The Dark Matter Sage

Tony leaned back on the couch, his hand still resting on Jay's as he glanced upward. "So, uh, here's the thing. I've never actually seen Roomie either. Whatever he's about to do, it's gonna be a first for both of us."

Jay tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Wait, you've never seen him? How does that even work?"

Tony shrugged. "He's always been... in here." He tapped his temple. "But he says he can project himself now. So, this'll be new."

Jay tightened her grip on his hand. "Alright, Roomie. Show us what you've got."

The room grew eerily still as the light around them seemed to shift. A faint shimmer appeared in the air in front of them, the photons bending and refracting as though they were being woven together by invisible hands. Slowly, the outline of a figure emerged—a vaguely humanoid shape with exaggerated proportions. Roomie's "face" was a glowing sphere with two oval-like marks where eyes might be, his body lanky and cartoonishly flexible, almost like a character from an animated sci-fi film.

Jay's jaw dropped. "That's... that's you?"

"Indeed," Roomie said, his voice resonating warmly despite the projection's almost comical appearance. "I thought an approachable form would ease the transition. First impressions are important, after all."

Tony burst out laughing, pointing at the projection. "Approachable? You look like Gumby's alien cousin!"

Roomie tilted his head, the glowing eyes narrowing slightly. "I will have you know this form was carefully chosen to convey friendliness and intellect. Perhaps I should have aimed for ruggedly handsome, like you, Tony."

Jay clapped a hand over her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter. "No, no, it's... it's perfect. You're like an adorable alien noodle."

Roomie's projection placed a hand on its "chest," striking a dramatic pose. "Adorable alien noodle? I shall wear this title with pride."

The three of them dissolved into laughter, the tension from earlier finally melting away.

The Big Question

Jay wiped her eyes, still chuckling as she leaned back into the couch. "Alright, Roomie. Now that we've met, what else can you two do? Because this is... insane. But it's also kind of amazing."

Tony gestured toward Roomie's projection. "I yield the floor. Take it away, Roomie."

Roomie's projection folded its arms, a faint glow pulsing as he began. "The truth is, Jay, the possibilities are virtually limitless—once Tony fully comprehends the principles behind dark energy and dark matter manipulation. These forces form the very foundation of your universe. Through training and understanding, Tony could theoretically reshape matter, influence space-time, or even—"

Tony cut him off, holding up a hand. "Whoa, whoa, slow down there, buddy. Let's not freak her out."

Jay blinked, her mind racing. "Wait, reshape matter? Space-time? You mean... like, move stuff with your mind or teleport?"

"Among other things," Roomie replied with a nod. "However, the key is discipline and mastery. Without focus, these abilities could be... unpredictable."

Jay leaned forward, her eyes lighting up. "So, what does his training look like? Is there, like, a cosmic boot camp or something? And can I help?"

Tony exchanged a glance with the projection, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Well, Jay, that depends. You good with science?"

Jay gave him a playful shove. "You know I almost flunked chemistry. But if this is about you, I'll do whatever it takes."

Roomie tilted his head thoughtfully. "While your direct involvement in Tony's training would be limited, your support could prove invaluable. Tony must first learn to sense dark energy on a subconscious level—this involves recognizing its subtle presence in every moment."

Jay raised an eyebrow. "Subtle presence?"

Tony chuckled. "Yeah, it's like trying to feel the vibrations of the universe while someone blasts music next door. It's... a work in progress."

Roomie nodded. "Precisely. Once this foundational step is mastered, Tony will move on to directing the energy, shaping it to perform specific tasks. These exercises require immense concentration and understanding of the underlying science."

Jay looked between them, her determination growing. "Alright, so while Tony's out there trying to feel the universe hum, what can I do? Cheer him on? Make him snacks?"

Tony laughed, reaching out to pull her closer. "You're already helping, Jay. Just... being here, knowing all this, makes it easier."

Roomie chimed in, his projection leaning slightly toward her. "Emotional stability is critical for success. Your presence provides Tony with a foundation—something to tether him to his humanity."

Jay smiled softly, brushing her fingers against Tony's hand. "Well, then. Looks like you're stuck with me."

Tony's grin widened. "Best news I've heard all day."

Roomie's projection placed its hands on its hips, nodding approvingly. "Excellent. With both of you aligned, we can proceed toward greatness."

Jay glanced back at Roomie. "Just... maybe tone down the alien noodle thing next time."

"Duly noted," Roomie replied, his glowing noodle-like form shimmering slightly. Then, in an instant, the projection shifted. The lanky, cartoonish figure melted away, replaced by the unmistakable image of Jean-Luc Picard in a pristine Starfleet captain's dress uniform. The detail was impeccable, down to the badge glinting on his chest and the perfect crease in his pants.

Roomie straightened, clasping his hands behind his back in true Picard fashion. When he spoke again, it was in Patrick Stewart's voice, resonant and commanding. "Is this better? I pulled it from Tony's memory. He seems to admire this character."

Jay's eyes widened as she clapped a hand over her mouth. "Oh my God," she said through her laughter. "You're Picard! This is amazing."

Tony froze for a moment, his jaw dropping. "Roomie! You can't just... steal Jean-Luc Picard's likeness like that! That's sacred ground!"

Roomie tilted his head, maintaining the composed expression of Picard. "Sacred? Fascinating. Your neural patterns suggest a strong attachment to this figure. Is it his leadership qualities, his intellect, or his—how shall I put it—calm under pressure?"

Tony groaned, rubbing his temples. "It's everything! He's the GOAT. But come on, man, you can't just flaunt Patrick Stewart's voice like that. You'll ruin it for me."

Jay leaned into Tony, giggling uncontrollably. "Are you kidding? This is the greatest thing I've ever seen. Roomie, I'm officially a fan."

Roomie smiled slightly—if Picard could smile—and gestured grandly. "I am glad you approve. If this visage brings you comfort, I can maintain it for future interactions."

"No!" Tony said quickly, holding up a hand. "We're not doing this. I can't take you seriously if you look like Picard."

Jay nudged him with her elbow. "Oh, let him have a little fun. You're the one who practically worships Star Trek."

Roomie raised an eyebrow, Picard-style. "Indeed. Your admiration for this series is deeply ingrained. Perhaps I should study it further for insight into your values."

Tony groaned. "I am so gonna regret this."

Jay grinned, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. "Well, Captain Tony, I think you've got yourself the coolest alien partner in the galaxy."

Roomie inclined his head, his voice brimming with theatrical gravitas. "Engage."

The room burst into laughter.