( colligo ¬ get collected ) → network.

I know I said that I needed a vacation from taking cases.

This wasn't what I had in mind.

Oh well, I'll guess I'll take it. Hello again, 2012.

[OOC: Meet older!Veronica from an alternate Colligo future (not the one that Jack, Meri, and Zoe are from, a different, less fucked-up one). Veronica is a PI who occasionally helps out the police department. She's also a brunette.]

[As the PDA switches on it's clear that a shower is running and music is playing somewhere in the background. When she current song ends, The Spice Girls' Wannabe starts playing. When the chorus starts up, Darcy's voice joins in and it sounds like she's dancing in the shower as well.

If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends! Make it last forever friendship never eeeeeends! If you wanna be my lover, you have got to give. Taking is too easy, but that's the way it iiiiiis!!

[She continues singing along, but not as loud after this.]

Snowball fight outside the apartments in ten minutes. Try not to hurt anyone.

Edit: Soneone go skating with me so I'm not some awkward third wheel to the other Slayer and her boyfriend. Uh, please.

So, I was under the impression that it was July. My PDA still says July, but that is definitely snow out there and last I checked, it didn't normally snow in July. And why was Christmas music playing on the radio? I'll admit, I'm very confused here. Now I have to get my sweaters out again cause it's a wee bit nipply out there.

The those knights obviously don't know me very well, or they'd know that locking me up in prison wasn't a very good idea.

At least, not locking me up in a prison I could break myself out of that easily. I mean, really. There at least should have been some challenge in it. Also...who puts a jail in the basement of a library?

Now that I'm out of library jail, anyone want to tell me what the hell is going on here?

I've been staying with Babs for the last few days and I think it'd probably time that I go back to my place. I guess I kind of hit rock bottom last week when Helena was sent home and the last thing I wanted to do was have to walk by her apartment on my way to my own, but I know that I'll have to go back eventually and if I can live there after having Lian sent home twice, then I can go back even with Helena not there. I'd just like to know why everyone I'm friends with gets sent home. First my daughter, then Forge, Kate and now Helena. All I've got left is Babs, Steph and I guess Jason is on that short list too.

I should probably also go back to the park and see if I can find that one arrow that I lost when I thought drunken archery in the middle of the night was a good idea.

Well, that was a laugh and a half.

Those tin cans sure know how to show a girl a good time. And they give out presents too! Double the fun! I mean, yeah, they could've gone with something cuter but, hey, a gift's a gift.

So now I'm real confused, because this isn't Gotham. It's too clean. And not near crazy enough.

Ah jeez. Did I get kidnapped? I hate when that happens.

Red? Kitty? You girls around?

Mister J? No. I'm over him. I'm SO over him. I wonder if he's here. No. I can do better than him. But I should probably check if he's around. No. Uh uh. Not doing it.

Mister J?

Happy Hump Day, residents of Colligo! You know, I've always wondered why they called it hump day. I mean, I get that it's supposed to be the middle of the week and all that, but it does sound pretty dirty if you didn't know that. Anyway, the point of this was not to educate everyone on the meaning of hump day. What it is, is a request for plans for the weekend now that the week is almost over. Who else has no plans and wants to plan something? I'm counting on you, people! I don't intend to sit around inside all bored and shit.

...can someone please explain why I was just thrown out of a library.

Where the hell I am might also be acceptable, as I'm quite certain this isn't Gotham. The Gotham City Library doesn't throw me out unless I'm trailing straw everywhere

OK so I finally got things put together for the fight club if people were still interested. Found a place that will let us do it. A local run gym.

I was thinking Friday nights would work. Also have some forms people need to fill out. Something about liability.

Apparently, it was my turn to get one of those little "updates from home" that I hear people talking about all the time. It turns out everything my son Henry told me was true. I am the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming...and I was destined to save a bunch of fairy-tale characters, which me back home did, apparently. It's still a little weird to wrap my head around, even with all of the weird crap I've seen since arriving here.

And Duke got sent home, too. Which kinda sucks. Okay. It really sucks. But I guess Aspath decided it was my turn to feel crappy for a friend getting sent back home.

...I guess I really do need to try and get out and socialize more.

[ooc: Emma has been updated through the end of season one of Once Upon A Time, as a quick fyi.]

The museum is closed until further notice on account of it being stolen because I can't believe I'm saying this it was stolen.

( filtered to the police department )

( filtered to parker )

I was thinking, with Moriarty running around, we may want to recruit some help and by that I mean Barbara Gordon. She's already the eyes and ears of the city and with her cameras around town we may be able to get an idea on where he's hiding. Or it might be a big waste of time, but we've got to do something.

( filtered to the police force & the xavier mansion )

( filtered to nathan wuornos & gil grissom )

( filtered to pepper potts )

( filtered to irene adler )

Not really sure why I'm doing this, but whatever.

( Just bored at work on a stakeout. )

So most people would freak out upon finding out that there's a movie about them, but not this girl. I mean, I got to watch myself tasing Thor over and over again. The look on his face was just priceless. Also, I kind of wish I could have been there when they shot him in the ass with sedative. Why do I miss all the good stuff? Oh, and Loki, you're even more of a douche than I first thought. Just thought you'd like to know. And what is up with that helmet? Are you trying to be the bug king or something?

Lyle, thanks again for setting that up for me and Clint.

With recent events it seems that I have some aggression that needs to be let out in better ways.

So I'm thinking about starting up a fight club if anyone's interested.

Ugh. Pious was really not a good look on me.

No, Asaph. No. I don't want to revisit my childhood again, understand? And I'm 99.9% sure that no one else around here wants me to revisit my childhood either. Besides, then the whole me and Steph thing gets weird again.

Hey Jason, so when's confession? Cause I have to confess that the thought of you as a priest made me laugh so hard that my ribs hurt.

Debating burning down my room, all of my clothes, delete every record of me for the past two weeks, do some heavy drinking, and some of the seven deadly sins. I have so much reputation to build back up and forget about what happen.

I demand to know where I am and what's going on. Todd, is this your doing? You're gonna pay for trying to kill me. You think you can lure Grayson here using me, is that it? You're obviously dumber than I thought and you're going to regret even thinking about taking my father's place.

[The Demon Spawn has returned! Damian is coming in during the middle of Battle for the Cowl.]

If it would not be too much trouble could someone please tell me where I am. This place does not look like the Gotham I know.

(ooc- This is Father Todd from Flashpoint Universe)

Where the hell am I and what the hell is going on here?

I probably should find Bruce he would know what's up here.

Just great is the Music Meister in town or something. And if he is can I shoot him.

Oh thank god. I don't know what I would have done if I had to spend another day as a vampire. I don't know which was worse; human blood or animal blood. I mean at the time it wasn't that bad, but thinking back on it, it was pretty gross. And I didn't like how out of control my emotions were.

[Raven]
I know I didn't deserve it, but I wanted to thank you for taking care of my situation the other day after I was such an ass to you.

I am so glad to be me again. Thank God.

I would also like to state for the record that their is nothing wrong with my penis. In spite what someone's freaking out might have people think.

What the fuck is this?! I'd appreciate it if I could have my body back.

I've found myself quite bored, and my brother can tell you... that's not a good thing.

So, I got a pony. Mostly because my best friend is both awesome and possibly insane.

Yes. That's right. A real pony. My BFF > Your BFF.

Her name is Princess Scootaloo Sparklehooves Batpony. No, this is not up for debate. Just accept the awesome of her name.

Raven is the best. That is all.

Why not? I really have nothing better to do right now.

( Tim's answers )

This is what Raven and I do while waiting for the Jello to finish.

( Steph's answers )

While I've got some free time.

Sure, I have some free time before I have to go into the station.
( Emma's answers )

Okay. Getting eaten by zombies? Really not how I planned on dying.

At least, I'm alive again, though. Is that normal in this place? Dying and coming back to life? Not that I'm really complaining. I'm a huge fan of being alive and well and dying.

I can't even...I don't even know what's going on anymore. First Babs last and now Emma...why would Asaph bring us here and then let these awful things loose on us? I just don't understand it. It doesn't make any sense! And I feel so useless, because I had to listen to Babs and Emma and not be able to do anything, because I couldn't leave Lian alone in the middle of the night last night and tonight...I can't leave Lian and Helena alone. Thank god they're asleep. Or I think they're asleep cause Helena didn't need to hear that after Babs....and I don't want Lian hearing that.

Did anyone...did anyone go to the station?

( There’s the sound of fighting, then Steph speaks, sounding oddly chipper for someone fighting zombies. )

You know, Nightwing, this reminds me of the techno-zombies in Gotham. ( a pause, then she contineus ) Minus the creepy red eyes and the babbling like a fax machine. ( another pause ) I’d say it reminds me of that Black Lantern crap...but I wasn’t invited to that party, so it doesn’t. ( a loud whack ) Which is a shame. I’d have been a kickass Blue Lantern. I have hope coming out my - ( a thud ) So I guess I’ll just say it makes me really lose my taste for zombie flicks.

[There’s a grunt as Damian kicks one of the zombies in the throat]

Yeah, don’t really want to think about that whole Black Lantern thing, but I’m sure your invitation was just lost in the mail. [There’s the sound of something metal, most likely trash cans, being knocked over] Hey, so speaking of flicks... [a thud and more metal] ...would you want to go to the movies sometime?

( Steph’s speciality roundhouse right cross and a zombie goes down )

Well, this is why they should switch to e-vites. They never get lost in the mail. And if you mention the words ‘crayon’ or ‘Christmas invites’ I’ll let the zombies eat you. Just so we’re clear. ( a pause and another thud ) We should really get the prof to put a zombie program in the Danger Room. This is a great workout. ( There’s a long pause after Damian’s question, then Steph shrieks. ) Son of a - ( There’s a hissing of electricity. ) Thank you, Electro-Batarangs. ( a pause as she checks herself over. ) It tried to bite me! Screw diamonds...kevlar polymer is a girl’s best friend.

( a pause )

Hey, D? I think we need to restart your people lessons. Because there’s a time and a place for asking about seeing a movie. And just a hint...it’s not while fighting zombies. But...I guess. Sure. ( a ringing metallic crash ) We can get Raven and Tim and...okay, maybe not Tim, because I’m so not listening to you two bitchfighting the whole time...and Kitty and Isobel and Forge. It’ll be fun. Was there something specific you wanted to see?

[Damian grabs a trashcan lid and off comes a zombie’s head]

Right. I’ll bring that up at the next Super Villain meeting. Ask The Joker if he can start using e-mail when he wants to try and kill us. Maybe Killer Croc can send us a quick text. [He kicks one into the nearest wall before turning at the sound of Steph’s scream] Yeah, they do that. It’s sort of a zombie thing. Right up there with trying to nom on your brains. You okay?

Yeah, bad people skills, remember? [He knocks one zombie into another one] And I wasn’t thinking of a group outing exactly. No offense to the others. I was kind of thinking just the two of us. And is it just me, or are these things just really bad at dying?

( Steph is mostly using her nightstick now, beating zombie skulls in. Wow, this is kind of morbid )

Why are you going to the Super Villain meetings, D? Something you forgot to tell me, or were you Grandfather Claused in? ( a pause and then giggling ) Sorry. That was a terrible pun, wasn’t it? ( When Damian asks if she’s okay, she takes a shaky breath then nods. ) I’m fine. Like I said, it couldn’t get through the suit. So it’s flameproof, bulletproof and zombieproof. Good to know.

(a small, sort of fond sigh )

Well, some people probably think your social retardation is charming. ( she kicks off a wall to kick a zombie right in the head, then goes to speak but is stopped short with a sound not unlike verbal keysmashing ) Did you...I just...ASKING SOMEONE OUT WHILE FIGHTING ZOMBIES IS EVEN WORSE. ( a pause as she slices off a zombie’s head ) Seriously, D! Work on your timing.

[Damian’s laugh is dripping with sarcasm] Funny one, Brown. You really should work on those, you know. There must be one of those Witty Quips for Dummies books. I mean they have them for almost anything. [He does a back flip then kicks another zombie in the throat and spins around to punch another one] I’ll take your word for it, because I don’t feel like almost getting bit.

[Damian turns towards her when she speaks again, inwardly cringing] It’s not as if I’ve had very much practice in this. [He flips a zombie that tried coming up from behind him and stomps on its head] Ugh. Gross. So, is that a no then?

Don’t call me Brown! And I don’t get my quips from Dummy books. I come up with them all on my own, thank you. ( and, in the nature of Steph’s not fight-appropriate comments ) You’re right though. I was picking up books for my psych class the other day at the bookstore and saw ‘Schizophrenia For Dummies’. I mean...seriously? ( she electrocutes another zombie with a crackling noise ) We’re getting seriously off topic here.

( a pause and you can almost hear the raised eyebrow ) I would have thought it was common sense that you don’t ask girls out while decapitating things. ( a frustrated sigh, because SERIOUSLY? ) It’s an ‘ask me again when there aren’t zombies trying to get at our tasty brains’.

You mean you don’t want to take a trip down memory lane? [Damian ducks and sweeps the legs out from under a zombie, which is followed by the distinct sound of bones breaking] Maybe they should have a class on witty quips. It seems to be a common trait amongst us hero types. Well with the exception of my father. He just uses his fists.

[Damian rolls his eyes as he punches another zombie] Just die already! [Speaking under his breath as he punches it again] Bet if Drake asked you out while decapitating things you would have found it charming. [Grabs the zombies arm and swings it around, practically throwing it into the wall]

People lesson two: Don’t remind me of how you used to be a ten year old hellbrat when asking me out. It’s weird. ( there’s a loud noise as she slams a zombie’s head into a brick wall ) As for the witty quips...that’s a skill that just can’t be taught. It comes from deep inside, young grasshopper. One day you too will know. And...yeah...Bruce is a scary, scary man. He doesn’t need quips. He has rage and vengeance.

What? ( there’s a pause, then an indignant noise, followed by the sound of Steph pummelling a zombie ) Seriously? Seriously? Did you honestly just...oh my god, Damian, if this is about your freaky rivalry with Tim, I am never speaking to you again. Ever! I mean it. I’m not some sort of trophy in your stupid competition! ( she goes to do her roundhouse right cross at a zombie and, in true Steph fashion, punches Damian in the jaw hard enough to be heard ) Oh crap...are you okay?

[Damian makes a noise that’s a cross between annoyed and enraged] This has nothing to do with Tim! I like you, Steph. [He punches a zombie in the face before grabbing its head and twisting as hard as he can] I have liked you! I thought it was pretty obvious even when I was a hellbrat. I was confused before, but it’s easier now that K... [His sentence is cut short, which is probably a good thing, when Steph punches him] Holy shit! Seriously? [He manages to punch the zombie Steph was aiming for as he brings his other hand up to cup his jaw] Remind me not to mention Drake when asking you out again. If you were any other girl I’d take that as a no.

( Stephanie makes a frustrated sound ) Then maybe you shouldn’t compare yourself to him when you’re asking me out! ( a pause ) How was it obvious? And...you were... ( no...she wasn’t even going to bring up Kitty ) It wasn’t obvious. It really wasn’t obvious. At all. ( there’s an almost verbal wincing ) I’m sorry! I’m so, so sorry! Does it hurt? It would probably help with the asking me out thing...not mentioning Tim. ( pause ) Well...I’m not other girls. And it wasn’t a no. ( sigh ) Okay. Fine. What movie are we seeing?

Don’t boys make fun of girls when they like them? [Damian rubbed his jaw then moved it to make sure it wasn’t broken, wincing slightly] Dick told me that once and I threatened to drop kick him. [He takes a quick look around at the zombies, which now littered the ground at their feet] And it’s fine. Not broken, but I’ll have a bruise. People are probably gonna ask me if someone is beating me up at home. [He drops his hand and stares at Steph for a moment or two, not having thought that far ahead] Um...I’m guessing if you’re over zombie movies then you’re probably over vampire movies too.

Maybe when they’re in second grade. ( Steph laughs slightly ) Well...keep in mind it is Dick we’re talking about. Consider the source. He’s Dick. Nothing more needs to be said about that. ( pause ) Huh...zombies are all dealt with. ( another pause and a laugh ) Great. People are going to think I’m an abusive girlfriend! Awesome! ( again, you can almost hear the raised eyebrow ) You want to see the new Underworld movie don’t you? ( another pause ) I’m good with that.

[Damian can’t help but laugh slightly] This is true. I never thought someone could wear the cowl and still be as chipper as him. He’s like the anti-Batman or something. [He glances at the zombies again] Yeah, who would have thought zombies would be so difficult to deal with? [His eyes widen slightly at the word girlfriend, but he nods] Yeah. Underworld would be cool. Maybe...Tuesday?

Dick’s a special, special snowflake. ( Steph sounds very amused ) He’s so chipper, I can’t imagine anything making him be...not chipper. He’s definitely a different sort than Bruce. ( she shakes her head with an amused snort ) I think most people would have thought that. ( a pause ) Tuesday? Okay. Tuesday’s fine.

Considering the life he’s had, it’s hard to believe how optimistic he is. [Damian smirks, wincing again] Tuesday. Great. [A pause] We should probably get back so I can put some ice on my face. That’s one hell of a right cross, by the way.

It’s not that hard to believe. He’s Dick. He’s like...a magical unicorn of rainbows and joy...and stop looking at me like that. It’s true. ( a pause and then Steph speaks, sounding cheerful ) Great. ( an awkward pause ) Right. Ice. And thanks. I’ve worked hard on it.

[Emma's trying not to sound frantic, though there's the slightest tone of urgency in her voice.]

Does anyone happen to know how to defuse a bomb?

Because that's what I walked into on my desk in the office this morning. A bomb. That, if it goes off, it's likely to take me, my office, and possibly a small chunk of the station with it. It's not very big...but it's still a bomb.

And I really don't feel like getting blown up today. So I'd appreciate it. According to the little clock on the thing, it's set to detonate in ten minutes.

[There's a beep.]

Make that nine minutes.

Ok, who's coming over for the Super Bowl? Forge? Helena? Jason, I guess you can come if you want. I've got beer and food and the bunnies have cleaned my apartment better than I ever could.

So birds cleaning my room, fine, whatever. It just means that I don't have to do it, but now they've nested in my sneakers! And the doorknob on my closet has the gall to tell me to leave them be, because they're tired from all the cleaning. Seriously?

....Are animals with a desire to clean people's rooms and talking kitchen appliances normal around here?

Because there's two deer attempting to clean my room, and my mirror informed me that I don't wear enough bright colors.

[Tim's voice comes through, and he sounds a little disoriented at first.]

What the hell is this? Excuse me? Can you hear me?

[The knights can be heard coming towards him, and Tim's voice becomes stern, as he strikes a defensive pose at seeing their weapons.]

Look, I don't know who any of you are, or where the hell I am, but I'd drop the swords and tell me what's going on right now.

[Tim can be heard unsheathing his bo staff, as he gets ready to fight his way out.]

Look, I'm not telling you again. Stand down.

[A brief scuffle can be heard, as Tim pulls a smoke bomb from his utility belt, and the sound of it hitting the ground can be heard, as he makes his way out of the library, and into the streets. Tim fires out a grappling line, and starts making his way across the rooftop.]

The hell is this place?

Because I'm really bored.

( So Bored )

I'm so glad that's over. I didn't think it was possible, but the mansion was kind of getting crowded with all the extra people wandering around. Besides, two weeks stuck with someone else wasn't really all that pleasant. I'm just glad I got a job before this happened so I was able to get away for a couple of hours on my own.

I've got to say I'm really missing being alone right now. Definitely not to good at the whole sharing thing. At least I've been good about the whole not shooting people thing.

Raven's gone.

And so's Bo.

And Ms. Kerrigan.

It's like someone doesn't like our house or something.

( Erik )
I know you have all the emotional range of a really emotionally-stunted rock. And I know you and the Professor are avoiding your feelings like Gothamites avoid smiling. But I'm sort of worried he's going to do something stupid. Mostly because he does stupid things and has no self-preservation instincts. So could you maybe grow a pair and check on him? Please?

( Jay )
I really need to punch something in the face. A lot.

I've been completely quiet lately, haven't I? I apologize for that. I guess I've been too busy with teaching and then spending all of my time making the bat cave getting things ready for Christmas. Or Christmasukkah or however Stephanie spells it.

Right, so what have I missed? Because clearly I've missed a lot of things. I really will pay much more attention from now on. And get my brain out of the internet.

So, I was walking home from doing some Christmas shopping when I ran into an elf. An actual elf. And then he started crying because nobody understood him and his life's dream of being a dentist and so I bought him some hot chocolate and gave him a hug. We had a really nice talk about embracing his ambitions and not putting so much stock in the opinions of others. I really think I've found a new calling as an elf therapist.

But I got shopping done! Mostly. Maybe if I weren't shopping for so many grumpy men who won't tell me what they want - I'm not naming names here, Erik, Damian and Jason - it would be easier.

( Raven, Cass, Kitty, Molly, Bo )
I need help planning the Xavier House Chrismukkah Extravaganzukkah...title pending. Chanukah (is that right, Kitty?) is from sunset on the 20th to sunset on the 28th this year...or that's what the internet told me, with Christmas right there in the middle. I got some stuff while I was out, like a tree topper and some ornaments, to make the tree have some diversity.

Beyond that, I figured I'd come to you guys for ideas. After all, Thanksgiving wasn't a total disaster. We can totally pull this off.

Ouch. Those suckers sure can hit hard.

But I mean how else did they expect me to react and I would have gotten out of there if I had all my gear with me. But I guess a couple of concussions and a bunch of broken bones will teach them.

But now I’m locked in this cell of some library. Maybe I’ve got some books that are really overdue or something and they take that type of thing serious here where ever here is.