Roleplaying
2004 Archive
2005 Archive
Seminars
| When: | 15 April 2005 |
| Who: | Hirah, Inarin, Kacela, Nicodemus, Soludarius (as Shiela) |
| What: | The announcement of the collaboration between DuPont and the Molecular Biology division of Univerity of Texas gets a mostly warm reception, except for one vociferous objectioner. |
The University
The campus of the University of Texas at Austin stretches over several square miles. The most striking area of the campus is the clock tower, which looms over the rest of the campus and glows depending on when the school wins a victory in something it considers important. The West Mall is also another large part of the campus, housing the school's Union and having an open grassed area in front of it with enough trees to give it suitable shading.
The southwest corner of the campus is where the Harry Ransom Center is. A massive library and archive area that has several rare books and artifacts that make it of special interest to Yves. Finally, the last place of major interest is a Tokamak reactor buried deep beneath the Math and Sciences Building; the reactor a source of constant interest by both servitors of Jean and Vapula.
Seated on the white marble steps that lead to the main entrance of the Life Sciences library on campus, Kacela happily taps away at a few more collected notes. She appears to be alone, as on a Friday night, this is hardly the most popular place on campus. A few books, specificially dealing with virology, and less specifically, an illustrated pathology atlas, rest on the stairs beside her. She's taking the time before the scheduled announcement to gather materials for a briefing, should the occasion ever come up between dodging fiendish attentions. The breezeway collects the light wind, causing the air within the sunset shadowed loggia to circulate with the fresh scent of groomed lawns. The twitter of chimney swifts as they dart about the building's tower can be heard as well.
Over the gentle evening breeze, a happy tune can be heard approaching from the Louise and James Robert Moffett Molecular Biology Building. Eventually, the source appears, a figure that cuts gracefully through the growing dark toward Kacela and the marble steps. Performing a ballroom step, a waltz into the glow of the library windows, the whistling mystery man turns out to be Nicholas Lyman. "They're almost ready," he says, abandoning the melody, "By the way, Inarin is on his way. It seems he had an interesting altercation at Fado's."
'Rin walks towards the Molecular Biology Building, using the instructions given to him by Notodemus. It was obviously not Nicodemus. Notodemus. Actually it was, but it's a secret to pretty much nobody here, right? Anyway, 'Rin is holding his bloody knife, and his hand is bloodied up from cuts, seemingly self inflicted as they were carefully made. Beyond that, he seems pretty much fine as he's holding his cane in his free hand to steady himself. Not that he needs it. He glances up towards the entrance and sets his eyes specifically on Kacela.
Kacela has been remarkably reserved since the events of last night, preferring to communicate by email or fax when some new piece of relevant information made itself available. His remarkable good humor doesn't go unnoticed, but the usual banter that she would send Lyman's way is missing. As he draws near and begins to speak, Kacela gives a reticent, overly polite nod. A few facts are sent his way in a carefully neutral tone, "The first cases usually show up toward the end of May, depending on the severity of the season. Current programs emphasize prevention, given how... difficult it is to treat. The virus is not as responsive to others to the usual treatment regimens that hospitals give. Given the potential severity this year promises, with the relatively mild winters, I'd say that we could get a lot of support developing a specific treatment strategy -- as well a vaccine, if possible." At the mention of Inarin, she raises brows skywards. "Well, apparently alive enough to make an appearance," she says, dipping her head his way. "Good evening," she offers quietly, both the crimson fluid and the pointed look noted.
Lyman does not ask. He simply gives an acknowledging nod to Inarin before also, centring on Kacela. "I still suspect that a portion of the student body will not be pleased," he says, his good mood hardly put off by this likely possibility, "After my last contribution, there was a rather inspired demonstration." At this memory, Lyman chuckles moderately, "It seems I can't escape these protesters. They dog me wherever I go." Well, it seems Nicodemus is quite content to put his relationship with Kacela back to where it was. But then, he may just be storing up his reprimand for the right moment. Who knows?
Lyman waves for the others to follow in the direction he came, back in to the molecular biology building, "They will be getting started any moment now..."
Harold is a bistander. A alumnist in the audience listening to what is happening on campus.
"I was untoward to you yesterday. I apologize. My weakness allowed me to be affected. I have punished myself." 'Rin bows his head to Kacela briefly before straightening. He looks back at Lyman, "Hurrm.... Students week. Don't understand anything. Learn much, learn nothing." He puts the knife back into his pocket. He's going to need new clothes soon. Maybe he can get a nice jacket from Lyman later for assorted purposes. He walks closer, but slowly, letting the others take the lead.
Stowing all of her items, Kacela hefts a shoulder tote, and then stands, her own pace carrying her anywhere between Lyman's lead and Inarin's coverage in the rear. She considers Inarin's apology, scowling some at the seeping marks along his hands. "Why there? You're just crippling yourself, it's not tactically sound." She shakes her head sharply. "You were helpful. There were others... present that made the matter complicated. I did not perform as needed or expected either," she admits, although no return apology comes from her. As the trio make their way to the new, whitewashed building, she takes a long draught of air, coolly sizing up those present. "At least it's a different crowd of protesters, even if these don't have any compunctions about throwing pies."
"Agreed," Lyman states, unaware of or simply immune to the talk of the previous night. His enthusiasm, quite obviously, evaporates, however...
not appeaing again until Lyman leads them into the building's main lecture hall, what is in actuality, something of an auditorium. There, the dean has taken centre stage, a welcoming smile being treated to each portion of the audience. In the rows closest to the stage, science students have gathered to await the announcement that could very well change their future. They eye the two seats that have been set aside for Lyman and Kacela expectantly, hardly trouble by the politics involved in receiving his generous contributions. At the sight of a third, Inarin, one of the students politely withdraws to make room. However, Lyman and the others are not met with the same enthusiasm by students at the back. They have brought signs that express how they feel about Lyman's involvement with the university. Still, they will honour his right to speak and let the festivities proceed without striking up any sort of rally cry.
Harold seems to nod to himself at times. Not really drawing attention to himself in the crowd of attendees.
'Rin says, "Not crippling. Can still use weapons. Didn't think placement mattered too much, but easy to reach so hands." 'Rin, however, raises an eyebrow at the mention of 'others'. He doesn't ask for more information because he has some ideas and figures if it's a big deal he'll be asked about it eventually. Besides, this job is more Kacela and Nicodemus, not him. 'Rin looks at the student moving to make room and says, "Signs too expected, too obvious. With a weak forward motion like that without anything substantial behind it, you will always lose." He tries to act 'official' but finds that it's a little harder in his current outfit. It doesn't feel right. He does sit down in the seat offered to him. It was, after all, nice.
Lyman is the last to take his seat, as he pauses to wave charmingly at the crowd. "And there they are," the dean starts, charging to his microphone like a high energy comedian, "Mr. Nicholas Lyman and Ms. Kacela Howard. Please, a round of applause people." Of course, the science students eagerly comply, drowning out the slow, sarcastic clap of the back rows...so much so, that some of the sceptical students resort to booing. When the sound fades, the dean begins again, "A few months ago, Nicholas Lyman made a generous contribution to our school, and for that we are extremely thankful. But now, he has gone an out done himself...he really has. Beginning this summer semester, our biology program will now be getting some hands on experience with Dupont Chemical. We will be moving with them in their transition into a new market, pharmaceuticals, and students will be able to learn first hand and find job placement right out of classes."
In the auditorium, near the back, Devon Harrison sits next to a bored co-ed, who's only there because her roommate thought they should go. He's ignoring most of the speech and events, flipping through a magazine of some sort. However, at mention of the guests' of honor names, he looks up curiously. This is an unexpected coincidence. What had she said a while back about her interests? She was certainly looking at something technical on her computer, but Devon has no idea who this Lyman character is. Some rich stuffed shirt wanting his name etched a building wall so future generations will wonder who the hell he was.
Lyman shifts in his seat, only acknowledging Inarin's critique of the signs now. His brows shrug, as he whispers, "This generation is truly something isn't it." He adds through a hint of laughter, "My employees at Dupont could learn a thing or two from them, couldn't they?"
Harold is amoung the assembly of people who have interest in the campuses future. A former alumnist and member of standing, he attends the function in hopes to hear of the campuses growth.
With the dean's announcement, the response in the back is not nearly as unified, some actually swallowing hard at the good that might come out of Lyman's contribution. Some do remain pessimistic, however, raising environmental issues such as the level of contaminants in Austin's soil...as best they can. They have to compete with the resoundingly positive reaction from their fellow students in the science programs. "Let's get them up here," the dean suggests enthusiastically, "Let them say a few things. You all know Mr. Lyman from his work around the community. Ms. Howard works for his company and has purposed one of our first projects...the containment of the West Nile virus!"
As per usual of presentations, there are a few lead-ins before the main speaker. After introductions, Kacela actually stands, and casts a gaze of challenge towards Lyman, as if beckoning him to watch well. "Thank you very much," she says in dismissal of the dean, before adjusting the mic, and lacing those long, elegant fingers together. Shifting weight forward to rest forearms on the podium, she fixes her gaze on those students, and says in a clarion alto that easily reaches the back without the aid of the microphone.
"Good evening, and thank you for your attention. I know that many of you are restless, so we'll not keep you too long on this Friday night." she schmoozes nicely. "I'd like to start by saying that this collaboration was a recent idea. Until about a month ago, I was focusing mostly on social work. That's changed. I've spent a lot of time reading up on the threat that many of the members of the Flavivirus family pose to human health world wide. More recently, Texas and the rest of the nation have been gripped with an epidemic of West Nile Virus, which started to sweep over the nation beginning in 1999. There is no easy cure for viruses, and many publications have indicated that traditional treatments are not entirely effective against this particular virus."
"Given its potentially lethal nature, this virus makes a prime target for treatment and vaccine production research. DuPont has some expertise in developing clinical applications, such as the detection kit for Listeria, a common agent of food poisoning. However, the facilities at the university will provide an excellent startup venue for this particular project, providing the campus with funding to aid in purchasing of facilities, equipment, and..."
She pointedly regards the more astute students up front, "Talent." To the dissidents, she smoothly dips her braided head, and states, "There are still some skeptics among you, and... I think I heard something about the environment? I think I'll let Mister Lyman the Fourth address that particular matter, as the Texan divisions of DuPont have a surprisingly pleasant record in that regard."
A couple of seats down from Devon, one of the more vocally opposed students is scowling and barely able to stay seated in his chair. Devon himself is watching the presentation with more interest, apparently focused on it instead of the magazine which is now carefully folded up and stuffed under his own seat. The angry student mutters something to his friends about killing the planet and fascist pharmeceuticals, apparently not at all appeased by Kacela's promises of discourse. Devon glances over at the antsy student and frowns slightly, as if thinking.
Roll by Hirah: (2) (1) (5)
'Rin glances and spots Hirrah. Remembers him. Convenient timing, but not enough to go off of. Doesn't attract attention, just listens without really understanding and without really trying. He remembers the words though so he can think about them later.
On his way up onto the stage, Lyman passes the dean and locks him into a firm handshake. Amiable laughter breaks out between the two almost instantly. That these two were boyhood friends, perhaps roommates at Harvard or Yale, is certainly not beyond the imagination of the audience. But, each man goes his separate way, Lyman just to the podium, and the dean out of the way, to the auditorium's double doors. When it is his turn to speak, Lyman bows his head humbly, "Thank you, Kacela. Yes, environmental issues are a valid concern, though not specifically related to the work we will be doing her at the university."
Lyman quickly adds, "We will be focus on pharmicare" A gesture goes to Kacela, "Specifically in regards to the West Nile virus." He shakes his head, "No heavy or harmful industry, I assure you."
The restless student suddenly jumps to his feet and jabs a finger towards Lyman as he begins his speech. "What do you care about the environment, you Nazi? You're killing this planet with your toxic waste and your bio-weapons! You probably helped create West Nile in the first place!!" Spittle actually flies from his lips as he continues yelling, oblivious to the campus security edging toward him. "Screw you and your money! We don't need more anthrax on campus, we need funding for arts and sciences! Not some damn university-sponsored recruitment farm for you evil corporation!"
Devon blinks at this tirade and leans back in his seat, glancing back up at the podium to see if there's a reaction.
But in spite of the distinction Lyman draws between the issues, one student feels the need to rudely interrupt. No, he is not surprised by this treatment, having been used to the Dupont protestors by now. Still, little effort is required for Lyman to force surprise, as the accusations do not fit the standard student initiative. They are, in fact, quite outrageous. Lyman's expression shows this, without disgust or sarcastic amusement ever corrupting his features...though the temptation is there. "I understand your concern," Lyman says, contrasting the angry young man with upper class patience and manner, "But, change is happening, I assure you. In 2000, Dupont headed up a collaboration with several other chemical corporations, on a purely voluntary basis, to reduce their environmental impact. The numbers up to and through 2003 support this -- there's not any more recent data merely because of processing time. I will gladly provide you with the paper work if you give me a mailing address afterward."
Kacela appears ready to slip into an easy explanation about expansion to preventing and treating other similarly related viruses, taking her position to Lyman's right and rear. However, the outburst rings out, and Kacela breathes out in long-suffering annoyance. "Oh, hell they are not..." she growls out sotto voce, before shouldering her way past Lyman, once again settling the dark chocolate depths of her eyes upon the group. "Support your claims with facts before flinging mud, you're treading awfully close to slander. Those numbers are supported by several independen environmental oversight organizations..." The ease with which the words slip out will surprise Kacela in about... several hours, when she has a chance to mentally review the situation.
"You can shove your numbers and paperwork up your ass, you fascist pig!" The student is now climbing over other audience members' legs to get to the aisle, shaking a fist in the podium's general direction. "Like we'd trust any information you give us... I bet if you let us see your bank account, there'd be a few choice 'donations' from third world dictators! How much anthrax did you sell to Osama, you piece of shi-" he cuts off as a couple of the campus security guards come up to him and take his arms, asking him to quietly leave. "I will not be censored! This is wrong! They're buying our souls for bio-weapon fatory workers!!" He continues shouting as security half-drags him out the back doors of the auditorium. Still watching the entire spectacle from his seat, Devon shakes his head sadly and gives a little sigh.
'Rin reaches for his pistol but it turns out to be nonissue as the guards quietly handle the matter. He smiles at Lyman. And then he applauds.
Roll by Harold: (6) (1) (4)
Kacela gives a positively appalled look at the debacle below, and then looks almost petulant. "I can't believe that little shit is talking about what we're trying to do like that!" The words are mostly hushed, but she takes a step forward. However, the vindictive glower fades, and she folds hands, shaking her head slightly. And then... her eyes lock on Hirah's own. Ah, and so the plot thickens...
The Dean lifts a hand to Nicodemus and gives a knowing gesture to continue. Walking over to the restless student he waves his hand to a hallway, "We cannot have unvalidated claims being slandered and bringing shame to the student body. If you can find proof and write a document proving your claims then you will have a chance to speak them, as per the rules of the school. Come into the hall and lets discuss your outburst a little closer. You are a good student, and we do not wish to have you sully your own efforts."
Hardly insulted as Kacela pushes past, Lyman is instead, pleased to see how quickly...and accurately...she comes to his defence. Indeed, she has been doing her homework since signing up with Dupont chemical. He bows his head to the applause that Inarin starts the sympathetic members of the audience on. Still, Lyman does offer one amendment to what Kacela has to say, "There are proper channels for your opinions. Proper ways of conducting yourself. Though we may not all see eye to eye, I thank the majority of you for your attention this evening." Clearly, the only excluded from these thanks is the young man being carted of by campus security.
With the noisy and disruptive student now gone, Devon sees little point in staying for the rest of this boring presentation. It has nothing to do with Kacela's pointed stare. No, not at all. Giving the co-ed at his side a little poke to wake her up, he mutters, "Let's go." She mutters and whines something, earning a nasty glare from Devon. "Fine, I'll call you later then." Riiiiight. Like he cares enough to try. Standing and trying to unobtrusively make his way to the same door the angry student was just dragged through, he belatedly remembers the magazine still under his seat. Damn. Oh well, some lucky janitor will get an eyefull.
In the hallway, the student just gapes at the Dean. Finally, he says weakly, "there won't ever be any proof. Companies like that don't let the truth exist. Just leave me alone."
The Dean exits with the student being escorted down the hall. He will be gone for a couple of poses. Continue on.
At the dean's outburst, Lyman detects some...support of the outspoken student. His blue eyes narrow curiously, as they track the dean and the offensive young man into the hallway. "Strange," he comments under his breath to Kacela, "Anyway, shall we be moving along?"
Down the halls the Deana nd the guards escort the student out the front of the building.
Kacela squares shoulders, demeanor sharp, much like a rhino still on alert after chasing off some threat to the calf at its feet. She appears displeased, and shakes her head. "Many great ideas suffered resistance." Per Lyman's request, she swings her gaze back towards him, and gives him a sharp nod. "I did promise a short evening," she says in a voice that carries properly to the students. "We can provide contact information that any of you can refer to if interested. Have a wonderful and safe weekend." She then slips towards the edge of the stage, awaiting any last comments.
Lyman lingers on stage, giving another speculative look towards the hallway. But as he drifts toward after Kacela toward the stairs, he dismisses whatever thought he was entertaining, lips unrolling from contemplation. Nah. Couldn't be.
'Rin stands up, glancing about briefly. And then he follows after Lyman and Kacela. He'll probably part ways once they make it out, but it's pretty obvious Dupont is connected to the previous incident... which doesn't mean much yet, but it sounds like a solid plan since he can't see through it.
The Dean escorts the student out of the building and the Dean walks along with the guards informing them to ensure that he makes it safety to his dorm. Walkign away from the building the Dean shakes the hand of a man who approaches. At that moment the dean's eyes glaze over and he looks around. The man smiles and says, "Thank you Dean. We will do our best. Thanks again". Offering his hand to the Dean, the man shakes the Deans hand and a Echo of Disturbance incurs. The Dean smiles again and nods to the man, "Goodday". Slowly walking back to the building, the Dean is deep in thought. Remembering details about the school, the Dupont money grants, the Labs, schedulings, and the affiliations with Nicodemus. As he arrives back in the hallways he passes a student staying up late for projects. The Student smiles at the Dean and continues down the hall. The Dean looks around and sighs. Thinking to himself 'now why did i come out here?' He turns a corner and heads back to the assembly.
Previous: Logs