[ we auctioned off our memories in the absence of a breeze ]

[baelhat]

Who: Baelheit and Miriel (with bonus Milly!)
Where: Mintaka Industries
When: Immediately after his meeting with Megatron
What: Mintaka Industries is under threat by the Decepticon forces. Time to hide its most valuable asset: the synth-en formula.
Warnings: UNCOMFORTABLE AMOUNTS OF MATH, Baelheit family problems, THE USUAL

The moment that Megatron's avatar has left his office, Baelheit contacts Miriel. There is absolutely no time to waste. He may have bought himself a few hours, but he knows that Megatron was not convinced by his show of acquiescence. He is uninterested in giving Megatron and his troops the means to leave this planet, or worse, attack it...especially without receiving anything in return. Perhaps he would have accepted a trade, if only to cut their losses down to something acceptable, but Daimon's whispers in the back of his mind have urged him to take a different course.

They cannot be allowed to come to possess this information, Julius. You mustn't give it to them. The formula is yours by right, and no one else's. You need it, and you need the Cybertronians. Your work won't be complete without them.

What should he do, then? What would Daimon have him do?

Hide it in plain sight. Use the resources at your disposal. You have more than just tools and toys, Julius, you have so much more...

He doesn't bother with an email -- in an uncharacteristically urgent move, he pages Miriel over the building's PA system, his tone brisk and professional as ever. "Dr. Frost, please report to the head office immediately. I must speak with you on an urgent matter."

While he waits for her to arrive, he sends a text message to Milliarde. He and Daimon have already begun to formulate a plan -- as ingenious of one as they could on such short notice -- although Daimon seems more than ready to tackle the matter at hand. If he wants to keep the formula out of Megatron's possession, he'll just have to make it that much harder to find.

Comments

[sciencewizard]

Strange. Baelheit rarely uses the PA system. This must, indeed, be urgent, though Miriel can't imagine what it could be. She runs through a list of possibilities in her head. Ultimately, she decides there's no point, as she will be informed of the matter shortly. She leaves her work – tidy, of course – and hastens to the head office. It's not long before she's there, and she finds Baelheit waiting inside.

"Dr. Baelheit," she greets him, and moves to sit down. "What do you wish to discuss?" She notes that she is experiencing a small, subtle feeling of apprehension. Interesting. Whatever has happened, she already knows it isn't good news.

[baelhat]

Baelheit wastes no time. He is not a man who generally minces words, although he is usually diligent with his formalities. But here, with the grave, intent look on his face, it is clear he is uninterested in those.

"We had theorized that there were other Cybertronians on this planet by now, based on the energy readouts our scanners were picking up outside the city. It seems our suspicions were correct, and I have just had them confirmed." He leans forward, hands laced tightly together over his desk. "Starscream's direct superior just paid me a visit -- Megatron, he calls himself. He came demanding the completed formula, and he was not interested in bargaining. He was quite liberal with his threats -- I have no doubt that given ample opportunity, he would raze this building to the ground to get his hands on the formula. I have already enacted emergency defense protocols for the secure labs and our most valuable assets, but the formula -- that is his goal. We cannot let them simply take it, Dr. Frost. It must be protected, and I need your help -- your brilliance -- to do it. But it is likely to become dangerous very quickly." His eyes are alight with an intensity unlike any she has likely ever seen in him before. "Can I trust you with this, Dr. Frost?"

He has never asked her to undertake something of this magnitude before. She has always had his confidence when it comes to professional matters, but this is outside of her job description by a long shot. But even so, Daimon has made him confident that she will accept.

[sciencewizard]

Miriel listens intently. Given that this Megatron is as dangerous as Baelheit just described, he must not be allowed to get his hands on the formula. It's not a matter of Mintaka Industries no longer having the research – Miriel has everything about the formula and its completion process committed to memory, of course, and she doubts that Baelheit doesn't too – but a matter of Megatron, Starscream, and any others working for them not using it to further their agenda. Especially if their agenda involves destroying or conquering Earth; that would simply not do.

"Of course, Dr. Baelheit," she says, without hesitation. "The potential of danger will not pose a problem; I will be cautious." Perhaps it would for an ordinary super genius scientist, but Miriel isn't an ordinary super genius scientist. Her magic is her greatest secret, and, though she has no intention of outright telling Baelheit just how safe she and the formula will be, a little reassurance wouldn't hurt.

A thought occurs to her. This might be a good opportunity to put into practice an invention of hers which has been sitting on a shelf in her study for a couple years now. The concept always appealed to her, and none of the many whom she had tested with the problems had even come close. "In fact, I may already have a method of protecting the formula. Even if the Cybertronians manage to retrieve it, they will not be able to access it unless they are exceptionally proficient at levels of mathematics more difficult and complex than levels solvable by the greatest minds in mathematics today." Even her mother could not solve these; her frustrated notes are where Miriel got the framework for some of the problems, after all.

[baelhat]

Inwardly, Baelheit is immensely relieved that she accepts, all the more so for how readily she does. Not for the first time recently, he thinks that he is extraordinarily fortunate to have Miriel at Mintaka Industries. Over the last few years she has quite easily become his favorite colleague, and her willingness to put herself on the line for their shared interests is only enforcing that.

He looks intrigued by the suggestion, quickly turning it over in his head. It is a rather elaborate approach, but the situation calls for it. "Thank you for your dedication, Dr. Frost. I'm sure that with your help, we can keep this asset out of Megatron's hands. You are confident that you can develop such a device?" It's not a challenge of her conviction; it is merely a request for confirmation, perhaps even a hopeful one.

[sciencewizard]

"In truth, its development is nearly complete," Miriel says. "I have been working on this project in small stretches for an extended period of time, and it is fortunate that it suits this situation." There are just a few little details that need correcting before she can put it to use. For example, the spell protecting the invention from being smashed open must be strengthened, considering the damage the Cybertronians can likely do.

Of course, there's also the question of where she should hide it, if anywhere. She could always place it in an alternate dimension, but maybe that would be overkill. Putting it in her house might endanger her personal research – her spellbooks are priceless artifacts from beyond the physical plane, but they can still be damaged. It might be too large for a pocket, so perhaps she could stick it in her purse. These are the important questions.

[baelhat]

"You can put it into effective use immediately, then?" Baelheit looks faintly sanguine, Miriel's unhesitating confidence enough to bolster his own. It seems Daimon had been right to put his faith in her. "I would ask you to explain to me in greater detail how this device works, but I am afraid there is no time for that now. Besides, I feel it may be better if I know less, at least for the time being."

He rises from his chair, resting his palms on the surface of his desk, his face grave as he looks at Miriel. "But that in itself may not be enough, Dr. Frost. Even with as secure a measure as I am sure you've devised, hiding the formula in only one place strikes me as a foolish move. Rather, the data will be heavily encrypted and then split -- you will possess one half, and I will take measures to protect the other myself."

[sciencewizard]

Miriel nods when he asks the question, then nods again after he's done speaking. "I believe that is a wise course of action, Dr. Baelheit. Should one half of the formula fall into the Cybetronians' hands, they will not possess the completed formula." It stands to reason, though, that, should the Cybertronians get one part of the formula, they will focus their efforts on finding the other. That might increase the danger for whoever has that part of the formula. It's not a flaw in the plan itself, but merely an unfortunate aspect of the situation. They can handle it.

"Did Megatron reveal any information regarding the numbers he commands? I doubt he would be so foolish as to say anything outright, but even hints may be utilizable." It does very much make a difference if five Cybertronians come knocking on her door, as opposed to one or two. Of course, Megatron might consider them, being human pests, to be easy to deal with, and therefore not requiring large numbers.

[baelhat]

"He did not," Baelheit says, shaking his head. "I doubt it is more than a few, or else our scanners would have detected far more activity than they did...but even a handful of Cybertronians could pose a serious threat to Mintaka Industries. And Megatron himself is quite formidable. He has a clarity of purpose to him that makes him particularly dangerous. I do not doubt that he would go to extraordinary lengths to obtain the formula."

Baelheit would know, because Megatron...Megatron is not unlike himself, in that regard. He adjusts his glasses, his face grim. "He is not Starscream. He cannot be begged or bargained with; we cannot appeal to his ego to soften him. He says he would raze this building to the ground if he felt it necessary. I believe him."

[sciencewizard]

"As do I." Though Miriel hasn't met Megatron herself, she has complete faith in Baelheit's judgment. She's not much for grandiose, meaningful statements, but one thing is clear: Baelheit's judgment is what has gotten Mintaka Industries this far, and it's what's going to lead it into the future. "We must ensure that he does not have the opportunity to cause any damage to our endeavors or those working with us."

Of course, that's easier said than done when you're talking about a large, ruthless alien robot. In fact, Miriel doesn't know what would keep Megatron from destroying whatever he wanted to. Death, probably, but Cybertronians are likely more difficult to kill than organics. There would also be the possibility of further retaliation by Megatron's forces, which could be costly to not just Mintaka Industries. They are in quite a tricky situation.

"What will you tell him when he inevitably returns, Dr. Baelheit?" Miriel asks. "I doubt he would have chosen to leave without the formula, so, considering the circumstances, I imagine that you convinced him to give you time to decide."

[baelhat]

"No, I only convinced him to give me time to prepare," Baelheit says grimly, slowly lowering himself back into his chair. He breathes out a slow, steady sigh -- terse, tight. This has him as worried as Miriel's probably ever seen him. "He wasn't interested in giving me time, and I'm sure he saw through my gambit all the same. I won't tell him anything, Dr. Frost -- I will use every second I can to gird ourselves and our assets against an assault. To tell him I refuse would be to give away even the slightest advantage we might have now."

[sciencewizard]

Miriel considers this, as well as the worry evident in the man in front of her. It makes sense for him to be as concerned as he is, considering that a large, ruthless alien robot just made a series of serious threats against him and those around him. What Baelheit has chosen to do is in the best interests of Mintaka Industries, and possibly also humanity, but...what of him?

"Have you decided what you will do to ensure your own safety, Dr. Baelheit?" she asks, after several moments. There's an almost imperceptible change in the tone of her voice; it's the slightest bit softer, like a little part of the analytical edge has been rounded out for just a moment. "That is likely not at the forefront of your mind right now, but it is important to consider, if you have not already done so."

[baelhat]

There's a hint of mild surprise on Baelheit's face before he relaxes, leaning back into his chair. "I appreciate your concern, Dr. Frost. But there's no need to worry. I've worked hard for over ten years to build up Mintaka Industries; I have no intention of dying before I see my efforts come to fruition. I have taken measures to ensure my own personal safety. And if all else fails, the underground labs at Mintaka are the securest part of our firm. Even Megatron would have difficulty breaching their full defenses."

AFTER THE MEETING WITH MIRIEL

[bombsheltered]

from 310-555-0140 at 3:45pm
Milliarde, I need you to come to my office immediately. It's urgent -- please do not delay.

from 310-555-7877 at 3:51pm
i have a life, you know. you can't just tell me to drop everything to come see you without even telling me why!!

from 310-555-0140 at 3:52pm
I know you're unhappy with me, but this is important.

from 310-555-7877 at 3:52pm
i'm not unhappy with you. i'm ANGRY with you.

from 310-555-0140 at 3:55pm
I suppose you have every right to be. And I am sorry, Milliarde...but this is bigger than that. I need you to understand -- the future of Mintaka Industries, of my ability to continue to maintain your body, depends on this. I need you here, Milliarde.

from 310-555-7877 at 4:06pm
do you mean that?
are you really sorry?

from 310-555-0140 at 4:06pm
Of course, Milliarde. You are my daughter, and I love you...of course.

from 310-555-7877 at 4:10pm
what do you need me to come there for?

from 310-555-0140 at 4:11pm
I need you to hold onto something for me. Something very important. No one will know you have it. Please, Milliarde...I need you to do this for me.

Milly still has her reservations when she arrives, but she does arrive. Her dad's being as cagey as ever, but that's nothing new. As mad as she is at him -- and she is still mad -- when it comes down to it...she doesn't really know how to say no to him. Part of her wants to -- part of her thinks he deserves to do whatever it is he's doing without her, on his own, whatever! But it sounds like it has to do with cybernetics, and as much as she hates admitting it, if something were to happen to her father's research, she'd be in real trouble. She resents her cybernetic implants, especially the way he'd gone over her head and installed totally new ones without her permission, but -- without them, she wouldn't be able to be a hero. She wouldn't be Starbreaker...

She's wearing a cool look when she enters the office, her lips just two steps shy of being pursed, and her posture is stiff, unforgiving. She expects her father to ask her if her implants are all right -- if she's having trouble with them -- but he looks even graver than usual.

"Milliarde," he says by way of greeting, rising from his desk, and Milly only nods at him, glancing past him to stare out the broad windows behind his desk. "Thank you for coming."

"Dad," she says, half-mumbling the word. "I'm here, okay? What's this thing you want me to hold onto?"

He crosses over to her from behind the desk, reaching to take her left hand in his -- for a moment Milly lets her guard down and her chest swells with something fond and familiar, thinking he's just going to hold her hand for a moment, to reassure her that things are okay, that they're all going to be okay. But it's only for a moment, because even as his hand covers hers, he's gently pressing his fingers into her wrist to peel away the seam of the synthetic skin there, opening up a small compartment in her cybernetic arm she didn't even know was there to begin with.

Milly lets out a little gasp and jerks her hand back, staring at her father like she's been tricked. She feels betrayed, somehow, and besides that, they're not even in the secure lab -- they're in his office, where anyone could see. And he's the one always urging secrecy... "Dad!" she hisses incredulously, trying to close up her wrist so she can put the skin back into place. "Hey! What are you -- "

But he takes her hand again, his grip firm, and his face is intent -- he's always serious, but now, now he looks like he's worried about something. Someone else might not have seen it, but Milly's known her father her whole life. And he doesn't often worry, not like this.

"Dad..."

That's when she sees the small data drive in his hand, just before he slides it into the compartment in her wrist with a soft click. "I need you to keep this, Milliarde," he says, his voice unusually soft, and he locks eyes with her. Milly finds she can't look away. "Tell no one you have it and relinquish it for no one, not until I ask you for it back. This is important, as important as anything I've ever entrusted you with...do you understand?"

She wants to rebuke him, to scoff or refuse or something. But she can't. She just swallows and nods, her expression just as grave, just as worried.

"Okay -- okay. I will. I won't tell anyone, I promise I'll keep it safe...but what's going on, Dad? What happened? Why do you look so worried?"

Baelheit doesn't answer as he closes the compartment in her wrist, smoothing the synthetic skin back into place with the utmost care. "You can go now," he says quietly, and Milly expects him to let go of her hand, but he doesn't, not yet. "You shouldn't stay here. Go home, Milliarde."

She opens her mouth to protest, to demand an answer, but he lets go of her hand and takes her head in both his hands, pulling her close enough to press a kiss to the top of her head. "Remember that you are my daughter, and I love you, Milliarde. Now go. I'll call you later."

Milly gives him a bewildered stare, but that rare gesture of affection -- it wasn't always so rare, she thinks -- has her spinning her wheels again. She doesn't argue, just casts one last glance at her father before she turns to leave his office, wondering if something, anything's finally changed with him.

Maybe not. But despite herself, despite all the rifts that have grown between them over the years...she has to hope. She'll do this one thing for him, and then maybe...maybe things will be better.