[Helen, Tesla and another woman are standing in what looks, mostly like a room carved out of stone. Given the pillars that are covered with some sort of writing (the camera isn't close enough to pick out exactly what sort of writing it is, much less what language it might be - only the faint glimmers of curves and edges on the metal plaques set into the pillars suggests that it's even there at all), it looks like somewhere that wouldn't be entirely out of place in some sort of funerary structure.]
Could you excuse us for just one moment? [The voice is Helen's, addressed to the other woman, just before she pulls Tesla off to one corner of the room. Only then does she continue on, in hushed tones.] I don't like any of this. We have no idea where that tunnel leads.
[Tesla, on the other hand, appears to be somewhat less impressed.]
Why would she lie to us?
[The distinctly unimpressed expression that Helen offers in return is probably more than enough to explain her feelings on the matter all the same, annoyance creeping into her voice.]
The woman is used to ruling over a population of serfs. You don't think she's working her own agenda?
Look, [Tesla answers, apparently unwilling to admit Helen has a point] if she were actually bent on world domination, why would she complicate our trip out of here?
You're assuming all of us are going. [It's a good point, in all fairness. But Helen doesn't stop there.] You're familiar with the farmer and the chicken parable?
I am. [There's a note of mild annoyance creeping into Tesla's voice now.] Which are you in this story? The chicken, or the fox?
The farmer. [Helen counters, without so much as missing a bit, and with traces of her own annoyance creeping into her voice.] I don't feel safe letting her go first and I certainly don't feel safe leaving her behind.
[Again, the point is probably a good one. But Tesla seems to be more inclined to dig his heels in rather than yield to the logic in Helen's comments.]
You have a sasquatch for a butler and you travel the world with history's most notorious murderer and now you don't feel safe? Helen, green is not a good color on you.
[The comment prompts a laugh out of Helen.]
Don't be ridiculous.
[Tesla, on the other hand, seems to be entirely commented to his insinuation that Helen might be jealous; she's barely finished speaking before he's continuing right along, glancing briefly over at the other woman, who seems to be busying herself with something on the far side of the room.]
She's intelligent, powerful, remarkably well-preserved for her age... everything I look for in a woman. [The briefest of pauses, and then his voice picks up a tone of annoyance, one which grows throughout his next sentence.] And unlike someone I know, she's actually interested in me.
[If Helen is at all bothered by this outburst, she doesn't much show it. Mostly, she seems fed up with having to deal with Tesla, which is backed up by her comment.]
I'm not engaging in this childish conversation.
[Tesla on the other hand, is more than willing to. And more to the point, isn't inclined to stop.]
The more you deny it, the truer it is.
[If he wanted to goad Helen back into the conversation, that seems to have done it, since she comes right back with a retort of her own.]
Oh, that's an excellent scientific method. [This is offered with all the sarcasm and irritation she can muster, which is fairly considerable.] Really, really good.
[It's at this point that the other woman rejoins the conversation, crossing the room in - quite literally - the blink of an eye.]
I can hear you, you know. [There's not even a trace of shame in her voice either. Rather she sounds smug about it.] Vampire, remember?
[Helen recoils, at that - or possibly the suddenness of her arrival, moving to stand next to Tesla, who mostly looks unimpressed.]
You need to learn to trust me.
[This is addressed to Helen, who stands her ground, coming back with] And if I don't?
That's when bad things start to happen.
[The other woman smiles a bit, at that, while Helen draws in a breath and takes a step back. Which is likely a perfectly legitimate response as the other woman abruptly bares her fangs and rushes Helen, slamming her back against one of the pillars.]
Afina!
[The voice is Nikola's, just off screen, the camera refocusing to catch his expression of shock. This is, presumably, the name of the other woman, but either way she doesn't react, shoving Helen to the ground before rounding on Tesla and catching his arms in her hands. He tries to break free, but to no avail, Afina eventually forcing him down to his knees before sinking her fangs into his wrist; he gasps in shock, probably at the sudden turn of events and the discomfort of it.]
What are you doing?
[He's still struggling, helpless to do even so much as break free of Afina's grasp until she breaks free of till she pulls away from his wrist and pulls him to his feet.
Which is not the reprieve it seems to be; she shoves him backwards and he goes stumbling back a few steps... and straight over the edge of a pit trap. As he falls, screaming, the video snaps back to Afina, and her parting shot in response, complete with self-satisfied grin:]
Changing the rules.
[The video cuts out.]
[And picks up again, close in on Tesla face down at the bottom of the pit trap, head tilted at an uncomfortable-looking. For a moment it almost looks like he's dead - he's certainly not moving and doesn't seem to breathing either. Then there's a sudden gasp of breath and his eyes snap open. A moment later, he starts pushing himself up, with a soft comment of 'ow' accompanying the clicks and snaps of what sounds like most of the joints in his arms snapping back into place. His neck follows suit as he rolls that also back into place with another soft comment ("Oh, that hurts.") and then he's shoving himself to all fours and then properly to his feet. There's one last set of cracks and snaps as he rolls his neck again and then his shoulders before turning to look at the (small) space at the bottom of the shaft and then up at the small square of light overhead that marks the opening.
It's a long way up. Several stories at least.]
Oh, very nice.
[Let it never be said that Tesla lets not having someone to talk to keep from being utterly annoyed. There's a brief pause, a sigh, and than he thrusts out his arms, calling on his vampiric ancestry as claws spring forth from his hands; his fangs follow suit as he throws his head back and jumps.
Clear out of the frame. There's a long moment where all the camera shows is the smooth stone wall of the shaft, then a clatter of something hard against stone, and Tesla's voice.]
No. No.
[A groan of frustration, rapidly descending until Tesla comes into frame again, landing with a heavy thud.]
That backstabbing, blood-sucking, bitch.
[The camera cuts out again.]
[And in a moment later, refocusing at a point just above Tesla as he slides back down from his latest jump attempt, claws grating against the stone as he tries - and fails - to get any sort of purchase. This time, he stays where he is when he lands, breathing hard as he looks first at his claws and then back at the (undamaged) stone wall.]
Son of a...
[His voice trails off there as he slams his palm against the wall in frustration.]
Afina! [This is called up towards the square of light overhead, no doubt in the hope that someone is still up there.] Come on! I thought we had something. Call it... [a pause as he make a 'searching for words' sort of gesture with one hand, talons still out] heat, attraction. [Another pause.] You and me, we were gonna...
[His voice trails off as he realizes no one's going to answer. There's a beat of silence and then, bitterly and to himself:]
[The inside of what looks like a tech lab. There are multiple computers on a desk and another that looks to be set into a nearby wall; two young men who look to be in their mid-20s (one wearing a t-shirt and one in a more formal jacket) and what looks to be a sasquatch are standing around the desk. The sasquatch is wearing a hoodie.]
Uuuuugh, [the guy in a t-shirt groans] why is this so hard?
Do you remember a few days ago, [the other guy asks] when the lawn sprinklers wouldn't shut off?
[The sasquatch nods before adding in:] Yesterday, the security door in the hallway kept going up and down and up and down.
[He gestures 'up and down' with one finger as he says the words.]
Yeah, [the guy in a t-shirt cuts in, in the tone of frustrated IT people everywhere] it's a glitch in the maintenance program. It happens sometimes.
[The sasquatch offers a disbelieving "uh-huh" at that, but before anyone else can say anything there's a pinging noise from one of the computers; IT guy glances down at it before commenting:]
That's the front gate.
What? [The other guy asks, surprised.] It's 2:30 in the morning. Who is it?
[This time, it's the sasquatch who answers, a brief moment later.]
One of Magnus' old codes.
[This is, apparently, a surprise to most everyone in the room, but eventually the guy in the jacket speaks up.]
I'll get it.
[There's another noise from the computer as he leaves, which prompts the IT to very nearly hurl his keyboard in frustration.]
Ooo, you're really pissing me off.
[This is, presumably, addressed at whatever he's working on, given that neither of the others react in the slightest to the outburst. Instead, the sasquatch speaks up again.]
You think there's a connection between all these glitches and the spider-bot?
That's what I'm trying to find out. [IT guy looks up from his screen at that, clearly frustrated.] But every time I try to backtrace the anomaly... [the computer bleeps again, and he tilts his head at what's displayed on screen.] Really? A hidden sector?
That you didn't create?
[That earns the sasquatch a flat look.]
Would I be this surprised if I created it? And this thing has big giant firewalls. [A pause as he pokes around a bit more.] It's just...
Speak. [The sasquatch prompts. There's yet another brief pause and then:]
Who has the ability to hide an entire system sector in a system that I built?
[The camera cuts away abruptly, coming in again in what looks like nothing so much as the entry hall of a very grand building. The guy in a jacket from before is approaching a door - presumably the front door mentioned earlier. Not that he looks entirely pleased to be doing so, and even less so when he opens the door to find Tesla standing there, back turned to the door. He turns around as it opens, the motion both fluid and utterly dramatic.]
Tesla, isn't it...
[He doesn't get to finish the sentence before Tesla interrupts, and he sounds distinctly displeased.]
Where. Is he?
Research lab.
[There's a shrug to go with the words, as if to suggest that he isn't super thrilled by any of this but doesn't want to argue, as Tesla steps in.]
Thank you. [Not that Tesla sounds any less irritated mind, and he hurries off in what's presumably the direction of the research lab.] Heinrich!
[This last is bellowed as he goes, and is presumably the name of one of the two people still in the research lab; the man who'd opened the door watches Tesla go with an expression halfway between bemusement and annoyance as he shuts the door again.
The camera cuts again, back to the lab as Tesla comes storming in.]
What the hell do you think you're doing?
[IT guy's head snaps up at that.]
Ah, you! [He does not sound thrilled either.] I see now.
[There'd probably have been more to his comment, but Tesla doesn't seem to be in a patient mood, shoving him out of the way to take a look at what's displayed on the computer screen and then up at the sasquatch, who doesn't look at all pleased about the intrusion.]
Oh dear god. [He sighs.] And the inmates are running the asylum.
[It's at this point that Helen enters, the man who'd opened the door for Tesla trailing behind her - presumably, he's gone to fetch her while he was off-screen.]
Nikola?
[Tesla sighs, clearly expecting Helen to not be pleased (and to be fair, she isn't). IT guy, meanwhile, takes Tesla's momentary silence to jump in with an accusation of his own.]
He did it!
[This is, admittedly, entirely unhelpful, and Helen clearly hasn't quite picked up on what's going down. Although she certainly doesn't sound pleased when she answers.]
What?
He did it. [This is offered in a rumbled echo from the sasquatch, as the man who'd followed Tesla asks:]
The sprinklers?
The hidden sector! [IT guy corrects, clearly frustrated. Tesla meanwhile, seems to be the only person in the room who isn't (currently) irritated, asking only:]
How did you find it?
[This is, apparently, not the right answer, as IT guy comes immediately back with a question of his own, suspicion hanging heavy on his words.]
What are you hiding?
[Which is all well and good, but is very certainly not helping clear up matters any; the next person to speak up is Helen, voice sharp and strident.]
Will you all please stop talking in code!
[The man who followed her in answers, as if it's second nature to explain things.]
The computer issues we've been having lately.
They're... they're not issues. [IT guy offers in quiet counterpoint.] They're glitches.
[Either way, this seems to be answer enough for Helen, who turns towards Tesla.]
Nikola. What have you done?
[Tesla glances up at that, but doesn't directly answer either. Instead he takes a slightly different tack, voice taking on a slightly defensive tone.]
Why do you always assume it's my fault?
[There's a sharp laugh from Helen at that, and a roll of her eyes as she answers.]
Oh, let me count the ways.
[IT guy jumps in again at that, offering another fragment of information Helen's way.]
He roofied our system.
Did you? [The voice is that of the man who'd followed Helen in, currently standing just behind Helen, with his arms crossed. When Tesla answers, it's clear that he's on the defensive now. Not that he isn't still answering, mind, but he doesn't sound pleased that it's necessary.]
It should have been fine. It would have been fine, if Enrico the wonder wolf [there's a brief nod in IT guy's direction, who seems to take direct offense at the comment] hadn't gone nosing around.
[Helen and the sasquatch both sigh at that, although Helen is the one who speaks up, in distinctly long-suffering tones.]
What is it this time.
Berate me if you must-- [Tesla begins, although Helen interrupts before he can finish the thought]
I must.
--but the only reason we're facing this unfortunate situation [Tesla continues on, without even missing some much as beat] is because I tried to save your life.
[Judging by the laugh Helen offers in response, she doesn't quite believe him. Although neither does she seem to be willing to tell him to get out either.]
Oh, this is going to be good.
[In fact, it sounds almost like she's directly prompting Tesla to make his excuses, which he does without so much as a second thought.]
Well, you do recall your first foray into Hollow Earth, when your tracking beacon disappeared?
[He pauses there, for just a moment, Helen offering a "go on" into the silence.]
Fearing the worst, I naturally sprang into action. But the only way I could get the proper coordinates to send Druitt down, I had to patch that little Praxian [a pause as he searches for the right word] brain-spider into your computer system.
[IT guy blinks at that, giving Tesla a funny look before speaking up.]
Yeah, but that was months ago, and you unpatched it.
[Tesla looks around the room at that, as if looking for something he doesn't seem to find, before turning back to IT guy and shrugging.]
Yeah, well, I guess it left behind a little easter egg.
[This is offered in the most 'well, what can you do' tone of voice he can manage, which doesn't seem to so much as get off the ground, judging by Helen's comment in return, which mostly sounds highly unimpressed.]
A virus.
No, no, [Tesla corrects] nothing like that. [There's a brief moment there, where the faces of all those in the room show some form of relief and there's a round of quiet sighs.
And then Tesla continues on.] It's a sentient, organic nanite.
[Which changes the mood of the room in no time flat. Helen, eyes wide in shock, only manages a disbelieving "what?; the sasquatch offers a quiet "not good", and IT guy sinks down over the desk. Helen is the first to recover properly, turning on Tesla.]
It-- it didn't cross your mind to mention this to anyone?
Well, you were all so busy. [Tesla has the grace to look at least a little sheepish, though.] And besides, [he continues, gesturing with both hands towards the computer monitor] I quarantined it!
In a hidden sector.
[By the tone of Helen's voice it doesn't sound like she thinks this is really adequate to the problem at hand. For his part, Tesla simply nods at the comment before continuing on.]
Behind a veritable Fort Knox of firewalls.
[From his position behind Helen, the other man can't help but point out on small detail that Tesla has thus far been steering clear of.]
But it got out.
Not that this seems to faze Tesla too much, given that he doesn't seem to be taken back much at all when he answers.]
Right. Because little... [his voice trails off as he gestures to IT guy, who throws up his hands in frustration. But his words seem to have a prompted a realization from Helen, who speaks up almost hesitantly into the silence.]
Ah. Well. That may actually be... my fault. [A brief pause and a prompting "Helen?" from Tesla.] I've been having Henry move some of our more sensitive data to a secure cloud. Of our system, out of the prying eyes of SCIU. [She pronounces the acronym as one word - "skew" - and with a great deal of venom.]
No offense. [Chimes in the young man standing behind her.]
None taken, scooter. Thanks.
[This is shot back without so much as a pause, on Tesla's end, and he briefly leans in the direction of the man he's talking to, as if to give the words more impact.
Still, it's Helen who picks up the thread of the conversation, once the sniping is done.]
Henry did warn me that during the changeover, there might be a nanosecond where our defensive firewalls might be vulnerable.
Yeah, [IT guy - Henry - agrees, with a pointed look] I warned you.
[This news doesn't appear to leave Tesla very impressed, and he crosses his arms before turning towards Helen.]
But you took the chance anyway.
Well, given the course of recent events, [Helen begins, sounding slightly defensive in turn] I felt it was a calculated risk worth taking.
Oh, Helen. [Tesla sounds genuinely disapproving, now, and he shakes his head in reproach.] How could you be so... irresponsible?
[There's a beat of silence, and an expression of what's probably best to call outrage on Helen's face; when she speaks again her voice is sharp and angry.]
Didn't know you'd left behind a Praxian booby-trap, did I?
[It's a good point. But it doesn't sway Tesla in the slightest, who only continues to look distinctly unimpressed.]
So your cavalier incompetence is now my fault?
[Helen rolls her eyes at that, and looks away, as if she absolutely cannot believe this is the conversation they're having right now. A moment later, she sighs and turns back to Tesla, calmer now, even if she might be forcing it.]
The point is: [she shakes her head in something like disbelief] how do we fix it?
We can't. [The quiet voice is Henry's, who still hasn't moved from behind the computer he's been standing at; as everyone else in the room turns to look at him, he continues on.] This is organic, sentient tech, people. From Praxis. It's bits and bytes and brains all in one.
[Tesla glances over at Henry's screen for a moment and then adds in his own two cents.]
And judging by this data, it's evolving.
Growing? [the sasquatch asks, sounding both surprised and concerned about the process; Henry nods grimly.]
It's gathering bits and pieces from everywhere.
That's why it released the spider-bot, [the young man behind Helen comments, although the realization is likely one that he's only just had] to learn from us.
Okay, [Helen begins, closing her eyes briefly as if that alone will help banish the headache that the whole scenario has become] worst case scenario?
[There's a brief and very tense pause before Henry speaks up again.]
Gobbles up everything, data becomes compromised, we lose complete control of critical Sanctuary function.
I don't like it when you visit. [The sasquatch grumbles, comment clearly aimed at Tesla. And it's not a unreasonable complaint either - he has rather made things a nightmare in only a few short minutes. Not that he seems inclined to back down either; he already looks like he's getting ready to loose a few choice words of his own when Helen cuts back in.]
There has to be a way to stop it.
[Henry's expression, on the other hand, says otherwise.]
Listen, [he begins] I think I need to explain again. It is Praxian, okay? It's not going to turn tail with a few simple keystrokes. Hell, I don't even speak its language.
[It's an innocuous sounding comment, but Tesla's head abruptly snaps up, like he's caught wind of a particularly tantalizing scent.]
Hold your horses, Hénri. You may have just blundered into something remotely useful.
[It's a backhanded compliment at best, but Henry's muttered "Uh... thanks" goes all but unnoticed as Tesla turns towards Helen, who's raised an eyebrow in his direction.]
Nikola?
[It's very definitely meant as a question, but as to what is a little unclear, although Tesla seems to understand what she's asking.]
Oh yeah.
[She tilts her head and then continues on.]
You're not going where I think you're going.
[Tesla doesn't even bat an eye at the implied question. Instead he answers with out blinking an eye, and from that point they simply trade comments back and forth, much to the growing consternation of everyone else in the room]
["What are they talking about?" the sasquatch murmurs in the background, crossing behind Helen and Tesla (who don't even seem to notice) to stand next to the man who had previously been behind Helen; "I dunno" he answers, shaking his head in utter confusion.
Meanwhile, when Tesla doesn't answer her question, Helen continues on.]
You realize this is unprecedented.
Never stopped us before.
Potentially dangerous.
Fraidy-cat.
[Helen pauses there, tilting her head at Tesla's last comment as if to say "that's really the insult you're going with"; the brief moment of silence gives Will time to break into their heated back and forth.]
Alright, you guys are making me really nervous, and I don't even know what you're talking about.
[Tesla offers a brief grin to Helen - asking her to do the honors, perhaps - and while she offers an unimpressed look she speaks up.]
Very well, then. If you're up for it.
[Apparently, she's no more heard Henry's comment than Tesla has, given that he doesn't address it any more than she had, choosing instead to respond to Helen's.]
I wouldn't miss it for the world.
[This time the other man in the room interjects, in tones not dissimilar to that of a frustrated teacher.]
Would you like to share with the rest of the class, please.
[He glances at Helen and then over to Tesla as he says it; Tesla glances back to Helen, nods, and then speaks up.]
We're going in.
In. [the other man echoes, still confused.] In. In where?
In there. [Helen answers, nodding to the computer Henry had been working at; there's a brief moment of silence, and then the video ends.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Teslen banter
Chimera (3:40 - 8:33)
getting shoved down a pit trap - (Awakening - 6:56 - 8:30; 2:33 - 3:17; 5:33 - 5:57)
cw: blood-drinking, apparent death, severe joint dislocation
Could you excuse us for just one moment? [The voice is Helen's, addressed to the other woman, just before she pulls Tesla off to one corner of the room. Only then does she continue on, in hushed tones.] I don't like any of this. We have no idea where that tunnel leads.
[Tesla, on the other hand, appears to be somewhat less impressed.]
Why would she lie to us?
[The distinctly unimpressed expression that Helen offers in return is probably more than enough to explain her feelings on the matter all the same, annoyance creeping into her voice.]
The woman is used to ruling over a population of serfs. You don't think she's working her own agenda?
Look, [Tesla answers, apparently unwilling to admit Helen has a point] if she were actually bent on world domination, why would she complicate our trip out of here?
You're assuming all of us are going. [It's a good point, in all fairness. But Helen doesn't stop there.] You're familiar with the farmer and the chicken parable?
I am. [There's a note of mild annoyance creeping into Tesla's voice now.] Which are you in this story? The chicken, or the fox?
The farmer. [Helen counters, without so much as missing a bit, and with traces of her own annoyance creeping into her voice.] I don't feel safe letting her go first and I certainly don't feel safe leaving her behind.
[Again, the point is probably a good one. But Tesla seems to be more inclined to dig his heels in rather than yield to the logic in Helen's comments.]
You have a sasquatch for a butler and you travel the world with history's most notorious murderer and now you don't feel safe? Helen, green is not a good color on you.
[The comment prompts a laugh out of Helen.]
Don't be ridiculous.
[Tesla, on the other hand, seems to be entirely commented to his insinuation that Helen might be jealous; she's barely finished speaking before he's continuing right along, glancing briefly over at the other woman, who seems to be busying herself with something on the far side of the room.]
She's intelligent, powerful, remarkably well-preserved for her age... everything I look for in a woman. [The briefest of pauses, and then his voice picks up a tone of annoyance, one which grows throughout his next sentence.] And unlike someone I know, she's actually interested in me.
[If Helen is at all bothered by this outburst, she doesn't much show it. Mostly, she seems fed up with having to deal with Tesla, which is backed up by her comment.]
I'm not engaging in this childish conversation.
[Tesla on the other hand, is more than willing to. And more to the point, isn't inclined to stop.]
The more you deny it, the truer it is.
[If he wanted to goad Helen back into the conversation, that seems to have done it, since she comes right back with a retort of her own.]
Oh, that's an excellent scientific method. [This is offered with all the sarcasm and irritation she can muster, which is fairly considerable.] Really, really good.
[It's at this point that the other woman rejoins the conversation, crossing the room in - quite literally - the blink of an eye.]
I can hear you, you know. [There's not even a trace of shame in her voice either. Rather she sounds smug about it.] Vampire, remember?
[Helen recoils, at that - or possibly the suddenness of her arrival, moving to stand next to Tesla, who mostly looks unimpressed.]
You need to learn to trust me.
[This is addressed to Helen, who stands her ground, coming back with] And if I don't?
That's when bad things start to happen.
[The other woman smiles a bit, at that, while Helen draws in a breath and takes a step back. Which is likely a perfectly legitimate response as the other woman abruptly bares her fangs and rushes Helen, slamming her back against one of the pillars.]
Afina!
[The voice is Nikola's, just off screen, the camera refocusing to catch his expression of shock. This is, presumably, the name of the other woman, but either way she doesn't react, shoving Helen to the ground before rounding on Tesla and catching his arms in her hands. He tries to break free, but to no avail, Afina eventually forcing him down to his knees before sinking her fangs into his wrist; he gasps in shock, probably at the sudden turn of events and the discomfort of it.]
What are you doing?
[He's still struggling, helpless to do even so much as break free of Afina's grasp until she breaks free of till she pulls away from his wrist and pulls him to his feet.
Which is not the reprieve it seems to be; she shoves him backwards and he goes stumbling back a few steps... and straight over the edge of a pit trap. As he falls, screaming, the video snaps back to Afina, and her parting shot in response, complete with self-satisfied grin:]
Changing the rules.
[The video cuts out.]
[And picks up again, close in on Tesla face down at the bottom of the pit trap, head tilted at an uncomfortable-looking. For a moment it almost looks like he's dead - he's certainly not moving and doesn't seem to breathing either. Then there's a sudden gasp of breath and his eyes snap open. A moment later, he starts pushing himself up, with a soft comment of 'ow' accompanying the clicks and snaps of what sounds like most of the joints in his arms snapping back into place. His neck follows suit as he rolls that also back into place with another soft comment ("Oh, that hurts.") and then he's shoving himself to all fours and then properly to his feet. There's one last set of cracks and snaps as he rolls his neck again and then his shoulders before turning to look at the (small) space at the bottom of the shaft and then up at the small square of light overhead that marks the opening.
It's a long way up. Several stories at least.]
Oh, very nice.
[Let it never be said that Tesla lets not having someone to talk to keep from being utterly annoyed. There's a brief pause, a sigh, and than he thrusts out his arms, calling on his vampiric ancestry as claws spring forth from his hands; his fangs follow suit as he throws his head back and jumps.
Clear out of the frame. There's a long moment where all the camera shows is the smooth stone wall of the shaft, then a clatter of something hard against stone, and Tesla's voice.]
No. No.
[A groan of frustration, rapidly descending until Tesla comes into frame again, landing with a heavy thud.]
That backstabbing, blood-sucking, bitch.
[The camera cuts out again.]
[And in a moment later, refocusing at a point just above Tesla as he slides back down from his latest jump attempt, claws grating against the stone as he tries - and fails - to get any sort of purchase. This time, he stays where he is when he lands, breathing hard as he looks first at his claws and then back at the (undamaged) stone wall.]
Son of a...
[His voice trails off there as he slams his palm against the wall in frustration.]
Afina! [This is called up towards the square of light overhead, no doubt in the hope that someone is still up there.] Come on! I thought we had something. Call it... [a pause as he make a 'searching for words' sort of gesture with one hand, talons still out] heat, attraction. [Another pause.] You and me, we were gonna...
[His voice trails off as he realizes no one's going to answer. There's a beat of silence and then, bitterly and to himself:]
I hate her.
((video links: 6:56-8:30; 2:33-3:17; 5:33 - 5:57))
1/2
Uuuuugh, [the guy in a t-shirt groans] why is this so hard?
Do you remember a few days ago, [the other guy asks] when the lawn sprinklers wouldn't shut off?
[The sasquatch nods before adding in:] Yesterday, the security door in the hallway kept going up and down and up and down.
[He gestures 'up and down' with one finger as he says the words.]
Yeah, [the guy in a t-shirt cuts in, in the tone of frustrated IT people everywhere] it's a glitch in the maintenance program. It happens sometimes.
[The sasquatch offers a disbelieving "uh-huh" at that, but before anyone else can say anything there's a pinging noise from one of the computers; IT guy glances down at it before commenting:]
That's the front gate.
What? [The other guy asks, surprised.] It's 2:30 in the morning. Who is it?
[This time, it's the sasquatch who answers, a brief moment later.]
One of Magnus' old codes.
[This is, apparently, a surprise to most everyone in the room, but eventually the guy in the jacket speaks up.]
I'll get it.
[There's another noise from the computer as he leaves, which prompts the IT to very nearly hurl his keyboard in frustration.]
Ooo, you're really pissing me off.
[This is, presumably, addressed at whatever he's working on, given that neither of the others react in the slightest to the outburst. Instead, the sasquatch speaks up again.]
You think there's a connection between all these glitches and the spider-bot?
That's what I'm trying to find out. [IT guy looks up from his screen at that, clearly frustrated.] But every time I try to backtrace the anomaly... [the computer bleeps again, and he tilts his head at what's displayed on screen.] Really? A hidden sector?
That you didn't create?
[That earns the sasquatch a flat look.]
Would I be this surprised if I created it? And this thing has big giant firewalls. [A pause as he pokes around a bit more.] It's just...
Speak. [The sasquatch prompts. There's yet another brief pause and then:]
Who has the ability to hide an entire system sector in a system that I built?
[The camera cuts away abruptly, coming in again in what looks like nothing so much as the entry hall of a very grand building. The guy in a jacket from before is approaching a door - presumably the front door mentioned earlier. Not that he looks entirely pleased to be doing so, and even less so when he opens the door to find Tesla standing there, back turned to the door. He turns around as it opens, the motion both fluid and utterly dramatic.]
Tesla, isn't it...
[He doesn't get to finish the sentence before Tesla interrupts, and he sounds distinctly displeased.]
Where. Is he?
Research lab.
[There's a shrug to go with the words, as if to suggest that he isn't super thrilled by any of this but doesn't want to argue, as Tesla steps in.]
Thank you. [Not that Tesla sounds any less irritated mind, and he hurries off in what's presumably the direction of the research lab.] Heinrich!
[This last is bellowed as he goes, and is presumably the name of one of the two people still in the research lab; the man who'd opened the door watches Tesla go with an expression halfway between bemusement and annoyance as he shuts the door again.
The camera cuts again, back to the lab as Tesla comes storming in.]
What the hell do you think you're doing?
[IT guy's head snaps up at that.]
Ah, you! [He does not sound thrilled either.] I see now.
[There'd probably have been more to his comment, but Tesla doesn't seem to be in a patient mood, shoving him out of the way to take a look at what's displayed on the computer screen and then up at the sasquatch, who doesn't look at all pleased about the intrusion.]
Oh dear god. [He sighs.] And the inmates are running the asylum.
[It's at this point that Helen enters, the man who'd opened the door for Tesla trailing behind her - presumably, he's gone to fetch her while he was off-screen.]
Nikola?
[Tesla sighs, clearly expecting Helen to not be pleased (and to be fair, she isn't). IT guy, meanwhile, takes Tesla's momentary silence to jump in with an accusation of his own.]
He did it!
[This is, admittedly, entirely unhelpful, and Helen clearly hasn't quite picked up on what's going down. Although she certainly doesn't sound pleased when she answers.]
What?
He did it. [This is offered in a rumbled echo from the sasquatch, as the man who'd followed Tesla asks:]
The sprinklers?
The hidden sector! [IT guy corrects, clearly frustrated. Tesla meanwhile, seems to be the only person in the room who isn't (currently) irritated, asking only:]
How did you find it?
[This is, apparently, not the right answer, as IT guy comes immediately back with a question of his own, suspicion hanging heavy on his words.]
What are you hiding?
[Which is all well and good, but is very certainly not helping clear up matters any; the next person to speak up is Helen, voice sharp and strident.]
Will you all please stop talking in code!
[The man who followed her in answers, as if it's second nature to explain things.]
The computer issues we've been having lately.
They're... they're not issues. [IT guy offers in quiet counterpoint.] They're glitches.
[Either way, this seems to be answer enough for Helen, who turns towards Tesla.]
Nikola. What have you done?
[Tesla glances up at that, but doesn't directly answer either. Instead he takes a slightly different tack, voice taking on a slightly defensive tone.]
Why do you always assume it's my fault?
[There's a sharp laugh from Helen at that, and a roll of her eyes as she answers.]
Oh, let me count the ways.
[IT guy jumps in again at that, offering another fragment of information Helen's way.]
He roofied our system.
Did you? [The voice is that of the man who'd followed Helen in, currently standing just behind Helen, with his arms crossed. When Tesla answers, it's clear that he's on the defensive now. Not that he isn't still answering, mind, but he doesn't sound pleased that it's necessary.]
It should have been fine. It would have been fine, if Enrico the wonder wolf [there's a brief nod in IT guy's direction, who seems to take direct offense at the comment] hadn't gone nosing around.
[Helen and the sasquatch both sigh at that, although Helen is the one who speaks up, in distinctly long-suffering tones.]
What is it this time.
Berate me if you must-- [Tesla begins, although Helen interrupts before he can finish the thought]
I must.
--but the only reason we're facing this unfortunate situation [Tesla continues on, without even missing some much as beat] is because I tried to save your life.
[Judging by the laugh Helen offers in response, she doesn't quite believe him. Although neither does she seem to be willing to tell him to get out either.]
Oh, this is going to be good.
[In fact, it sounds almost like she's directly prompting Tesla to make his excuses, which he does without so much as a second thought.]
Well, you do recall your first foray into Hollow Earth, when your tracking beacon disappeared?
[He pauses there, for just a moment, Helen offering a "go on" into the silence.]
Fearing the worst, I naturally sprang into action. But the only way I could get the proper coordinates to send Druitt down, I had to patch that little Praxian [a pause as he searches for the right word] brain-spider into your computer system.
[IT guy blinks at that, giving Tesla a funny look before speaking up.]
Yeah, but that was months ago, and you unpatched it.
[Tesla looks around the room at that, as if looking for something he doesn't seem to find, before turning back to IT guy and shrugging.]
Yeah, well, I guess it left behind a little easter egg.
[This is offered in the most 'well, what can you do' tone of voice he can manage, which doesn't seem to so much as get off the ground, judging by Helen's comment in return, which mostly sounds highly unimpressed.]
A virus.
No, no, [Tesla corrects] nothing like that. [There's a brief moment there, where the faces of all those in the room show some form of relief and there's a round of quiet sighs.
And then Tesla continues on.] It's a sentient, organic nanite.
[Which changes the mood of the room in no time flat. Helen, eyes wide in shock, only manages a disbelieving "what?; the sasquatch offers a quiet "not good", and IT guy sinks down over the desk. Helen is the first to recover properly, turning on Tesla.]
It-- it didn't cross your mind to mention this to anyone?
Well, you were all so busy. [Tesla has the grace to look at least a little sheepish, though.] And besides, [he continues, gesturing with both hands towards the computer monitor] I quarantined it!
In a hidden sector.
[By the tone of Helen's voice it doesn't sound like she thinks this is really adequate to the problem at hand. For his part, Tesla simply nods at the comment before continuing on.]
Behind a veritable Fort Knox of firewalls.
[From his position behind Helen, the other man can't help but point out on small detail that Tesla has thus far been steering clear of.]
But it got out.
Not that this seems to faze Tesla too much, given that he doesn't seem to be taken back much at all when he answers.]
Right. Because little... [his voice trails off as he gestures to IT guy, who throws up his hands in frustration. But his words seem to have a prompted a realization from Helen, who speaks up almost hesitantly into the silence.]
Ah. Well. That may actually be... my fault. [A brief pause and a prompting "Helen?" from Tesla.] I've been having Henry move some of our more sensitive data to a secure cloud. Of our system, out of the prying eyes of SCIU. [She pronounces the acronym as one word - "skew" - and with a great deal of venom.]
No offense. [Chimes in the young man standing behind her.]
None taken, scooter. Thanks.
[This is shot back without so much as a pause, on Tesla's end, and he briefly leans in the direction of the man he's talking to, as if to give the words more impact.
Still, it's Helen who picks up the thread of the conversation, once the sniping is done.]
Henry did warn me that during the changeover, there might be a nanosecond where our defensive firewalls might be vulnerable.
Yeah, [IT guy - Henry - agrees, with a pointed look] I warned you.
[This news doesn't appear to leave Tesla very impressed, and he crosses his arms before turning towards Helen.]
But you took the chance anyway.
Well, given the course of recent events, [Helen begins, sounding slightly defensive in turn] I felt it was a calculated risk worth taking.
Oh, Helen. [Tesla sounds genuinely disapproving, now, and he shakes his head in reproach.] How could you be so... irresponsible?
[There's a beat of silence, and an expression of what's probably best to call outrage on Helen's face; when she speaks again her voice is sharp and angry.]
Didn't know you'd left behind a Praxian booby-trap, did I?
[It's a good point. But it doesn't sway Tesla in the slightest, who only continues to look distinctly unimpressed.]
So your cavalier incompetence is now my fault?
[Helen rolls her eyes at that, and looks away, as if she absolutely cannot believe this is the conversation they're having right now. A moment later, she sighs and turns back to Tesla, calmer now, even if she might be forcing it.]
The point is: [she shakes her head in something like disbelief] how do we fix it?
We can't. [The quiet voice is Henry's, who still hasn't moved from behind the computer he's been standing at; as everyone else in the room turns to look at him, he continues on.] This is organic, sentient tech, people. From Praxis. It's bits and bytes and brains all in one.
[Tesla glances over at Henry's screen for a moment and then adds in his own two cents.]
And judging by this data, it's evolving.
Growing? [the sasquatch asks, sounding both surprised and concerned about the process; Henry nods grimly.]
It's gathering bits and pieces from everywhere.
That's why it released the spider-bot, [the young man behind Helen comments, although the realization is likely one that he's only just had] to learn from us.
Okay, [Helen begins, closing her eyes briefly as if that alone will help banish the headache that the whole scenario has become] worst case scenario?
[There's a brief and very tense pause before Henry speaks up again.]
Gobbles up everything, data becomes compromised, we lose complete control of critical Sanctuary function.
I don't like it when you visit. [The sasquatch grumbles, comment clearly aimed at Tesla. And it's not a unreasonable complaint either - he has rather made things a nightmare in only a few short minutes. Not that he seems inclined to back down either; he already looks like he's getting ready to loose a few choice words of his own when Helen cuts back in.]
There has to be a way to stop it.
[Henry's expression, on the other hand, says otherwise.]
Listen, [he begins] I think I need to explain again. It is Praxian, okay? It's not going to turn tail with a few simple keystrokes. Hell, I don't even speak its language.
[It's an innocuous sounding comment, but Tesla's head abruptly snaps up, like he's caught wind of a particularly tantalizing scent.]
Hold your horses, Hénri. You may have just blundered into something remotely useful.
[It's a backhanded compliment at best, but Henry's muttered "Uh... thanks" goes all but unnoticed as Tesla turns towards Helen, who's raised an eyebrow in his direction.]
Nikola?
[It's very definitely meant as a question, but as to what is a little unclear, although Tesla seems to understand what she's asking.]
Oh yeah.
[She tilts her head and then continues on.]
You're not going where I think you're going.
[Tesla doesn't even bat an eye at the implied question. Instead he answers with out blinking an eye, and from that point they simply trade comments back and forth, much to the growing consternation of everyone else in the room]
We have to learn to speak its language.
You're serious?
no subject
Meanwhile, when Tesla doesn't answer her question, Helen continues on.]
You realize this is unprecedented.
Never stopped us before.
Potentially dangerous.
Fraidy-cat.
[Helen pauses there, tilting her head at Tesla's last comment as if to say "that's really the insult you're going with"; the brief moment of silence gives Will time to break into their heated back and forth.]
Alright, you guys are making me really nervous, and I don't even know what you're talking about.
[Tesla offers a brief grin to Helen - asking her to do the honors, perhaps - and while she offers an unimpressed look she speaks up.]
Very well, then. If you're up for it.
[Apparently, she's no more heard Henry's comment than Tesla has, given that he doesn't address it any more than she had, choosing instead to respond to Helen's.]
I wouldn't miss it for the world.
[This time the other man in the room interjects, in tones not dissimilar to that of a frustrated teacher.]
Would you like to share with the rest of the class, please.
[He glances at Helen and then over to Tesla as he says it; Tesla glances back to Helen, nods, and then speaks up.]
We're going in.
In. [the other man echoes, still confused.] In. In where?
In there. [Helen answers, nodding to the computer Henry had been working at; there's a brief moment of silence, and then the video ends.]
((video link: 3:40 - 8:33))