look-see.
Several villains are no longer here including Mr. Freeze and Scarecrow for starters.
It is high time I left and so I go. I leave the asylum in the hands of its no longer brainwashed staff and warden.
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Question
Junior Member
There are always questions.
Posts: 87
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Post by Question on Mar 15, 2012 4:51:00 GMT -8
Question's Journal: March 15th, 2012
Ides of March. The day Mark Antony along with the rest of the Senate stabbed Julius Caesar to death. Rome and her empire would join Caesar in death many centuries later. Many things took her down ranging from her subsequent emperors to decadence to conspiracy to wars with invaders. It wasn't a single thing taht took her life in the end, but then anything could claim a costume's life from them in time as well.
One's own decisions, one's allies, one's enemies, or something else altogether. The common thread in it all is that all threads like roads lead back to one's self in the end.
I've sent a message to Oracle about my asylum sidetrip and have some evidence of a breakout with dire implications to it.
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Question
Junior Member
There are always questions.
Posts: 87
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Post by Question on Apr 24, 2012 19:47:08 GMT -8
Question's Journal: April 24th, 2012
The consensus at the beginning was something is affecting us. Arrow took my prime suspect to be unlikely and took a jab at my long term work. The kind that involves the Illuminati, but what's happening to us at face value has no ties to them. Its not them that's behind this. Its far more likely to be one of the Bat Family enemies. The one with the most expertise in this field would be Scarecrow. Seconded only by Mad Hatter and Poison Ivy. Hatter tends to do things more technologically and Ivy is more about affecting biology. Scarecrow works more at a chemical level say neural chemistry.
Still my lingering preoccupation with my last case in Hub City is interfering with my ability to operate here. This fixation with not repeating past mistakes here is a further hook from there. Still I'm more troubled by watching Myra shoot Hatch over and over in my nightmares. Of course sometimes she shoots me instead.
Shiva had been right all along over course. A mother or maternal figure is open to killing to protect her offspring from a predator. Hatch by definition fits a predator and of course Myra's husband was willing to shoot her too. One too many gunshots in recent memory.
Batman more than once spoke of knowing the enemy despite his aversion to guns. The weight, the design, the metal, the aim, the heat, and the power. Power to take lives, power to alter history, and to be a god.
We're mere mortals I'd counter to him if he were here. Myra with self-assurance fires the weapon in the belief that only killing Hatch will protect her daughter from the sacrifice Hatch would use to control her. It is perhaps both selfless and selfish. Selfless for her daughter, selfish for her, but then there's that... no clear cut explanation for what's been done.
The hour grows late and there is still much to do.
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Question
Junior Member
There are always questions.
Posts: 87
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Post by Question on Jun 26, 2017 14:45:22 GMT -8
Question's Journal: June 26th, 2017
Rumors circulate about something frightening in the undercurrents of Gotham City and usually I find that synonymous with one particular past adversary. Jonathan Crane once a respected and reputable expert in psychology - a specialist for phobias - he's been characterized as chronically looking for new ways to dominate people through fears. If Scarecrow was back to his usual methods after years unseen in a city once known for its top to bottom corruption then many would have reason to fear a return of his alter-ego Scarecrow.
There's been a far more intense screening process to hiring individuals in the fields necessary to employ at Arkham Asylum as one too many wound up as inmates - patients - residents - whatever one likes to call them or refers to them as being. Some occasionally have the misfortune to otherwise wind up dead at the ends of those also typed as super criminals. Further I have heard those voice over commentaries spoken at Arkham's various buildings too many times so instead I carry a music player in my coat which I listen to instead of listening to the gimmick promotional speakers.
Also its been years since my last 'visit to the madhouse' so perhaps someone else got tired of those voice over commentaries too and put a stop to them.
Someone else to be weary of psychological 'games' would be Hugo Strange though he's been as difficult to pin down as Crane.
So yes something is in the water - something is on the horizon.
I notice Gotham City seems to be reviving the usage of airships more common to the era of World Fairs in places like Gotham City. Nominally the only ones currently in the air belong to Simon Stagg - I am usually inclined to question the ethics of men like Stagg especially with rumors of his military contracts for weaponry that would be far too attractive for the predilections of certain criminals known for always being on the lookout for new ways to make a killing.
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Question
Junior Member
There are always questions.
Posts: 87
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Post by Question on Jun 27, 2017 20:51:59 GMT -8
Question's Journal: June 28th, 2017
There's also been evidence that multiple foes of Batman and his allies have been meeting to discuss something larger than usual at least for any one of them to attempt alone. Potential to see them collaborate in ways that seem antithetical to their inherent behavioral history. Are they looking pass their usual inclinations or has someone gotten them to see the benefits of carrying parallel plans that don't interfere with each other's?
Reports have also come of been made of someone or several persons who at a distant could be mistaken for Batman or one of his costume allies. This bears further investigation especially if there are doppelgangers at work here or villains looking to affect public opinion thus influence the authorities against the costume crime fighters.
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Question
Junior Member
There are always questions.
Posts: 87
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Post by Question on Jul 4, 2017 10:50:40 GMT -8
Question's Journal: July 4, 2017
I almost expecting to hear news of Julian Gregory Day aka the Calendar Man pulling another holiday theme crime today given his penchant for crimes as well as killings on holiday dates. In other news, I'm still following leads on Scarecrow's interest in technology to enhance and expand the radius of his usual tools of trade.
Simon Stagg's roving fleet of airships still fills Gotham City's skies though I have also heard that others are looking to utilize his airships as flying prisons. It is not as if one needs to be suddenly worrying about airborne vessels under criminal control especially if those airborne vessels have weaponry aboard as well.
A persistent night hot spot in Gotham City is the Iceberg Lounge with its top hats and nightclub atmosphere. Many I am familiar with are patrons there and others including Cobblepot himself are the defining characters who bring the lounge to life especially in the evening.
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