What? No. I'm on my way to you right now. Sorry, didn't realize you'd already picked up. I was calling to tell you I'm on the way - and I was talking to this motherfucker I stapled to a wall just now.
[jabs the infuriated, cursing vampire] Because I still need some information out of you, so you can't die yet. Got me?
[There is some pretty creative and colorful swearing]
Yeah, I thought so. But you're not worth making her wait.
Not you. Him. [jerks a thumb back at a vampire stapled to a wall] One of Frost's former lieutenants, trying to get the band back together. [glances at the vampire] On second thought, might just tell Pepper what you're up to, let her take care of the problem for me. [At that, the vampire really starts to squirm, but now it's in abject terror instead of infuriated obstinance]
The fuck are you doing here, anyway? This isn't your scene.
I'm a doctor. [She lifts her gloved hand and waves casually to something behind her.]
The hospital is about three blocks that way. I worked a double, I'm on my way to the public parking garage now to get my car because the hospital parking lot was full when I got here. And I'm not about to pay for a cab when I can walk.
[And no, she's not going to say a thing about the undead creature stapled to the wall. Vampires nearly killed her once. Ani is just making sure that she is well away from it's thrashing]
Right. Yeah. Well, consider this your public service. He won't be bothering you any time soon.
In return...[holds up a vial] Been meaning to ask you if you can tweak the serum. It's not working as well as it used to. I need it to be stronger. Again.
[Except of course he thinks in terms of 'stronger'. Ani, being a doctor, might actually draw the connection to developing a tolerance to specific drugs and simply needing to rotate.]
That's appreciated. Does he have any friends or family members I should be aware of?
[she reaches a hand out for the vial]
I should to help; I still have the original chemical composition memorized, and most of the components are easy enough to obtain. However, we might try something slightly different this time, if it's all the same to you? Something in the same family, but its a combination that I can create a stronger, more refined serum.
Will you let me try that, or do you just want me to recreate the original in a higher dosage?
Oh, I'm sorry, was this not a first come, first poof scenario? I don't remember seeing your name on that vamp and he seemed to be just to be begging to be dusted with that whole ensemble he had going on. I mean, really, I was doing you a favor. You're welcome.
None of these assholes have any true friends. But he's got allies.
[He considers, but he obviously has that look of someone who doesn't do science being talked to by someone who does a lot of it] Up to you. You know what you're doing better than I do.
Fine, allies then. In other words, can I finish walking to my car when we're done talking?
[She just nods, pocketing the vial carefully inside her coat] Right. How will I be able to get hold of you when I'm finished? And, more importantly, how long can you give me to get this done?
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