[10] - Voice Post

[doctor_j_crane]

Well that was interesting. I'd like to suggest a new response to floods of this nature (if you'll excuse the pun). Now that the flood has finished, I suggest we never speak of this again.

Except, of course, for those who showed a very poor level of behaviour. You know who you are.


[Private - Dr Facilier]

Did you manage to perform the task I asked you about?


[Private - Eddie Nygma]

I'm starting the process. The equipment better still be on offer.


[Private - The Joker]

Would I be able to ask you some questions? About Gotham?

Comments

Spam - Spam - LOL. Bitching is always the most important thing. :D

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

[Crane noticed that Eddie wasn't looking to pleased, but gathered that the Joker was likely a sore subject with Eddie.]

I think the world isn't quite so simple as 'hero' and 'villain'. The Batman is no hero, and I would hardly put myself into some kind of villain box. It's too simplistic.

x2 Spam

[puzzleprince.livejournal.com]

[Jokes in general certainly are.]

The masses prefer memorable terms over speculation when grouping individuals. Though I never much liked the implications of 'hero' or 'villain'. Too solid for my tastes. And I'm not quite certain that the so called hero's are a positive influence on society.

x2 Spam

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

The Batman is certainly not a positive influence. Society may have died down following his initial appearance, but soon the fear of criminals will turn into resentment and anger.

You're finished, correct? [Crane held out his hand for the journal, even though Eddie still appeared to be reading.]

x2 Spam

[puzzleprince.livejournal.com]

The Joker is evidence of that.

[Eddie pinches the bridge of his nose, as if impatient with himself.]

Just about. Give me another moment. [He motions towards the fine white mesh covering his eyes.] They're not ideal for reading.

x2 Spam

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

Then take them off. [Crane had never trusted people who worse masks too often. They should be used sparingly, for greater effect.]

As you can see, he's not being overly helpful. This is a long term project, which I would be continuing after using your equipment.

x2 Spam

[puzzleprince.livejournal.com]

No need. [Eddie returns to the default page and passes the communicator over.]

The results should make the effort worthwhile. I'll be waiting with baited breath on your riveting reports. [He leans out of his chair, surveying the room.]

...Do you have your mask here, by any chance?

x2 Spam

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

Sadly, I do not. [As much as Crane would have liked it, as well as a large sample of his fear gas.]

Does it matter? What use would it be? [Crane shrugged, trying to give the impression that he didn't particularly care.]

x2 Spam

[puzzleprince.livejournal.com]

Speaking with Scarecrow can be enlightening.

[Eddie pauses, reconsidering his words.]

Your parallel self has dissociative identity disorder, triggered by his mask. I was wondering if you also suffered from the condition.

x2 Spam

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

[Crane didn't answer straight away, instead rubbing his face.]

I don't have any disorder. It's not an internal issue. When exposed to external stimulus, of the chemical variety, sometimes symptoms similar to one of those disorders do appear. [Crane gives Eddie a hard look.] You just enjoy wearing a mask, I suppose?

x2 Spam

[puzzleprince.livejournal.com]

Does that knowledge exasperate you?

[Edward can't help but grin at that expression.]

Oh, I only recently stopped wearing sunglasses in favor of these. It's a protective measure.

x2 Spam

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

It does. [Crane shifted back in his seat, crossing his arms.] It's a defence mechanism, and a fairly blatant one. It may protect your identity in some contexts, but it seems useless within the limited social context of the barge.

x2 Spam

[puzzleprince.livejournal.com]

I've never attempted to conceal my identity. [Though Crane was right to a certain degree.]

Gotham city is well aware of my person. Frankly I'm the only newsworthy subject they've got. No ones interested in villain escapades these days. Joker murder/maim/kill this, Mad Hatter kidnap/hostage that. I've interrupted a line of graceless spiel with my intriguing cases, and I daresay presence, too.

It's not to protect my identity at all, and god forbid it be a defense mechanism. You're loosing your touch and you haven't even adequately expressed it yet.

[Eddie lifts his hands in a shrugging motion.]

That was disappointing. Are you going to try again?

x2 Spam

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

If you don't give me the correct context, how can I be expected to make a proper diagnosis? [Crane shrugged, irritated.] While the Joker's killing spree doesn't surprise me, the fact that someone would take on a name as droll as the "Mad Hatter" does. Do you also have the Terrible Tailor?

[Pause.] No. I don't think I'll try again. I may need to make more observations.

x2 Spam

[puzzleprince.livejournal.com]

You were given the correct context, and instead of waiting for additional information, you jumped to premature conclusions. [He waves a dismissive hand.]

Yes, we do in fact have a Terrible Tailor running the streets. Contrary to popular belief, he doesn't create fashion disasters. He fixes them. [Staring at Crane's attire so very pointedly.]

[Blinks.] More observations? I wasn't actually encouraging you.

x2 Spam

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

[Crane sighed.] You seem to say a great many things, Mr Nygma, but I'm unsure of their worth.

[Crane would have said more, but didn't want to risk their deal by offending Eddie.]

Is there anything else I can do for you?

x2 Spam

[puzzleprince.livejournal.com]

Try not to lose sleep over it.

[Eddie takes that as a sign to leave and gets up out of his chair.]

Nothing accomplishable at this time, no.

Your cooperation is much appreciated, Jon; I'll be around later to check up on progress. Enjoy your evening.

x2 Spam

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

I will. [Crane left it at that, turning back to start continuing his notes.]