[ THREE | VIDEO ] Please stand by...

[zetabeamguy]

There's been quite the commotion over the network lately, hasn't there? Has anyone figured out what's going on yet? I don't- [ there's a burst of static, and the video flickers ] What the-- [ static ]

Damn i--- [ the video feed abruptly cuts off. Someone's been ignoring the requests to come back to Central Processing for a survey

Comments

[not_your_gun]

You alright?

[Locked.]

Almost had me worried there, Johnathan. [Amused.]

[zetabeamguy]

Minor technical difficulty.

[ locked ]

Mm, did you know that Central Processing can remotely fry a communicator?

[not_your_gun]

...what happened?

[Locked]

Useful tidbit of information. Problematic when one's communicator is stored inside of them, though.
...
[Pause.]
.....what are you using now, if not your communicator?

[zetabeamguy]

Our hosts are... rather pushy. They wanted me to fill out a survey, and they made my comm glitch when I refused.

[ locked ]

... How did you even get through Central Processing, anyway? I thought Megatrons were a no-no.

[ grin ] My communicator.

[not_your_gun]

...I'm sorry to hear that! Glad you managed to pick up a new one, though.

[Locked]

I'm a...guest...I feel, of that same Shockwave. I came through a secret portal in Zone 9--

Oh.

You are resourceful. [Quite pleased.] Though I'm certain I've said as much to you, before.

[zetabeamguy]

Me too. Though, I'm afraid I forgot what I was going to say before all that happened.

[ locked ]

Ah. Of course. What's an experiment without a catalyst or two?

[ the grin widens, just slightly ] I don't mean to brag, but I've built more with less.

[not_your_gun]

It sounded to me like you were going to ask if everyone was alright...

[Locked]

I destroyed that portal. ...unfortunately, they seem to have built another one. I'm...considering options, for that. Trust me, it is best to not discuss on the network, no matter how safe the encryptions may seem.

Hm. A man who knows his talents. The Nexus could use a few more like you...except for the fact that I'd start using them as target practice.

[zetabeamguy]

Sure, let's go with that.

[ locked ]

Fair enough. Though, does that mean that Shockwave has remote access to your comm, then?

Well, I would like to keep the monopoly going, and if you're willing to eliminate my competition, I won't say no.

[Locked]

[not_your_gun]

....who? [Absolute denial of any existence of Shockwave, where it is read and not talked about. There's a very pointed sharpness to the who, that he really hopes Johnathan will catch. Its also a yes.]

...having just been working with myself, I can understand. It lasts, for a time....all the way up until it doesn't.

[Locked]

[zetabeamguy]

[ Who indeed. He leaves it at that. ]

How very deep of you.

[Locked]

[not_your_gun]

I can only hope that our relationship last much, much longer. [He laughs.] We're off to a good start. I don't have any desire to kill you yet.

[Locked]

[zetabeamguy]

That's an encouraging notion. I'll try my best to remain on your good side.

[Locked]

[not_your_gun]

Its simple. Don't betray me, and I won't attempt to kill you. [He at least acknowledges that, based on what he's seen of Jonathan's intelligence, this might be difficult to do.] Even better, I'll help you. I think its quite the arrangement.

Is there anything that you might be expecting, just so that I know?

[Locked]

[zetabeamguy]

I'm no fool, Magnum. I'm not about to ruin a good thing- besides, there's nothing here I want.

Aside from your assistance, you mean?

[Locked]

[not_your_gun]

Forgive me. I did not intend to imply a lack in your intelligence. I just find it better when these things are stated outright. Less...misunderstandings, later on.

Yes.

[Locked]

[zetabeamguy]

I suppose I can appreciate the straightforwardness.

Knowledge. Tech. I want to be able to throw things at those so-called heroes that they wouldn't even know how to counter.