maskormenacelogs | [CLOSED] Another corporate show

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[CLOSED] Another corporate show

WHO: Walter White and Jonathan Crane
WHERE: The pharmacy in Heropa
WHEN: Earlier in the afternoon before this
WHAT: Crane pays an impromptu visit to Walt on the job.
WARNINGS: There may be some mention of mental disorders and related medications.

[ To say Walt feels like crap is the understatement of the century. No combination of painkillers and coffee are going to erase his headache completely -- but considering Walt had done a great deal of work back home while he was sick, he doesn't lose his focus. He does feel a great sense of unease, however, knowing that in the evening he was going to come face to face with Louis Bloom, a stranger who seemed far too keen on listening to his conversations. But all those thoughts do is make his hands a little unsteady, and with a few, calming deep breaths...Walt's able to get his focus back, filling a bottle with the appropriate dose of pre-made pills before slapping a label on it.

He approaches the awaiting customer, wearing his best pleasant smile which comes off as strained. ] Here you go, Mrs. Jacobs. Now you're going to want to take two pills, every four hours with a full glass of water and a meal. You may feel drowsy while taking it, so please don't operate any machinery. The prescription should last you two weeks, and if at that time, your symptoms return, please return to your doctor. [ He guides her to his assistant so that the transaction could take place before he dips his hands back into the stockpile of drugs, sorting things accordingly, trying to get them on the shelf before the next customer came.

He hears the telltale sound of footsteps approaching, but doesn't turn around just yet. Another customer. They can at least wait until he has the few bottles in his hands in their respective spots. ]

I'll be with you in a moment.

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[Crane had come to Walt's pharmacy, true to his word, the day after their conversation on the network. He'd wanted someone to discuss business with for a long time, and he might find it here. He didn't rush into things right away, though - he would have to do some talking first.

He'd come early and had silently been watching, studying Walt as he kept at his work. He didn't want to remain a bystander forever and cleared his throat at that remark.]

Of course. I was unaware you were so busy.

Edited 2015-02-24 19:47 (UTC)

[ Walt turns in surprise at the voice, blinking. ]

Dr. Crane. I didn't expect you so soon.

[ He quickly tucked the bottles onto the shelf before he approached the counter. ]

We just received a shipment in from one of the labs, but they can wait to be put away. I'm glad you're here. Do you want to come back into my office?

[Boo. The word silently rolls off his tongue.

He repeats it again in his thoughts. Such a lovely word. He flicks his gaze at the shelf and wonders what drugs they could be. Perhaps just to distract himself from having to talk and lose his good feeling.]

Certainly. I know we have much to discuss.

[Lead on.]

[ Walt nods and tells his assistant he's taking a break before he opens the door for Crane so he can come behind the counter. From there, Walt leads the way to the break room -- an area with a few cozy, cushioned chairs, a couple vending machines, and a coffee table full of old magazines and newspapers. There's a door to the right that leads to the bathroom and a door to the left that leads to Walt's office. The lab itself is a separate door on the opposite end of the pharmacy, but Crane can see a much smaller scale lab system as soon as Walt unlocks his office.

It's an ode to Gale Boetticher. A self-sustaining coffee machine -- a series of tubing, beakers, and self-heating devices all geared toward making the perfect cup of joe.

The rest of the office looks like a typical office. A desk full of paper work with Walt's reading glasses resting beside it, a bookshelf full of medical journals and various chemistry related books, and a second chair for a guest which Walt gestures a hand toward. ]

Please, have a seat. Would you like some coffee?

[Crane's already heading for the chair. He casts another glance around the room. Typical and nondescript - except for the coffee machine that shows him Walt's capability for innovation and invention. He looks at the desk as though he wants to rummage through all the paper and read every book's title. A bit curious about what they'd tell him about Walt, and all.

A pause. Then he takes his seat and gives Walt a look that's controlled - too controlled.]

Black. No sugar.

[ They are similar in yet another way. Walt's lips quirk at that as he turns the knob to fill the cups with coffee. He offers one to Crane's hands before taking a seat at his desk. ]

The work is pretty boring, if I'm being completely honest. Maybe if I was in a lab where we actually processed and created the medications, it would be different. But the things we get to do here are very limited.

[ He sighs heavily. ]

It's a job, though. It gets me out of the house, and it sure beats leaching off my brother-in-law.

[ He smirks faintly before taking a sip of his coffee. ]

How are things going for your practice?

[Crane takes the cup from Walt, making sure to grasp only the handle. He leans back and struggles to keep his legs uncrossed - personal space, personal space - and simultaneously lifts his head in a small, precise movement.

Down below, he cradles the cup in his lap. He smiles confidently. His gaze is calm and level.]

Sufficiently.

Unfortunately, recent events have forced my hand. Scared people need someone to talk to, I'm sure you'll agree. I'd feel terrible, letting them suffer without a lesson being learned.

[His eyes flick to his coffee. A still mass of hot, black stuff. That's enough of that. His ice-cold gaze flicks back on Walt. He was watching him behind the glass of his frames.]

You've conducted laboratory work? What type?

[ He nods, setting his coffee to the side for the moment. ]

Yes, I imagine the things that have been happening here have left a great many people unsettled. I've seen an increase in anxiety medications coming through the pharmacy. But the medication never heals the problem -- not the way talking to someone and finding a solution would.

[ Walter offers a brief smile before returning to his coffee. He savors the taste on his tongue -- never bitter, always rich and full of flavor. Every cup was a reminder of Gale's brilliance. ]

Oh, I've done many different types of laboratory work over the course of my life, it would be nearly impossible to list them all. Every chance I got to conduct some experiment or work with some new chemicals, I would jump on the opportunity. This has included many basic chemical reactions from chromatography to more advanced levels of crystallization.

[ AKA: he's made ricin and methamphetamine. But fancy words can make anything sound less....illicit. ]

But, unfortunately, I settled. I had the potential to do many more things with my life than I did, but I settled to become a high school chemistry teacher to make ends meet with my family. And here I am again -- not with a family, but settling on some job when I know I could do more.

[ He shakes his head, looking up distantly. ]

I suppose I should be grateful to have a job, but I can't help but want something more challenging.

[Crane looks at Walt for a good moment. His gaze is level as his fingers flex responsively to the heat of his coffee. He likes to see how people tick. How their minds work. How humanity works. Curious didn't even begin to describe his mood. Excited, maybe. Or thrilled. Two emotions clueless people wouldn't expect at all.

His first thought regarding Walt's idea of healing is agreement - medication speeds everything along, denying the mind it's own rhythm. Though he's a strong advocate for its responsible use to assist those ready to clear their heads and take the next step.

Responsible choices. His question to Walt will be a simple one. But one that makes it so he can't answer halfheartedly.
He slowly tilts his head, looking a little thoughtful - then his gaze swings on Walt.]

So what's stopping you?

Edited 2015-03-02 19:50 (UTC)

[ Walt's eyes lift to Crane. He remains silent for a moment, mulling over the best way to respond. To pretend he was insignificant and accepting of his fate would probably earn him less of Crane's respect. Walt's sure the reason Crane is sitting here right now is because he sees potential. They're like-minded individuals to an extent.

And then there's arrogance, too. Walt hates pretending to be what he isn't. He wants to be king of his castle, and the weak/pathetic act goes against all of that. ]

Nothing. Nothing's stopping me, not really. It's all a matter of time and patience -- waiting for the right opportunity. I'm accepting my position here right now because I believe it will open up a few doors.

[ Something flickers behind his eyes when he looks at Crane -- a knowing expression that because of his job, he has the opportunity to sit down and talk to Dr. Crane on a whole different level than if he were just a regular, run-of-the-mill import. ]

I do have some options, if I choose to take them. It's just a matter of what I want for myself -- if I want to travel down paths I've taken before or if I want to try my hand at something new. I'm still trying to figure out that out...

[Crane leans forward a little, over his coffee, with a controlled expression that veils his interest in what Walt's saying.]

Well. It's not my place to say which path you should choose. That is your own personal question, which I cannot answer. But, much like the two paths open to you, there are two options - to back out entirely or go down to the depths.

[He lifts his cup and cradles it closer, without taking a sip. His gaze is still looking Walt over.]

Crystallization is a basic technique and a fundamental procedure. You don't strike me as a simple man, Mr. White. I am curious as to what you would produce with such a procedure.

Crystallography isn't confined to one specific thing that I've done. There are many components. Many procedures, complex and basic. In 1985, two men -- Herbert Hauptman and Jerome Karle -- were awarded the Nobel prize for Chemistry. And I assisted in making this a possibility, taking their works and theories and leading a crystallography project for proton radiography, which at the time was a relatively new and unexplored terrain. I had my hands in something that ten years later became usable in weaponry. And for something so small to become something so.... destructive -- it was fascinating. And I was there to see it at it's very beginning...

[ Walter smiles at the memory -- lost in a place where science was exciting and new; lost in a past where he thought he had a future. The smile slips from his face after a moment because there's something more curious. Crane spoke as though he had a sound knowledge of chemistry. ]

Forgive me if I'm making assumptions, but do you have a background in chemistry as well as psychiatry?

[Destructive. People feared chaos, for it was uncontrollable. They feared death, for it was inevitable. They waged war to win freedom from fear - spreading it in perpetuity - and they devised weapons and hallucinogens.

Crane longed to have his tools back in his hands again. They were more than instruments of war. They could help people see. He tastes his coffee, then sets it aside.]

Splendid.

[An approval of the taste, or of Walt's skill in creating the blend? Crane wouldn't fill him in. Instead, he'd answer the question he'd been asked. They both shared a passion - chemistry - and were explorers of the wild frontier.]

Well. I have a prominent background in chemistry, yes. I build upon my academic ideas and theories in psychiatry to devise, develop and trial new medication for my patients. [Here, his gaze turns hawkish, sizing Walt over something.] My scientific research involves the effects drugs have on mood, sensation, thinking, and behavior.

[A deliberate word, there - drugs. Not medicine or substances.]

[ Walt doesn't admit it out loud, but he's been waiting for Crane to have a taste of his coffee -- it might just be coffee, but it's also a small testament to his chemistry-related abilities. It's the very first time Crane will experience anything Walt can do. And needless to say, he smiles his appreciation (and pride) the instant Crane gives that one word of approval. Splendid.

But that exchange is over and done in favor of a new one. A fascinating one. Walter's respect for Crane has grown even more upon hearing about his background (prominent at that!) in chemistry. And really, Crane said the magic words to get his full attention when he said new medication. Anything new and untouched, Walt more than wants his hands in. But he doesn't want to seem too eager and ask if he can have a part in the research, hoping to be invited instead. It seems like the perfect set up, doesn't it? Walt as a pharmacist, Crane as a psychiatrist -- a small lab in the back at their disposal... ]

Have you had success? Or is this still an ongoing project?

[Crane reaches for his coffee and drinks a little more. The gesture is pleasing, praising Walt, a figurative nod of Crane's head to the talent at the other man's fingertips and within his mind. A manipulative gesture that can praise without suspicion, when somebody wasn't versed in psychology.

He affords himself a deep, satisfied smile now he's discussing work.]

My phase four stage was outstanding. Unfortunately, I was brought here before I could release my creation to the public.

[On the public.]

Well, I don't see why you couldn't complete your studies in this world. You brought with you the knowledge, the trials and errors, and the experiments that led up to release. Wouldn't you be able to recreate what you were about to accomplish there?

[ Walt has no idea what he's suggesting to Crane, but in his mind, this is science. It should have a chance to shine in a world that is already more advanced in technology than a lot of their own worlds. ]

[Crane's eyes briefly flash with excitement. He's been meaning to do it anyway, but to hear the suggestion phrased academically was pleasing. It was right that he was talking on his proper level.]

Yes, yes. I would.

But the active ingredient is one of a kind.

[No need to ask if Walt sees his problem.]

I am curious whether it exists in this world. Though it seems these... creatures... share our rules of physics and emotional tempers. But I conclude there is the potential for a viable substitute.

Edited 2015-03-05 13:01 (UTC)

Ah.

[ Walt nods in understanding. Therein lies the problem. He imagined Crane came from a world very similar to his own and with this being a world similar to both, everything that was needed would be right here. But that may not be the case. ]

If you need any assistance on the chemistry end creating or concocting a substitute, please let me know. I would be more than happy to help and wouldn't even ask for any sort of compensation.

[ He flashes a smile. Really, Walt's just desperate to do something challenging. ]

[Crane swallows the lump in his throat. The thought of sharing his intellectual space wasn't thrilling. There was a line - very clear - between consultation and teamwork. He allied with strong people for protection or resources, but his work? That was a solitary pleasure.

It takes a long pause to consider the issue. His lips return to his coffee to pass the time. Then it's put away and his tone is encouraging, rather than dismissive.]

I'm certain you agree that men like ourselves need personal work, Mr. White.

Though I believe I offer excellent consultation. [Surely intellectual discussion itself was a reward.]

Of course. If I need to talk with someone, I'm certain you're willing to return the favor?

Oh, yes. Of course.

[ Walt can't say he's not disappointed when Crane directs the attention to having personal projects, but he understands. It's not easy to let someone else in on your work. Take Jesse, for example. Walt taught him how to cook, and now Jesse spread his product all on the streets of this world. And there's something about that, that just makes Walter seethe.

He frowns at the thought and then takes a sip of his coffee before nodding. ]

I would be more than happy to offer consultation, should you need my advice or opinions. And I didn't mean to seem like I was intruding on your personal work -- it was simply an offer.

Edited 2015-03-08 02:02 (UTC)

I'm aware of that.

[Crane's voice is calm and relaxed. His eyes seem gentle, like he's thinking of Walt's need to be occupied without coddling his feelings. Walt had not struck him as the kind of man who'd appreciate a soft touch.

He reaches for his coffee again, and takes a long moment to savor its smell. It was an excellent blend.

The taste is as enjoyable. He indulges in a satisfied smile for it. There was more to acting than the spoken word.]

My advice is simple. Don't shy from what you enjoy - no matter how cultured, or vulgar - enjoy the richness beauty brings to your life, Mr White. [He sets the coffee down.] You've not impressed me as a half-hearted man. I am glad to be considered, but we all need a special connection to our subconsciousness - and men like us find it in our work.

[ Walt appreciates the fact that Crane is appreciating his coffee. Maybe even more than Crane is appreciating the coffee. It means an appreciation for his work and his chemistry. At least Walt has proven something here.

It takes him a moment to look up and actually listen to what it is Crane's saying -- the free advice, both helpful and encouraging. Walt wonders if Crane would say the same things if he knew the types of things Walt had actually done with his chemistry. ]

Thank you, Dr. Crane, for reminding me of these truths.

[ And then he flashes a smile. ]

I hope your research and studies will prove to be fruitful. And if you need access to a lab -- the one here isn't large, but it has a few essentials. My hope is to petition for a larger, more improved set up -- whether that be here or elsewhere. But in the meantime, I'm certain it wouldn't be a problem for you to borrow the facilities here.

[Crane has to consider this offer. He loathes charity, detests it, needs to stamp it wherever he sees it, especially when it feels aimed at him personally - and oh he always would, if he could escape suspicion.

He doesn't consult anyone about anything - he doesn't need to because he knows what he's doing.

He can, however, see when a business offer is made. This offer is intellectual, it's intriguing. And it's giving him what he needs. Access to chemicals.

He tilts his head a little.]

Really? What a splendid offer. But won't your assistant be a problem for you?

I see no reason why she would be. Especially not if you were to use it after hours.

[ Walt rises to his feet, reaching in his pocket and taking out the set of keys. ]

Would you like to see it first hand?

[Crane rises from his chair. He's a little intrigued, perhaps - but not quite unguarded. He clasps his hands together before him and quirks his brows. It's playful in its manner - as playful as Crane can get, anyway.

He's not scared, either. Aware of danger, yes. But never afraid.]

Of course.

[ Walt might be a dangerous man to some, but it's only when he feels threatened -- like a wild animal who has to assert his dominance or a caged prey animal fighting for its life. Crane has nothing to worry about here, but the cautiousness is wise.

Walt leads the way out of the room and once Crane is out the door, he locks it before turning the few steps that lead to the lab. Fitting the key into the knob, he gives it a twist and reveals the lab set up. Like Walt said, it was small. But the technology is new and the few machines that are there, are the ones most commonly used in making medications -- which was what Crane said he was looking to do. ]

Like I said, it isn't much. But feel free to have a look around.

[There's a lot to take in at first. Crane's heart is beating as he flicks his eyes around; distillation equipment, clean hot plates and stirrers, glassware and red, blue, green and black rubber tubing connecting machine to machine.

He pushes up his glasses, and he leans forward over some of the devices. There's a small, satisfied smile as he turns around. Here's a lab suitable for his purposes.]

Very, very nice.

I should think you could make a wide range of substances here.

[ Walt nods. He didn't really set up the lab, so he can't take credit for it. But he can agree. It isn't a bad set up. ]

It provides more than enough for what I need. Basic pharmaceutical synthesis. But I believe in our field of work, experimentation goes a far way. With the ever increasing diseases, both physical and mental, the same medications won't cut it and we must always be ready to evolve. I don't believe it would be a crime to use this lab for research purposes -- as long as we don't sell the medication before it's ready.

[ At least not without some kind of authorization or approval. ]

Edited 2015-03-15 14:07 (UTC)

[Crane touches one of the clean, new hot plates like a craftsman - studying it enough to learn every intimate aspect and use. It gives him a nice reminder of how much he prefers his work over people.

A brow quirks as he turns around to question the other man he knows is here.]

Before it's ready we'll have to figure out how to run a clinical trial.

[It's a simple statement for a complex problem. His expression passes on the other half of his message; before it's ready we'll have to see it works. His toxin's his work. Doesn't mean he can't make Walt feel included by consulting him on something as fundamental as this.]

Of course.

[ Walt studies Crane quietly, wondering what he has in mind. To suggest outright that they move forward and prescribe this medication without really knowing what the side-effects are would be wrong. Of course it would. But if people are willing to buy the product and voluntarily choose to take it on the off chance it could alleviate their ailments, doesn't that change matters? Informed consent. A human experimentation. Walt can't honestly say he cares what people get into if they sign the legal forms and choose to medicate their life away. But he doesn't want to come off as so callous to Crane -- a man who specializes in helping those people. ]

I'm sure we have...avenues we can explore. And legalities can always be worked around with consent and a signature.

[Crane misses a long period of time before answering back, thinking and processing everything he's just heard, letting two words roll around on his tongue. Worked around. It doesn't take a leap of logic for Crane to use them to make a judgment of character - he often analysed people from how they chose their words.

He glances over his shoulder at Walt. He's wearing a small, proud smile - and there's a probing sound in his tone.]

Worked around. [A repeat for emphasis, and to ground the topic. Oh, he's noticed you.] Do you always work around legalities, Mr. White?

Edited 2015-03-17 20:31 (UTC)

[ Walt is taken off guard. It was a casual slip. He made a mistake and, of course, the psychiatrist would pick up on it. Chilton isn't the only dangerous one here. And Walt forgot about that in a moment of bonding over chemistry and intelligent conversation.

Walt's lips quirk into a faint smile, letting out a dismissive laugh. The difference between Crane and Chilton is Crane doesn't necessarily specialize in the criminally insane. He isn't searching for an interesting subject to mentally dissect. Fears and anxieties are Jonathan Crane's mental disorder of choice, so Walt won't enter the same kind of radar he has when it comes to Chilton. But it's still unsettling to have someone so dangerously close to his secrets. ]

As a scientist, aren't we always? Tests on mice only go so far. It isn't until we have human subjects that any real research and analysis can be done.

[It's an interesting enough subject that he turns around, more to study Walt in depth than out of unbalancing, unfocused surprise. His gaze doesn't stray - it's challenging Walt to prove he's as smart as he hopes, but in a way that's academic and not hormonal alpha-male nonsense.

He holds himself above such animal instinct. But he's smart enough to realize it's presence in humans as a whole.]

I suppose that's true.

[The hidden implication is he agrees with what Walt's saying.]

Now. Many discoveries come about as a result of self-experimentation. The discovery of metabolism, for instance. Single-subject scientific experimentation has a long and well-documented history going back to the ancient eras. There's always a means and a way.

[ Walt doesn't give anything away, though he is aware of the way Crane is looking at him. Chilton looked at him much the same -- psychiatrists will always try and analyze. It's best to swallow secrets deep and to do his best to keep them from his face. ]

Self-experimentation? Well, yes. That is certainly an avenue. But it's not one I personally would be willing to pursue. If we're talking about medications -- what would the benefit be in taking something if you don't suffer from the symptoms yourself?

[ No thank you, Crane. But you're more than welcome to go inject your drugs into yourself. Let Walt know how that goes, okay? ]

[Walt's outright refusal strikes his interest. Wasn't self-experimentation a good method for someone so curious a scientist? And what exactly would he refuse to use?

He understands his caution, though. He just wouldn't inject himself with anything, either.]

Greater insight? Proof? I'm certain you know how LSD was discovered. Sometimes medications are discovered purely by accident.

[Don't medication and drugs do the same thing, in the end? They both affect nerve receptors, chemicals and other bodily functions.]

[ Walt laughs quietly. ]

It takes a certain amount of devotion and self-sacrifice to be willing to experiment on oneself. And I don't condemn it. As you've said, we've learned a great deal through what others have been willing to do. It's just not a route I would be willing to go down. I already live on a shortened period of time...

[ There's a sad smile tugging at the edges of his lips but then he shakes the emotion away. ]

So yes. This is my work space for the time being. I can't say what will happen in the future, whether I will stay here or move on to something larger. But I at least wanted you to see the facility they've provided for me. And I hope our pharmacy will have the recommendation for your business.

[Crane's calm expression turns slightly empthatic. Not to show emotion, but to foster a sense of understanding. He's not going to ask what Walt meant by a shortened period of time. It's his choice to reveal that, in his own time.

Also to show that he appreciates the generous offer to see Walt's laboratory.]

I'm certain it shall, Mr. White.

[His eyes flick around the room, as they tend to when he senses a conversation drawing to a natural close. One last chance to analyze its owner, perhaps?]

If you move somewhere more fitting for your needs, remember to call me.

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[CLOSED] Another corporate show

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