[Video/Action]

[chartom]

[If he were thinking clearly, Talbot would be approaching his first network transmission with a bit more finesse, restricting the communication to a voice or text message. But not only is he in a fix, he's fixated: if Drake or Sullivan were dragged down into this godawful place with him, he wants them to see his face; he wants them to experience the itching of a gaze on their backs every time they step outside.]

I need a surgeon. [The video feed is unreliable, but the splash of aged blood around the entry wound in his shoulder is hard to miss on the backdrop of his white shirt when it momentarily sputters into clarity. He tilts the screen up, putting his tired face into view.

There's a hiss of static, then:] --and I need information.

((OOC: If you're a castmate, your thread's probably going to get encrypted to prevent eavesdroppers!))

Comments

[chartom]

Simple. I like the sound of that.

I'm underground. I'll send you my approximate location, if that's of ay use to you.

[obfuskate]

It will get me there a little faster. Consider it a done deal.

[ he's already heading to the general area, looking to get there asap. time to do this and make it quick. ]

[chartom]

[Talbot has his machine relay approximate coordinates. He waits in an alcove--his rifle across his lap--for his strange benefactor to show.]

[obfuskate]

[ It doesn't take him long. In fact, in a matter of five quick minutes, he's there, his air shoes having carried him a long way very fast. Despite the fact that he's smeared with blood and coated in ash, he doesn't seem to be too worse for wear. These Masked are strong, but they are still mere child's play.

Shadow doesn't bother with introductions. He heads over, kneels down, and looks over the wound very quickly. ]

Tch... as simple as I thought. Hold still.

[ ... Wait, what is Shadow doing now? Is he biting at his own arm? Yes, he is, just enough to draw a little blood from the area. That's all he'll need for what he's about to do: dripping his blood onto the wound, his super-powerful, universal antibodies enough to expel any infection. ]

[chartom]

[It's probably a good thing Talbot is too dazed by the appearance of this creature to protest much--but let's be realistic here. The thing is making to drip its own blood into Talbot's wound, and nobody, even in a half-feverish delirium, is going to sit still for that.]

What are you doing? [His hands itch for a weapon, and he palms a loose dart from his rifle.]

[obfuskate]

I am the Ultimate Lifeform. My bodily fluids can rid any living being or inanimate object of infectious bacteria.

Observe.

[ Shadow halts himself, moving his arm over to a nearby puddle of messy, murky water, so fully opaque that the ground's texture cannot be seen. He drips a small amount of his own blood into the water, and while it stains it a soft pink, it grows more translucent. The bacteria is clearly going away, disintegrating into nothingness under the pressure of his super-charged disease prevention. ]

[chartom]

[Dubious though he is, Talbot's curiosity will ultimately win out over any misgivings he has about letting this thing rub its blood into his already infected wound. The demonstration has certainly piqued his interest.

He lifts his chin toward the injured shoulder.]

Go on, then.

[obfuskate]

Hold still. It may or may not hurt.

[ He lifts his arm to the shoulder, carefully bringing two fingers to pinch at his own wound to drip his blood, his materials, onto Talbot's. There is no fizzing as to be expected from an average peroxide, but he may feel a strange, buzzing sensation course through the wound, albeit a painless one.

Shadow brings his eyes up to him, his frown prominent as always. ]

That should be enough.

[chartom]

[It's a bizarre sensation he can't immediately liken to anything else. But after it passes, the throbbing heat is sapped from the wound.

Talbot straightens, reaching a hand across his chest to test the site with a tentative touch as he meets Shadow's gaze.]

Handy trick, that.

[obfuskate]

Quite.

[ A ghost of a smirk rises on his features. He can't deny that he's proud of his own abilities, as extensive and powerful as they are. ]

To be healed by the Ultimate Lifeform is a privilege.

[ Though, honestly, it was just a break in the battlefield. He isn't about to remain here for long. ]

[chartom]

Then I suppose I owe you one, don't I? [He pulls his torn shirt back over his shoulders.

While Talbot is not especially thrilled about earning a debt in this place already, he intends to stay on good terms with what might prove a powerful ally.]

[obfuskate]

Of course.

[ Gee, that shouldn't be surprising at all. Shadow leans against the wall, looking over at him intently. ]

All I need from you is information. Tell me what you know of this place, the United Earth, Exsilium, their motives... everything.

[chartom]

[Talbot's spirits are lifted somewhat by now, even through the reminder that he's as bankrupt of information as his new acquaintance.] I'm afraid you're out of luck. I just arrived as well.

[obfuskate]

That isn't an uncommon response.

[ He groans. Dammit. He must get closer to the truth. He won't accept anything less! ]

If you unearth any information... [ He eyes him carefully, intimidatingly, as if warning him that he better not hide anything from him. ] ... look for me, Shadow the Hedgehog.

[chartom]

[He isn't an easy man to intimidate, but he's not about to alienate a potential ally by butting heads. He nods.] I won't forget the help.

[obfuskate]

[ His expression, while still stoic as ever, softens. ] Good. We will be in touch.

Now, your name. [ He isn't going without one. ]

[chartom]

You can call me Talbot.

I'll be monitoring the network. You shouldn't have any trouble contacting me.

[obfuskate]

Very well then.

[ He doesn't have much more to say to him, so now, with his deed done, he turns to leave. If Talbot watches carefully, he may or may not notice a smirk rising on his features.

He may be able to use this one... ]