Marthinus looked at his watch and stood. That would be Nova, he thought to himself. Always on time. He grinned thinking of her. Will it be cargo pants or jeans this time, he wondered.
The CEO of Duibne Industries stood up from his desk located deep in the bowels of the Domicile. He works both here and at the Duibne building. All higher familiars also have residences in the Domicile. His was located next to his office.
Marthinus straightened his tie and leaned against his desk casually and spoke with his slight south african accent. 'Come,' he said loudly.
His casual manner was seen by very few, Nova being one of them. She would know exactly what he needed and demanded of her, she always does. Marthinus gave his respect to very little and even fewer individuals and Nova had certainly won the right to call Marthinus her friend.
Little Red Pills
Nova was well prepared for her very important meeting with Marthinus. She had on her -most serious face-, and wore her good tee shirt and jeans. No cargo pockets or holes today; today, she would be professional. Her hair was tied back in a somewhat haphazard bun. She looked in the mirror and snorted, and then turned her attention to what was important about this meeting. She slipped her laptop in a vinyl bag on the off chance Marthinus would ask for more information, and in one of the bag's pockets she slipped her samples. A printed report was stuffed in the bag next to the laptop. It had a yellow cover.
Prepared at last, she stepped out of her quarters and headed to Marthinus's private offices to discuss future plans. She walked at her normal brisk pace, leaning forward as though about to break into a run, and made it five minutes early.
Nova knocked on the office door.
Marthinus T. Steyn
18 years ago
Nova
18 years ago
Nova stepped into Marthinus's office and beamed a toothy smile at him.
Marthinus! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes! It's been too long.
She set her bag down on the floor and walked over to the CEO's desk, putting both hands on the edge and leaning forward, speaking in a breathless and confidential tone.
We did it. I have the prototype in my bag she gave the bag a little kick with her toe to indicate what she was talking about and a working subject.
She leaned forward even more, smiling broadly now.
The drug extends the blood cycle by between two and five days in a young vampire. There are a lot of variables here, and it will take some testing, and likely more than a little adjusting the dose, but the drug -works-.
Marthinus. We did it. Do you realize how this is going to change the quality of vampire life?
Nova could hardly contain her excitement. It had been grueling work to develop just the right balance of chemicals for the pill, which she affectionately nicknamed "Starburst."Â? Her labor had paid off; though there were still months of work ahead, she knew she had a discovery tucked in her bag that would improve so many vampire's lives.
Marthinus! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes! It's been too long.
She set her bag down on the floor and walked over to the CEO's desk, putting both hands on the edge and leaning forward, speaking in a breathless and confidential tone.
We did it. I have the prototype in my bag she gave the bag a little kick with her toe to indicate what she was talking about and a working subject.
She leaned forward even more, smiling broadly now.
The drug extends the blood cycle by between two and five days in a young vampire. There are a lot of variables here, and it will take some testing, and likely more than a little adjusting the dose, but the drug -works-.
Marthinus. We did it. Do you realize how this is going to change the quality of vampire life?
Nova could hardly contain her excitement. It had been grueling work to develop just the right balance of chemicals for the pill, which she affectionately nicknamed "Starburst."Â? Her labor had paid off; though there were still months of work ahead, she knew she had a discovery tucked in her bag that would improve so many vampire's lives.
Marthinus T. Steyn
18 years ago
'Quality of life', Marthinus mulled over the words in his head. He was helping make the world an easier place for Vampires to survive. He looked at Nova now, her face had lit up with excitement over her discovery. 'We did it'. We indeed. Marthinus smiled and clapped his hands once, holding them together for a moment, trying to dismiss his uneasiness.
'That's excellent, Nova!! Ellis will be pleased.' No she wont and Marthinus knew this. Her overall goal is to produce the synthesized blood and make money. She really could careless about the clan, being leader was a step in the ladder to being infamous. He wished he could be more optimistic.
'Will you be staying to work on the testing trials for this?'
'That's excellent, Nova!! Ellis will be pleased.' No she wont and Marthinus knew this. Her overall goal is to produce the synthesized blood and make money. She really could careless about the clan, being leader was a step in the ladder to being infamous. He wished he could be more optimistic.
'Will you be staying to work on the testing trials for this?'
Nova
18 years ago
Oh yes, I wouldn't miss this.
Nova decided it might be best not to mention that she wasn't going to miss this testing in a quite literal way; not willing to experiment on a vampire subject, no matter how willing, without being absolutely sure, she had taken the only logical course of action.
Five days and counting, and Nova felt fine.
As for Ellis being pleased...well, Nova thought she might take more convincing, though she was confident she could bring her around. That was just the way of things; science was rarely a linear route of discovery and required branching out, exploring never before thought of options to their limit. She didn't expect the ones footing the bill and waiting on results to understand the admittedly convoluted process. That was just how it worked, and Nova had played the game long enough to understand the conflict between results-oriented thinking and the wide open path of true innovation. Hopefully developing a new drug would appeal to Ellis's taste for the bottom line, considering Nova understood better than anyone just how long it would be before the massive investment on artificial blood research was returned.
Marthinus, on the other hand, was one of those minds that could appreciate the long view and see the value in deep discovery. Or, at the very least, he could appreciate her optimism and excitement.
Hell, I'm certainly hoping the testing will reveal more than just how effective the drug is. If we can better understand -how- and -why- the regenerative process works, we're one step closer to being able to recreate it.
Nova decided it might be best not to mention that she wasn't going to miss this testing in a quite literal way; not willing to experiment on a vampire subject, no matter how willing, without being absolutely sure, she had taken the only logical course of action.
Five days and counting, and Nova felt fine.
As for Ellis being pleased...well, Nova thought she might take more convincing, though she was confident she could bring her around. That was just the way of things; science was rarely a linear route of discovery and required branching out, exploring never before thought of options to their limit. She didn't expect the ones footing the bill and waiting on results to understand the admittedly convoluted process. That was just how it worked, and Nova had played the game long enough to understand the conflict between results-oriented thinking and the wide open path of true innovation. Hopefully developing a new drug would appeal to Ellis's taste for the bottom line, considering Nova understood better than anyone just how long it would be before the massive investment on artificial blood research was returned.
Marthinus, on the other hand, was one of those minds that could appreciate the long view and see the value in deep discovery. Or, at the very least, he could appreciate her optimism and excitement.
Hell, I'm certainly hoping the testing will reveal more than just how effective the drug is. If we can better understand -how- and -why- the regenerative process works, we're one step closer to being able to recreate it.
Marthinus T. Steyn
18 years ago
'So, how many days has it been?'
Marthinus knew better than to assume Nova would wait for the trials. However, she looked fine. He hoped his grin would show that he's not happy about her testing it on herself, but is still curious in his old age to know that some things you just couldnt wait on.
He adored Nova, much like a daughter. Therefore he had to be concerned that her scientific mind might take her places no one would dare to tread.
Marthinus knew better than to assume Nova would wait for the trials. However, she looked fine. He hoped his grin would show that he's not happy about her testing it on herself, but is still curious in his old age to know that some things you just couldnt wait on.
He adored Nova, much like a daughter. Therefore he had to be concerned that her scientific mind might take her places no one would dare to tread.
Nova
18 years ago
Nova had the grace to look down at her feet sheepishly at Marthinus's comment.
Busted. Should have known he's see right through me. Still, there was something nice about not having to fess up. And he would have found out eventually anyway, even if she wasn't totally transparent. She looked back up at her friend and matched his grin. There might have been a touch of reproach there, but Nova was willing to bet he genuinely wanted the answer to his question.
Five days. And I feel like I could go another few.
I was careful. Really. And we have some good preliminary data now; we're not shooting in the dark.
Nova reached down and pulled the report out of her case and flopped in on Marthinus's desk.
It's all there. I guess I can go ahead and stop referring to my "subject"Â? as Starlet. Though I think I'll push to name the drug Starburst, at least for the purpose of slang.
Alright, so making puns with her name was a pretty lame joke. Nova couldn't resist putting a little of herself into her work, though. She was glad to share credit, but it -was- amusing to dream of stamping your name all over ground breaking science.
Busted. Should have known he's see right through me. Still, there was something nice about not having to fess up. And he would have found out eventually anyway, even if she wasn't totally transparent. She looked back up at her friend and matched his grin. There might have been a touch of reproach there, but Nova was willing to bet he genuinely wanted the answer to his question.
Five days. And I feel like I could go another few.
I was careful. Really. And we have some good preliminary data now; we're not shooting in the dark.
Nova reached down and pulled the report out of her case and flopped in on Marthinus's desk.
It's all there. I guess I can go ahead and stop referring to my "subject"Â? as Starlet. Though I think I'll push to name the drug Starburst, at least for the purpose of slang.
Alright, so making puns with her name was a pretty lame joke. Nova couldn't resist putting a little of herself into her work, though. She was glad to share credit, but it -was- amusing to dream of stamping your name all over ground breaking science.
Marthinus T. Steyn
18 years ago
Marthinus looked at the report and put his hand on it. 'This is your discovery, Nova. You have every right to name it after celestial bodies if you choose to.' He grinned at her.
'Have you settled in yet? Anything you need? I can make sure Carol has seen to your needs.' He circled the desk and put his hands on Nova's shoulders. 'I am very happy to have you home again, dear. We shall speak with Ellis and Simon on the morrow and hopefully begin official testing soon. There is something I will have to show you later.' Marthinus face tightened. He did not know how Nova would react to seeing The Beast, but he had to be the one to show her.
'We are advancing the synthesizing tests. The prototype, as you may recall was fondly referred to as The Beast by your Mistress, is ready.'
'Have you settled in yet? Anything you need? I can make sure Carol has seen to your needs.' He circled the desk and put his hands on Nova's shoulders. 'I am very happy to have you home again, dear. We shall speak with Ellis and Simon on the morrow and hopefully begin official testing soon. There is something I will have to show you later.' Marthinus face tightened. He did not know how Nova would react to seeing The Beast, but he had to be the one to show her.
'We are advancing the synthesizing tests. The prototype, as you may recall was fondly referred to as The Beast by your Mistress, is ready.'
Nova
18 years ago
Nova shook her head at Marthinus's inquiries after her quarters.
There's not all that much I require to begin with. I'm fine, but thank you for asking.
Touched by the CEO's concern, Nova smiled gently before feeling the grin freeze to her face at the mention of The Beast.
Already? So soon?
This was worrisome, and there was little that worried Nova. She tried to push the nagging concern out of her mind, telling herself that sometimes technology pulled ahead of knowledge in the constant neck and neck race of progress, but that feeling refused to go away. Suddenly disquieted, she looked up with a totally serious expression and met Marthinus's eyes.
Yes. I should like to see it.
Still uneasy, she felt her brow crinkle into a frown. She could only hope that while the mechanics of invention were settled, she would still have some say in when The Beast could realistically be used.
Suddenly she was very glad to be home, and hoped she had not stayed away so long that her influence was forgotten.
There's not all that much I require to begin with. I'm fine, but thank you for asking.
Touched by the CEO's concern, Nova smiled gently before feeling the grin freeze to her face at the mention of The Beast.
Already? So soon?
This was worrisome, and there was little that worried Nova. She tried to push the nagging concern out of her mind, telling herself that sometimes technology pulled ahead of knowledge in the constant neck and neck race of progress, but that feeling refused to go away. Suddenly disquieted, she looked up with a totally serious expression and met Marthinus's eyes.
Yes. I should like to see it.
Still uneasy, she felt her brow crinkle into a frown. She could only hope that while the mechanics of invention were settled, she would still have some say in when The Beast could realistically be used.
Suddenly she was very glad to be home, and hoped she had not stayed away so long that her influence was forgotten.
Marthinus T. Steyn
18 years ago
Marthinus watched Nova's expression. Progress, unfortunately, will not wait for science to catch up with it...or reason.
'Meet me later at the Duibne warehouse in the back alley, once you've gotten settled in. We have the prototype hidden there.' He stood and clasped his hands behind his back. 'This is a day of celebration, if you like, we could meet for a late meal before heading out?' He smiled. 'You can tell me about your trip?'
'Meet me later at the Duibne warehouse in the back alley, once you've gotten settled in. We have the prototype hidden there.' He stood and clasped his hands behind his back. 'This is a day of celebration, if you like, we could meet for a late meal before heading out?' He smiled. 'You can tell me about your trip?'
Nova
18 years ago
Nova grinned and let her discomfort slip away. Really, there was no reason not to give the device a look before condemning it; there was always a chance they were more prepared for this progression than she had believed.
Besides, dinner with the CEO would be good.
Oh, I've got some good stories to tell. And I've got a girl I'd like you to meet. Nova winked saucily, eager to surprise Marthinus with her Firebird. I suppose I should make an effort to settle in; I'm gone so much it rarely seems worth the bother, but considering I'll be home for a while, makes sense to be comfortable. But yeah, let's do dinner tonight. And the other thing.
Chicken shit. You can't even say "The Beast"?
Seeing The Beast, I mean.
Besides, dinner with the CEO would be good.
Oh, I've got some good stories to tell. And I've got a girl I'd like you to meet. Nova winked saucily, eager to surprise Marthinus with her Firebird. I suppose I should make an effort to settle in; I'm gone so much it rarely seems worth the bother, but considering I'll be home for a while, makes sense to be comfortable. But yeah, let's do dinner tonight. And the other thing.
Chicken shit. You can't even say "The Beast"?
Seeing The Beast, I mean.
Marthinus T. Steyn
18 years ago
Marthinus clapped his hands once. 'Excellent! Settle in and we'll view the Beast after we have eaten.' He nodded, 'And I am looking forward to seeing your 'girl'.'
He put a hand on the small of Nova's back and escorted her to the door, opening it for her. 'I know a little place near the industrial district.' He put his hand on his heart. 'Luxury in a hole.' Smiling he bowed slightly.
'Till later, my dear.'
((ooc OUT but waiting on nova's reply))
He put a hand on the small of Nova's back and escorted her to the door, opening it for her. 'I know a little place near the industrial district.' He put his hand on his heart. 'Luxury in a hole.' Smiling he bowed slightly.
'Till later, my dear.'
((ooc OUT but waiting on nova's reply))
Nova
18 years ago
Nova grinned as she stepped out the door.
Sounds just my style Marthinus, looking forward to it. See you tonight, then.
Marthinus was such a true gentleman, even when Nova did not act like much of a lady in return. Still, he never made her uncomfortable with his well mannered ways, and she recognized and was grateful for that. He just let her be herself, and seemed to like her just fine that way.
/ooc out
Sounds just my style Marthinus, looking forward to it. See you tonight, then.
Marthinus was such a true gentleman, even when Nova did not act like much of a lady in return. Still, he never made her uncomfortable with his well mannered ways, and she recognized and was grateful for that. He just let her be herself, and seemed to like her just fine that way.
/ooc out