The Universe's Mixer

Hannibal knew that they were meeting to go after one of the few remaining Asylum employees on the list they'd created. A list that existed only within his head, of course. He would never be so stupid to leave such a thing laying around where somebody might stumble upon it accidentally and have reason to implicate him in any of the crimes.

But Baba had told him that she had a little surprise for him. She would not give hints as to what it might be, even in vague nature. Because it was her, he could not bring himself to be irritated by the situation, just intrigued.

She had told him to meet her in the park and they would go from there. Many of their interactions had begun or ended in the park, so it wasn't a new or strange thing. It was nice because it gave them a meeting place where it wasn't noticeable if they went to walk off by themselves, and where most people weren't even paying attention to what they were saying anyway. They could blend in with the others and still say the things they wished without worry.

Hannibal found a bench to wait at, one in the full sunshine, and he sat basking in in. The day was pleasant as were most days within the City. An occasional slight breeze. The flowers were always in bloom, butterflies always flitting about. Some might find it boring, but Hannibal loved the beauty in it too much to be bored by the constant temperatures.

He wished briefly that he had brought with him a sketchbook. He would have liked to draw things while he waited for his partner in these bloody things.

Amazons did not stay in bed or on the couch all day and stare at an idiot box. Batmen did not let a few sniffles and sneezes keep them in. Big Damn Heroes did not keep out of the fight because they had an ouchie. This was what went through Zoe's head; she was having a very hard time allowing herself to rest. Sure, she'd done it in the past, for a very short time, but that was being shot and stabbed - this was just a bug in her head. Actually a real bug in her head would have been more pleasant, possibly. It could be removed.

With the thoughts of how very far she was falling down on the job, she pulled herself up and got dressed. Of course, she had to wait until the Cowboy God went off to find the planet called NyQuil; she wasn't sure he'd succeed, seeing as the City didn't let anyone leave...within reason. Dressed, she was out the door and into a cab; she'd accepted that the walk was probably a waste of the energy she'd need later. She left a hefty tip to make sure the driver forgot her.

She made it to the Batflat, and once she sat down for just a small rest, she soon realized just how nice the padded benches were.

A short time later Alfred had called the apartment to check on his current charge, and at first wasn't too surprised when no one picked up. He knew she wasn't feeling well, having talked to the woman about her current state of healthy earlier. He thought he'd check in with his charge's significant other. Alfred didn't seem to mind that the preacher was once more in the Batfamily; then again, had the preacher ever really left?

Imagine the good butler's surprise when he received an almost frantic and definitely angered greeting from the preacher. Zoe wasn't where Jesse had left her, and he had no idea where she was. Alfred managed to reprimand the "young" man while calming him enough to remind the preacher that he was a God. He could find the lost warrior woman with just a thought.

Remembering was just as good as action. Soon, the preacher was in the Batflat, but he didn't get a chance to marvel at it. No, he gathered up his wayward woman and took her right home, using his special talents rather than taking the more human route. He woke her long enough to give her a stern look and a heaping helping of NyQuil. Zoe wasn't sure how she was going to take a planet, but perhaps it was a liquor, a hideous liqour, they made there. It was almost as bad as Mudders' Milk.

Dosed up and still drowsy, not bothering to feel embarrassed or properly chided for her little attempt at adventure, Zoe curled back up on the couch to sleep. Unfortunately, it didn't remain peaceful and restive for long; she began to fight, and with a yell more than a scream, she sat up right, eyes wide, sweat beading on her forehead and neck.

"NO!"

There was a lot on her mind these days. Or maybe all days since she'd ended up in the City. It seemed that there was always something. Dinah knew that she would have to talk to Oliver about the state of the Justice League now that Zatanna was gone too. She also wanted to check in with Hank and see how he was doing, and talk to Zoe about maybe... what, really? She was hoping that the Bat might become a full-time member, though she had a feeling that Zoe might not be able or willing to do that. She could respect that, but she still had to ask.

They needed help. A lot of it. With Eric and with the Joker, and with everything else that might end up in the City. She knew that Arkham was reopened and had heard rumors that a certain doctor might be working there, so that needed to be investigated too.

For now, she was at the library. She might be computer-phobic, but she was good with reading. Currently, she was looking for books on vampires. She wasn't really sure where to start-whether fiction or nonfiction would be best. It was hard to tell the distinction here in the City, what with how many people she had met who were absolutely real but were still categorized as fiction. It was also possible that she might find a little bit of what she needed in both sections. She had carved an afternoon and evening out for this and she was willing to take as much time as she needed. For now, she would start by looking for books on the scientific theory behind vampires and go from there.

Dinah was really fed up with getting dirty picture messages from a certain vampire, and more fed up with the fact that she couldn't find a phone store to change her number, nor could she simply lose her phone.

That was why she was glad that Fred seemed to think she knew someone who could help. She trusted Fred's judgment and hoped that her brainy friend was right. She really hoped she was right.

Dinah followed Fred as they walked through the City looking for Annie's shop. She glanced over at Fred as they walked.

"So how did you meet Annie?" she asked.