2019-06-05 - Branching Out

Summary:

A Business Incubator brings CEO's together

Log Info:

Storyteller: None
Date: Wed Jun 5 21:05:33 2019
Location: Rockefeller Center

Related Logs

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Theme Song

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bruce-waynemari-mccabeselina-kyle

There's a business conference today at the Rockefellar Center. A place for budding Entrepreneurs to meet some of the scions in the Industries they're trying to break into.

It's been a morning of break out sessions and panel discussions, Industry leaders taking the chairs to be 'grilled' by attendees. All in all, it's been a highly successful time so far.

Now though, it's time for lunch - a buffet style thing that allows people to mingle. Mari McCabe, CEO of McCabe Industries is talking to a young man who is interested in Fashion. The ex-model has been talking rather animatedly and the pair seem to be just about finishing.

Which is good. Mari still has food on her plate.


Bruce Wayne was late - though the people in the know have come to just expect that he would be late for everything, even his own funeral. But finally, the car pulls up to the front, and Alfred comes around to open the door to let Bruce out. Standing up as he comes out of the vehicle, he stretches, just to be chided by one of the handlers. "You missed your place to speak at the conference, Mister Wayne!"

Bruce has the good sense to look contrite and apologetic. "I'm sorry, I had a meeting with a young woman that was interested in a college education. And it was worth the detour, I believe." With that, he's heading inside just in time for lunch as he heads for the buffet.


Bruce Waynes appearance generates a bit of stir, as expected. The man is well known for his business. As he enters, the organiser - Josephine Trent - bustles up to him. "Mister Wayne, I'm so glad you could get here. We've reshuffled the speaking slots to allow for you to speak immediately after lunch. You'll be speaking opposite, Miss McCabe. Do you know her?"

Josephine gestures for Mari to come over. The ex-model flashes a big grin and does just that. "Mister Wayne, might I present Miss Mari McCabe. Miss McCabe, Mister Wayne." Josephines attention is soon caught though, by something needing her attention.


"I wouldn't miss it, Josephine." Bruce says to the woman, one he may have been romantically linked with a while back as he turns his atention to Mari, and his smile is warm. "Miss McCabe, please, call me Bruce." he offers to the woman as he presents his hand. "I've heard about your company, and was impressed to read your story in Forbes." he admits to her as he moves to grab a plate.

"If you don't mind walking with me, I'm starving - I had a couple of cups of coffee this morning, but I missed breakfast to try to make it here in time, just to get distracted." he shakes his head in amusement. "Though I suppose people know that story too well."


Josephine does manage a flush as she glances at Bruce but she's bustling off again soon enough. "I'll leave you two too it …" she says a little distractedly .

"I don't mind, Mister Wayne, as long as you don't mind if I eat. I've been inundated with people wanting to know my secrets." Mari smiles as she manages her plate. About her neck is a pendant in the shape of a foxhead. It's an … odd piece … to be wearing with the business suit she's wearing. "And please call me, Mari."

Working their way towards to the buffet tables, there are some that look at Bruce but decide to not interrupt just yet.

"The Forbes article was very complimentary but it's been a boon for our business. Wayne Tech had some interesting announcements over the last month or so."


"Eat away, isn't that what lunch is about?" Bruce asks in mild amusement as he turns his attention back to Mari. "I had hoped to bring my daughter with me to make contacts, but I think she's learned from me how to avoid these things." There's a smirk offered as he picks at the food as he glances at the odd totem. "An interesting piece you have there, Mari." he points out to her.

He starts to put a few appetizers on his plate as he considers the comment, and shrugs his shoulders. "WayneTech these days is mostly autonomous. Lucius does a great job at handling things, and I trust his judgement with the projects that he green lights."


There are rumours about that pendant that Mari wears. Both in polite circles and the circles that Batman runs in. The Bat would have heard of the 'bounty' that's on it, a vague thing at the moment but there are people who would pay good money to get it.

"It is, yes. For eating. Your daughter? The one that you don't you let much out about?" That's invitation to share more if he wants to. "Has she inherited her fathers talent for business, then? Or do her interests lay in other directions?"

The mention of her pendant gets a smile. "Thank you. It's been in my family for a very long time. An heirloom, you might say."

"So if Lucius manages most of your business, what is it that Bruce Wayne does with his time?"


"She's coming into her own. I'm not sure if she's going to follow in my footsteps, but it seems that she's going to decide her own way. I can only encourage and hope that she does well with what she has to work with." Bruce responds as he considers the question that Mari presented to him. As he sets down a few finger foods, he turns his attention back to the dark-skinned buisnesswoman.

"My attention is more on the philanthropy side of things." Surely Mari knew of the political activism that Bruce took part in with both the Rhodes campaign, as well as his anti-registration stance. "I'm still the stewart for the Martha Wayne Foundation, while Selina is more in the animal rights and rescue organization." he admits with a chuckle. "But I still like to see how other businesses are developing. I'm disappointed that Stark isn't here. Though perhaps he's just waiting for a larger mixer."


"I can't imagine what it must be like to have a child blossom like that. And deciding her own way isn't bad, is it? She's two strong rolemodels to follow." If only Mari knew! "She must be ready to graduate, yes? Off to college now? Another door opening in her life."

"Ah yes, that's right. I was out of the country when Governer Rhodes was elected but I believe we have you to thank to a great degree, for getting the Registration Act repealed. If I'm right, the Martha Wayne Foundation is starting a clinic in Staten Island, to help those down on their luck and displaced children."

The ex-model snorts at the mention of Stark. "He sent one of his business people but I hoped to see Miss Potts here. She's normally the one to attend these things. Mister Stark seems to be more for the Science! side of things."

There's good representation though from a wide number of companies. OsCorp has sent one of their brightest as well.


Roxxon, Hammer, Stark, OsCorp, they're all here. "So what is it that McCabe does?" Bruce asks curiously as he finishes loading his plate and moves to find a table to sit at with the young woman. And of course, with all the business moguls, there's also bright young people going around, hoping to find someone to get their foot in the door with. Or just collect free swag from all the booths handing out pencils, pens, pins, little bags, all the fun stuff - it's rumored that Stark was giving away little plush Iron Man figures.

"Yes, headed by Doctor Lesley Thompkins. Though it's more of a labor of hers - she could have a clinic wherever she wanted, she chose the roughest neighborhood in Staten Island. But not just that, I decided to give scholarships to those youth that were involved in the attack on Midtown High a couple of weeks ago." Mainly because he could be considered the reason it happened by some. Or at least his daughter's presence. "One of those students approached me this morning to ask if she could go to Juilliard. I got her an audition to see if she has the skills - I looked over her file, she has the merits."


The lunch crowd is milling around the room, congregating here and there with their 'idols' or returning to the buffet to refill their plates. Bruce and Mari are seated at table in view of the door.

Some of the convention goers are indeed sporting little Iron Man plushies, though whether they'd been given away or been paid for is a very good question.

"Ah, that's a very good question, Mister Wayne and one that I ask myself, a lot. Initially it was just a Fashion Label, started during my modelling career. When I decided to retire, I ramped that up into McCabe Industries. Now, I have textiles as well the clothing itself." She's a bright thing, Mari is, charismatic some might say.

"But I'm considering that I should add another arm or two. Complimentary but not related. Allow me to weather the market down turns. I just haven't decided what yet. Something in the wearable tech line, perhaps. That's becoming a fashion statement, isn't it?"

"Have you now?" That's about the scholarship for the high school students. "I must say, I admire a young person who can ask like that." The dark skinned woman looks around "Is Ms Kyle joining you today? I believe she often attends these events as well."


"Oh, I always turn up sooner or later~" Selina Kyle purrs before seeming to more or less materialize from behind Bruce, having apparently approached behind his broad frame. "I just like to make an entrance, that's all." Indeed, as many as she can fit into one day. She's been doing this for awhile. Though the plate of food she's carrying might do more to explain what she's been doing until now. She's dressed rather smartly in a black button up jacket over a purple blouse and a black skirt; nylons and black high heeled shoes in effect. And, in lates addition to the ensemble, a ring is now placed on her finger baring a rather eye catching green gemstone.

Brings out her eyes, or so she says.

"Hope it's okay if I join you." She says, placing a brief kiss on Bruce's temple and, err, taking a seat without waiting for an answer, and extending a hand. "Selina Kyle. Don't think we've met."


"I think they were emboldened by Helena. First Peter, and now Mary Jane." Bruce responds, "Though wearable tech…" he taps the table in thought. "That could be an interesting venture, Mari. Perhaps one that WayneTech would be liable to consider, if you're willing to have my man speak with you?" comes the question, that is before there's a question and a voice that he knows well behind him.

"Speak of the devil." he says teasingly, rising up politely as Selina kisses his temple and he returns the kiss to her cheek. "Mari McCabe, may I present.." and it's the first time he gets to say it /officially/, so yes, that smile may be a little more than usual. "…my fiancee, Selina Kyle. Selina, this is Mari McCabe, the owner of McCabe Industries. She was just telling me about her fashion line, and I was telling her about the meeting I had with Helena's friend, Mary Jane, this morning." And of course, Selina just takes a seat, but Bruce is hardly going to complain.


"It's a good thing if your daughter can do that. I'm sure she'll shine at whatever she chooses." Mari answers, her eyes widening for just a moment before the smile broadens and she laughs. "It's supposed the younger folk who get those sorts of offers today, Mister Wayne, but yes, yes I am."

Before she can hand over a card, there's that purr that draws the dark skinned womans attention from Bruce to Selina. "Ms Kyle, I would be honoured to have you join us." Mari takes the hand, noting the ring and smiling even more. "And congratulations are in order I see."

Around Mari's neck is a pendant that seems at odds with the business suit she's wearing. With a faintly 'tribal' feel to it, the pendant is the shape of a foxhead.

Selina may well have heard of Mari's line. It's high quality and quite lovely and ranges from evening wear, to business wear (guess what Mari is wearing) to resort wear.

"I'm in awe of the philanthropy of Wayne Industries, or The Waynes, to be honest. I hope one day my business is just successful."


Selina smiles and answers Mari's congratulations with a warm "Thank you very much~" That has that slight edge of patience to it that implies she's had this exchange a great deal recently, though she seems more amused by it than anything, give Bruce a warmly teasing look and saying, "The big lug finally wore me down."

A second or two more to process Mari's appearance and Selina's brows raise suddenly, recoiling a bit, "Oh, hold on! You're- I'm sorry, you're Mari McCabe!" She says shaking her head, "Sorry. Two drinks in. I love your stuff~" She's not, er, wearing it, but still. As much of a dynamo as she's supposed to be on the job, she's remarkable casual for an event like this.


Plus you know, there's Van Dyne, and all those other competitors out there. And yes, Bruce is proud to have belled his kitten. There's a thoughtful pause - he's using it to eat. And then once the bite's down. "We hadn't mentioned her rather alluring totem that Mari is wearing today." he says with a grin. Then he draws his lips into a thin line.

"I believe I read of that once. It is one of the Totems of Zambesi, is it not?" he asks her curiously.


"I am, yes. Mari McCabe. I don't expect people to recognise me. And I'm honoured, again that you like what we produce, Ms Kyle." Mari's modelling career ended some years ago and it's not unreasonable people don't know who she is.

Of course, there are other fashion lines as well. Most as good, if not better, McCabe.

The mention of her pendant, gets her to touch it. "It is yes. Legend tells it was created by the Spider God Anansi. You're extremely well read, Mister Wayne." There's rumours about Mari that both Bruce and Selina would have heard. That Mari is Vixen - even if Vixen isn't all that active in New York, she's still seen around.

Selina will probably know about the Totem. There's groups that would pay good money to get their hands on it. In fact, Mari disappeared a couple of years ago - about the time her modelling career ended - and Selina would have heard that she went after her pendant.


Selina doesn't put that much stock in rumors - at least not free ones. Heck one time it was rumored that Selina Kyle was secretly the Black Widow. Could you imagine?

That said, Selina super wants that necklace, and it's one of those moments where maturity is a pain in the neck. Though she had heard it was missing. Hmm. "It must be very important to you." She notes kindly, head tilting slightly at the 'spider god' bit. Not for nothing, there's been a fairly ludicrous number of spider people in her orbit lately


"Maybe that's why there's so many Spider-themed heroes as of late." Bruce says with a laugh, shaking his head in amusement. "I have to do something with my days. Though is there not .. five other ones? That supposedly controlled the elements?" he asks. "It is an odd object to have, but if it is tied to your family, I can totally understand why you would want it near." comes the admission.

"I will have to see if Selina has any McCabe's in her closet - though I know there are some things that she has that follow the daring cuts of your lines." he admits, using Mari's own clothing as an example.


"It is yes." Mari agrees "The story goes that it is keyed to my ancestors." There's always offers floating in the undergrounds offering good money for the pendant. "But it was my mothers before she was killed."

Mari blinks a little at the mention of the Spiders "You know I hadn't considered that but I can assure you, Mister Wayne, I've not met any of them. It might be just a coincidence."

"You are correct, there are five more or so legend has it. The current location of them, if they exist isn't known. Or at least, I don't know. You're very informed, Mister Wayne."

"And you, Ms Kyle, what do you do with your time? I imagine raising a child hasn't left you with a lot of spare time."


Selina frowns at the mention of Mari's mother, but says nothing. From her perspective it's rude to refocus the conversation on something unpleasant just for the sake of offering condolences that, honestly, seem pretty empty from a stranger. So she goes a bit quiet, nodding softly until her daughter is mentioned, automatically bringing a bit of a smile to her face.

"Oh, don't get me started." She smiles wistfully, as if the harrowing experience of motherhood has gotten nostalgic with time. "It's kind of a full time job, yeah. Heck, you start looking for normal work just to stay sane." She says, tapping the side of her head with a bit of an erreverant grin before shaking her head. "No, but I've kept busy. Still poke my head into my charity for animal-preservation and all that good stuff. My daughter graduated this year, actually; so I may have to find a way to FILL the time now."


Bruce's attention is caught by someone and Mari nods as he excuses himself. "Ah yes, I read about your animal-preservation work. It sounds fascinating and I'd love to know more about it."

People are starting to filter out now, the next set of sessions starting soon. Mari and Bruce are up for one of the panels and the organisers are starting to look for them.

"It looks like I need to be going, Ms Kyle. Congratulations again. I've got a launch scheduled for a couple of weeks, I would like to invite you, if you're interested."


Selina cranes her neck to look back as the event seems ready to resume, then looks to Mari, propping her chin up on her hand with her elbow on the table. "Hmm, I think I would be. We'll see if my schedule lines up, but I'd be delighted~" She says, then smiles, "Good luck, Ms McCabe."


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