2337/Mind The Medicine

Mind The Medicine
Date of Scene:	28 May 2015
Location:	Paragon City <CoH>
Synopsis:	A visitor to Paragon City is of special interest to Dr. Vasilikos, as he desperately searches for a way to help his dying father.
Cast of Characters:	729, 769

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Nightblind (729) has posed:
    This trip had been on the news in her home city of Stonegate, announcing that McRae Industrial Technology (the in-joke in city being 'the Other MIT') would be touring Paragon City, with its 'Charity Head' and heir to the company, Ella McRae, being the 'goodwill ambassador' to the city. Any research into it would find that she was blinded in her teens by a car accident, and she works through the company to fund medical technology and works to children's hospitals.

    However, she needs downtime built into her schedule for... other activities.

    THe dark gray towncar pulls up to the park, its tinted windows hiding its occupants. A placard goes up marking it 'handicap'. A woman in a dark headscarf and business-casual pants suit gets out of the front seat, adjusting her earpiece quietly as she cases the area, and then turns, and walks around the back of the car, to the side, to open the rear door closest to the grass.

    "Take it easy now, Miss McRae. You remember what happened last time..."

    And out of the car steps a young woman, dark skinned and her hair cropped short. She purses her lips a moment, her eyes closed as she taps at her pockets, and pulls out a pair of round sunglasses. "Al. You never said anything about the mud last time." she warns, good naturedly, and at a click of her fingers, a german shepard hops out of the back seat, and takes up position near the young woman as she grasps his harness. "And Dakota can't be cooped up all day."

Demetrios Vasilikos (769) has posed:
    Atlas Park is a pretty nice play to come to as one's first introduction to the city. The skyscrapers everywhere aside, the whole zone seems like it was modelled to look like one gigantic park. Plenty of greenery, paths, low walls, benches, and so on. But coming in by boat through Independence Port and then driving or taking the monorail there first is typically required, thanks to the forcefields that surround the city and also each city zone. 'War Walls', they're called. So it's not like it's the only part of the city likely to be seen by a first-timer before they reach it. But once they get there, it's pretty good for just relaxing and taking in the sights. New heroes keep this neighborhood safe: the safest zone in the entire city, infact. That doesn't mean danger doesn't exist, but most normal civilians aren't going to get caught up in it. And especially not special guests.

    As the car pulls up outside City Hall, there are people waiting to greet them. More than just diplomatic sorts, there's at least one super hero, with a few others looking on from nearby. There's also a haggard-looking older man with streaks of grey along his temples in a suit, standing in the small crowd. Maybe Miss McRae can't see them, but that man can see her. And he is very interested--actually, desperate--to talk with her somewhere privately about her medical technology. Just accosting her about such might be rude, but, again, desperate. There's a time limit here. Even so, he can't do anything just yet.

    So the doctor waits, as Miss McRae receives the welcoming speech from the greeter, and she's asked if she has had a pleasant trip so far, if she needs anything, and so on.

    The brightly-dressed super hero in the group is a tall, powerfully-built black man in a very stars-and-stripes kind of costume, with a steel helmet/cap of the top-half of his head, and lenses over his eyes. He has a pole weapon of some kind on his back. He offers to the city's special guest, "Thank you for visiting our city. I'm called Flag Bearer. I'm in charge of keeping you safe while you're here, but Atlas Park is pretty secure, so you shouldn't have to worry about anything. Still, if you notice anything that concerns you, just let me know."

Nightblind (729) has posed:
    Well, Ella wouldn't have seen him. She could hear the crowd of people, and she shyly accepts the welcoming speech. Aliyah Salib stays by her side, just behind her, and accepts folders and well-wisher gifts on Ella's behalf. McRae turns her head in the direction of Flag Bearer, and she offers a small smile to him, not looking at him, but sort of... through him.

    "The pleasure of visiting Paragon City is mine. I've heard that this town is paticularly unique for its... density of superherosim. I'm afraid my own small contributions will remain in the background of these acts."

    And she taps her white cane against the ground a moment, giving a quiet 'stand down' command to the shepherd at her side, and she offers her gloved right hand, mid-air, to shake with Flag Bearer. "Is there anything I should be concerned about? My assistant is a capable driver, but I'm lacking in a body-guard these days. The last in my employ was allergic to dogs."

Demetrios Vasilikos (769) has posed:
    Flag Bearer is somewhat embarassed to have to admit it, but as he accepts Ella's hand and shakes it very lightly, as though afraid he might break it if he doesn't treat her like a fragile doll, he says, "This is the safest part of Paragon City, but we do still have problems with super villains, and dangerous street gangs. The reason we have such intense super hero activity is because it's needed. A lot of us were lost in a recent war, and reconstruction of not just buildings but our ability to deal with bad people is still underway." Unless Ella needs or wants to be directed by the hand towards the path leading up the steps to Atlas Plaza, Flag Bearer will let her go. She does have a seeing-eye dog after all, so maybe she's fine on her own.

    But he remains nearby just incase, though it looks like Miss McRae already has Mister Salib to look out for her for simple things. No, it's better if the super hero focuses on the possibility of danger. Last thing they need is for those demon-worshipping Hellions to come blow up the car or Clockwork to come by trying to strip it for parts.

    While Flag Bearer is keeping en eye out (and possibly leading the way up the steps, if it's required), Demetrios sidles up once they're on level ground, with the statue of Atlas carrying a giant globe looming above them all, and says somewhat hurriedly, "Hello, Miss McRae. I have heard much about you. My name is Dr. Vasilikos. It is good to meet someone from another city or world who understands the importance of medicine and caring for the health of the people. I tend to super heroes from all over the world, myself, but I would like to treat civilians more as well."

    He looks ahead to make sure he doesn't walk into anything and then back to the woman next to him. "I understand if this is a bit too heavy to begin a conversation with so quickly after meeting, but there is a civilian patient I am treating who may not have much longer to live. If you could see fit to share some of your time with me, I would like to discover if your own research may have looked into avenues of medicine that we have not." He adds on quickly, "Perhaps not right now, as you have only just arrived and are receiving a tour, but... Just... If you find the time."

    Some of the greeters may be look a bit disapproving of such a topic being brought up with so little introduction and without even knowing Miss McRae, but Vasilikos and his father HAVE been helping people all around the world and in Paragon City for decades. They probably feelt at least some sympathy for him.

Nightblind (729) has posed:
    How do you get to the wallet of a bleeding heart? You go right for the heart. And Vasilikos appears to have struck a cord. "Ease up, Dakota." Ella states, and she turns to Vasilikos, as much as she can while feeling out her steps, and then she comes to a pause.

    "No, no, if there is someone who would benefit from research from Stonegate, it's not to heavy a topic at all. All lives have value was one of the first things my father taught me when I was little. I'm sure the tour could wait a few minutes lo nger. Ah... Flag Bearer? Is there a bench nearby? Aliyah, please get my tablet out, and take notes."

    "Of course, Miss McRae." Aliya replies, and she levels her eyes at the doctor, in suspicion, and she goes to pull up his name on the internet, and see if there's anything she ought to... know.

    And more importantly, protect her employer from!

    Dakota seems at ease with the whole situation, and was patiently waiting to be given another command.

    Ella handles herself with a certain grace as she offers a smile.

    "What kind of medicine do you practice, Dr. Vasilikos? Did you go to a local school here in Paragon, or did you school far away?"

Demetrios Vasilikos (769) has posed:
    The doctor seems relieved that Ella is going to give him the time and assistance. He lets out a shuddering breath as he says, "Yes. Yes, of course. Thank you so much. He may have only one or two days at most, and if I lost my father after everything I don't know what I'd do." Seems that Demetrios and Ella share a lot in common. He was also inspired by his father to try to preserve and improve life wherever he could.

    Flag Bearer looks over when he hears his name called, having been squinting at a small group of people across the street from City Hall. Seems they were just some kids though, because they take off down the sidewalk, laughing and yelling, without even giving a glance towards the super hero or the one he is there to protect. "Yes, there's a bench right over here." He offers his hand again, incase McRae holds out hers, but if she just wants to follow the sound of his voice, then that's fine too. Either way, he makes sure she gets to her seat safely. Half for the benefit of Miss McRae, half for the benefit of Aliya, Flag Bearer elaborates. "Dr. Vasilikos is quite a respected figure here in Paragon City. You expressed doubts about your own efforts here being overshadowed by super heroics. But you're already doing something quite heroic. I don't think you'll be overshadowed at all here, Miss McRae."

    Vasilikos offers as he sits down as well, wearily, "Agreed. My fields of study are rather diverse, due to the diverse needs of my patients. Pharmaceuticals, various forms of surgery and therapy, genetics, virology, physical rehabilitation, xenobiology, veterinary medicine, power studies... About the only things I don't specialize in are cosmetic surgery and forensics. And we have others on staff who can take care of those just fine." The doctor puts his head in his hands as he leans forward a bit.

    "But I can't help at all. Some sort of extra-terrestrial infection, altered by monstrous beings here on Earth, has been turning my patient -- Vasilikos Senior -- into living crystal. Our attempt at a cure or at least something to buy us time was sabotaged by a villain, using monstrous toxins. Now even the living crystal is dying. I'm looking into transplanting the only untouched part of his body into a prosthetic one, but anything, anything at all, that you can think of that might help..." He raises his head and looks to Miss McRae, with a mix of fatigue and fear in his voice, as he says, "Anything."

Nightblind (729) has posed:
    Ella's expression softens, and she gives a quiet, contemplative nod as she draws towards the bench. The tip of her cane strikes against it, and she reaches out, patting it, feeling its dimensions before she sinks down into it. Dakota slips beneath her legs, watchfull of the company around her. "Thank you, Flag Bearer; it's rather nice to have a bit of a sit in the park, isn't it?"

    Aliyah begins a record session on the tablet, and Ella muses a moment as she considers his words, and then slowly shakes her head.

    "I can link yuou to what I can for our medical records and experiments, Doctor Vasilikos, but... an extraterrestrial crystalization disorder isn't... something we've run into. I'm afraid my world is much, much less fantastic." she explains. "Have... you tried asking one of the superfactions? Surely, the Union appears to be keen on shasring and helping." she tries to find an alternative, tapping her fingers against the back of her left hand.

Demetrios Vasilikos (769) has posed:
    Demetrios looks so hopefuly, so sure that THIS must be the answer. That this kind, and knowledgeable lady must be able to help, somehow. He lets out a breath like he's deflating when he hears this is not something they've encountered. That it's a bit too exotic for them. Another lead, another hope, squashed. He sits up straight, grips his knees tightly and says, "I already have representatives from the Union aiding me, as well as independents. They have put in a valiant effort. I have a Miss Rory White coming by soon to see if my father's consciousness can be transferred somehow. I just..."

    He rubs at his face after releasing his knees, only barely aware of the pain he was causing himself. "Though I would explore all possibilities. Your willingness to help is appreciated regardless. I'm sure there are... Many more who would benefit from your aid, and aid that can be rendered to you and your city in turn."

    He rises from the bench and says, "If there is anything you need in terms of research data, let me know. If we can help those from your world, I'll be... Gladdened." Maybe medical conditions are less fantastical on McRae's world, but that doesn't mean advanced super-hero science can't still help, right?

Nightblind (729) has posed:
    Ella's lips curl into a kind smile. "It would be unfitting for me to ask anything, of anyone, though ... if you /do/ happen to come across a stellar chicken kiev recipie, I would like to forward it to my chef. My father's died with him." she acknowleges, and she reaches out, and just barely touches against his arm. Or what she hopes is his arm. Otherwise: Aaawkward.

     "I might not be able to do anything other than throw funding, but... there are a few scientists who would be interested in your data, whatever you have. I can pass it on through them to the teams over at the medical tech firm in Stonegate, FAUST."

Demetrios Vasilikos (769) has posed:
    Demetrios would ordinarily jump at the offer of funding. He could really use it. But the deadline, as distasteful as it is to use the term given his father's situation, means he doesn't know what a lot of money could be used for in that time frame. Maybe with Miss White's stasis device they can buy time. Then the money would be useful for finding an answer, not to mention keeping the hospital his father established running... "Vasilikos Laboratories is an independent medical practice," Demetrios explains after receiving the touch on the arm. He smiles appreciatively, if strained. "We always need funding. Any aid you can provide will be well worth it. Even if..." He swallows. "Even if we can't... Save him. At least his work should live on."

    It hurts just to say that. Caught between desperation and despair, he knows logically that there probably is no miraculous cure, but he can't help grasping at straws. His emotions are defying his logic. "I will see what I can do to get our data to them or to you to pass along to them." He tilts his head back and takes in a deep breath before letting it out. "My father... Did some excellent work regarding foreign tissue integrations. Giving functioning limbs and organs to those who lost them or never had them, even if the tissue wasn't of their original species. Really... Quite... Fascinating."

    And now his father's flesh is made of crystal. Nothing to integrate. The work that could have saved his life, if they could have stopped the progression long enough to attempt it. Why didn't he ask others for help sooner?

    He turns to Ella and says, "I think there is a buffet waiting for you, if you'd like something to eat after your long trip. I'll walk with you awhile longer, if that's alright."

    Flag Bearer holds up his hands and says, "The food will keep. Take however long you like. I'll just call ahead and let them know. I need to talk to someone at M.A.G.I. anyway. They still haven't made the security upgrades I requested..."

Nightblind (729) has posed:
    Ella McRae gives another kind smile.

    "I think perhaps Paragon City and Stonegate could learn much from one another. We even have a local superhero." she replies quietly, leaning back in her seat on the bench as she considers.

    "I do wish you the best of luck, Doctor. Losing a parent you love dearly is one of the most painful experiences that you can travel through... please."

    She reaches carefully into her pocket, and pulls out a small billfold. It has a raised pattern of bumps against one edge. She draws her finger along it, and unfolds it, sliding out a thick business card. It's silver in color, with dark blue writing on the front.

    "My card. In case you need someone to talk to." she adds, and holds it out, midway to where she supposes his waist is, and raises her eyebrows.

    "... and I really hope you haven't walked away, because otherwise I'll look quite foolish handing this card out to empty air."

Demetrios Vasilikos (769) has posed:
    Demetrios laughs a little bit. Very briefly. "No, I'm still here. Thank you. Honestly." He accepts the card. "There have been so many wonderful people who have come to our aid during this time. I... Think someone to talk to could be very beneficial for me." He looks the card over, and then tucks it into the breastpocket of his jacket. "Sadly, I didn't think to carry any cards myself. But I can provide you with my contact information as well." Which he does, unless there is an objection.

    Now Ella has Dr. Vasilikos in her Contacts list. But she probably won't be using that information to get super hero missions or anything, right? Right?

    Flag Bearer has his hand to the side of his helmet as he has a quiet conversation on the radio a little bit away from Demetrios, Ella, and Aliyah. Seems to be a very serious discussion! But what about!?

    "...Yeah, you can get some and have it ready by the time we get there? Best you can get. Chicken kiev. Right. Thanks, man. I appreciate it." Being a super hero means having Contacts in all walks of life. Even the catering business. When the call is done, the super hero turns around and heads back towards the others. He resists the urge to try to pet Dakota. Service dogs aren't supposed to be petted or played with while they're 'on the job'. Instead he asks, "Does Dakota needing anything in particular? Water, a certain kind of food? I can have someone prepare something. Oh, and uh, Miss... Aliyah, was it? If you have any needs yourself, feel free. We try to be as accomodating as we can here in Paragon for our guests." He smiles friendlily.

    Demetrios, meanwhile, decides to stick around for a little bit... It would be rude to come ask for help and then not even see McRae to her destination. But he's already thinking of what else he can do when he gets back to the lab, so it's likely he won't stay for the whole event.

Nightblind (729) has posed:
    "Salib. Miss Aliyah Salib, and no, thank you, I'm on the clock." Al replies, and she holds her hand out for a shake. "Sorry, Ella gets wrapped up in humanitarian work like some people wrap up in a blanket." she adds, slipping the tablet back into the briefcase at her side.

    Dakota, meanwhile, is quietly sitting beneath Ella's legs, watchful and protective, until Ella stands.

    "Well. That buffet isn't going to eat itself, doctor, please join us. I'd be happy to have you along on the trip." she gives a small smile, and with Dakota by her, her hand on her harness, she begins to walk in the direction of the smell of food.