Marine Science Department, underwater base.
"Won't you really consider the mechanical prosthetic limb you mentioned? I can cover repairs and replacements for free," Vegapunk said regretfully.
Longinus expressionlessly tore open the healed wound at the stump of his left arm. Fresh flesh wriggled, then with a "splat," his arm reattached itself.
"Your control over your body has reached this level already? But..." Vegapunk smiled. "I thought you would grow an entirely new arm!"
"A new arm would need to be retrained. It could easily become a real 'weakness,'" Longinus said succinctly.
"Then who are you showing this weakness to? If anyone truly thinks your 'bionic mechanical prosthetic limb' is a weakness, they'll be in real trouble!" Vegapunk said with narrowed eyes and a smile.
"You misunderstand, Doctor. I was merely preparing for any possibility," Longinus said sincerely.
"You discovered my little actions, yet instead of reporting them, you turned around and cooperated with me. If I hadn't known from the start that you weren't exactly honest, you might really have fooled me, Vice Admiral Longinus!"
"But this is good too..." Vegapunk said with a beaming smile. "You know my secret, and I have something on you. That makes cooperation more reassuring, doesn't it?"
"You make me sound like some scheming villain. Doctor, that is truly heartbreaking!" Longinus sighed.
"Don't worry. Just as you did not probe too deeply into my background, I have little interest in your secrets either. Mutual trust is the foundation of cooperation!"
Vegapunk said unhurriedly, "Naturally, I have no problem backing up your story about the 'bionic mechanical prosthetic limb.' But you must be careful. If someone discovers it, then the relationship between us will..."
Longinus smiled and raised his right hand. His index fingertip moved, carving a horrifying cavity into his left arm.
Through the