55 | video | joint post

[osreborn]

[ The video turns on to display the Norman Osborn Hospital of Psychiatric Evaluation, Norman Osborn himself and the warden, Danger, standing in front of it.

Norman has his trademark smirk in place, though there's a hint of annoyance in his expression -- a hint that's at least not at all present in his tone when he starts speaking: ]

Afternoon. As most of you know, I'm Norman Osborn, and this behind me is the Norman Osborn Hospital of Psychiatric Evaluation, subject in recent months and weeks to both terrorist attacks and patches in the security perimeter. Obviously, I was not a bit happy about these incidents befalling such an important institution, nor was my associate here.

[ He indicates Danger. ]

This is the hospital's warden and primary security consultant; she, under my supervision, has been heading a total revamp of the facility's security, fixing what had worn down and overhauling entirely what needed rebuilding from the ground up. But I won't go on-- she can speak for herself.

[ He moves aside for Danger to take the stage. She steps forward. Aside from a slight pinch in her eyebrows that suggests a hint of impatience or something like it, her face is passive and her voice is brisk:]

The majority of our upgrades are structural and technological in nature, with components designed by myself and my colleague. Improved protocols and equipment will be implemented, in addition to new treatment and release programs. However, I will decline to confuse you with the details-- it suffices to say that the breeches in security at the Osborn facility will not be reoccurring.

[ She folds her arms over her chest loosely, her tone becoming pointed: ]

If you should find yourself in our care, I suggest you put thoughts of escape from your mind. Otherwise, I will personally have to disappoint you.

[ Smiling off to her side, Norman claps his hands a couple times in a (perhaps mildly patronizing) signal of approval. ]

Indeed. I hope you all feel in safer and better hands knowing that these problems are being swiftly and successfully contained. There has been no staff turnover, but I'll be taking firmer role in both management and supervision to ensure everything proceeds smoothly. At our current pace everything should be completed in less than a month. Thank you, Danger.

[ But despite the conclusion Norman still appears as if he's about to go on, and after a moment he does: ]

Also, briefly, in other news: I'm sure some of the student-aged populous may have already read online long ago about the undergraduate scholarship my company is sponsoring, but as the deadline draws nearer I'd be remiss not to mention it myself. Consider it a reminder -- but anyone entering college in the Fall with an interest in any science might consider applying if they haven't already. The deadline is still July 1st.

That's all.

( OOC: The details of the NOHoPE security revamp can be read in full HERE. Information on the scholarship can be found HERE & anyone interested can just drop a comment to that post saying so! )

Comments

[professorlionface]

Have we determined yet why the change seems to be holding longer than it usually might? Two months is well beyond documented standards.

[heartlessglitch]

It's a fact that's been preoccupying me, but I am unable to determine any exact cause. I have run several inconclusive tests. I see no reason I should not have simply woken up restored to my proper form, as I did the previous time. I am in good physical health, despite my moods, and I have not interfered with Lachesis in such a way that she would seek to punish me.

[professorlionface]

Perhaps it isn't a case of your powers failing to return because the parameters of them might have changed entirely. If you'd like, I could go over the data to offer my own conclusions.

[heartlessglitch]

[ after a beat: ]

Yes. I suppose your professional opinion could offer some insight.

[professorlionface]

I'll be out of town tomorrow, but hopefully everything there will be handled by the weekend. It will be my first priority once I return.

[heartlessglitch]

It is not something I wish to press on you. I have already existed this way for several weeks. A little more time will arguably make no significant difference.

[professorlionface]

Perhaps it won't. But I don't want you to think you aren't a priority, either. I may have some important work to take care of, but you're important as well.

[heartlessglitch]

[ a small pause ]

Thank you, Hank. I am appreciative.

[professorlionface]

Don't worry about it. If you need anything, I want you to know I'll be here to help.

[Especially if her alternative would be going to Osborn.]

[heartlessglitch]

Most days I find myself mostly functional. Perhaps I am coping better. Regardless, I will manage until you are available.

[professorlionface]

But I can't help hanging on that "mostly".

[heartlessglitch]

Some days are more emotionally difficult than others. Hormones, perhaps.

[professorlionface]

The chemical processes of the brain, possibly one of the more fascinating and trying components to the organic condition.

[heartlessglitch]

[ a delay, before she finally answers at length: ]

I still miss him, Hank.

[professorlionface]

Ah.

[He pauses, partly to think, but also to acknowledge the conversation's emotional weight.]

Love is never simple. Rend the heart, and time may not be enough to heal those scars fully. Certainly not quickly. It's only worse in your earlier experiences with it.

It gets easier, I suppose, eventually. But that doesn't make things any better now.

[heartlessglitch]

I dwell on it often. It is distracting. I dislike for my feelings to interfere with my work.

[professorlionface]

It can be better if we can use those feelings to inform the work, to make it better than it would be without. You have to learn to work with your feelings, make them a tool instead of a hindrance.

[heartlessglitch]

In what way can feelings of sadness be utilized as a tool?

[professorlionface]

[He ponders it a moment.]

A source of motivation. Not necessarily a resolve to replace them with busywork, though that does happen. But there could also be the attempt to conquer them through other matters, only the difference is very subtle.

Often my sadness can be an inspiration to see others happy, perhaps to bring them that happiness. It isn't always an easy thing to work with, but the alternative is unpleasant, at best.

[heartlessglitch]

I fail to see these feelings as a motivator. Primarily, I wish for them to go away, despite the fact that I am compelled to dwell on them against my will.

[professorlionface]

Have you thought about talking to, well, a professional about them? I don't imagine a good one would be hard to find, given your current surroundings.

[heartlessglitch]

I don't require psychiatric help. Particularly not at my own facility.

[professorlionface]

Not necessarily psychiatric care, just therapy. It's a challenging position to be put in, and having someone trained to help guide you through it can do a lot.

[heartlessglitch]

In that case, I am capable of accessing manuals and guides to therapy for my own study and self-treatment. Involvement of another individual is unnecessary.

[professorlionface]

Isolating your problems, especially when they're of the nature you're describing now, generally only has a tendency to exacerbate them.