Being the Go-Between

[http://users.livejournal.com/_kip_/]

When Kip Blackwell was a college football player at Gotham University, he played wide receiver and receiver on special teams, so the concept of blocking is not lost on him. Even now, completely blind as he was from the Joker's acid assault, his love of football and his tendency for using football analogies remains. So when Nightwing asks him to meet with the Riddler - or the former Riddler, Edward Nygma - he understands it's to run interference for Oracle, someone he loves and admires wholeheartedly...even if he cannot remember some of the time they spent together.

So, back on Earth from his typical stay at the Watchtower as Oracle's hands-on computer guru, Kip first attends Mass with his Aunt Justine (along with the requisite Sunday meal) before heading to Nygma's agency first thing Monday morning.

His smile and manner are, as always, sunny, far more so than the rainstorm pelting Gotham outside.

Comments

[eddie-nygma.livejournal.com]

"I do know what you mean. I probably shouldn't have mentioned it, but .."

The truth is, providing answers is part of his psychological conditions. He's just able to be less cryptic these days.

"I think you shouldn't really ascribe normal feelings like pride to the Joker. He has no central self, existing only to provoke. If you dosed him with truth serum and asked HIM why it happened, I doubt he could tell you."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_kip_/]

Kip nods in agreement, expression thoughtful, as is his soft baritone. "See, sir, I try to understand people, figure why they do things. With him, there's no figuring. No rhyme or reason. I try praying for the man, but it's hard. My faith says that it's God's will that I'm here now, like this, but it's hard. Maybe...maybe he can get help sometime. I hope so. You did. How...if you don't mind me asking, sir, how did you manage to reform after everything?"

He sounds genuinely interested in Eddie's answer.

[eddie-nygma.livejournal.com]

Ah, himself. That's a much more comfortable subject.

"It's a cliche, but the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. I recognized my.. obsessive tendencies. Second, I finally achieved a masterstroke in my criminal career that allowed me to move on with some closure."

Eddie leans back in his chair.

"My psychiatrist says that I have an inferiority complex that drives me to prove my superior intellectual capabilities. Having done so to my satisfaction in a life of crime, I was ready for a new challenge - proving my intellectual superiority while staying within the bounds of the law."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_kip_/]

More silence. The young man seems to be digesting that bit of information, too, although he does not speculate. "Sounds like you're blessed to have a good psychiatrist, sir."

[eddie-nygma.livejournal.com]

"Dr. Arkham is eminently qualified." He agrees.

"I don't wish to make it sound as if I have no remorse at all for my life of crime. I never enjoyed hurting people, and I enjoy it even less in retrospect. I like the life of legitimacy."

One gloved finger taps the desktop thoughtfully.

"Truth be told, I was never as disturbed as most of Arkham's inmates. Severe atypical obsessive compulsive disorder, and moderate bipolar disorder. Therapy and medicines have helped even out the mood swings. Beyond that - I discovered sanity is simply a matter of asking yourself the right questions. And if there's one area in which I excel.."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_kip_/]

The attention given to that response further confirms Kip's interest in hearing how The Riddler turned from crime. He smiles at the last bit before a hand grazes the Braille+printed results. The smile fades.

"This might take a while, sir. Hope that's all right.". He begins issuing more queries, hands once again at blazing speed, while adding, "Batman has to...no, I guess he's not proud. Is he?"

[eddie-nygma.livejournal.com]

"We have time. I'll be working on some other cases as well. I don't expect results in a week."

He tents his fingers, pondering the latter question.

"Batman? No, there's no pride there. He's almost like the Joker, in a way. More like a force of nature than a person. Barely any real personality at all. Angry at injustice. All the time."