tushanshu_logs | catch-all log

No, my-- ( Hmm. Only Tony got the 'husband' line, and Shockwave had no idea if it carried over to anyone else. Better not mention it. ) Orion and I are in the process of setting up a system we're more comfortable with. For whatever we please, honestly.

( Shockwave pauses at one of the tables, one hand brushing the screen and calling up a display. After taking a second to memorize something or another, Shockwave shoots Barry a contemplative look. )

My lab's on the third floor, if you'd rather talk there.

[Don't think he doesn't catch that 'my', Shockwave, but he does refrain from commenting on it in typical Barry fashion. (Idly, he wonders if she's mentioned the 'my' thing to Hal. Not that Hal would probably let it stop him.)

For the second time in as many minutes, the urge to be polite does battle with the urge to see more. For the second time, curiosity wins out. Almost.]

Only if you're all right with it. I don't want to disturb you if you're in the middle of something.

Not at all.

( Shockwave leads him up the stairs, passed the closed off second floor and into the third. It's a completely open floor plan - spacious and full of as much light as possible. There is, sitting in front of the hanger doors, a plane. It's clearly nothing created on earth - blue, white, and red - with no easily determinable cockpit. But it is still a jet.

The rest of the lab, however, is a well-organized mess. Tables full of electronic parts and equipment, one or two books in the native language, and various other things. Including a glowing pink cube that Shockwave hadn't managed to pack away yet. Ah well. )

Please, have a seat.

( A gesture to the one chair on the entire floor, as Shockwave goes to deal with the energon cube. )

[.....Shiny.

Despite being in his mid-thirties, Barry still has a great appreciation of all things technological, as well as an attention span only slightly longer than that of his grandson's. While his eyes do pass over the jet - I can see why Hal was raving about it - most of the attention is focused on the equipment still scattered everywhere.

But he doesn't sit, electing instead to stand where he is some feet away from Shockwave, hands gently clasped in front of him.]

It's alright; I don't mind standing. [More freedom of movement that way.] Actually, I wanted to apologize for his behavior. Hal's, that is.

( Shockwave doesn't reply right away, instead finishes dealing with the cube before turning back to Barry. )

His behavior? ( Oh the insistence on flying Shockwave's alt-mode. There's a flicker of a glance towards it, and then the holoform's shoulders lower as if letting out a sigh. ) He's very enthusiastic about his hobbies, if our conversation was anything to go by.

Yes, he mentioned that he asked to fly your plane.

[At the double entendre, his cheeks flush pink. There many times when Barry appreciates a good play on words. This is not one of them.]

His enthusiasm is usually one of his better traits, but I apologize if he came on a little strong. I'm not sure if he would know the meaning of tact or subtlety even if it hit him in the face.

More than once.

( There's a flicker of discomfort in Shockwave's expression, but it passes quickly. )

It's a delicate situation, I'm only sorry that the answer was one he didn't want to hear.

[Barry barely manages to resist the urge to groan aloud. He does, however, take a deep breath.]

There's really nothing you need to apologize for. I'm very sorry he overstepped his boundaries on multiple occasions and if there's anything I can do to repair any damage that's been done, please do let me know.

[He will totally punch Hal for you if you give the word, Shockwave.]

Somehow I doubt he feels the same. ( It's amused, because Hal really did nothing that was out of bounds - Shockwave has never had to deal with anyone wanting to fly the alt-mode before. Mostly because none of the organics at the time could fit. ) Cultural differences - you can tell him once I've had time to come to terms with the idea and make the necessary changes, he can ask again.

[Shockwave seems to be taking this well, which Barry can only be exceedingly grateful for.]

Thank you for taking this so well. [He's almost positive Hal's been slapped for less. Almost.] I'm sure you had many things you wanted to get done today, this not being one of them.

Cultural misunderstandings - it happens to all of us eventually. ( At least that's the best way Shockwave can phrase it. ) I can always make time for someone if they need it--

Actually, I don't think I caught your name.

Edited 2013-11-29 03:03 (UTC)

Barry Allen. Central City Police Department forensic scientist.

[Unconsciously, he straightens a little, chin lifting as he sticks his hand out for a handshake. Except then he realizes exactly what he's said — the problem with by rote introductions — and looks a little sheepish. The hand stays outstretched though.]

But seeing as how we're not in Central City, I guess I'm just Barry Allen here, no official job title. [Save for maybe that of 'Hal Jordan's personal babysitter.']

Senator Shockwave, member of the Grand Imperium of Cybertron.

( If they're doing titles, might as well go the full way. But the smile on Shockwave's face clearly indicates that there's expectation or desire to be called by the title as well. Taking his hand in a firm grip, Shockwave shakes it gladly. And maybe the temperature of the hand is too perfect, and the skin too smooth - but it's nothing overpowering that something could be off. )

It's a pleasure, Barry.

That's quite an impressive title you have there, Senator.

[It goes quite a ways in explaining her well-kept appearance and the straight set of her shoulders. Admittedly, none of the words after 'Senator' make much sense to him, but something with the name of Grand Imperium of Cybertron can't be something to be taken lightly.

He releases her hand after the shake, then spreads his arm in an all-encompassing gesture at the various screens and machines set up.]

Not to mention some impressive equipment. Is this part of the work you did back home?

Shockwave, please.

( Because, like Barry, it just doesn't feel right to claim the title while the governing body doesn't exist. It's almost a shame - Shockwave did like politics even if it was aggravating and frustrating by turns. Still, no point in thinking about something that couldn't be changed at the moment. )

Partly, yes - although my work was focused primarily on possible solutions to a looming energy crisis. Here it's simply whatever catches my interest. ( A beat, and a sad smile. ) I do miss my students, even if some of them would find themselves beyond help in a lab, but we can't have everything can we?

Edited 2013-12-01 18:01 (UTC)

[Barry cocks his head at the clarification, eyes sharpening in interest.]

Those sound like studies that would be very relevant here as well.

[From what he's picked up via both ordinary kedan as well as JLA channels. Energy - of all sorts - is always at a premium, especially during times of war. He drifts a little from Shockwave, ambling over to the nearest screen to gaze at it with rapt attention.]

Have you thought about setting up any sort of lab here? Or perhaps collaborating with several of the other residents? [He's never liked the word 'foreigners.'] I'm sure there would be plenty of people interested, myself included.

Unfortunately the primary energy I am used to working with does not occur naturally here - or anywhere else in the universe other than my planet.

( It's a thing.

Shockwave lets him wander, falling back to the plane to run a hand along one of the wings. It's become less disconcerting and more of a comfort now that Shockwave can handle the feeling of touching and being touched at the same time. Never one for using the alt-mode at the best of times, Shockwave can't help but feel constrained. )

The idea has crossed my mind once or twice. And been brought up more than once in conversations with others here. Something, at least, should result in them. ( The holoform's hand falls away - Shockwave turning back to Barry with a smile. ) You're a scientist? What's your specialization?

Edited 2013-12-05 07:16 (UTC)

Forensics. [He replies promptly; he's proud of his skills even if a number of others dismiss them out of hand.] I studied chemistry and criminology in college and then jumped straight into law enforcement after graduation.

[His roommate at the time had thought him crazy for picking a position with a relatively unknown police force in the middle of the country over the big name companies that had also made him offers, but Barry had never once doubted his decision.]

I do like to tinker around, though I'm sure I'm nowhere near your level [gesturing to all the screens with a smile] .

I know a number of individuals in that field as well -- they're ( Hmm. Shockwave doesn't know how to describe Prowl and Tumbler in a way that succinctly sums up their personalities. ) very dedicated to protecting the public. ( That'll do. ) Orion as well, but he's the captain of a force rather than in forensics.

( For a moment Shockwave wonders whatever happened to Roller - he had to have lived, for what was the point in trading Shockwave's own life for his if he hadn't. Something to ask Orion. But later. )

No, you wouldn't be. ( Condescending? Yes. But the tone and the smile on Shockwave's face indicates that it's not meant to be - just a simple statement of fact. ) Humans live such short lives - although you do accomplish so much within it that I'm astounded by the progress you have made as a species.

I'd be more than willing to teach you, if you're interested.

[No offense taken. Even if he hadn't been the perfect picture of humility, he still would've acknowledged his lack of technical background anyway.]

Must be the 'strength in numbers' concept.

[There are billions of them, all around the world and even in the farthest reaches of space (thanks, GLs). He does straighten at her offer though, giving her a returning smile.]

But consider me interested. I have some extra time on my hands, anyway.

Or a wise use of the time given to you. My species is not so lucky - far too focused on other things that we cannot get our priorities straight.

( Shockwave's expression darkens at the thought, moody and irritable. And while Barry's response brightens it slightly, there's still the foulness lurking behind Shockwave's eyes. )

Excellent! Whenever you have the time, simply stop by and we can begin with anything you'd like.

Will do.

[He's genuinely appreciative of her offer, enough to give her a respectful nod and a smile. The glint in his eyes is more inquisitive though, a curiosity about the species she's mentioned. But he's taken enough of her time as is and she's been more than generous. That's a question he'll save for a later time.

Straightening from his hunched position in front of her screens, he angles himself towards the exit.]

I should probably head back; I've bothered you enough today.

( A nod in return, and a gesture for him to make his exit however he pleases. Shockwave finds him interesting, at least when compared to the man he came to apologize for - not out of liking one more than the other, but just in how two different men could be friends in the first place.

Then again one could say the same about Shockwave and either Dai Atlas or Orion, so perhaps it's not all that strange. )

It's been a pleasure, Barry. Give my regards to Hal Jordan when you see him, won't you?

[Barry smiles and gives Shockwave a nod of the head.]

Of course. He might take it as further encouragement though. [But it doesn't seem like she'll mind too much, which is good. He gives her a small wave before making his way to - and out - the door.] Until next time then.

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