video . 9th transformation

[permutates]

[ private to anya, earlier ]

I heard that you were Magneto's daughter.

I guess I think you should know that I know.

[ public, later ]

[ The camera shows the teaching annexe, swings past a few doors and settles on a stretch of wall where - well, there's a door. And beyond is a place where something should probably be. Should definitely be, for anyone who knows the location of the ice rink. Instead, there's a block of blank concrete, behind the open door. ]

The rink is gone.

[ She's heard the voices, over the speakers. She sounds shaky. ]

What's happening?

Comments

[ Private : Voice ]

[surfaceshine]

[Dean sounds tired but calm; maybe a little resigned. Not angry or antagonistic.]

Megamind, do us all a favor and don't freak out on me. I'm not trying to pick a fight.

Do you need help down there?

[ Private : Voice ]

[megamind]

[ He bristles a little, but in the end, shrugs, rubbing at his face. He stays on video, not really looking at the screen as he works. ]

I think I've got it handled. With Felix gone, Barbara and I are the only people left familiar with the post-Tosh engine room, and.... trust me, I'm doing the best I can here.

We scrubbed those systems, though. Destroyed ports of entry. And you now how hard it is to uses the same path twice.

[ Private ]

[surfaceshine]

[This is why he stayed on voice. He knew that would come uup.

He doesn't waver though.]

I know. I believe you. But we both know that's where everyone's gonna be looking, and there were only two people last time.

I subbed for Felix a couple times. I'm not hopeless and I'd be another set of eyes if the problem is inter-Barge. Will you let me help, so we can have that much better of a chance to shut this down before it becomes a panic? I don't have much to do now, anyway.

[ Private ]

[megamind]

I know, I know.

[ It's frustrating and he still feels slighted. ]

Yeah, that's fine. People will trust you before they ever trust me.

[ Private ]

[surfaceshine]

[Remarkably, Dean doesn't seem inclined to be an asshole right now. The smirk is audible in his voice.]

That's because I'm an idiot. Everyone thinks they can pull one over on me if they need or want to.

I'll come down now, you can show me what's up and then take a break.

[ Private ]

[megamind]

You said it, not me. [ Just putting that out there, okay. ] Yeah, I'll -- yeah.

I need to get more coffee anyway.

[ And maybe have a nap. Before coffee. ]

[ Private ]

[surfaceshine]

[He is, as ever, aware of himself. He suppresses a sigh.]

Roger that. Be down in ten.

[ Private ]

[megamind]

I'll be here.

[ Wound up like a clockspring, but here. ]