maskormenacelogs

Entry tags:

[OPEN]

WHO: Hermann, Newton, StarkTech employees, & OPEN to anyone that might want to stop by!
WHERE: StarkTech
WHEN: All of November
WHAT: Nerds and science!!
WARNINGS: Swearing and biology stuff?
NOTES: Feel free to respond with prose if that's your preferred tagging method! Also let us know if you'd rather tag with only one of them, as they'll likely both be responding to a given thread by default.

[The biotech lab is divided by a line of bright yellow tape.

Equipment is divvied up with most of the medical-looking equipment to one side, and most of the computers on the other, as if the division heads simply couldn't reconcile their differences.

Large, imposing chalkboards stand as a strange centerpiece to the technological side, complete with a sliding ladder and numerous boxes of chalk stacked on a desk nearby. Equations litter the surface, complex formula with strings of variables written in lowercase, notations entirely capitalized.

To the right is a ten foot robot, with panels missing and wires exposed, hooked into a small set of monitors running streams of code and projections nearby. The left side of the chalkboards is an engineer's work space, with half-completed bits of tech, spare parts, tools, wiring, screws, and 3D displays strewn about in an organized clutter. Even a small collection of books on what looks to be a neatly maintained personal desk.

The biological side of the lab stands in stark contrast to the professional work environment cultivated on the far side of the tape.

It looks a bit like a college student moved in, complete with cheesy posters, various dinosaur and Godzilla toys decorating the shelves, and humorous science puns and memes that were printed off the internet for display. There are jars everywhere, labelled a bit overzealously with differently colored sticky notes and warnings about the contents.

Paperwork litters most desk surfaces in a disorganized array, backdropped by a large fluctuating holograph depicting lines of chemical readouts. A radio and keyboard stand nearby for no discernible reason, but are nevertheless surrounded by scientific charts and various graphs.

Woe betide anyone that attempts to restore order to the biological division, or disrupts the structure of the technological side.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He said he would stop by sometime to take Hermann out to lunch and so he did. Joaquin hoped making it a surprise wasn't going to be that big of a deal, but he had second thoughts as he made his way through the StarkTech building. Maybe he should have sent a text message sooner to make sure Hermann didn't have any other appointments...

Oh well. Even if he did, Joaquin was sure he could still find something fun to do in De Chima. He shot off a message then, informing Hermann he was in the building and coming to see him. He walked with an easy gait and a smile on his face, not going to let himself be perturbed by anything.

He's been distracted all day.

It was unacceptable really, this preoccupation with Newton's hand, where an entire finger is missing. Although he could admit that the regrowth rate so far was impressive, the sharp bites of pain and phantom sensations were unwelcome. Clearly Newton hadn't anticipated that accelerated cellular regrowth would be painful.

But Hermann couldn't bring himself to lecture him for the oversight. The man had gamely made it through nearly three months of sporadic pains and spells of sudden immobility. So instead all he could do was cast brief looks at the hand in question, and repeatedly exercise his corresponding finger to remind himself that yes, it's still there. At least it looked like it may well be completely healed within the next 24 hours, if not sooner.

The thought of future experiments makes him vaguely nauseous to even consider.

He was in the middle of deciding whether or not to skip lunch when his phone chimed a text message. With a brief glance over to Newton (busy working for once), Hermann pulled on his glasses to read it. Well it seemed he's taking that lunch after all, and it was just the sort of pick-me-up he needed.

After a short word with Newton, and a determined effort not to look at his hand again, Hermann met his unexpected guest in the hall.

"Mr. Mondragon. This is a pleasant surprise."

Joaquin was ready with a grin, quite happy to see his lunch invite was being accepted. But when he caught sight of Hermann he noticed the man looked paler than usual. His voice seemed unaffected but whatever ailed him but it made the soldier worry.

"I'm glad to be a pleasant one," he responded, reaching out to offer Hermann's hand a welcoming squeeze. "Sorry it was short notice but I kind of liked the idea of giving you a surprise. I hope I'm not interrupting any other lunch date you may have planned..."

Hermann took his hand in a brief shake that could stand to be stronger, much like the wan smile he offered the man in turn. But he'd be fine, and getting out of the lab was definitely appealing.

"Certainly not." If anything, he'd saved him from an hour's worth of discomfort."You've come at a rather opportune time actually. I could use some fresh air. Unless you had other plans?"

But they could wait- probably. He hoped.

Fresh air, yes, though it was rather cold. If Hermann was getting sick it was best to stick to hot dishes for lunch.

"Excellent! And no, I took some extra time to come see you because I wanted to, so it's best we make the most if it." He followed along with Hermann, again watching his pace. It helped that they were about the same height; he didn't have to adjust his steps too much to keep in line with him.

"I saw a cafe and bakery not too far from here. Have you tried out their menu yet?" He had kept an eye open for restaurants close by. That one he was sure had hot soup and coffee and tea; perfect for heating up an ailing man.

Hermann turned a look on Joaquin as he fetched his coat from his underused office and pulled it on. The man really was exceptionally smooth. No wonder he had no shortage of admirers in his home world. Occasionally he caught himself wishing they were closer in age.

"Not extensively, no," he rejoined once his fingers had cooperated long enough to zip, then motioned toward the lobby. "They have decent beverages, if it's the same one you're thinking of, but I can't say as I've tried much from their main menu other than a few pastries."

"I believe they have a few homemade soups available," Joaquin said, keeping along as they headed out the door. A brisk wind blew, causing him a slight shiver. "On a day like this, soup sounds great, eh?"

Yeah, definitely not just because Hermann looked like he could keel over any minute now. Definitely not the reason he was pushing for that.

He shrugged his large shoulders. "But if you have a preference for something else, I'm up for suggestion."

"You should get a proper coat," Hermann observed with a kind of smug satisfaction. Overlarge hood pulled over his head, the wind was only a passing coolness against his face.

He spent a moment wondering if Joaquin was considered a friend enough that he'd need to buy him something for Christmas. ..Probably, by then. Well, if the man didn't purchase one before then.. But he probably would if he was anything close to sensible, so he'd need to come up with something else.

Fortunately Christmas was still a month away.

"No, no preferences. That does sound lovely, actually."

"Yeah, maybe," Joaquin said absently. It wasn't the first thing on his list, considering he was getting a loan for a motorcycle and working to get his friend an iPod for Christmas. Other things had priority.

"I haven't had much need for one back in Heropa. But then again..." he glanced out of the corner of his eye to Hermann, a smile playing on his lips, "...I'll probably be finding myself up here more often in the future now that I've been invited."

The cafe it was, then! Joaquin was more than happy to hold the door open when they got there not a few minutes later, also allowing a few other customers a clear path as they were on the way out before he stepped in himself. It was toasty inside and while it lacked the same energy as the Lucky Cat Cafe it still had a pleasant atmosphere. Yes, this was very nice indeed.

Ah yes, Florida. If not for StarkTech, it might have been nice to live there.

Hermann returned the smile with a pleased one of his own, and nodded, ducking through the door with a murmur of thanks. Newton didn't usually stand on such ceremony, but Hermann felt almost certain that Joaquin was just that side of chivalrous that he would have done so even if he didn't have a cane.

He pulled his hood down and took in the warmth of the cafe with a breath of relief. He was feeling better already.

"Butternut squash soup," he read from the menu with a squint, glasses tucked too far underneath his coat to bother with them. "Sounds interesting."

"It does," Joaquin agreed, giving his date a sideways glance. "Feeling adventurous?"

As far as drinks were concerned he was pretty sure he was going to get a hot coffee. Perhaps with some French Vanilla flavor that he had grown to love since coming to this time. And for dessert, there were tons of pastries. Pumpkin pastries seemed popular all around in this time and he was not against giving that a try either.

"I guess squash is just in season," he muttered as they stepped forward to place their order. The cashier handed them a number to place at their table. Apparently if you were dining in they brought the food out to you. Nice.

"So, how has work been?" Joaquin began, now that they were settling in to wait for their meal. It wouldn't take long, he was sure...

Hermann unzipped his coat, but didn't take it off just yet, content to let it pillow him against the chair. His cane found a resting place against the nearby wall.

"Work? Hm." He didn't really want to talk about Newton right now. "Gipsy's coming along well; I've finished her wiring." Technically a side project and not really work, but it would do.

"It likely won't be until early next year with everything else I'm working on concurrently, but I'll let you and Mr. Sanchez know when I've completed her programming."

Joaquin let the warmth sink in and focused on his tablemate. Hermann always had interesting things to talk about. And that robot, oh boy!

"Good to hear Gipsy's coming along well. Manolo will be excited to see her at her best." Joaquin was excited as well but he also felt some trepidation when he looked at her. Knowing that robot was supposed to be several times her actual size, and that such a huge machine was used to fight monsters just as large...

His imagination would get away from him if he let it and he rolled his shoulders, hiding a shiver. "Glad to hear things are going smoothly. And... you? How have you been lately?"

Hermann glanced toward the counter in an excuse not to answer immediately and willed their food to come before he was compelled to explain much in detail.

"I'm alright. Some of Newton's experiments have been.. less than savory. Necessary work of course, simply unpleasant to witness." Work Newton was doing to not only satisfy his own innate curiosity, but in hopes of being able to more effectively combat chronic illnesses. All for his sake. Hermann's hands twisted together in his lap.

"I trust you and Mr. Sanchez have been taking care lately?"

He noticed the shift in how Hermann holds himself, the way he clenches his hands and seems to tighten up a bit. Joaquin glances down at the grains in the table and back up to Hermann's face.

".... s'that why you're so pale today?" Not to be rude. He's simply concerned.

But it seemed like their food was ready and a tray is unloaded onto their table, along with their coffee, tea, and soups. Very orange. Joaquin wasn't sure what he got himself into, but he was the adventurous sort.

He dipped his spoon in and hummed while he waited for the bite to cool. "We have. I convinced him to help me get a motorcycle so we'll be riding in style pretty soon."

He was pale? Well, considering his uneasy stomach over the past twenty-four hours, it wasn't really that surprising. To think that was only a fing- No. Not going there, or he'll lose his appetite again. And the soup looked so good too.

"Ah yes, that is probably why."

Hermann shrugged out of his jacket, draping it over the back of his chair before settling in again. He stirred the soup, interested in the texture before turning to fuss with his tea.

"A motorcycle? Without wheels, I'm assuming." Because nothing in this world came with wheels unless it was specifically built that way. "Do either of you know how to ride one?"

Joaquin gave him a nod, feeling some sympathy. He didn't know the details but if it made Hermann squeamish then it must be pretty extreme. The man usually seemed pretty unflappable.

"Well, I'm hoping I can take your mind off of things for a while." Just a little while, but hopefully enough to make Hermann's day take a turn for the better. He liked setting others at ease.

"Yeah, I'm going all out! Gotta get something that will impress even the most discerning scientists." No harm in a little shameless flirting over lunch, right? "My roommate has a more old fashioned model and he offered to teach me the basics. But I plan on taking a safety course too before I sign up for my license. I've already been told I'll need an augmented mirror to make up for my blind spot."

Finally Joaquin thought he could take a bite of his soup. It was... kinda sweet. But still, pretty tasty. And it was thick and creamy. Definitely would be filling enough to last until dinner.

"I don't smell chemicals any longer; I'd say it's already a substantial improvement."

Hermann contented himself with his tea to ensure his stomach was settled before he'd make any real attempt on the soup. The last thing he wanted was to get sick in the restaurant in front of his sort-of date.

"Discerning scientists," he repeated with a hint of a smile that faltered in the wake of concern for Joaquin's safety. But he seemed to have it under control. He didn't have the heart to tell the man that he had no particular interest in motorcycles, and sipped his tea.

"Sounds like you've got a solid plan of action."

"Oh, yeah, I'd say so." Chemicals. Joaquin had a hard enough time getting used to the astringent smell of the modern cleaning chemicals. Science lab chemicals? He wasn't even going to try to muster anytime soon.

"Definitely! I'm totally ready for it," and the grin that accompanies that statement is eager. "Of course, it's not going to be the same as riding around on Plata, but it's for the best. There aren't any stables in these big cities."

God, he missed his horse. He missed the rides out of town and sleeping under the warm night sky and the quaint, quiet towns... But Heropa was nice, and these new people he had met had such character and charm. If only he could have kept a little more from home with him. And it would be nice if he could take some of this place home with him when he went back.

Plata.. ah yes, his horse. He supposed a motorcycle might be as close as one could get to that around here.

"You could settle somewhere in the country," he offered. Although without the ability to teleport, Joaquin would be rather removed from the imPort cities. "I've considered living an hour or two out of De Chima for a quieter community myself. But that won't be until I've secured a vehicle of my own, of course."

Hermann set his tea aside and sampled his soup, appetite perking rather than rebelling.

"That's something I was going to look into this month, but I believe I'm just going to end up customizing my own once I find a suitable mechanic to assist me in its assembly."

"The country, huh?" Joaquin nodded, considering the idea. It had potential, but it wasn't feasible for a while. "I'd have to ask Manolo his opinion. Can't leave him behind. And don't you go too far, either, or it'll be a lot harder to visit."

As much as having his motorcycle could help him get around, he wasn't sure if they were allowed to take vehicles with them through the porter. Half the convenience of having something to get around in meant cutting back on spending money for taxis.

Joaquin was taking a sip of his coffee when Hermann mentioned building his own vehicle. It made him tense a moment but he managed to swallow the sip. "Er, make sure you get a good mechanic if you're gonna do that. Not Jaime Reyes."

As nice as Jaime was, his own motorcycle made of cannibalized bits and pieces and was hardly more than a death trap.

"I'd still work in De Chima, so there's no need to worry about that."

An hour or two commute was pretty long, but he'd worry about that whenever they seriously considered living outside the city.

"Jaime Reyes?" Hermann had no idea who that was, but then his familiarity with most imPorts was minimal. Not that he doubted Joaquin's warning, but he was curious. "What's wrong with their work?"

"True..." Visiting Hermann for lunch worked out just fine. If he ever wanted to visit them outside of work he could always just come over after their shifts finished.

"Oh, uh..." Suddenly he felt a little worried. Had he overstepped talking about his friend like that? Maybe. But he wasn't going to risk Hermann's well-being to talk up someone who may or may not deserve it.

"Well, he's... he's my roommate, and I like the guy, he's a good pal, don't get me wrong!" Joaquin twirled his coffee cup in his hands, restless. "He's just... I don't trust his deathtrap of a motorcycle. He put it together but..."

He shook his head and took another sip of coffee.

"And I take it this is the same roommate with whom you've arranged to teach you 'the basics'," he observed with unmistakable skepticism. But the chances of Joaquin having another roommate in possession of a motorcycle were slim.

"While I'd be more concerned about yourself in that case, I do have considerable standards. Rest assured, I fully intend to vet the mechanics I do find quite thoroughly."

"... Yeah." Joaquin is a little sheepish, stirring his bowl of soup with his spoon. "Again, he's a great guy! Very helpful. But... I wouldn't trust his motorcycle."

He chuckles a little. "No worries about me, I don't ever plan on trying out his bike."

But it is reassuring to know Hermann had some exceptional standards. Looked like he didn't need taking care of then. "Good. I'd like to see what kind of vehicle you put together. Something from your world?"

(no subject)

mathemagier - 2015-12-01 09:29 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

medalsome - 2015-12-10 21:33 (UTC) - Expand

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[OPEN]

Lunchtime - for Hermann (sometime during the Newt regeneration experiments)

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)