catch-all log

[bolthead]

Characters: Barry Allen + various
Date: throughout November
Location: misc. places
Situation: misc. situations
Warnings/Rating: nnnnnothing crimefighting!! bats being grouchy. barry wanting to touch shockwave's equipment—i mean what.

(ooc: you're more than welcome to drop a starter if you want to tag in, or shoot me a pm/pp me and we'll get something set up!)

Comments

[bolthead]

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.']

[tomemyoutliers]

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.

[bolthead]

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?

[tomemyoutliers]

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?

[bolthead]

[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.

[tomemyoutliers]

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?

[bolthead]

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] .

[tomemyoutliers]

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.

[bolthead]

[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.

[tomemyoutliers]

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.

[bolthead]

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.

[tomemyoutliers]

( 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?

[bolthead]

[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.