Matt's joining of a group was somewhat predictable. Mello had done the same with the mafia in their own world, and perhaps he was trying again. Then was it a matter of getting power? To have sway over the patients, and no doubt at an opportune time, since it seemed from their postings that leadership was changing hands. It would make sense, simply because Mello was the type of person who saw no one better suited for any role of ultimate leadership than himself. It fit the elder to attempt something of this nature, and Near would no doubt have to keep an eye on the other's progress.

The question of names was a concerning one, but Near only needed a moment to answer. "Nate would be best. Of course Mello will now know that this is how we will contact each other, so we should both be wary of forgeries. He is quite likely to interfere in such a way." Except now that Near had said it, the chances dramatically decreased, and for the better. It would be the simplest means of communication, and the less interference, the better.

Moreover, it solved the problem of hiding his real name from X-Kira. Since he couldn't hide his face, he would simply have to hide for as long as possible that he was Near. At least until he could confirm that they did not have possession of the Death Note in this facility, and also that Kira and X-Kira would retain none of their memories if and when they returned to their own world. To lose in such a fashion would be disgraceful, and unacceptable, especially when Near considered all who had already died.