I really prefer being established and settled in as much as possible, here.
[ Facets of personality. He's not about to play an idiot while trying to get a job. Also that requires so much energy expenditure he just ... doesn't think he's going to. Also ask questions if they come up but right now - layout and employment. ]
I'm from 1994, though I'm sure between the magic and uneven technology here that's less...specifically telling useful than it might otherwise be. This building is bigger than I expected.
I know it doesn't work for everyone, but it's what I recommend. Some see it as accepting their fate here, and maybe it is. But maybe it's making sure we get some of it on our own terms as well.
[ At least that's how he's looked at it, given he has several homes and businesses as well. ]
I remember that year. We won't talk about where I was then. Come on. I'll show you around.
[ He smiles at that, proud of being director of Haven and showing it off. . ]
I don't know what the building was before me, but we've taken up a lot of the space. I'm the fourth director that I've known, each of us leaving it to someone else in case we vanish. We try and be full service, though most of what we see is damage from the things this place does to us.
[ He nods and steps back to give Kyle an easy path to get to his door, follows him out and falls into step beside him. ]
I understand the emotional drivers behind refusing to appear cooperative, but among other practicals I'm too fond of coffee to put any more hurdles between me and it than I need to.
[ There's a lot of truth in that. There's just more truth when applied very broadly, to 'resources' in general. If he were alone here he might make different decisions. With them - even and in some ways especially Clark - here, the math changes.
Moving on: ]
I have to assume the environment being this hostile reduces everyone's urge to be hostile to each other. How long have you been in charge here, and who do you think is likely to take your place if you go?
[ Kyle laughs at that, nodding because he can understand that. ]
I stand by the idea that we can balance our life here as well as finding a way to try and make things better for one another.
I think it really can be balanced, as well as working to find the answers.
[ That gets a nod. ]
For the most part, you see people helping one another and I think that is why. We have this place doing enough. Which I think is part of their goal. Like the contracts.
As for being in charge, it's been about six months? Give or take. Not long at all. As for when I leave?
[ He pauses, considering that but he looks away as he thinks about it. Leaving is still such a weird thought for Kyle. ]
Maybe Dr McCoy. I think he'd do a good job of it. I just don't know if he'd want it. I should talk with people and consider my options. In case. There's programs here I really would hate to see lost.
[ Balance? Never heard of it. He appreciates what he's getting from Kyle. It sounds relatively healthy, but also like the core of caring about this bullshit is there - in a sincere and, yes, balanced way. ]
I met McCoy on the train. I wasn't at my best, but he made a positive impression on [ The fuck is he calling Tim, here? What is the safest option? ] my adopted son.
[ Truth probably, because acting like they don't know each other seems a sure way to get into a situation neither of them want anything to do with. Still might happen but... better base to fight it from. ]
Which projects do you care the most about? Personally?
[ Much as he knows it might upset Alex and maybe Michael, Kyle has come to not only accept a life here but make one. Whatever he gets here, he'll do the best he can with it. His life in Roswell is waiting, if they're not clones, and until then he's making the best he can here. ]
He's good for that and he's a good man. Does his best here to help others.
[ Kyle falls quiet for a moment. He knew the name Bruce Wayne from one of his adopted children and he hadn't considered that until now and the mention of that son. ]
Your son's here as well? That's... horrible and awkward, I'm sorry. If he's talked with Bones, I might know him.
[ And oddly his first thought was if it was Dick, and then would that mean it was the one Michael knew.
He hardly has to consideration that question though. ]
Down this way there's a lounge, and it's a new addition. We put it in for those that need to take advantage of the vampire blood bank I started. There's many here who exist on a hemoglobin rich diet, and they can't or won't source if from living sources themselves. So we started a blood bank for them, separate from the one for those that need transfusions, though we don't have need for that often.
[ Bruce has two thoughts - entire trains of thoughts - more or less simultaneously.
The first is just confirmation of vampires being here and at least some portion of them preferring bagged blood, assorted things he knows about vampire legends and myths -
intellectual shit.
With a side of Kyle being invested in that one.
The other is that this man's presence here certainly overlapped Dick and Jason's stay. That's going to happen to him a lot. He hates it, thanks, but also: ]
It's not an ideal situation, but we should be able to manage. His name's Tim.
[ Kyle was preparing himself for any questions that might come about the blood bank, why its his pet project, the honesty he shares about it but knowing it can be difficult sometimes.
All of that dies though at that singular name. ]
Tim's here? He's back?
[ He's dealt with doppelgangers of others. Hell, he is one, but there isn't a thought this isn't the Tim he knew and cared for. Maybe there should have been. ]
[ This just got a lot less comfortable for Bruce. Not the likely sex stuff, but the nature of this place and... different emotional things. The outward signs of that are real damn minor - a very temporary spike in his pulse, muscle tension that's subtle but takes him away from 'languid'. Both are quickly controlled.
His eyebrows go up and stay there, though. ]
If he's been here before, he either doesn't remember it, it hasn't happened yet, or he's lying to me; he isn't successfully lying to me.
[ Probably.
God this place is going to push so many buttons. ]
[ Kyle blinks, not used to using his abilities to read others on a regular basis but he catches those quick changes and he offers a tight look. ]
I'm sorry. I'm sure others will mention it. Tim was here, as were several versions of others. I've known a few from Gotham in my time here. Your name was mentioned a time or two by friends. I just hadn't put them together until now.
[ That's all it is. Just someone he knew. People he's known. Definitely not more than that. ]
Tim helped me to get through some trauma before I came here by learning to defend myself.
[ Okay. That's useful information, actually. Elements are uncomfortable but not surprising and it's... manageable.
He's fine.
...he hates being confused. He also hates feeling exposed.]
I've read back through the network. [ IT remember? And that degree is real. It's also one of several, but those are irrelevant. ] There are other people here now who know us both.
The timelines and realities don't seem to line up for any of us - present or likely past. Tim is probably close, but he's years ahead of me, which leaves... more room than I'd like.
I never assumed you wouldn't, though I would warn to be careful how deep you dig. The city has a bad habit of broadcasting things not only unsettling but cruel and sadistic and it may contain a familiar face or two.
[ He thought of Dick being punished by Logan as Nick had been and knew that had been broadcast to the city. He suspects there might be more as well of others he knows. ]
I wouldn't be surprised. Some worlds seem to draw people here more than others.
Yeah, that's something I've dealt with but not on more than months. There was a time when there was six of us from my world but only three of us have been here for any amount of time.
[ He's seen it. He's not going to comment on it or acknowledge it or emotional response to it. ]
The splinter points are disorienting, as much because of people's reactions to who I am there or then as differences in them. I'm dead, I'm alive, I'm absolutely out of my mind-
[ Kyle winces at that. He's been lucky in that and, for the time being, he's alive and well in his world from what he has learned. ]
I hope you find that balance. I think that's the most important thing here.
You're throwing yourself in and a lot of people don't do that. I hope it helps you while you're here and I'm glad to have you on board. I'll have to arrange for you and Alex to meet. He's done some work for me here, but he teaches technology at the community center for those from times without devices or even electric lighting and such.
I'm looking forward to the work and structure of it.
[That is absolutely, completely, sincere.
Bruce is really (really) good at intuitive leaps. There's a pause after mention of Alex, though. A pause where he actually goes physically still for a half second, because he realizes that he can't make that one and is going to have to ask. He manages to at least look perplexed rather than frustrated. ]
I'd be happy to meet him, but I'm not sure I understand why I should. Shared interest, or do you need help at the Community Center?
That's something you and I share. I don't do well without something to keep me busy.
[ He smiles at that question, because he can understand why. ]
Shared interests and Alex would probably appreciate it. He knows more about Gotham than I ever did. [ This place has made it all real, and he has no plans to treat it any other way. No matter how that knowledge came in their world. ]
The Community Center was actually started by Tim. Then it was run for a while by one of the Graysons. The one from Gar's world. Now it's run by Laura, though it's owned by Logan I think. It does a lot of good work and people work to keep it going.
[ Bruce's expression doesn't so much shift as it closes. He wasn't being open before but was selectively showing a facet of himself that was real.
Mention of Gotham - and Dick and Tim - and the hair on the back of his neck stands up, the set of his jaw and shoulders subtly change, and a blank wall comes down behind his eyes.
Immediately. Like some switch flipped and warmth turned off and was replaced by... remote.
Not psychotic, though More like wary, uncomfortable and incredibly guarded. ]
I haven't had time to look deeply into the history of the Community Center, but I have no doubt that the work it is doing is useful and necessary. Alex's name is new. I'll make a point of meeting him.
[ Kyle can almost physically feel the change and it's distressing to say the least. It hadn't been his intention, though he knows in his desire to try and help with adjusting to this place he goes to far.
He stops where he is, hoping Bruce stops as well though he won't be surprised if he doesn't. He speaks either way though. ]
I hadn't meant to say the wrong thing. I'm talking about parts of my life that have been important to me here, both the center and those that run it and have run it. I hadn't meant to ... seem intrusive and I apologize.
[ Bruce takes another step and a half or so, but it's not to 'leave' Kyle behind, just build in physical distance. Once he's past Kyle he turns back to face him.
That he holds one hand up, palm out and open, when Kyle finishes isn't a 'stop talking' signal, though it may look like that. It's almost a... physical space preservation measure.
Still remote, but there is... an attempt being made on his end.
Because, well. Many reasons involving intersecting lines of connection between them leading to somewhat tentative trust - and also just a general attempt at fairness.
Justice?
Both]
You didn't do or say anything wrong. You spoke about points of commonality and gave me information I needed. My discomfort with that being information you have is my problem and I'll manage it.
[ Kyle remains quiet for a long moment, almost impossibly still as he watches Bruce. Listening to this words and knowing that what he is going to say might not help in the moment but he hopes it helps Bruce in the long run.
Someone that important to Tim and idolized by Gar and he's going to do what he can for him. ]
This place will tear apart any sense of privacy you have. They broadcast our secrets to the world, and treat us like reality tv stars in the way they play games with who we are.
I shouldn't have added to that. I am apologetic for that.
Come on. Let me show you my pet project if only that it will likely require the most attention of any area of the hospital. Whether our clients are having issues or those that would want to kill them.
[ He doesn't love what he's hearing but there's not another strong reaction. Privacy and secrecy are the... surface of things, but what it actually is....
He probably couldn't articulate if someone he loved's life depended on it.
Not important right now. He just nods and resumes walking with Kyle. ]
The pet project being the food bank for the city's vampires? What kind of attention does it need?
[ He hates feeling uncertain, wanting to try and make things okay right now. Bruce is new to the city and he deserves not to have too much dumped on him. ]
Right now the security is basic. A key we keep at the nurse's station. If there was a way to do it, I'd like to have higher security on the door, possibly with a number lock or such.
There's two things that have to be considered beyond that and while I don't try and alarm people, they're things I consider often. One that those using this facility are possibly coming in... let's call it on edge. Second there are hunters in the city that would see those using this facility dead. I'm not sure what the options might be but I'd be curious to see what could be done.
is the sort of 'redirect' the people who know Bruce best would do. It is so dead on it actually makes Bruce shoot Kyle a look that is...assessing, but not warning.
Then he lets the redirect work.
Because that is... an interesting problem. He has more than one idea, immediately. ]
What beyond a need for blood do the vampires who use this clinic have in common? Ideally biologically in common.
[ Getting that look, Kyle assumes that his very not so subtle admissions about his own reality in connection with the room as he withdraws a key and unlocks the door to a small but comfortable seeming lounge. A couple of chairs and couches, a fridge in the corner, and everything in navy and oyster grey. ]
The need for blood is the one thing I can say for sure tying them... [ He pauses and then changes his wording. ] Us together. There's a few common threats, beyond hunters, and most possess stronger than average strength and speed. Beyond that, the abilities change from one to the next.
Some of the legends you hear are true. Garlic seems to be the one false that makes most laugh. I still enjoy it quite a bit in cooking, but then I can still consume human meals with no issues. Many can't.
My condition is also not a secret, and this place reminds others of it constantly. I also didn't come here with it. It's something that happened here.
[ Bruce follows Kyle in, and flops down in one of those chairs like he owns the place - but he drops into a 'leaning forward, forearms on his knees' position, rather than an artful sprawl.
Meaning, though there's no comparison (yet), he's both engaged in the problem and not putting on an even metaphorical mask.
Kyle being a vampire isn't a thing that holds most of his attention, though 'happened here' is something he finds a little alarming. ]
I'm sorry; that must have been traumatic for you and people close to you. I'm not asking for abilities and commonalities so I can take advantage of them, though I won't pretend to be noting them. I'm looking for something I can use to create an automated security and screening system to keep people who don't need to use the resource out.
Speed and strength above human ability would work but that's not fool proof here. Body temperature or pulse range. ...Even amount of blood currently within an in individual's system could work, though it would keep out vampires who have recently fed.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ Facets of personality. He's not about to play an idiot while trying to get a job. Also that requires so much energy expenditure he just ... doesn't think he's going to. Also ask questions if they come up but right now - layout and employment. ]
I'm from 1994, though I'm sure between the magic and uneven technology here that's less...specifically telling useful than it might otherwise be. This building is bigger than I expected.
no subject
[ At least that's how he's looked at it, given he has several homes and businesses as well. ]
I remember that year. We won't talk about where I was then. Come on. I'll show you around.
[ He smiles at that, proud of being director of Haven and showing it off. . ]
I don't know what the building was before me, but we've taken up a lot of the space. I'm the fourth director that I've known, each of us leaving it to someone else in case we vanish. We try and be full service, though most of what we see is damage from the things this place does to us.
no subject
I understand the emotional drivers behind refusing to appear cooperative, but among other practicals I'm too fond of coffee to put any more hurdles between me and it than I need to.
[ There's a lot of truth in that. There's just more truth when applied very broadly, to 'resources' in general. If he were alone here he might make different decisions. With them - even and in some ways especially Clark - here, the math changes.
Moving on: ]
I have to assume the environment being this hostile reduces everyone's urge to be hostile to each other. How long have you been in charge here, and who do you think is likely to take your place if you go?
no subject
I stand by the idea that we can balance our life here as well as finding a way to try and make things better for one another.
I think it really can be balanced, as well as working to find the answers.
[ That gets a nod. ]
For the most part, you see people helping one another and I think that is why. We have this place doing enough. Which I think is part of their goal. Like the contracts.
As for being in charge, it's been about six months? Give or take. Not long at all. As for when I leave?
[ He pauses, considering that but he looks away as he thinks about it. Leaving is still such a weird thought for Kyle. ]
Maybe Dr McCoy. I think he'd do a good job of it. I just don't know if he'd want it. I should talk with people and consider my options. In case. There's programs here I really would hate to see lost.
no subject
I met McCoy on the train. I wasn't at my best, but he made a positive impression on [ The fuck is he calling Tim, here? What is the safest option? ] my adopted son.
[ Truth probably, because acting like they don't know each other seems a sure way to get into a situation neither of them want anything to do with. Still might happen but... better base to fight it from. ]
Which projects do you care the most about? Personally?
no subject
He's good for that and he's a good man. Does his best here to help others.
[ Kyle falls quiet for a moment. He knew the name Bruce Wayne from one of his adopted children and he hadn't considered that until now and the mention of that son. ]
Your son's here as well? That's... horrible and awkward, I'm sorry. If he's talked with Bones, I might know him.
[ And oddly his first thought was if it was Dick, and then would that mean it was the one Michael knew.
He hardly has to consideration that question though. ]
Down this way there's a lounge, and it's a new addition. We put it in for those that need to take advantage of the vampire blood bank I started. There's many here who exist on a hemoglobin rich diet, and they can't or won't source if from living sources themselves. So we started a blood bank for them, separate from the one for those that need transfusions, though we don't have need for that often.
no subject
The first is just confirmation of vampires being here and at least some portion of them preferring bagged blood, assorted things he knows about vampire legends and myths -
intellectual shit.
With a side of Kyle being invested in that one.
The other is that this man's presence here certainly overlapped Dick and Jason's stay. That's going to happen to him a lot. He hates it, thanks, but also: ]
It's not an ideal situation, but we should be able to manage. His name's Tim.
no subject
All of that dies though at that singular name. ]
Tim's here? He's back?
[ He's dealt with doppelgangers of others. Hell, he is one, but there isn't a thought this isn't the Tim he knew and cared for. Maybe there should have been. ]
no subject
His eyebrows go up and stay there, though. ]
If he's been here before, he either doesn't remember it, it hasn't happened yet, or he's lying to me; he isn't successfully lying to me.
[ Probably.
God this place is going to push so many buttons. ]
no subject
I'm sorry. I'm sure others will mention it. Tim was here, as were several versions of others. I've known a few from Gotham in my time here. Your name was mentioned a time or two by friends. I just hadn't put them together until now.
[ That's all it is. Just someone he knew. People he's known. Definitely not more than that. ]
Tim helped me to get through some trauma before I came here by learning to defend myself.
no subject
He's fine.
...he hates being confused. He also hates feeling exposed.]
I've read back through the network. [ IT remember? And that degree is real. It's also one of several, but those are irrelevant. ] There are other people here now who know us both.
The timelines and realities don't seem to line up for any of us - present or likely past. Tim is probably close, but he's years ahead of me, which leaves... more room than I'd like.
no subject
[ He thought of Dick being punished by Logan as Nick had been and knew that had been broadcast to the city. He suspects there might be more as well of others he knows. ]
I wouldn't be surprised. Some worlds seem to draw people here more than others.
Yeah, that's something I've dealt with but not on more than months. There was a time when there was six of us from my world but only three of us have been here for any amount of time.
no subject
The splinter points are disorienting, as much because of people's reactions to who I am there or then as differences in them. I'm dead, I'm alive, I'm absolutely out of my mind-
I'm sure I'll adjust, eventually.
no subject
I hope you find that balance. I think that's the most important thing here.
You're throwing yourself in and a lot of people don't do that. I hope it helps you while you're here and I'm glad to have you on board. I'll have to arrange for you and Alex to meet. He's done some work for me here, but he teaches technology at the community center for those from times without devices or even electric lighting and such.
no subject
[That is absolutely, completely, sincere.
Bruce is really (really) good at intuitive leaps. There's a pause after mention of Alex, though. A pause where he actually goes physically still for a half second, because he realizes that he can't make that one and is going to have to ask. He manages to at least look perplexed rather than frustrated. ]
I'd be happy to meet him, but I'm not sure I understand why I should. Shared interest, or do you need help at the Community Center?
no subject
[ He smiles at that question, because he can understand why. ]
Shared interests and Alex would probably appreciate it. He knows more about Gotham than I ever did. [ This place has made it all real, and he has no plans to treat it any other way. No matter how that knowledge came in their world. ]
The Community Center was actually started by Tim. Then it was run for a while by one of the Graysons. The one from Gar's world. Now it's run by Laura, though it's owned by Logan I think. It does a lot of good work and people work to keep it going.
no subject
Mention of Gotham - and Dick and Tim - and the hair on the back of his neck stands up, the set of his jaw and shoulders subtly change, and a blank wall comes down behind his eyes.
Immediately. Like some switch flipped and warmth turned off and was replaced by... remote.
Not psychotic, though More like wary, uncomfortable and incredibly guarded. ]
I haven't had time to look deeply into the history of the Community Center, but I have no doubt that the work it is doing is useful and necessary. Alex's name is new. I'll make a point of meeting him.
no subject
He stops where he is, hoping Bruce stops as well though he won't be surprised if he doesn't. He speaks either way though. ]
I hadn't meant to say the wrong thing. I'm talking about parts of my life that have been important to me here, both the center and those that run it and have run it. I hadn't meant to ... seem intrusive and I apologize.
no subject
That he holds one hand up, palm out and open, when Kyle finishes isn't a 'stop talking' signal, though it may look like that. It's almost a... physical space preservation measure.
Still remote, but there is... an attempt being made on his end.
Because, well. Many reasons involving intersecting lines of connection between them leading to somewhat tentative trust - and also just a general attempt at fairness.
Justice?
Both]
You didn't do or say anything wrong. You spoke about points of commonality and gave me information I needed. My discomfort with that being information you have is my problem and I'll manage it.
...It may take me five minutes, though.
[ ...not actually manage it. Bury it? ]
no subject
Someone that important to Tim and idolized by Gar and he's going to do what he can for him. ]
This place will tear apart any sense of privacy you have. They broadcast our secrets to the world, and treat us like reality tv stars in the way they play games with who we are.
I shouldn't have added to that. I am apologetic for that.
Come on. Let me show you my pet project if only that it will likely require the most attention of any area of the hospital. Whether our clients are having issues or those that would want to kill them.
no subject
He probably couldn't articulate if someone he loved's life depended on it.
Not important right now. He just nods and resumes walking with Kyle. ]
The pet project being the food bank for the city's vampires? What kind of attention does it need?
no subject
Right now the security is basic. A key we keep at the nurse's station. If there was a way to do it, I'd like to have higher security on the door, possibly with a number lock or such.
There's two things that have to be considered beyond that and while I don't try and alarm people, they're things I consider often. One that those using this facility are possibly coming in... let's call it on edge. Second there are hunters in the city that would see those using this facility dead. I'm not sure what the options might be but I'd be curious to see what could be done.
no subject
is the sort of 'redirect' the people who know Bruce best would do. It is so dead on it actually makes Bruce shoot Kyle a look that is...assessing, but not warning.
Then he lets the redirect work.
Because that is... an interesting problem. He has more than one idea, immediately. ]
What beyond a need for blood do the vampires who use this clinic have in common? Ideally biologically in common.
no subject
The need for blood is the one thing I can say for sure tying them... [ He pauses and then changes his wording. ] Us together. There's a few common threats, beyond hunters, and most possess stronger than average strength and speed. Beyond that, the abilities change from one to the next.
Some of the legends you hear are true. Garlic seems to be the one false that makes most laugh. I still enjoy it quite a bit in cooking, but then I can still consume human meals with no issues. Many can't.
My condition is also not a secret, and this place reminds others of it constantly. I also didn't come here with it. It's something that happened here.
no subject
Meaning, though there's no comparison (yet), he's both engaged in the problem and not putting on an even metaphorical mask.
Kyle being a vampire isn't a thing that holds most of his attention, though 'happened here' is something he finds a little alarming. ]
I'm sorry; that must have been traumatic for you and people close to you. I'm not asking for abilities and commonalities so I can take advantage of them, though I won't pretend to be noting them. I'm looking for something I can use to create an automated security and screening system to keep people who don't need to use the resource out.
Speed and strength above human ability would work but that's not fool proof here. Body temperature or pulse range. ...Even amount of blood currently within an in individual's system could work, though it would keep out vampires who have recently fed.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)