The Opera Job (for riddledthecity)

[hypnotic_patter]

[Carrying over from this post.)

Music Meister’s been in contact with the Riddler ever since his dramatic rescue and by now they’ve got the heist neatly planned out. He’s sent Riddler lyrics (and later recordings) of the be-riddled song he plans to use on his victims, and the puzzles are so woven into the more normal lyrics that the Batman will have to work hard to even know they’re there. Now it’s time for their final preparations.

The address Music Meister gave Riddler will lead him to a closed theatre. The doors are boarded up, though the boards are painted black with window patterns in order to make them seem more attractive. For an abandoned building it seems to be in fairly good shape. The doors are locked, though the lock is easily picked. Behind the doors the lie is further exposed. The lobby and box office have been completely refurbished with an elegant cream and gold tiled floor and walls hung with framed posters for musicals and concerts. The doors leading into the theater itself are also shut, the better to keep the heat in and the wind out.

Comments

[hypnotic_patter]

"Give me ten, it won't take long to get into position. You've all got your filters, I assume?" He'd devised a few audio filters that removed his hypnotic pitch but allowed mostly normal healing otherwise. "Don't move until I'm singing, though. It'll take me a few seconds to make sure everyone's under my control but after that the crowd's all mine."

He got out, heading up the ladder, singing quietly to himself.

Oh, better far to live and die
Under the brave black flag I fly...

This would be exquisite, and from the stage he'd have a perfect view.

[riddledthecity]

"Naturally. I'll be in position, and I'll give you a bar before I make my own entrance." While the Riddler does love a showy entrance himself, he's known for a long while how much of a diva the Music Meister can be, and he's happy to let the man have a few moments in the spotlight all to himself if it means the audience will stay compliant -- and under their spell.

After Meister left, there wasn't much to do for those ten minutes besides getting into position. He checked one or two things on the way, making certain that all his little back-ups and failsafes were in place... and that his own little surprise with the chandelier was ready. He'd had a feeling the Music Meister might go with the Phantom look for this, and if Batman did drop in on them -- or the Gotham P.D., for that matter -- there would be a little surprise in store.

The lights were dimmed, and the opera was already in full swing; when the Riddler put in the audio filters Meister had designed, it barely muffled the sound. He'd just have to trust they were going to work properly. And as long as they did...

This was going to be -- dare he say it? -- fun.

[hypnotic_patter]

It was a simple matter to entrance the stagehands into setting up his equipment for him. Meister kept his voice quiet, not interrupting the opera until the number was over.

And then he stepped out onto the stage. There was the obligatory moment of shock and horror at this strange interloper, and Meister basked in it with arms outstretched.

"My apologies for the interruption, dear patrons, but you've got a much better show in store for you tonight."

He tapped the microphone headset and began to weave his enchanting tune. The audience wouldn't notice the riddles, of course, they wouldn't notice anything but the beautiful music compelling them to rise to their feet. A bit of cash and jewelry deposited on the stage wouldn't hurt, though it was hardly the goal, and Meister found their looks of rapture far more valuable.

Your cue, Riddler.