Touchstone

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

He's done a surreptitious sweep of the area. He's set a few surprises for anyone coming in who shouldn't - knockout pellets, some tripwires that'll set off stun grenades - and Donna's talking to the others in the commune, trying to rustle up support. They can knock a few teeth out of this organization, but they need to think long-term, too.

He's sitting down the road in the Jeep to make a call. There's no cell towers out here, but communicators don't have that problem.

Oracle, this is Nightwing. Got a minute?

Comments

[oracle-watching.livejournal.com]

"Several, for you. Go ahead, Nightwing."

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

There's a brief exhale. It's not quite a sigh, but it's damned close.

Wish I had good news for you.

[oracle-watching.livejournal.com]

"That bad? Go ahead. What do you need?"

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

There's a major conflict about to boil over here with some militant group bordering on Aurora's commune. Unfortunately, I think we had a large part in the rapid escalation.

She'll hear the wince in his tone.

I need info on this group. Leader calls himself "General" McKay, though I don't think he got past two bars.

[oracle-watching.livejournal.com]

"McKay ... can you narrow that down for me with a description? Or did you happen to get any prints I can run through the CGI Joes' personnel files?"

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

Group's called the 'Blue Star Militia'. He's about 6 feet tall, caucasian, mid to late thirties. He's smart as well as loud - he didn't touch anything at the commune that I could get a print from. Likes to quote whatever relevant scriptures that apply and ignores the rest.

[oracle-watching.livejournal.com]

"That's something I can get my teeth into ... hold on.

"Blue Star Militia. Doesn't look like they've been in the area very long--let me see what I can get you on McKay and the membership."

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

He keeps a watch in his rear and sideview mirrors, making sure nobody's trying to eavesdrop.

We might be able to declaw them for a little longer than the short term. I'm thinking of making democracy work for us.

[oracle-watching.livejournal.com]

"I'm a big fan of democracy, despite my time on the Hill. McKay inherited the farm the militia is currently using. He's got a file regarding the property taxes--doesn't want to pay them. The previous owner died during the Plague.... I'd say about 75% of his men have records. Felony assault charges, hate crimes, a couple of manslaughters, and domestic violence.

"Oh, you're going to love this. Guess who else has been taking an interest in McKay?"

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

That gets a raised eyebrow.

Hit me.

[oracle-watching.livejournal.com]

"The Feds. He's too small a fish for them to spend too much effort on, but he's on their terror watch list. Probably saving him for when they need an easy takedown for the 6 o'clock news."

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

They may get their wish before this weekend's out. In the meantime, let's see if we can maybe nudge a sudden eminent domain issue their way.

The "corporation" buying the land, of course, to be a very tenuous subsidiary holding of Wayne Enterprises.

[oracle-watching.livejournal.com]

"I love it when you get all financial on me."

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

And in 0 seconds flat, as usual, the conversation can go from business to pleasure.

Admit it, you only married me for my sexy offshore stock holdings.

[oracle-watching.livejournal.com]

"What can I tell you--I fell under the spell of your huuuuuuge portfolio." The conversation doesn't stay happy for long. "I've got more about McKay."

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

And in another second, it's back to business once more. He sits up in the driver's seat.

What've you got?

[oracle-watching.livejournal.com]

"A dishonorable discharge from the Army ... I'll spare you the chapter and verse from the UCMJ. He assaulted his roommate because he thought the other man was gay--I'll also spare you the exact language quoted in the transcript. I'm afraid his time in the brig gave him an opportunity to meet like-minded men. Some of them managed to leave via honorable discharge, but there are red flags in their files ... you've got white supremacists on your hands, Nightwing."

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

God bless the First Amendment.

There's no mistaking the sarcasm in his tone.

So much for resolving this quietly, huh.

[oracle-watching.livejournal.com]

"Not in the time frame you've got and the team you have on hand," she says regretfully. "I'll do what I can on the financial and legal side. You take care of your team and the civilians on the ground."

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Will do. Tell M I said hi.

[oracle-watching.livejournal.com]

There's a slight pause, then: "Message delivered. Usual answer from M."

In other words, "GOWFISS!"

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

It's impossible for a father like Dick to hide how he feels about that.

Best thing I've heard all day. I'll give you a status report in a few hours.

[oracle-watching.livejournal.com]

"You'd better. Or else. Oracle out."