{*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*] *~Multiverse Mysteries~*[*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*}
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-FutureFalloutVerse*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
*~8~*
Chapter: 3
First Date...I-I mean Day...
{*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^} *-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-* {*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^}Hmm...made it through the gate with no issue...well no real issues in any case.
He's past the front desk, sitting in the lobby. Well...setting, fidgeting and spinning, tapping out a nervous rhythm on the arm as his leg bounces erratically- half in excitement half in worry there's gonna be some setback and he's just gonna be escorted right back out...same difference.
Kinda to be expected...still, so far so good.
Got a few somewhat odd looks from the kinda rough looking security guards at the front desk- a set of very large, very intimidating twins. Well he thinks they were twins. This is Oasis after all- anything's possible; twins, clones, super realistic holograms, cybernetic roboguards; really the possibilities are endless...though most of those would be like super illegal so probably not.
On the other hand he kinda gets the feeling the whole time travel thing would ALSO be pretty illegal if anyone actually believed in it...so...uh...yeah. Hopefully it's just twins. That's the most sane/law abiding answer.
Yeah...h-he's going with twins...he knows Oasis is advanced but that'd be a bit of a leap...he thinks. Though gotta admit having access to time travel, an entire roster of highly trained military personal and beyond cutting edge scientists and inventors all led by a very fashionable but totally bat crap crazy mad scientist and near certain supervillain DOES kinda makes him wonder.
N-no...no it doesn't. They're twins...totally. Just twins...hopefully.
Really h-
"Simon Lewis?"
Simon startles out of his spiraling thoughts, jumping out of the seat too fast, taking a few clumsy steps to keep himself from getting tangled in his own feet and ending up flat on the floor. He managed to right himself, reaching up on instinct, balancing Becks so he's not thrown off from the stumble, casting a quick, sheepishly apologetic look over at the little tredectipod.
"Sorry Becks."
He glared, giving a series of agitated dolphin like clicks and squeaks. Simon sighed, holding his free hand up in an apologetic gesture.
"Yeah I know- again sorry. You know how jumpy I can get when I start spinning...and at least this time you didn't fall off...right?"
Becks huffed faintly, ocular sensor rolling, a couple of the front appendages flickering a bit before giving a little half shrug and nod, one feeler shifting up, lightly patting Simon's head, a couple little beeps emitting. Simon chuckled slightly, flashing a warm grin at the obnoxiously endearing little contraption.
"Well thanks...I appreciate the vote of confidence. Good to know you believe in me."
Becks shrugged, a series of beeps and squeaks emanating, giving a little 'eh' wave with one feeler before gesturing towards themselves, setting up a bit straighter. Simon snorted, shaking his head disbelievingly at the snarky arrogance, reaching up, lightly nudging him.
"Hey now- I'm the one who got the job. You're like my mascot."
Becks very distinctively scoffed, ocular sensor widening, shaking his head, a quick, rapid fire stream of squeaks, beeps and boops emitting, giving a little wave, gesturing towards Simon.
Simon laughed, shaking his head animatedly.
"Oh I am NOT the mascot! And a-"
"Ahem..."
Simon and Becks both startle, freezing in place before turning their collective gaze from each other to their- apparently very amused- audience. A young Indian woman in a chic, stylish deep violet pants suit paired with a light green blouse and smart black heels about Simon's age was leaning against the wall beside a deep red door, a smirk tugging at her lips, eyebrow quirking in amusement and curiosity.
The woman was quite pretty with wide, oddly bright, deep brown eyes, a rich golden skintone, and jet black hair pulled up into a high, tight ponytail accentuating her sharply pretty features. Simon swallowed, blushing faintly, awkwardly raising his hand, giving a sheepish wave, a gesture mirrored near perfectly by Becks on his shoulder.
"Umm...h-hey..."
The woman's oddly bright, deep eyes sparkled in amusement, smirk picking up a tic, chuckling softly, raising her hand, giving a fluttering little wave right back.
"Hi."
Simon flushed brighter, shifting, nervously reaching up, tucking a few errant caramel brown curls behind his ear, glancing over again at Becks, gesturing.
"Uh so...this um...t-"
The woman chuckled again, pushing off the wall, giving a dismissive little wave, flashing a bright smile.
"Relax; Mags, Bindy and Alec already mentioned the robo-dramatics, you're fine." She paused just in front of Simon.
"Simon Lewis, lovely to meet you. I'm Raphael's assistant Divya Nadim. We tend not to stand on formality here. Titles just gum up the works- plus they're long and complicated and quite frankly you really don't have time to deal with runaway egos when you're dealing with runaway extinct beasts, time travel and travelers, military contracts, and an entire facility filled to the brim with mad scientists just barely kept on the rails.
Welcome by the way." She chuckled, flashing an overly exaggeratedly bright smile, extending her hand.
Simon gave a surprised laugh, reaching forward. Divya's smile shifted to something less teasing, more genuinely friendly, taking his hand in an unexpectedly strong handshake, squeezing tightly before pulling away, gaze shifting from Simon over to Becks on his shoulder, head tilting, gaze shifting over the little tredectipod in curiosity and interest.
"And you must be Becks. Lovely to meet you as well."
Becks perked up, color shifting to a cheery, sunny yellow, giving a happy chattery sound, raising one feeler waving near shyly. Divya chuckled, expression warming all the more, lifting her hand, gingerly holding a finger out. Beck reached forward, tendril wrapping around, giving a bit of a hand shake. Divya grinned, eyes sparking brighter with a clearly impressed, curious light.
"Mags told me all about you, I've been really looking forward to meeting you Becks. Welcome to the team, I'm sure you're gonna love it here."
Becks trilled happily, puffing up, multiple front tendrils waving animatedly gesturing around at the building and to her, emitting an excited series of squeaks, boops and clicks before pausing, realizing she couldn't understand him. He glanced over at Simon, nudging him, gesturing impatiently towards Divya, clearly wanting him to translate. Simon laughed, rolling his eyes affectionately, tilting his head towards Becks, grinning.
"He says it's nice to meet you- he's really excited to be on the team as well and he knows he'll love it here. He also said he really likes your suit. It's his favorite color."
Divya chuckled, smile tugging up a bit more, glancing from Becks over to Simon than back.
"Well I am glad to hear that, and thank you. I actually knew it was your favorite color. Mags told me, glad you like it. Both he and Alec mentioned what exceptional fashion sense you had. Kinda wanted to make a good impression." She grinned, leaning forward conspiratorially.
"Besides I'm good leaving Alec as the only fashionably mockable one."
Becks gave a bright, musical little trill, tendrils fluttering, nodding eagerly before pausing. His head tilted, a series of dolphin like clicks emitting, giving a little shrug, rolling his ocular sensor, very obviously gesturing over to Simon before again very obviously rolling his ocular sensor in exaggerated exasperation.
"Hey!"Simon exclaimed, casting an annoyed glance over at the obnoxiously critical little brat.
Divya snickered, bright, deep eyes sparkling in amusement.
"Umm...Yeah that one pretty sure I got."
Simon huffed, shaking his head, cheeks flushing lightly, giving a put upon, slightly pleadingly hopeful look.
"Can you maybe at least pretend you didn't?"
Divya gave a warm, delighted laugh, a brilliant, near infectious grin blooming, nodding, flashing a playful wink and a little thumbs up.
"Sure thing Cutie."
Simon flushed brighter at the little endearment or whatever it was, sheepishly smiling, nodding back, reaching up, tucking a few wayward caramel brown curls back behind his ear.
"Umm...T-thanks..."
Divya chuckled softly, moving over next to him, slipping her arm around his shoulders, careful not to disrupt Becks perch, turning, leading him over towards the door.
"No problem cutie. Now come on, let's get you in the system so we can get started."
Simon blushed brighter, feeling his ears warm knowing the bright pink was creeping up even higher, stumbling to keep up with her graceful stride. They stopped just in front of the door. Divya moved her arm from around Simon's shoulders, shifting over a bit, reaching up, pressing her hand to a nearly invisible pad along the side of the door. Above the panel a small area shimmered, shifting in an odd, near dizzying way, two illuminated circles appearing along the wall, a little blue-green circle and a glowing red one just above it.
Divya leaned in, turning her head faintly, looking directly into the blue light. A brilliant blue-green beam emitted, flickering over her eye. The red light above it glowed bright, color shifting from red to a brilliant, glimmering green.
Simon startled at what sounded an awful lot like an airlock unlocking, the door swinging open without so much as a sound. Simon begins to step forward but Divya reached over, catching his arm, pulling him back. She reached forward, catching the door, pulling it back closed, the airlock sounding yet again. Simon glanced over curiously, Divya smiled, nodding towards the panel.
"Like I said, we need to get you in the system, I wanted you to see how to do it so when we're done you know how to unlock it. Just a sec."
She again put her hand on the pressure pad, pressing and holding for a few seconds until the light above it flickered, shifting from blue to violet. She pulled his hand back, the panel shifting again, turning over, revealing a complicated keypad filled with odd, totally unfamiliar looking symbols that Simon couldn't even begin to process. He couldn't help leaning forward in interest to get a better look.
Divya glanced over, smirking faintly before turning her attention back to the panel. She reached up, fingers flying over the pad, putting in a complicated mess of a pattern or code or something. The light flashed again, and kept flashing. The panel turned over again to the smooth looking pad. This time the entire pad glowed an odd, ethereal blue-green the same exact shade and intensity as the light.
Divya smiled, glancing again over at Simon, waving him a bit closer, nodding towards the panel.
"Kay it's all ready, press your palm flat against the pressure pad then lean in and look directly into the blue-green light and stay perfectly still. It's gonna impute your palm print and retina scan and set up your credentials. This way you'll be able to move about the building freely and unlock the doors. It's a bit easier if you don't need an escort everywhere.
It only takes about fifteen to twenty seconds for it to finish imputing your credentials but it seems longer when you're just waiting, trying not to move or blink.
It's best if you do a countdown or list or something in your head to keep your focus...seems to help. I know some people try to go through the table of elements or the alphabet backwards or something like that. Think Mags went through a list of his top fifty Divas of all time. Just anything that'll keep you focused and relatively calm for about half a minute.
It's best if you have what you're gonna focus on figured out before you start so you don't end up blanking during the scan. Once you figure out what you're gonna focus on we can begin.
When you're ready just step forward, press your palm flat against the pad and look straight ahead, focusing on the colored light. The light will shift from the blue-green to a deeper blue, violet, hot pink, bright orange, yellow, and lime green before shifting again to the original blue-green. Once it is completed it will make a little chime letting you know.
Got it?"
Simon swallowed, glancing over the pad then back at her, giving a slight nod.
"I-I think so...Though out of curiosity- and considering my own nervous energy- what happens if I do move or blink or whatever?"
She shrugged dismissively.
"It'll trigger a security breach and instantly vaporize you."
Simon startled, blinking, taking a hesitant step back, eyes widening.
"U-umm...y-you know I actually don't really mind having to have an escort around. Might be good. I-I get lost easy and I am pretty clumsy. Probably for the best if I'm not left unsupervised I m-"
Divya laughed brightly, shaking her head, flashing a warm, teasing smile.
"Oh my god you are so adorable- but way too easy. We gotta work on that, you'll be a setting duck otherwise with this group." She reached up, resting her hand on Simon's shoulder, squeezing.
"Relax I was just messing with you. All that'd happen if you move is it screws up the process and we have to start again. We kind of have a lot to do today, just the tour alone is gonna take a while and things tend to crop up fast here without a lot of warning and we need to be ready. Really don't have the time for all the setbacks." She paused, glancing over, shrugging impishly.
"Unless I was telling the truth the first time and just don't want to scare you off..."
Simon huffed, shaking his head, gesturing towards her.
"Okay I have no clue which of those to believe. They both sound totally plausible and you said both as naturally as breathing. How am I supposed to know which is the truth?"
Divya shrugged, flashing a teasing little smirk.
"You're not. I'm head of PR here. Ninety percent of my job is lying convincingly. I am very good at my job."
Simon snorted, disbelievingly shaking his head.
"I'll say..." He muttered, glancing over the woman, only like seventy-five percent sure she's just screwing with him about the whole vaporizing thing.
He took a deep breath, gaze shifting from Divya over to the panel by the door, scrutinizing gaze shifting over the pad and light, looking for any indicators of some hidden death ray or whatever but finding none. Although as it's a highly classified, highly advanced tech company packed full of mad scientists and led by what seems a hell of a lot like a supervillain that's not in any way surprising...
"So, ready?" Divya asked in an irritatingly chipper tone.
Simon swallowed, glancing over at Becks, brow quirking questioningly. Becks blinked, ocular sensor wide, shifting from Simon over to Divya and back to the door before again settling back on Simon, shrugging, gesturing over to Divya, giving a few dolphin like clicks and boops. Simon huffed out a faint half laugh, rolling his eyes.
"Oh you just think that because you like her style and she complimented you." Simon huffed, shaking his head again, gaze shifting from Becks back over to Divya.
Divya met his gaze, head tilting questioningly.
"Well?"
Simon hesitated a moment, gaze again shifting over to the door before slipping back over to Divya, beginning to shrug before stopping himself, giving a slow, kind of hesitant nod and a slightly flaily little wave.
"Sure...What the hell. Pretty sure you guys didn't go through all that paperwork and hiring drama just to vaporize me for fidgeting."
Divya beamed, nodding back, waving him forward.
"That's the spirit! And you got what you're gonna focus on figured out?"
Simon huffed out a bit of a laugh, nodding again. Divya grinned, beckoning his forward, stepping out of his way. Simon swallowed, moving over to the panel, taking a couple deep breaths to settle the butterflies in his stomach, blinking rapidly a few time to get any nervous blinking out of the way just in case. He shifted forward, slowly reaching up, pressing his hand flat against the pad, hesitantly leaning in like Divya had, focusing on the blue-green light as the colors began to shift softly, mentally listing all his favorite Cryptids:
Jersey Devil... Bigfoot... Ogopogo... Nessie... Mothman... Bunyip... Champ... Chupacabra... Almas... Beast Of Bray Road... Ozark Howler... Yeti... Thunderbird... Kraken... Mngwa... Lizard Man... Lemis-
Simon startles at a little musical tone. He pulls his hand away from the pad, blinking a couple times, feeling a little fuzzy headed and wooly. He swallows, glancing over, catching Divya's eye, head tilting in confusion.
"There you go- all set." Divya chimed, reaching up, squeezing his shoulder, flashing a bright smile.
"Not so bad right?"
Simon gave a bit of an unsure smile back, shaking his head.
"No, though I do kinda feel a little fuzzy."
Divya nodded.
"Yeah...That would be the after effects of the cerebral mapping, electromagnetic plotting and synapsis charting. Kinda gives a bit of a spacy feeling. That's actually why you're instructed to make a list or countdown in your head, it helps it map faster.
Don't worry it'll pass soon."
Simon startled, blinking.
"T-that wha- I thought you said it was just doing a palm and retina scan?"
She shrugged, giving a bit of a wave.
"Well technically what I said was it was preparing your credentials. The palm print and retina scan are part of that but that's just the most basic layer of the security. Those systems are everywhere. Everyone knows about them and far too many know ways around them.
Custom contacts, 3d printed gloves and you're in. This system registers basically everything that makes you…well you. Neural firings, synapsis, electromagnetic micro-transmissions and over a thousand other minute, unique data points. This completely insures that the only person who can use your credentials is you.
Even if someone somehow can perfectly mimic your prints and retina map if everything else doesn't match the person will be instantly immobilized and neutralized- unharmed just rendered unconscious. This triggers a red alert as well as a full scan of the transgressor. By the time security gets to them they will have a compilation of every last bit of digital information of the person...oh it also activates the Rosetta chip that was implanted during the company physical."
Simon gave a low whistle, shaking his head.
"Woah you guys take security really s-wait..." He froze, the end of his sentence catching up, holding up a finger, eyes widening.
"T-the what now?"
Divya gave a deceptively casual shrug, nodding.
"The Rosetta chip. It-"
"W-wait...You chipped me?"
He sighed, head tilting.
"I didn't our medical office-"
"Dani chipped me!? But she seemed so nice!"
"She is sh-"
"Dude! How do you chip someone without telling them-"
"It was covered in the paperwork."
"No it wasn't!"
"Paragraph five, section 2E page 124, sub section EF12: obligatory essential subdermal cranial scion linguistic converter."
Simon blinked rapidly.
"T-tha-wha...what does that even mean!?"
She sighed, holding up her hands placatingly.
"Simon calm-"
"Don't tell me to calm down! You just told me you chipped me! You can't chip someone and just expect them to calm down just because you told them to...unless that's what the chip is for. Which if it is it's SO not working. Oh and FYI? Telling someone to calm down has never-ever actually calmed them down. It just pisses them off more."
Divya huffed out a faint laugh, eyebrow quirking.
"Yes- I am a woman. Well aware."
Simon couldn't help a surprised laugh slipping out before catching himself, glaring.
"Hey don't make me laugh- this is really messed up."
Divya gave a slightly apologetic look, nodding, again holding her hands up.
"I understand."
"Dude t-"
"Just like 'calm down' I know. I know that seems like a glib, placating, meaningless response but it's really not. I do understand that it's upsetting but the chip really is essential. You cannot work here without it- and I know what you're thinking but I swear it's nothing like that.
The chip is a universal translator. It converts any human language you hear or read into your preferred first language. Every language-even extinct dialects and totally dead languages. I know at first glance that doesn't seem like it'd be important enough to warrant the subterfuge but it is.
Working here not only do we have hires from all over the world with over two dozen different preferred first languages working on highly technical- at times very volatile- projects that the slightest miscommunication could be catastrophic but we encounter travelers from the entirety of human history and beyond. We have no idea who or what we are going to encounter on a daily bases but being able to communicate smoothly and clearly, without the worry of misinterpretation can be the difference between life and death.
It really can...has been...quite a few times in fact.
I genuinely do apologize for the sneakiness of it but the chip itself is classified. It is completely safe, thoroughly tested and vetted and actually has been in use by us for over a decade and a handful of military and espionage agencies for nearly four years but other than that the only people who know about it are the people here. And as it is technically classified as a military contract- though it was never intended to be- we're barred from divulging the specifics of it to anyone who is not officially an Oasis employee.
And thanks to the legal oroboros that is the companies legal definitions, technicalities and mindboggling eccentricities you're only considered an official Oasis employee when you're in the security system and fully capable of fulfilling your duties...which can't be done until you have the chip...which..."
Simon sighed, waving.
"Means you can't tell people about the chip until they actually have the chip."
Divya huffed, rolling her eyes, nodding.
"Exactly. I know how crappy it seems. Believe me; I know.
It didn't use to be this way. We had the chip from the very start of the company- had it over half a decade and were totally upfront about it. Explained the whole thing plainly and honestly to new hires beforehand; never any issue.
Then one idiot tanks his presentation for a government contract, panics and offers the Rosetta chip up in its place. Now we have to do this whole bait and switch, deception crap just because one idiot couldn't come through on a stupid little sonic disturbance ray.
Amateur...I mean honestly, who can't tell the difference between subsonic and ionic?"
Simon blinked, giving a slight nod at the expecting look.
"Um...Ironic."
Divya blinked back before shaking her head, chuckling, meeting Simon's eyes, flashing another apologetically hopeful smile.
"Cute...so...no hard feelings?"
Simon sighed, giving a bit of an unsure shrug.
"I don't think so...At least I'll try not to have any. I get it. Still seems really messed up but if your hands are tied your hands are tied."
Divya nodded.
"And they really are here. Annoyingly so. Trust me we have went at this from every angle trying to find a better way but unless we want to blatantly go against a direct government order we can't. We're all for bending the rules, finding ways to twist them and make them work to our needs but we generally try to stay on the right side of the government. Raph has enough of a Supervillianish vibe going on as it is, probably best not to add any more fuel to that fire.
At least it won't be like this for too much longer. The government contract exclusivity ends in less than two years. At that time we can market it to the public- albeit a less advanced version...similar to the one we gave the military. Then we can dispense with the stupidity. Unfortunately until then this is the best we can do. If it helps the whole random blindsiding surprise chipping is most likely gonna be the worst part of the day. It should all be downhill from here.
And I promise once you get past the - for lack of a better word- invasiveness of it the chip really is pretty freaking amazing. Honestly it's one of the best benefits of working here."
Simon shrugged faintly, giving a slight nod, reaching up, tucking a few caramel brown curls behind his ear.
"Yeah, I guess I could see that. Sounds like it would be. So how long does it take to start working?"
"It already is."
Simon blinked in confusion, head tilting.
"Huh?"
Divya smirked, eyebrow quirking, deep eyes sparkling brightly.
"Did you notice since we did the scan a bit of an accent here or there when I was talking? Kinda seemed to shift? Nothing super distinct just enough that you could pick it up?"
Simon shrugged.
"I-well...Yeah...a bit...kinda, I wasn't really paying attention to it cause I was kinda pissed but...yeah...I noticed. Why, what about it?"
She chuckled, smirking brighter.
"In the last thirty minutes I've cycled through seven different languages: French, Italian, Hindi, Russian, Mandarin, Cherokee and an extinct precursor to Croatian. You've understood every word...even replied in a few of them."
Simon again froze, blinking rapidly. He slowly shook his head.
"W-wha-no...No you didn't...I didn't. I don't speak any of those. I'm horrible with other languages. Like the worst. My friends won't even let me order of we go for anything more international than Taco Bell. The Thai place across the street from my school literally added pictures to their menu so I could just point. I took a full semester of French in high school and all I learned how to say is 'I don't speak French' and 'Nerd'...that's it."
Divya grinned, shaking his head.
"Not anymore."
Simon shook his head again, flailing a bit.
"I what? No...Uh uh...you're pulling my leg. You have to be! There's no way it works that good, that quick."
She laughed, giving a bit of a wave.
"I'm not. If you don't believe me ask Becks. Actually? Even if you do believe me maybe talk to him. Poor little guy looks very confused right now."
Simon blinked, glancing over at Becks, gesturing towards her.
"Is that true?"
Becks bounced lightly on his shoulder, feelers flailing in a very Simon-esque way, a series of frantic beeps, boops, clicks and trills sounding, erratically gesturing between Simon and Divya and then back. Simon again blinked in surprise.
"Really? I was?"
Becks nodded animatedly squeaking and flailing. Simon's eyes widened, shaking his head faintly, looking from the clearly rattled little tredectipod back over to Divya, swallowing, gesturing at Becks.
"Umm...O-okay...so he said I've been speaking other languages...apparently perfectly. He kinda was starting to think there was some kind of mind swap going on there as two of the languages aren't in his servers so...um...yeah...it works...cool.
Umm...I-Is there a way I can keep from slipping into other languages cause uh...that might raise a few questions."
Divya chuckled, nodding, waving him off.
"Of course. It's fairly simple, there's a whole section in the employee welcome datapac. It should be in your company mail- which you'll now be able to log into from your lab, t-"
Simon startled.
"Wait, my what?"
Divya smirked, head tilting, eyebrow raising pointedly.
"Your lab...all Oasis scientists have their own lab to work on both their assignments as well as any pet projects they choose. Though fair warning if anything you're working on has the potential of being a security risk, threat or requires controlled materials or runs counter to the autonomous artificial intelligence baseline or any other legally sticky, not-totally-permitted science/tech restrictions there's some pretty extensive paper work you need to fill out and submit and the project will be subject to more supervisory assessments and require a fair bit more updates than the standard.
Again it's all outlined in the datapac." She paused, glancing over at Becks.
"Technically Internal communications aren't permitted to leave the building but I'll be sure to send another copy to Becks so he'll know the rules and limitations as well seeing as for all intents and purposes he's a new hire too...also this way he can go through it and read every bit so both of you know we're being transparent from here on out." She flashed a little smile at Becks before shifting again over to Simon, giving a faint shrug.
"And I really am sorry for misleading you- both about the Rosetta chip and the extensiveness of the security scan. I'd say it wasn't intentional but that'd be a lie."
Simon snorted, eyebrow quirking.
"Well if anything at least you're honest about this...I think...It's really hard to tell with you."
Divya chuckled, flashing a playfully teasing wink.
"Again kinda my job...Which I am very good at."
Simon gave a disbelieving little laugh, nodding like a bobblehead before glancing back over at the door, nerves slipping away, being replaced by eagerness at the prospect of his own lab and his own projects, gesturing towards the panel.
"Um...so...I'm in now? I'm good?"
Divya grinned.
"Yup, all set- no escaping now. You're one of us."
Simon snorted, brow quirking.
"That supposed to sound so ominous?"
Divya smirked, shrugging.
"Maybe. Ready to give it a try?"
Simon nodded eagerly, moving forward, again pressing his hand to the pad, looking into the light. It flickers over his eye before flashing green, the airlock sound emanating again, door swinging open.
"Woah, awesome!" Simon exclaimed, bouncing lightly unable to stop a bright excited grin.
Dude he was in...Like IN in...He's a real, like Oasis employee. He has credentials and a translator chip and his very own lab!
This is j-
"Umm...Simon? Coming?"
He startled, snapping out of it, hurrying to catch up to Divya already a quarter way down the hall, coming to a near skidding stop next to her, reaching up on instinct, stabilizing Becks, turning to face Divya with a bright, near giddy smile, near bouncing on his heels.
Divya chuckled, smiling brightly, slipping her arm around his shoulders, the duo continuing down the hallway. Divya squeezed his shoulder, leaning into him for just a moment, another little laugh slipping out.
"Oh my god you are so cute! Really happy to have you on the team."
Simon flushed, glancing over nervously, a nervous little laugh slipping out.
Oookay that was like the fourth time she's said that. It was sweet and objectively Divya was really attractive but quite frankly the girl kinda scared him.
She seemed very interesting and he'd really like to have her as a friend (if anything because he has the feeling it's much safer on the girls good side) but he really didn't want anything beyond that. He should probably be upfront about it. The last thing he'd want to do is lead her on. Pretty sure that'd kinda fly in the face of the whole 'stay on her good side' thing.
Simon shifted away a bit, glancing over, reaching up, awkwardly scratching at the back of his neck.
"Uh...Thanks. H-hey Divya...umm...no offense but I'm n-I mean you're really pretty and clearly smart and kind of weirdly attractively intimidating which I guess is a thing but I'm just not real-"
And again with the laugher. This one wasn't even the mildly amused chuckle, Divya full on giggled, shaking her head, waving him off.
"Oh cutie no...Stop panicking. When I said 'cute' I meant like a puppy. Most definitely not in any kind of a romantic type way. SO not my thing- and that's not a you thing it's most definitely a me thing.
I'm ace, Aro and just so completely not interested in any of that mess." She paused, humor falling a bit, glancing over, eyebrow quirking in unmistakable challenge.
"You don't have an issue with that...Do you?"
Simon startled, head shaking quickly.
"No ma'am."
Divya's brow rose a tic more.
"Ma'am?"
"Umm...sir?"
How did the brow even go that high? Seems like that should pull something.
Simon did a half shrug, half flail, animatedly waving, cheeks heating up.
"What? What's with the look? You are weirdly intimidating and I'm trying to be respectful and answer properly and again no issue- but seriously I don't know what to call you! Ms. Seems like it wouldn't fit, Dude seems WAY too informal and Miss seems like it'd get even more of a judgey eyebrow raise than sir...I don't know what to call you."
"Again we can just stick with Divya." She chuckled, oddly bright, deep eyes sparkling, shaking her head continuing to the end of the hallway.
Simon paused a moment, blinking before hesitantly trailing along in no way less confused, the pair reaching the end of the hallway. Divya turned gracefully, giving a dramatic, fluttering wave towards the large, ornate wooden door just in front of them.
"And continuing with the 'weirdly intimidating' theme here's Raph's office."
Simon couldn't help a laugh, shaking his head, glancing at the door before shifting back to her.
"Almost like you planned that."
Divya smirked impishly, head tilting.
"Who says I didn't?"
"Okay NOW you're screwing with me."
"Am I?"
Simon snorted, rolling his eyes, giving a sarcastic look.
"Yes...You'd have to be. Either you're screwing with me or you're some kind of robot."
Divya smirked, brow again quirking, shrugging dismissively.
"Well this IS Oasis...Anything's possible."
Simon blinked, a little flicker of doubt flitting through his mind, thinking back to his impression of the Guard Twins from the front desk before catching the little amused smile tugging at Divya's lips. He huffed exasperatedly, again rolling his eyes, catching a squeaking little dolphin like laugh from Becks on his shoulder. His head whipped around, glaring at the little brat.
"Yeah remember this next time you're down for maintenance. I still have the Yoda ears you know..."
Becks startled, the sound cutting off abruptly. Divya chuckled, shaking her head, giving a slight wave.
"Hey now, don't threaten the poor little guy. It's not his fault you're so gullible. And Becks I'm sure you totally made the Yoda ears work. That takes a lot of style- very few can pull something like that off. You're gonna fit in perfectly here.
We'll work on Simon." She finished, smiling at Becks, flashing a little wink.
Becks perked up, giving a chipper little string of chatter, setting up a bit straighter, nodding, shifting to a bright, cheery yellow, tendrils fluttering and flailing, gesturing to Divya and her suit, waving animatedly, shifting projecting a little 3d hologram of Magnus from their first meeting, pointing towards his shoes and the jewelry and the stylish purple jeans.
Divya giggled, nodding eagerly, pointing.
"Oh absolutely- Mags would love to help. He lives for Fashion Emergencies- they're his specialty. It'll be a group effort."
Becks ocular sensor brightened, giving an eager little trill, bouncing in place. Simon rolled his eyes affectionately, groaning, shaking his head, unable to stop a chuckle from slipping out, reaching up, covering his eyes.
"Oh my god. Maybe I am the mascot here..." He muttered.
Divya laughed, smirking, reaching up, patting his cheek.
"Definitely cute enough to be."
Simon huffed, heatlessly glaring, giving a thoroughly unimpressed look. Divya just laughed more.
"That does not help with the cuteness."
Simon waved her off, feeling his cheeks heat up, reaching up, tucking a few wayward caramel brown curls behind his no doubt by now bright pink ear.
"Yeah, yeah, can we just get on with this? Or at least past my robot plotting with my new coworkers or him fawning over said new coworkers respective fashion senses.
Can we move onto the next part of the tour?"
Divya smirked, brow rising yet again.
"The next part is meeting Raph."
Simon sighed, rolling not only his eyes but his whole head.
"So that's a no..."
Divya snorted, patting his shoulder not-at-all-sympathetically, reaching over, resting her hand on the knob.
"Yup...Sorry cutie." She chuckled once more, turning the knob, pushing the door open, slipping inside, holding it for Simon.
Simon sighed, taking a deep breath, moving into the room, momentarily thrown, realizing it wasn't nearly as dark and foreboding as it was the last time before noticing exactly why. The window at the front of the office wasn't opaque this time, it was crystal clear.
On his shoulder Becks made a high whistle sound, he could feel him freeze, leaning forward, Simon gave a breathless little laugh, nodding.
"I know..." He mumbled, moving across the room, gaze fixated on the view.
He slipped through the office and around the chairs and desk, moving closer till he was less than a foot from the glass, gaze shifting over the amazing fantasy park come to life down below. He swallowed, blinking, leaning in a bit more, reaching up, lightly pressing his hand against the glasslike material. Becks shifted even closer, reaching up pressing multiple tendrils against the surface, blinking in astonishment, seemingly freezing before lightly bouncing on his shoulder, reaching over with two tendrils, nudging Simon before gesturing through the window, a bright, excited trail of trilling, booping, squeaks emitting.
Simon chuckled, glancing over, nodding eagerly before shifting his gaze back to the window.
"I know Becks...I see it too. I saw it before, remember. See? This is what I meant when I said I couldn't really explain it. How would you even begin to explain this?"
Becks chirped excitedly, nodding before shifting yet again back to the view, the low whistle sounding once more. Simon couldn't help a slightly giddy near giggle, nodding back, a radiant, completely amazed, grin blooming.
"I know! I mean it's just totally, completely, absolutely -"
"Breathtaking."
Simon startled at the voice mere inches from his ear, popping back, , whirling to face the voice, eyes landing on the speaker. Simon felt his breath catch, mind screeching to a stop, mouth going dry, eyes widening.
Oh...wow...
From his shoulder Simon distantly registered the same low whistle from the view from Becks...this one was not directed at the view, but something no less stunning, Simon unable to help a little faintly shaky nod of agreement...
Again...
Wow.
Raphael is standing next to him, less than a foot away and oh man he thought he'd been somehow romanticizing or exaggerating just how gorgeous the man was.
If anything he downplayed it.
Geez...
He looks even better than he did the first day. Deep, glimmering near black hair immaculate, looking both perfectly styled and distractingly soft, flawlessly accentuating his gorgeously sharp, stunning features. His dizzyingly dark eyes glitter bright and mesmerizing.
He's dressed somehow both even better and slightly more casual today wearing a flawlessly fitted black vest with very subtle red pin striping, perfectly brought out by the rich, brilliant red shirt underneath. The top two buttons on the shirt are unbuttoned and the sleeves are rolled up, both giving the outfit a more casual air and distractingly accentuating very nice arms and shoulders.
Simon gulped, blinking rapidly, reaching up, nervously tucking a few caramel brown curls behind his ear, feeling kind of lightheaded and near tipsy. He feels his cheeks heat up, the flush creeping up clear to his ears but unable to do much about it except give a shy, nervous little laugh and an awkward-no doubt embarrassingly geeky wave.
"Um...H-hi Raphael."
Raphael smirked, pretty, dizzyingly dark eyes flickering over Simon, shifting closer.
"Hello Angel."
Simon flushed even brighter, shaking his head, reaching up, again fussing with his curls.
"Oh uh...I-It's actually Simon."
Raphael's head tilted, perfectly sculpted brow quirking, those pretty eyes again flickering over Simon, a fair bit slower this time, carelessly shrugging.
"I know."
Simon couldn't help a painfully embarrassing giggle slipping out before his eyes widen, freezing, glancing away, reaching up, covering his face which at this point feels like it's on fire, wondering if he was just gonna spontaneously combust from embarrassment.
Oh my god...he did not just giggle like a freaking school girl just because his stupidly-unfairly-mind-numbingly attractive boss said freaking hello.
Damnit that is j-
He's startled out of his self-beratement by a somewhat loud, very distinct whistle from his shoulder.
And again Simon froze...This time so does Raphael and Divya before collectively raising eyebrows in eerily perfect sync.
It'd be creepy if Simon wasn't busy freaking out.
Oh good lord...His robosquid just freaking wolf whistled at his boss! Oh man…Oh my god...can he get to the whole spontaneous combustion thing...please?
It's gotta be less painful than this...
Simon flailed, head whipping around, glaring.
"Becks! What the hell? Don't do that! Never do that- it is rude and obnoxious a-and just like SO not cool. How do you even know that sound?! What have you been watching?I swear when we get home I'm uploading every documentary, film and lecture on proper workplace conduct." Simon sent another censoring glare at Becks, gaze shifting from him to his (hopefully still) new boss, holding his hands up placatingly.
"I- Oh my god, du-er Mr. Santiago I am so, so, so, SO sorry. He doesn't do that- he never does that, and I swear he'll never do it again. I promise. He is SO not like this. I think you just caught him off guard- Oh! -not that I'm saying it was your fault o-"
Raphael chuckled softly, moving closer, reaching over, lightly resting his hand on Simon's arm, giving a dismissive little wave with his other hand and a surprisingly warm, reassuring smile.
"Simon, it's fine...breathe- pretty sure I can hear your heartbeat from here. And again Raphael's quite alright...or Raph if you are so inclined. It's what those closest to me usually go with..." He squeezed Simon's arm again before slowly trailing down his arm, thumb lightly brushing against Simon's pulse point, causing his breath to catch, heart doing a little flip, an excited little shiver slipping through him.
Those pretty, deep eyes flicker down to his arm before shifting, very slowly trailing back up, again catching Simon's eyes. He hums softly, head tilting, shifting forward a little more, thumb idly stroking against his wrist. His head tilted the other way, the deep, penetrating gaze making Simon feel breathless and weak-kneed.
"Your pulse is really racing Simon."
Gee wonder why Simon thought...
Thought...not said...for once...
Simon gulped, shifting forward minutely before catching himself, startling, pulling back- and subtly pulling his wrist away from Raphael- reaching up, brushing his hair back, giving a nervous, slightly too high half laugh.
"W-well yeah- apparently that's what happens when your totally beloved usually much more well behaved robosquid's first impression on your new boss is a freaking wolf whistle.
A-again sorry...I swear he won't do it again, and he'll apologize-" He paused, glancing over at Becks, nodding towards the other man.
"Apologize to him."
Becks startled, nodding, tendrils flickering rapidly, flailing about, ocular sensor widening, colors shifting from the bright orange to a muted lime green, giving a rapid fire string of beeps, boops, squeaks and trills, launching into a long, complicated explanation, color shifting brighter and brighter before seemingly realizing Raphael couldn't understand a word of it, rolling his ocular sensor, shaking his head, slumping faintly, giving a slightly hopeless shrug.
He sighed, making a little fluttering movement, a glimmering holographic projection of prismatic colors illuminating in front of him, colors shifting, rolling and turning, forming the letters for 'I'm Sorry' along with a little sad faced emoji at the end.
Raphael blinked a few times in surprise before seemingly startling, giving a faint nod to Becks.
"Thank you Becks. Nice to meet you by the way."
Becks froze in a very Simon-esque move, giving a very distinctive groan like sound, one feeler raising up, covering his ocular sensor, shaking his head faintly before moving the tendril away, raising it giving a sheepish, near shy little wave.
Simon nodded like a bobble head, leaning into his natural rapid- breathless Simon-babble in hopes he can get everything out in time.
"Oookay then-anyways introductions- Becks this is Raphael Santiago, the head of Oasis and my-our- new boss who has been nice enough to fight through a mountain of paper work to give us this opportunity that we do not want to screw up...Especially on the very first day." He paused, flashing a slightly nervous smile, gesturing up towards the Tredectipod.
"Raphael hi again...Nice to see you...again, thank you for the job- a-again- damnit stupid word loop...sorry-happens sometimes, just ignore it- it'll pass, they always do. Sorry for the random robo- obnoxiousness. Won't happen aga-er anymore...
W-well okay not gonna lie he will be obnoxious- a lot...like a LOT a lot- but not that kind of obnoxious. More in a snarky fashion-critical drama queen kinda way- though it's not like that's gonna be an issue with you cause you look l-uh I-I mean...totally won't be an issue here.
It really does grow on you after a while and despite the snark and fashionista tendencies he actually is very intelligent and super productive and totally, completely irreplaceable. He's been through dozens of rifts and can compile data faster than any system that I know of. He has the data from every anomaly I've ever encountered compiled, sorted, cross-referenced and analyzed. I really couldn't do my job without him...I'm really- really, really hoping I won't have to try to find a way to...cause I don't think I can...
I-I wouldn't even try."
Becks startled on his shoulder, turning to face him, head shaking, squeaking and clicking, gesturing animatedly at the window.
"I know Becks- and yes it is." Simon sighed, shrugging, reaching up, lightly brushing against his head, calming him, smiling softly, gaze shifting from the little tredectipod back over to Raphael, again giving a faint shrug.
"Sorry M-uh-Raphael. I know that seems super pushy and demanding on my first day- in my first hour- in our first official meeting.
That's really NOT me-"
Raphael gave a soft chuckle, brow quirking, a faint smirk tugging at his pretty lips.
"Our first meeting seems to disprove that."
Simon flushed brightly, fidgeting, giving a nervous nod, holding a finger up.
"O-okay so it kind of does- but I'm really not...Except when it's something really really important. Like this once in a lifetime job...Or Becks. Especially Becks.
He's been by my side for over eight years. He's indispensable and obnoxious and sometimes a colossal pain but h-he's...He's Becks.
He's one of my best friends. He's like family...
W-well not like- he is my family. And this job is amazing but there's no way I could just abandon him for it. I know he'd try to hide it but he'd be absolutely crushed if I went to work here every day and he had to stay behind.
We're a package deal. I really couldn't imagine working here without him. I-I won't work here without him." He swallowed, looking up, meeting Raphael's gaze head on.
Raphael held his gaze, lingering a few moments before relaxing, giving a slight shrug, a hint of a smile tugging at his pretty lips.
"Well then it's quite fortunate you won't have to."
Both Simon and Becks started, shifting forward hopefully.
"W-what? Really?"
Becks leaned forward eagerly, giving a soft, cautious little chirp, ocular sensor widening, clasping two tendrils together, giving the best hopeful puppy look ever displayed by a technically inanimate being.
Raphael blinked curiously, head tilting faintly, a bright, inquisitive flicker shimmering in those gorgeously dark eyes. He gives a soft, somewhat disbelieving little chuckle, flashing a warm smile, leaning in, gaze flickering over to Simon.
"Yes really...Seems like a wonderful addition to the team, both of you. He can stay." He smiled again, catching Simon's eyes, lingering momentarily before shifting over to Becks, flashing a gentle smile.
He reaches up, holding out a finger much like Divya had.
Becks shifted forward nervously, cautiously reaching out, tendril wrapping around his finger, giving a light shake, a shy little squeaking sound emitting, gesturing nervously with one of his front tendrils.
Raphael smiled, glancing over at Simon, brow quirking. Simon startled faintly, flushing, bouncing lightly on his heels.
"Oh umm...He said he really is sorry, it was totally unintentional and he's especially sorry if he offended you- it wasn't his intention. Ninety percent of what he says people don't understand so he forgets sometime what humans can and can't understand meaning he doesn't really have a functioning brain to speech center filter- which kinda ends up landing him in hot water..." Simon laughed softly, shrugging, a self-deprecating little smile tugging at his lips, nodding towards him.
"One of the many things we have in common."
Raphael chuckled softly, shifting forward a bit, gaze flickering over Simon curiously.
"So your brain to speech-center filter doesn't work?"
Simon giggled softly, shrugging, feeling his cheeks warm, shifting closer, reaching up, tucking a few caramel brown curls behind his ear.
"Well it does...Just nowhere near as fast as my ACTUAL speech-center. It's basically in a never ending game of catch up and frantic damage control. A lot of my internal thoughts don't always manage to actually stay internal...and I don't realize it until I see someone reacting to something I thought was just in my head. I've been told it's pretty entertaining...at least when it's not totally mortifying."
Raphael gave a surprisingly warm laugh, those pretty, deep eyes flickering over Simon, causing his heart to do that annoying little flippy thing again.
"Looking forward to it."
Simon huffed out a laugh, giving a playfully exasperated look, and purposefully fake smile.
"Great."
Raphael nodded eagerly.
"Isn't it?"
Simon couldn't help a little laugh, rolling his eyes, subconsciously slipping closer, tucking a few curls behind his ear before glancing up, hesitantly meeting Raphael gaze, brow raising hopefully.
"So he's okay?"
Raphael's head tilted.
"He-oh Becks. Yes...of course." He smiled, gaze slipping from Simon over to Becks, meeting his Ocular sensor, head tilting graciously, giving a bit of a wave.
"Don't give it another thought little one. Besides I kinda get that a lot...guess I just have that effect." He smirked, leaning in, flashing a cheeky little wink.
Becks gave what sounded a hell of a lot like a giggle, color slipping from bright forest green to a brilliant rosy blush pink, shifting, stumbling a bit. Simon reaching up quickly, just managing to catch and steady the suddenly wobbly tendriled little Tredectipod.
D-did he seriously just make a freaking robot giggle, blush and near faint?
Crap what chance does poor Simon have at this?!
Simon blinked in confusion, looking from Becks over to an irritatingly smirky Raphael, leaning back a bit, looking past Raphael over to Divya in confusion.
Divya chuckled, shrugging unconcerned, head tilting towards Raphael.
"Yeah...He kinda has that effect too."
"I-wh-that's j-d..." Simon trailed off, blinking rapidly before just shaking his head, deciding to lean into the crazy, taking a deep breath, glancing back up, smiling faintly.
"Well if anything we got the introductions out of the way. On the plus side I didn't get the fashion critique/tredectipod fangirling I thought was coming so I guess there is that. Don't get me wrong- I know they're coming but I'm perfectly fine putting them off a bit.
Besides I really am looking forward to Divya's tour o-"
"Actually It's not gonna be my tour." Divya cut in, shifting forward, gesturing towards his holowatch, giving an apologetic shrug.
"Something came up-"
Raphael glanced over, brow quirking.
"It did? I didn't hear anything."
Divya smirked back.
"I have it on silent."
"You don't usually."
"Well I do today."
"W-" Raphael began only to be abruptly cut off by a totally dismissive wave from Divya, turning to him, smiling.
"Sorry again Simon. I know you were looking forward to the tour but I really do need to take this, very important, totally unavoidable."
Simon deflated a bit, giving a slight nod.
"Oh um... O-okay...we could just do it later. Maybe just show me where I'll be working a-"
Divya shook his head.
"Well that won't work. You definitely need a tour. There's a lot to process here, and the best way to do that is with a tour. I really don't have the time b...hmm..." She trailed off, glancing over, eyes sparking bright, something seemingly occurring to her.
"Hey, you know what? Raph here has a super light schedule this morning. He could show you around."
Simon startled, glancing between the two, shaking his head nervously.
"Oh umm...N-he's the head of the company. He has to have more important things t-I couldn't ask him to...I mean that's j..." He trailed off, shaking his head again, glancing away, cheeks warming.
Raphael met Divya's gaze, seemingly an entire conversation contained in one look. He shifted a bit before taking a deep breath, shaking his head, gaze shifting from Divya to Simon, leaning in a bit, catching his eye, flashing a surprisingly soft smile.
"I am, I don't, and you didn't ask, I offered. W-well okay Divya offered; but I'd be more than happy to show you around."
Simon blinked.
"I-y-you would?"
Raphael smiled, nodding.
"Yes."
Angie chuckled, head shaking.
"Wow; who knew supervillains were so accommodating." Simon thought.
Raphael blinked, giving a surprised laugh, the sound perfectly echoed by Divya's bright laughter.
W-oh...oops...
Simon flushed, giving a sheepish little half laugh, reaching up, nervously scratching at the back of his neck.
"Uh-yeah...r-remember the whole 'escaping inner thoughts' thing I said about?"
"Ah so this w-"
"Yup...Sorry."
Raphael chuckled, head tilting.
"No need to apologize...It IS quite entertaining. I'm very much looking forward to our tour."
Simon huffed, giving a totally heatless glare.
"You're gonna be actively trying to get me to do the whole escaping inner thought thing, aren't you?"
Raphael shrugged, smirking.
"Would you expect anything less from a supervillain?"
Simon flushed clear to his ears while the other two burst out laughing. He glared again- which did nothing but cause more laughter from the other two- he thinks he even heard a muffled little snicker from Becks but he's pretending he doesn't.
Finally he just huffs, rolling his eyes, giving a bit of a wave towards Divya.
"Didn't you have some life and death situation to deal with or something?"
Divya chuckled, nodding but making no move towards the door. Finally Simon just huffed, choosing to ignore Divya, turning his focus back to Raphael, deciding to just lean into the crazy yet again (He has a feeling that's gonna be a running theme working here). He sighs, giving a slight shrug, playing the only card he had.
"Alright so maybe we should just move on, let bygones be bygones and all that. My robot kinda sorta quasi- catcalled you and I accidentally called you a supervillain, your Medical officer chipped me without my knowledge or consent- thinking we can just call it even, yeah?"
Raphael seemed to startle at the mention of the chip, the humor slipping, a near guilty look passing over his distractingly gorgeous features, glancing up, meeting Simon's gaze.
"Oh uh...Yeah about that, s-"
Apparently it was Simon's turn to wave it off. He smiled, shaking his head, reaching up, tucking a few runaway curls behind his ear, shifting a little closer to Raphael relaxing minutely.
"Yeah, no- Divya explained. Government contracts, need to know, corporate/legal oroboros, can't tell about the chip until someone's an employee/ isn't an employee till they have a chip- I got it. It's really underhanded but I know it's not how you want it and it's not like I'd expect you to completely disregard a direct government order for some guy you just met."
Raphael smiled, nodding.
"Exactly."
"Right s-"
"It'd take two- maybe three dates for that. Can't risk coming off too easy after all."
Simon startled before giving a faint laugh, rolling his eyes.
"Cute..."
Raphael smirked, winking.
"Well thank you- gotta admit not a compliment I'm used to getting."
Simon sputtered.
"I- I didn't me-i...ugh..." he sighed, shaking his head, trying to ignore the flush he could feel creeping up his cheeks, rubbing at his temples before glancing back up at Raphael, eyebrow quirking.
"Is this gonna be like a thing with you?"
Raphael's head tilted, brow quirking, leaning in, gaze flickering over his, pointedly shifting over his cheeks and up to the tips of his ears that Simon can feel warming, stupidly appealing smirk picking up a tic.
"I don't know. Is the flustered, babbling, escaping inner thoughts and blushing gonna be a thing for you?"
Simon snorted, nodding, giving a little wave.
"Oh yeah- no question."
Raphael smirked, nodding, leaning in.
"Then oh yes...no question..."
Simon flushed even brighter, huffing, trying to glare- which really doesn't hold the same effect with the blush. Finally he just decides to move on.
"Anyways no hard feeling about the chipping thing- the circumstances may suck but I have a feeling it is SO gonna be worth it. From what Divya told me about it it sounds amazing- beyond amazing. One of the most incredible inventions I've ever heard of. The creator must be absolutely brilliant."
Raphael smiled, giving a near demure nod.
"Well thank you Angel, high praise indeed. Though I should note that one I do get a fair bit more often than 'cute'."
Simon blinked in confusion.
"Umm...What?"
Divya smiled, shrugging.
"The Rosetta chip is one of Raph's inventions."
Simon yet again froze.
"What? No..."
Raphael smirked, shrugging.
"Yup."
"No way..."
"Yes...Is that really so surprising?"
"Well...Yeah."
Raphael tilted his head.
"Why is that?"
Simon flailed.
"I-it j- b-because you- you're not, you don't...Scientists don't look like that; Inventors do not look like that!"
"Like what?"
"That attractive!"
Raphael's head tilted, gaze flickering over Simon.
"You think I'm attractive?"
Simon scoffed, rolling his eyes.
"Dude come on- I just saw you make a freaking robot blush, giggle and very nearly faint. It's not a compliment just a statement of an undeniable, unequivocal fact."
Raphael's pretty deep eyes sparked bright, a dizzying little flicker of light dancing in the impossibly dark depths, swallowing, taking a slightly deeper breath, shifting forward.
"So you don't think a Scientist and an inventor can be attractive?"
"I-w-well yeah I mean of course they could but t-"
Raphael tilted his head, brow quirking, leaning in, dark eyes flickering over him curiously.
"You are a scientist. You are an inventor."
"Exactly!"
Raphael smirked.
"Exactly...Glad we agree."
Simon nodded.
"Right g-wait...What? Am I agreeing with you or you with me?"
Raph's smirk picked up a tic, eyebrow quirking.
"I'm too stubborn; you are most definitely agreeing with me."
Simon sputtered.
"No I'm not."
"Yeah you are."
"No I-"
"E-Simon-" Divya cut in barely holding back a chuckle.
"You DO realize that you're arguing that you're not attractive...Right?"
Simon blinked.
"Umm..."
Raph chuckled softly. Slipping over next to him, smoothly reaching up, hand resting lightly on his shoulder just beside Becks, looking over, catching his eye.
"Have I mentioned how glad I am you are here Angel?"
Simon flushed, Raphael's smirk picked up a bit more at the corner, tugging his closer to his side, turning beginning for the door.
"Okay now that that's settled let's began the tour, yes?" He paused, glancing expectantly over at Simon.
...
..
.
"Angel?"
"I feel like this is another trap..."
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***End Of Chapter Notes***
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Oroboros= An ancient symbol of a snake eating it's own tail- seemed pretty apropos here...
Oh my god no wonder this damn chapter took me so long- it's the length of like three! Over 9500 words! Geez.
I'm really looking forward to this story- this verse- it's gonna be a lot of fun. I really love Divya here and his and Raphael's dynamic- it's gonna be a fair bit different from other verses but most definitely a good different (thinking it's kinda similar to their dynamic in the SpyVerse).
And as always here's the update list:
A Start Of Something New (Verse 7)
The Girl/Demon In The Mirror (Verse 4)
Nosey Neighbors (Verse 9)
Love Bug (Verse 2)
Picture Perfect (Verse 8)
You Can't Go Home Again (Verse 1)
A Study In Chaos (Verse 6)
This Is Why You Don't Wander Away From The Group (Verse 5)
Death Was Just The Beginning (Verse 3)
Anyways what do you guys think so far?
*~Page 31 of 31~*
{ *^*^*^ *^*^*^*^*^*^*]8*- Future Fallout Verse*-8 [ *^*^*^ *^*^*^*^*^*^*}