The basement of the ACME complex was the home of Chip Masters' domain. After the incident in which the main tower of the complex was stolen, Chip and his staff were relieved that the basement-- and thus, the server room -- were safe and stuck in the ground. It had been a hard few weeks for the IT department, clearing out the debris and retrofitting the server with links that were compatible to the old 80s dumb terminals being used in the temporary offices.

On this particular day, Chip was sitting in his office looking out the back window at the robotic arm that shuffled data tapes around on a shelf. His personal assistant, Winston Payne, walked in. Winston was a young man, 17 years old with a slight build and a love for geek-culture ties. "Mr. Masters?" Winston asked.

"Yeah, Payne?" Chip replied.

"Why'd you take a desk job here?"

Chip sighed. "Because the operation would fall apart if all of the people employed here were out chasing VILE. The guys out on the field need support from the office. Besides, there's also the chance to work with the famous Alexandria cluster."

Winston rolled his eyes. "But you've gone on several road missions!"

"For one, I'm a VP, and two, it's mostly consulting the detectives. I'm not seeking to become a detective. The work's not right for me. The C5's a nightmare to deal with, and there are some members of VILE I'd rather not deal with." Winston began to protest but was cut off. "I have skills that can be used on the field. You're not ready yet, that's why. Besides, your mother would be devestated if something happened to you. The chase isn't as glorious as the stories make it out to be."

Winston stared at the ground in shame. "But listen, keep on taking those training courses and you'll get there soon enough. Now are you done with the printers yet?" Chip asked.

Winston's eyes opened wide as he sped out of the room. Chip turned back to watch the arm going back and forth, sighing. "That kid..."