1.H | VIDEO | Locked from Peter Parker/Spider-Man

[doctopussy]

[ The man on screen is wearing a bright white suit and white tie over a black shirt. He's framed the camera angle so his great big metal arms aren't visible, however. He's wearing sunglasses even though it's evening by now. His haircut is questionable. ]

As is often the case, when one wants to live a quiet life it's often interrupted. Since my arrival a few months ago, I've been occupied with the search for scientific progress. But it has become increasingly clear to me that I need to expand not only my scientific boundaries but my personal and political ones. Like it or not, we imPorts have found ourselves thrust into a world where our very existence has become politicized.

But as atoms bond to create something new, so too must we bond together to become stronger. To that end I feel the need to introduce myself.

[ He doesn't, and won't, outright say that this post is a response to Spider-Man making a list of his past and future crimes, but it is. He wasn't going to attempt to clear his name except a certain upcoming election has made him deem it prudent. ]

I am Dr. Otto Octavius.

I believe some of you may know me by a different name -- I understand the amount of alternate universes and timelines can become confusing for even those well-versed in such things.

[ He sighs, the picture of a man tired of having himself confused by an alternate version of himself. ]

Regardless, I am formally offering my scientific expertise if needed. I hope you all deign to give me a chance.

Comments

[cantwalkwithoutit]

My, but the network is just alight with political speeches of late.

[doctopussy]

Of late? From what I've gathered from reading, it's often the case, between new imports introducing themselves -- which I admit this does fall under albeit much delayed -- and the occasional announcement or advice-seeking.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

If I didn't know any better, I would think you were running for office. But that does seem to be the mood here, of late.

Were you seeking advice?

[doctopussy]

Time will tell. [ He absolutely intends to, but he feels he needs to set himself up as a person who exists before he sets himself up as a candidate. ]

As for whether or not I'm seeing advice, possibly not unless you have a method of ridding someone of an unnecessary and irritating so-called superpower. Currently that's the only thing alluding my talents.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Well that's simple enough.

You simply become a person who doesn't have said so-called superpower.

[doctopussy]

The solution may be simple, but achieving the solution introduces a whole new host of problems.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Well, nobody ever said becoming someone else was easy.

[ He smiles brightly. ]

But you're already well ahead of most for recognizing that on your own.

[doctopussy]

[ It's apparently something he managed to achieve, in another lifetime. He doesn't feel the need to say that out loud, though, as he's trying to deny Spider-Man's accusations. ]

Most don't feel the need to think things through.

I sense you're a man with experience in such matters. So allow me to ask the obvious question: how would you become a different person?

[cantwalkwithoutit]

I would like to say I'm wise and patient enough to say "through perseverance, self-moderation, and the right paperwork," but being human and aware of human failings?

[ He shrugs. ]

Probably magic.

[doctopussy]

[ Otto raises his eyebrow. Despite his scientific leanings, he's not a skeptic -- not after the things he knows exists in his world. The fact that he's judgmental, however, is a different matter entirely. ]

I assume you're referring to real magic, not the brand of optical illusions and trickery that some call magic.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Well, that solution would technically only be called a disguise rather than a proper transformation. Those only tend to work about halfway.

Video

[liverletdie]

This was surprisingly level, for you.

[ He says, leaning back in a dim room, but in the background there are definitely unpainted pieces of armor. ]

But yes, I'm sure you're being hounded for something someone else did.

[doctopussy]

That is in addition to the audio nature of my problem which would make such a "solution" ultimately completely useless.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Hence: magic.

Does your dilemma get in the way of your scientific pursuits?

[doctopussy]

[ Otto is immediately on edge, though he keeps it from his face at least. He can play the game. ]

If you subtract the sarcastic tone, yes. I only wish to make use of the second chance at life I have been given.

[doctopussy]

Only in that it causes the intermittent lapse of concentration.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Surely that can be overcome with practice.

[liverletdie]

Oh yes, of course.

So what's the big plan, then? For the great Doctor Oct-- [ A skip. ] --avius?

[doctopussy]

I have become accustomed to tuning it out, I merely resent that I have to. Particularly when there's work to be done. As I described it before, it's quite irritating.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

So your power is causing some sort of auditory disturbance.

[doctopussy]

[ One day he will strip you of your armour and wring your neck, Stark.

He smiles. ]

What else does one do with a second chance but find a new direction? To push forward into a bold new future.

[doctopussy]

That would be an accurate description. You'll have to forgive me if I don't specify beyond that.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

So the fact that you hear it is the problem.

[doctopussy]

[ Dryly: ] Correct, though any given solution would have to leave my hearing intact.

[cantwalkwithoutit]

I'll give you credit where it's due, Doctor. You think this through better than most.

What triggers it?