Ransom! [Supergirl}

[wayne]

Players: Supergirl and Bruce Wayne
Location(s): Metropolis Plaza Hotel
Plot Summary: Bruce Wayne is making a guest appearance in Metropolis as part of his efforts to donate to various charities when a group of armed mercenaries crash the party with ill intent. It's up to a resident Girl of Steel to save the day.

"And please welcome our most esteemed guest of the night, Mister Bruce Wayne!"

Applause filled the room as Gotham's most famous resident stood up from his table and approached the podium, setting his glass down on a nearby waiter's tray as he waved to the guests in attendance. Metropolis, the City of Tomorrow, wasn't his usual stomping grounds, but tonight was a special occasion. The Wayne Foundation had donated a considerable amount of money to various non-profit organizations, namely the Suicide Slum restoration project and the Metropolis Home for Young Men orphanage. Gotham City would always remain his home and priority, but he couldn't turn a blind eye to problems across the country or the world.

And there were some issues that not even a Man of Steel could readily solve.

Bruce's lips formed a ready smile as his eyes gazed out across the crowd. "I'd like to start off by thanking the city of Metropolis for welcoming me back with open arms. And while I do call Gotham City my home, it's always a privilage to look upon the dazzling skyline of the City of Tomorrow." He paused as the crowd applauded, nodding his head as he cleared his throat. "I realize, perhaps better than most people, that money cannot solve everything. It can't give us peace. It can't buy us love. It can't prevent loss and tragedy. But if used properly, it can make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate."

As Bruce was about to continue, his eyes locked on the window in the back of the room. Something had caught his eye, something fleeting, elusive. Narrowing his gaze, he spotted a minsicule red dot. The dot began to pulsate as the crowd awkwardly waited for Bruce to continue. Without anoher moment's hesitation, Bruce lept from behind the podium and raised his right arm.

"Everyone, get clear from the rear windows! NOW!"

The crowd murmured amongst themselves, unsure of what Bruce's sudden outburst was about. The sudden sound of exploding glass and cement gave way to shouts of panic and terror as the present guests all dropped to the ground. Smoke filled the room, likely from tear gas grenades, prompting Bruce to take cover and cover his face. The sound of cables being fired and heavy footsteps elicited a wayward glance from the billionaire. Heavily armed men began swinging into the room, forming a perimeter around the exits. One of them stepped forward, discharging a plasma rifle into the air.

"Alright, everyone listen up! You do as we say, you live. You don't, you die. We're here for Wayne and Wayne alone."

The armed merc, likely the leader, made a chortle as he continued.

"Oh, and for anyone waiting for Superman to save you? Assuming he's not hanging out with his fellow aliens, we've got insurance."

He pulled out a shard of glowing green crystal, causing Bruce to grimace. He knew exactly what that object was. These guys were trained and prepared. Not having much of a choice, he stood to his feet, arms raised in a gesture of non-violence. "I'll go quietly. Just don't hurt anyone, alright?"

[supergirl]

She had heard Bruce was going to be in town and almost thought it would be worth hearing what he was going to say. Well she had planned on sitting atop the adjacent room and listening to his speech had she not got caught up by a couple of really nasty thugs. And by nasty, she meant their language could use a little scrubbing before they came back out. She dropped them off with MCPD before moving on to her planned evening. She was hoping even she’d be able to catch him on his way out, if that was allowed. She didn’t see Alfred doing laps around the building, he might have gone to get something to snack on somewhere along the line. Surely he wouldn’t wait hour on end for Bruce and instead wait for him to call, or even knew what time the event was to end. Then there was the idea of Alfred even being there at all.

She made it to the adjacent building, perching herself on the edge of the skyscraper across from the hotel. She had a decent view from the rear windows, and an ear out in the city in case duty called. She could just sit back and relax and listen to what the billionaire had to say. She hadn’t talked to him since he got back, so this was sort of like talking to him. He seemed pretty okay at least. But that was just her. Of course he seemed okay at that very moment, in her distraction, she barely noticed Bruce stop. Bruce was a charmer and was very good at giving long winded speeches, like it or not. He did them frequently as Batman too. The lectures. Yeah, you didn’t get near Bruce without getting a lecture or two. But he just stopped. She tilted her head up and then stood, something was wrong. Bruce shouted and the windows blew and Kara swore in her own language. She was on the ground, in the gas and dust. Hidden, as she noticed how many hostages there were and how very easily she could mess this up. She hid behind a pillar and suddenly felt very…very sick.

Damn, of course they would. She could see the rock from where she was standing and even at this distance it made her stomach roll over. She looked over at Bruce from where she was, the red caped crusader holding her stomach, ”Bruce…” there were too many hostages… she’d just have to wait.