Snippet #1237709

(??? and Zack Reynolds, 2nd District, Abandoned Building)

An invisible conduit met with the metal one, and in a flash the boy's thoughts were gone. Here in its new host, the ghostly program flitted about in surprise and glee; (Now this is more like it...). Like stretching one's arms after just awaking, it spread, explored the advanced circuitry, listened to its stories, turned off the cloak; and inevitably, the consciousness of the host was found.

He could feel the capabilities of high-end hardware, the comfort of impeccable design, though it was the memories of the machine he found most interesting. Through browsing recent conversations digitally spoken and heard, the program felt it almost knew the man personally--well enough, anyway. With that in mind, it was time to set up the hook; the Doctor's homecoming had been long overdue.

Meanwhile, Zack let out a sigh, staggered, then straightened up again, rubbing his head. "Man, Doc. You should have warned me what a trip I was in for, I would have stolen some Tylenol or something." The invisible form in front of him phased into sight, and sprinted forward. Zack's eyes went wide; that thing is sentient... As a fist connected with his gut, Zack's form stretched and rippled past his assailant, silvery, like liquid mercury, then formed a shell around Cocoon.

Much, much clearer than the buzzing jumble of noise Zack had experienced, nevertheless Cocoon now heard a similar voice.
(You'll find you won't be able to escape the hold of my associate, Mr.... Cocoon, is it? So hear me out and it will be worth your while.)

(There are three ways this can go. In one, you cooperate, and in doing me a service I shall reward you in no small way. In the others, you do not cooperate, and my associate and I will either have to force you along with us as my latest toy, or I will simply kill you and take your suit as a prize, depending on whether I decide like you.)

(For the sake of time and convenience for both parties, I really do suggest you assist; you're the one with more to gain. I see a lot of promise in you, and together we could go a long way. Just help me to this building... (Pictures flash in Cocoon's mind) ...And I, Dr. Deus X. Machina, will personally make sure you won't regret it.)