two ✩ video

[boobwindow]

[ ID reads Karen Starr.

Long time no see, network. This time Karen's post is not coming from the small comfort of her government housing, but from a brightly lit office. Situated against one of the walls is a dark red couch, a pillow propped up against the edge. The windows, though not quite large but neither small, reveal De Chima in the background for anyone who might recognize it immediately.

Though she's been living in her office for a couple of months now, the room doesn't look as lived in as one would expect it to. That's because Karen made sure to tidy up and make the office look as professional and presentable as she could before she dared to turn on the feed. However, her cat can be seen sitting in her office chair, peering over the edge of the desk and reaching for an elastic that's been left on the surface.

Karen, with her hair tied away from her face, smiles into the camera. ]

Hi there. It's been ages, I know.

Since there are many of you who don't know me: I'm Karen Starr. I'm co-CEO of Starrware Industries, located in De Chima, Virgina. We're an R&D company primarily focused in coming up with solutions to the planet's environmental issues. We've been trying to get approval on studying even a small sample of nanotech, but we haven't heard back aside from a "request pending" notif. So, at the moment my team is mainly working with artificial technology and semi-organics.

Anyway, we've been up and running since about September now. We're a pretty small firm, but recently business has picked up so we can afford a few new employees. I won't lie: the wages aren't really high, though if you're interested in doing some good for the planet and working alongside people with a similar passion and vision then you're more than welcome to drop off a resume at my office or contact me privately. There's a lot of bright and talented imPorts here, so I'd love to work with you if you're interested.

[ There's suddenly a light crash as pens and some papers are pulled off the table courtesy the cat. Karen gives a hapless shrug and then adds: ]

Annnd that brings me to a random question: anyone know any good real estate agents around here?

[ Seriously, it's time to stop living in an office. ]

Comments

[boobwindow]

It's not really avoiding if I don't have business with them.

[enigmaestro]

Would you like business with them?

[boobwindow]

[ A beat. ]

What are you offering? I don't like mixing politics with my work and honestly? Being Unsettled isn't going to win any points.

[enigmaestro]

Unsettled? Then we have something else in common.

[boobwindow]

[ She's almost afraid to ask. ]

And the other thing is...?

[enigmaestro]

Why we're both... [a long, dramatic pause] Blue-eyed.

[boobwindow]

And about eight percent of the world.

[enigmaestro]

You and I both know about Batman...

... You have heard of Batman, haven't you? Forgive me, if that isn't on the itinerary of the modern executive.

[boobwindow]

Who hasn't heard of him in our world?

[enigmaestro]

There are some unfashionable people, Ms. Starr.

[boobwindow]

I think everyone's heard of him at some point.

I think you win in the face-to-face encounters department; don't think Batman visits Manhattan.

[enigmaestro]

He's not immune to travel and -- well, if you don't mind me speaking from experience, given his control issues, I'd be surprised if he hadn't strayed to New York. But you might count yourself lucky.

[boobwindow]

I'm not sure what business I would have with him anyway.

You're more likely to see someone like Wildcat or Mister Terrific in New York. Or other JSA heroes.

[enigmaestro]

Hmm. I always liked Mister Terrific.

[Liked him enough to be the patron watcher of a chess death match, that one time.]

[boobwindow]

And you've met him as well?

[enigmaestro]

Not to his knowledge.

[Heh, he thinks.]

[boobwindow]

[ A beat. ]

What is that supposed to mean?

[enigmaestro]

I wasn't known as The Clarifier, you know.

[boobwindow]

You're not The Riddler anymore.

[ Hey, as far as she knows he's been on his best behaviour. ]

[enigmaestro]

I'm not a criminal anymore. [He says, with the pedantic tone of someone who loves correcting.] But I'll always be The Riddler.

[Which might be a red flag.]

[boobwindow]

Should any of us be concerned about that?

I've never been fond of riddles anyway.

[enigmaestro]

And what's the cause to your lack of affinity for riddles?

[boobwindow]

I prefer straightforwardness.

[ Who has the patience for riddles? Not Peej. ]

[enigmaestro]

Well. I certainly had presumed the forwardness.