View source for 2902/Murder Lab, Murder Lab, Radioactive Murder Lab...

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/19
|Location=Unknown
|Synopsis=In the underground lab hidden beneath NYC vegetarian restaurant 'The Green Gobbler', Norman Osborn discusses the finer point of science and creepy symbiote monsters with his new 'employee' Carl Mach.
|Cast of Characters=1426, 1240
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1426|Norman Osborn (1426)}} has posed:'''<br>Three stories under the famous, well-reviewed Manhattan vegan restaurant 'The Green Gobbler' lies something even MORE foreboding and evil than the dangerous urban sprawl of crappy vegetarian food - a lab specifically tooled to dealing with symbiotes. A cramped ceiling, a short corridor lined with table-tops, microscopes, various equipment (including both sonic and fire-based defensive measures set to destroy the entire lab if one of the samples were to break free) and numerous tinted-glass display cases.<br><br>The lighting is kept dim, as Norman obviously - to anyone who has ever seen the man's cave-like office - prefers low-light environments... it seems to be easier on his shining, bright green eyes. The lab is kept as frigid-cool in the main area as his own personal office is, dry and cold, though Norman in his suit doesn't seem to be bothered by the temperature. Inside the cases, radiators pump out heat to keep the samples at their optimum temperature. "Hello again, my friend..." says Osborn as he slowly drags his palm down the glass-front of the case containing his largest, healthiest sample - the splinter of the original 'Venom' symbiote he has previously shown Carl.<br><br>Whether he's talking to the feral symbiote lurking in the darkened case, or to Carl at his approach, is another question entirely.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1240|Carl Mach (1240)}} has posed:'''<br>That's the thing about waiting. It's one word that really should be several. Waiting so time passes for the action to start is easy. Waiting whilst doing something repetative, whilst thinking all the time, whilst doing what's supposedly nothing but is really a lot of slow progressing work is hard. People get sloppy, make mistakes, try to get into a rhythm of repetition when really the opposite is the right thing to do... it's maddening.<br><br>Still. Without all the, what feels like pointless prep, the sequence of doing this and this and that and the other and check and backtrack and fix until it's all done... an operative wouldn't be, couldn't do, the one thing, the only thing they need to. The most valuable thing in all the worlds, places, times and situations. Someone who knows what they're doing.<br><br>Walking in Carl says, "Sir. You sent for me?" He's noticed the passion Norman has for his project and the debrief, followed by several sessions of strategising with Phage, trading insights, gaining understandings, was exhausting for both. However, now, the team is fully briefed and prepped allowing Carl to take the lead on this encounter.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1426|Norman Osborn (1426)}} has posed:'''<br>Norman has been spending as much time as possible in these confines since his past meeting with Carl. The chance to speak, face-to-face, with a lucid, intelligent symbiote was... enlightening, to say the least. An ALIEN ORGANISM, explaining in it's own words some of the knowledge that Norman has been striving for in this very laboratory for YEARS.<br><br>"Mr. Mach, yes, of course," says Norm distractedly, breaking his eyes off the tinted glass of the symbiote's terrarium - it's clear now his first comment was meant for the alien creature in captivity... seems he's grown attached to it over the years. "I've been thinking about your little predicament. My little discussion with 'Phage', specifically."<br><br>Pulling his hand off the darkened glass and walking towards Carl, he gestures with his left hand at a fully-lit, empty display case - exactly like the Venom symbiote's encasement... the same array of buttons, everything. THIS case, however, wasn't here the last time he had Carl in the laboratory - it's obviously been built recently, specifically designed for one purpose only. "You've seen incubation chambers, Mr. Mach... what is incubation? A controlled-temperature environment, specific humidity, levels of oxygen... optimal conditions for growth and development. A symbiote is far more complex than a mammal, however - and as you've seen, our attempts to grow the original symbiote sample has resulted in an... uncontrollable element, to say the least."<br><br>He turns his eyes from the empty, lighted display case back to Carl, looking to meet his gaze with those shining green eyes. "Now, what I've been wondering is, what happens when we implement low-level sonic 'therapy' on a pre-bonded symbiote. Not enough to destroy the creature or the host, you understand, but PAINFUL. Then again, all noble causes can only be achieved through the suffering of great men. Don't you agree, Mr. Mach?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1240|Carl Mach (1240)}} has posed:'''<br>Mach looks at the chamber in silence, to the outside world, at least. Then he says, "Well, based on the containment chamber, if you've a way to rig microwave emitters in there... it'd be worth doing that too." He looks at the case again, smiling, flicking a look to the earlier experiment, and conversing with Phage, internally. He then reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a pad with a few numbers scribbled on it.<br><br>Handing it to Mr Osborne he says casually, almost ovverly so, "Maximum tolerances Phage and I have managed on some stress tests so far to different energy waveforms. We though it best to do some counter interrogation style training so, if something happened in the field, we'd be as ready and capable to take action as we could."<br><br>There's only one way to resist interrogation, torture, painful and unrelenting invasion at every level. Experience it, at its worst, and experience it again. Do it often enough... it still hurts, still wounds, still can be crippling and deadly... but, for an operative, one can become desensitised to it. Be so broken another time doesn't matter anymore. Keep that last part, tempered by the many forces that have shattered all to shards, so, those few choices there are... are still yours to make.<br><br>"Taking it or making it... didn't take the symbiote to master pain. Sir." Mach states and approaches the unit. "All is ready? As, if so... We're a go for testing." It's an expression that's been on his face for a while now. Maybe Norman notices it. Maybe he doesn't. The antithesis of Norman's own. Devoid of passion, care, feeling or anything past thought and tactical assessment. There's an objective. This is the means of meeting it. Be it Mach or Phage... either would say... the rest is irrelevant.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1426|Norman Osborn (1426)}} has posed:'''<br>Norman grabs the notepad as soon as it's offered - eyes eagerly running down the figures presented to him and processing what, precisely, they mean for his plans. As he thinks, still listening to Carl despite his slightly occupied apeparance, he taps his chin thoughtfully - keeping the pad held in front of his eyes, rather than looking back at this newest 'employee'.<br><br>After offering himself up for the testing, Norman's green glance suddenly moves back over to the symbiote's host, his impassive face turning into a wide grin. "Good, Mr. Mach, good. I had worried you might have talked yourself out of going forward, after witnessing the results with our unbonded symbiote," he says, referring to the grisly scene during their last meeting in this very lab, "but you seem to have a remarkable rapport with Phage, you are both firmly bonded to eachother - despite the damage that Luthor's ignorant meddling may have inflicted. I believe we may have a real chance here, though I promise no miracles. This may take some time. Multiple visits, hours of agony... you say you're prepared for this," he says, his eyes shining brighter for a moment, grin widening, "just know, we Osborns don't employ half-measures, and we DON'T stop our research before we reach a result."<br><br>He holds up a syringe in one hand, filled with a clear liquid, "Phenylethylamine... the main source of nourishment for the alien symbiote, as our research has discovered. This goes in you, you go in the case. I turn on the sonic emitters, and we see how well you can handle pain, Mr. Mach. We've documented low-level sonic frequencies promoting a self-healing effect in the Venom symbiote... in time, it grew more resistant to the frequencies, as well. You might come out of this STRONGER..." he says, pausing for effect, his voice growing darker, the light in his smile dying as his green eyes lose their sheen, ".. or you might not come out of it at all."<br><br>He shrugs, as if either result is no grand set-back for him.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1240|Carl Mach (1240)}} has posed:'''<br>Taking the syringe Mach without thinking or really otherwise reacting stabs down hard in his upper left chest, hammering the plunger down, and withdrawing it in a series of single mechanical motions. He then discards the syringe, wiped clean, wound sealed under his cloth clothes, dressed for the occassion, as... little details... lotta prep. He takes the last step towards the case, activating the door control, and in that moment a brief internal conversation ensues...<br><br>...It's go time. Remember the brief...<br>,,,We are ready. All is understood,,,<br><br>No point in a long drawn out re-discussion over the debates and debriefs of old. Contingencies were covered, calls made, agreement and chain of command established, all that could be prepared for has been.<br><br>Mach enters the chamber and lets the seals and lockdown happen. The inside man, looking out, gives a single nod to activate the treatment. It's time to begin.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1426|Norman Osborn (1426)}} has posed:'''<br>Recoiling a bit as the syringe is grabbed out of his hand, Norm shrugs his shoulders again and laughs, obviously pleased at the man's gung-ho attitude, "I like you, Mr. Mach. I DO hope this works out in your favour.."<br><br>"You mentioned microwave emitters.. I found electromagnetic radiation to be far more harmful to the original symbiote sample - our first test with both microwave rays nearly destroyed the creature completely, as did our attempts to utilize fire to promote this growth," explains Norman calmly, "I hardly wish to subject YOU to such brutal methods. You've got a future with my organization, if this entire thing doesn't end with you dead. I'd like to limit the risks of that, as much as possible." As much as possible, not entirely. He grins at the thought. Even though he finds the man competent and reliable thus far, there is no step Norman won't take in the name of his own personal quest for power and knowledge.<br><br>Fortunately for Carl, the Phage symbiote seems to be not only remarkably advanced - even in it's damaged state - but also capable of helping Norman develop his other symbiote samples. The creature has knowledge, knowledge that no human outside of a symbiote's host has ever been privy to, as far as Osborn knows. This gives him a great edge. And he is nothing if not appreciative of TRUE talent within the ranks.<br><br>"If this entire thing works, Mr. Mach, I foresee a great future for you and I. You've been wasted at LexCorp - part of why I spent years offering to buy out Luthor and bring you over to OsCorp," he says, his voice dropping a bit as he thinks of his former company - fallen from such great heights and now mismanaged by a group of incompetent bureaucrats into an utterly failing entity... hence the rebranded Venture Capital firm oscCorp; it's the closest he was able to get to recapturing the name of his former Legacy.<br><br>"You may know, Mr. Mach, sounds perceptible by humans generally fall within the 20Hz to 20,000Hz frequencies - or you may not," he says with a smug grin, never missing an opportunity to pull out his inner scientist - since he's most frequently painted as a greasy businessman, despite having extensive Scientific training and study from E.S.U, "Now, around 19,000 to 20,000 Hz it reaches the 'weaponized' level for young men and women who have yet to ruin their hearing... 0.9Hz seems to promote low-level growth in the symbiote without excessive pain... but you see, it's not enough on it's own. We ALSO need to employ, on a cycle, Hertz levels above 20k - into the general range for 'sonic weaponry'. It will be incredibly painful. You may regret it immediately," he says, his voice growing quieter, more serious, as he watches the man climb into the tight confines of the glass chamber which seals itself behind him. Norman's finger hovers over one of the numerous, lighted buttons adorning the nearby control panel.<br><br>"Good luck," he says calmly. And then, he depresses his finger, pressing the button, the four sound-emitting devices in each top-corner of the case slowly powering up, beginning to emit low-Hertz sonic waves, hovering below 1Hz in what is generally known as 'infrasound'. He watches, waiting to see the symbiote's reaction to the sound waves... they slowly pulsate throughout the case, increasing in output until hovering just below 3Hz. Far below audible to a human, but the Venom symbiote reacted at far lower levels...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1240|Carl Mach (1240)}} has posed:'''<br>At first there's no reaction. It isn't until the amplitude, rather than the frequency, increases enough that, out of its deepest base instinct, Phage forms over the host to protect it from harm. The increase in frequency causes a corruption of form. The various blades, spikes and external most points warp and wilt to suddenly sharpen and hold form. The frequency in infintessimal incriments begins to rise... and so does the effect. The external protrubrances fray, fracture falling from any recognisable function of their form.<br><br>The wave continues to build in frequency, magnitude and, now, there's the toll of duration... the external appendages smoke and smolder to nothing. The yellowish black choking smoke only rising and clearing through the ventilation system. Then, the now smooth skin starts to be affected. The almost drawn on eyes and yellow slashed scarring strts to switch, flicker and fail and fade across the surface. Phasing in and out of recognisable distinction, switching back to normal viewing for fleeting moments, greater spacings apart... less long each time...<br><br>Yet. There's no sound other than the sonics. No movement from the bonded pair. Internally all is a chaotic storm, nothing static or still in stark contrast to the external stance... the two not entirely lost to each other but seperated by a barrier resisting most communication neither can sense or sunder to be heard clearly.<br><br>The smooth surface is now spoiled externally as it spasms, forming tiny tendrils moving or not through no other drive than disarray, shock and pain. Mach's used to the pain. Passed on the pain, passed out on the pain. Teaching his other to understand the same involved much it living through his memories, making the same passage through all he has, to be ready for this.<br><br>Together... they stand. Together they endure. Not moving or as much as mumbling. Two operatives... one objective... continue. If it never ends... they will never fall. Never as much as mumble or mutter. Regardless of how systematic of their breaking down the aggressor may be.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1426|Norman Osborn (1426)}} has posed:'''<br>As soon as the process begins, Norman leans his face closer to the glass, resting one forearm above his head on the thick surface of the case - enthralled as he watches the reactions begin to occur. He's seen it with an unbonded symbiote countless times, but he's NEVER had the opportunity (few have, after all) to witness the organism react to alternating sonic waves while still bonded with a capable host. The injection of Phenylethylamine has proven, in the original symbiote sample, to aid the resistance and overall health of the creature - not only does it serve to keep the organism as healthy as possible during the whole proceedure, it has the (admittedly unintended) effect of dulling pain as well.<br><br>Norman's eyes narrow as the creature begins to smoke... is this some side-effect of being bonded to Carl? The original sample oozed, pulasted, throbbed - but he'd never witnessed the unbonded sample react in quite this way. If he were a more caring man, Osborn might flip the switch to put an end to the sonic emissions. Instead, he simply holds his breath impercetibly, face growing more stern and serious as he continues to watch the effects - doing nothing more than HOPING that he hasn't just wasted a valuable asset.<br><br>"Come on, damnit..." he mutters under his breath - likely inaudible to the symbiote currently undergoing the sound-wave therapy. The thick, soundproof material of this particular terrarium mask the majority of the sonic emissions - though Norm still feels the pulsations through the glass as he leans in towards it.<br><br>Eventually, after 10 or 15 minutes of elapsed time and intense attention on Norm's behalf, the emissions stop, the smoke clearing out through the vents as they kick into overdrive - in time with the slowing throb of the sound waves. Waiting for the machines to fully depower, Norm flips a switch on the control panel, and the glass door to the case hisses audibly as it deseals and opens outward.<br><br>"A great show of willpower, but I'm afraid this was just an initial stress test, for future calibration. We've recorded the biological reactions from the organism bonded to you, we will study the precise nature of the reactions and determine a proceedure specifically suited to the 'Phage' symbiote..." he says, before pausing and adding (obviously as an afterthought), "How do you feel, Mr. Mach?" He cares. Honest.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1240|Carl Mach (1240)}} has posed:'''<br>At the last there's no reaction. It isn't until the amplitude, rather than the frequency, dies down enough that, out of his deepest base instinct, Mach pulls Phage away to let it rest. The absence of the onslaught gives time to re-establish communications and give the most simple signals of confirmation to each other. The disorientation doesn't fade as easily for his other. Mach's had the theory and the practice.<br><br>Still, as it draws towards a more dormant state Mach sends a message to it.<br><br>...Nice one partner...<br><br>Mach also has the the advantage of not looking like hell... even though he feels it. Finally he sucks in air. The mess of blurrs aren't really vision but he's mentally mapped the area and takes those steps outward. He reaches into his other pocket, pulling out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, not smoking, just having them ready.<br><br>He coughs and then finds his voice, "It was different to the stress testing I did to myself. Pushing the tolerances of how much and how long I could hold for. The continuous blast was different too. As a precaution I done short bursts. Hit Phage a lot harder that it hit me... it's down on it's reserves of energy and the bond's still in a little flux... so the next few hours will be telling."<br><br>It doesn't matter, the greater scientifics of it all, just Mach is Mach. Operation was successful. All mission objectives met. Now it's the debrief. "... also, need the floor grating to have an extractor in it too. Took both of us to not shed mutagen over the surfaces. Towards the end... dunno if we could regulate cohesion like that for much longer."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1426|Norman Osborn (1426)}} has posed:'''<br>Osborn breathes heavily as he watches the symbiote and man both recover from the brief sonic wave test, not even turning his gaze for a moment to see the readings on a nearby computer monitor... no, all his attention is on Mach/Phage - watching the recovery time, every movement, savouring this opportunity to gather such unique information first-hand. He's on the cutting edge here, and there are potential applications going through his head far beyond simply repairing Phage as per their original agreement.<br><br>This could have... more practical applications, once the process is perfected.<br><br>Norman nods at the man's input regarding the case's design - he was completely unprepared for the different reaction from a fully-bonded symbiote/host. "Yes, Mr. Mach, there are improvements that must be made, and your input in these matters is appreciated - seeing as later proceedures may take upwards of hours, it's best that you're as... comfortable as possible." He says that last bit with a wry smile, as though it were obvious to the two of them that Carl's personal comfort isn't exactly priority #1 here... but being what seems to be a pragmatic individual himself, perhaps Mach understands this fully.<br><br>He nods at that last comment, "You understand, of course, how risky this was in the first place. The fact that the symbiote is still alive and healthy... it's testament not just to my genius and preparation - but your bond with the creature as well. I'm impressed, Mr. Mach.." he says, emphasising the point with a small clap of his hands, "Your next proceedure, once I've gone over the readings and re-calibrated the output, will be far longer, I'm afraid."<br><br>"You've proven yourself capable. Once we have confirmation that we've made real progress, that this works as intended and is... sustainable... then I hope to discuss other, more practical matters with Phage personally. I have a great vision for this city, and I believe you and your... friend... might play a valuable part in it."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1240|Carl Mach (1240)}} has posed:'''<br>Mach listens and, in the haze of recovery, he can't help but notice it. It was there before too... that reiteration, that mirroring, something very familiar... we. Once we have confirmation... almost like when he speaks and the odd collective slips through... gotta wonder... is he really the only double act in this room? For later. "Let's get the job done right. I can go party and pamper after the job's done." He notes.<br><br>Okay, likely, his idea of that is different to others... Put him in a luxury resort and he sees a tactical nightmare. Still. There's ways... but that's not mission critical. "I've got plenty. The pair of us... even more. Plus Phage is an extreme fast study. So the more that comes... better prepared we'll both be."<br><br>He then raises a smile, "Getting the expertise, time and attention of someone a step above top flight in such fields isn't missed on me or unappreciated. So Phage or I will easily be able to assist in whatever is necessary." He then takes a rasping breath and looks around. "For now though, sir, I do need to get out, catch some air."<br><br>"Find a cool rooftop to have a smoke on. You spend time in confined spaces pushing past the pain... the charms of an open skyline are all the more tempting. Anything else for now Sir?" He asks and waits before moving to depart. He's a few plans of his own. Recovery can wait. He's gotta put himself through his paces, see what's different, and check the other metaphorical boxes in his head out after. Sneak a smoke in too...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1426|Norman Osborn (1426)}} has posed:'''<br>Norman holds his chin thoughtfully as he flips the switches controlling the lighting and heating in the now-empty terrarium off, making the lab that much darker as well. He considers Carl thoughtfully with his cold green glare, almost as though he were formulating plans for the man's future... for the city's future.<br><br>"Understandable, Mr. Mach. I can't imagine it was a pleasant experience," he dismisses with a laugh - he knows something about uncomfortable scientific proceedures himself, though that's more privileged information.<br><br>"I'll reach you through the usual channels once I've had a chance to look over the readings," he says, vaguely gesturing to a large scroll of data on a nearby computer screen, "Document whatever changes you or Phage might go through in the intervening time. Relax as much as possible, would be my advice - the next cycle will be longer, as I mentioned."<br><br>He nods forcefully to the man, obviously trusting him to find his own way out - to take a wrong turn and investigate something he shouldn't would be to the man's own peril, and Carl doesn't strike Norman as a fool. "That will be all for now," he says, as he begins to move to the data on the screen, poring it over thoughtfully and almost ignoring the further presence of Carl.<br> <br>
}}