tushanshu | 07 § video

You know what I want? A pizza. For those of you who are familiar with it, I just realized how long it's been since I've actually had a good pizza, and it's almost criminal. For the rest of you, you don't know what you're missing.

You think we can get a pizzeria started somewhere?

And while I'm thinking here, is anyone really that uncomfortable? It's not so bad once you figure out the secret to it.

[The smile he puts on is deliberate and smug. It's the kind of expression he gives when he knows someone else wants him to have a bad day just so he can ruin their plans. Or maybe he's just trying to piss someone else off. Who knows?]

Want a hint? Here's a hint: When is a door not a door?

[Locked; encrypted 30%]

"Ajar" doesn't sound like "a jar".

[Locked; encrypted 50%]

That's not even the answer I'm looking for. But this is the next clue.

[Locked; encrypted 80%]

M must be for marshmallow. And we all know that marshmallows aren't that intimidating.

The answer is adaptation. The riddle was just for fun. Also it's when it's ajar. [No it wasn't. It was "code" or "back door".]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I was in personal securities with the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the Federal Bureau of Investigations for three years, Mr. Stark, but hacking this network is a hobby. I'm trying to learn more about how all of the different codes integrate and if there's a feasible way to encode messages or notes away from Lucifer.

Dick Grayson recommended you.

That's a possibility. Not vaguely, I mean that it's possible. Messages and transmissions can be kept away from the general public if you know what you're doing.

That doesn't necessarily ensure us against magical interference.

Grayson knows Scott Lang? [He's still testing the waters. It makes sense that his name would turn up for technology-related subjects since he doesn't really hide his presence. But Tony likes to know where the information is coming from.]

Are there any meta-humans here with abilities related to technology that you're aware of?

I don't know who Dick knows. I asked for people that might be able to help me advance my interests and those are the two names he gave me. Is there someone else you would recommend? Sir?

[The last word is pointed. If Tony wants to get rid of Mike, he's going to have to try pretty damn hard.]

Edited 2014-03-20 06:06 (UTC)

That I'm aware of? None that I've met here.

[He shrugs casually. The way the other man is coming on so strong makes him wonder, and Tony has a history of finding out the hard way that he can't trust people.]

Why do you need to know? I'm sure if they do exist, they lie low for a reason. Then again, I've been known to have an impressive resume. Maybe that counts as metahuman potential.

[He grins.] I know my way around technology, yes. Better than anyone else your friend might recommend. But I don't work for free.

You said something about magic. I figured a meta-human with the relevant skill set might be better at designing a closed network than you or I would be. That's the only reason I asked. [No, really.]

How much would you want to be paid for some lessons? I can start a piggy bank.

Well, it's always better to explore all our options. And based on what I've been told, our friend is using magic too. I think the answer to your question is probably yes, but on the opposite side.

But I'm confident in my own skill. Even if he is some techno-magician.

[Yeah, he's pretty smug about that.]

That depends on what kind of lessons you want. I'm going to start right off and tell you I don't give away trade secrets cheaply.

Maybe that puts us at an advantage. If we can build something without any magic at all, like building manual equipment to resist electrical failures, maybe that will make it harder for the guy to access.

Increased encryption proficiency and better information on networking, the relevance of magic, and.. maybe more about how the individual inboxes work, all specific and relevant to the consoles here.

[A beat.] Do you have access to any laptops or computers that are purely technological and don't have any of the organic components?

According to some tests, all of the technology here is tied back to Asti. Even if we did have autonomous technology before coming here, there's no guarantee that it's the same now. They're replicas. More or less, at least. I didn't get anything from home, but I know a few other people have. No computers, though.

[He looks thoughtful.]

You think we can get around magic by using technology? I can explain the security for the consoles if you want better privacy for your messages, but you aren't going to lock out the possibility of magic cracking in just by ignoring it. You're better off covering all your bases. Might even try praying if you're the type. [And he smirks very slightly, because that is not his thing.]

I agree that going through technology is better than trying to hash out some magical defense when we don't know if it will even work. That's not my area. But I haven't found a source of power in the city that won't be influenced yet. Even when it's not directly tied to Tu Vishan.

Who's Asti?

I'm not saying we ignore it. I'm saying we find a way to build a device that doesn't allow it, a sort of.. null zone. Like EMP, but for magic. I don't know that I'll pray, [That's personal, thank you very much.] but I could use the lesson on better privacy if nothing else.

07 § video

video, encrypted 72%

video, encrypted 72%

video, encrypted 72%

video, encrypted 72%

video, encrypted 72%

video, encrypted 72%

video, encrypted 72%

video, encrypted 72%

video, encrypted 72%