maskormenace | more chance of reanimating this scalpel than mending a broken nervous system

[[Please see this post about what this job/plot entails before volunteering.]]

[The video display comes on to show the two thirty-something men sitting side by side on the couch, talking to each other. The shorter of the two men (Newt) is trying to straighten out or balance the phone/camera while his attention is on the taller (Hermann). Behind them is a slate black wall with chalk scribbles: a cutely terrifying Kaiju has destroyed a city of skyscrapers and is threatening a memo about providing a write up for an article along with a few formulaic equations.]

We want to make sure it’s some type of licensed professional, not someone you just-

Hermann, we'll ask them for a resume or something. You can conduct interviews, okay, whatever puts your mind at ease--just let me start this.

[Hermann huffs, grumbling still fully audible as he shoots Newton a look] You’re fortunate I’m even agreeing to this in the first place.

[Newt raises his hands, one coming away from the phone, in a open-handed gesture of surrender? defense? acquiescence?]

You know, as much as I'd like rehash this argument for the billionth time, Hermann, we're on. So, do you want to tell them what we're doing, or should I?

[Cue long-suffering sigh as Hermann eyes the camera with even less favor]

We're looking for a medical professional to hire on a contractual basis. A few hours of work every week for perhaps a few months. The details of which we'd prefer to discuss privately. I understand there are several here with healing abilities, but we're looking for a few specific skills and some form of legitimacy. As such, we'll be screening candidates on a case by case basis.

[In a not very hushed tone to Hermann] I know you're trying to be secretive, but you're gonna have to be a little specific. Medical professional is a pretty broad category.

You're the biologist Newton, and this is your 'project'. I expect you know better than I do what precisely you're going to need.

You’re the one who wanted a ‘medical professional’ on board. This is therefore your part of the project.

Yes, because you need one. [The way he emphasizes it hints at countless arguments along that vein alone. Next to him, Newt flops back into the sofa, slumped, arms crossed over his chest and glaring at Hermann, the epitome of 'moody teenager,' very much 'I'm here under protest.' But back to the camera]

Extensive knowledge of human anatomy, surgical experience, familiarity with radiology preferable.. Official certification or a list of references should suffice.

Really, we just need someone willing to hand Hermann a barf bag. Maybe hold his hand a little.

[Oh yes, the sourest of glowering]

Forgive me if I do not share your fascination with biology, but if I left you to your own devices, you'd be attempting this on your own with absolutely no fail-safes again.

[Newt purses his lips and looks a little guilty. After a second, he sits up, and the way his expression and voice soften at Hermann, maybe he's forgotten they have an audience.] It's not-- It won't be like that, okay? [Clears throat, and there he is, that grating voice is back.] I mean, you're totally NOT leaving me to my own devices. You're butting in all over.

[The set of Hermann's shoulders relax a little, but his expression doesn't really change]

Of course not. [Right, camera]..Inquiries will be responded to through private channels, if that's all?

[Last chance to speak up Newton] Nah, it’s your project, man. [Though he says it with a smile. It’s definitely different than the semi-accusation of before.]

[That's definitely not a twitch of a smile in return. Just more grumbling as Hermann reaches out to switch the feed off]

An on-going project: ensuring some level of responsibility-

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

A biologist of what?

Wait wait, I get up for a second and Hermann let's you get away with not going into detail?! Appendix removed...twice? You're going to have to tell me more, man, come on.

[ and Dorian can't help but grin at that. ]

One of the perks or pitfalls of having a healing factor—regrowing organs, even the useless ones. Really though, the second time was more out of boredom.

[...Oh god, you're speaking his language. Self-experimentation, curiosity, and a regeneration power...]

Okay, so that explains the double surgery, but now was this something you did here--like, are these NEW powers--or is this something you came here with? How did that work out? How fast was the regeneration? What did your body do to compensate for an organ or part while it was missing--not that the appendix was substantial by any means, but have you removed anything vital...or at least larger? How did regrowth work, how did it feel?

[ Dorian's just entirely amused as he listens to all these rambly questions. ]

Slow down! [ said with a laugh ] It happened back home. As for your questions, really the appendix is a terrible example...what about the time my heart was ripped out instead?

[ it's said so casually, so blase, but really, Dorian just wants to see how Newt's going to react ]

[There's way too much fascination from Newt's end. He's not going to be able to slow down at all, sorry sorry.] Ripped out? That sounds like a movie. First of all, HOW was it removed, like, by what means, and secondly WHY and lastly, how did your body sustain itself during the time your heart was out of your body? How quickly did you regenerate a new one and what kind of complications come with that, if any? How long have you had this power?

Going from last to first, if you don't mind. I've had this power for over a hundred years. I regenerated a new one within minutes. My body sustained itself just fine, though it hurt like hell. And it was forcibly ripped out from my chest, still beating, splintering my rib cage and tearing open my chest in the process, by a siren.

[Yeah, guess whose excusing himself out of frame for some tea]

[Newt watches Hermann go before turning excitedly back to Appendix Guy]

Within minutes, shit. I don't think-- [--that mine will work that fast. Oops, nope, not going to talk about his power right now. Hermann said not to.] --that I'd like to find out what happens if it doesn't come back that quickly, if a doctor isn't on hand. Ever regenerated any part of your spine? Or your brain itself? What do you think the limitations of your power are?

And what were you doing messing with a Siren??

Oh, I know the limitations. A bomb dropped on me during World War II, in the middle of the Blitz. I could feel my flesh sear as the flames licked my skin, burning me down to the bone. And then, once the flames died down, I could feel skin and muscle, sinews and tendons knitting themselves back together.

As for the latter question, it's a long story. To sum it all up though, thought I was doing a good deed, ended up getting tricked, managed to worm my way out of danger anyway.

more chance of reanimating this scalpel than mending a broken nervous system

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