Round and Round [Open]

[Kari Muffin]

Bailee did her best to remain opened minded about her company. However she was quickly finding that her mind was starting to pass judgement on the ferret in front of her. It was impossible to miss her attitude and ego. Though... perhaps she could use this to her advantage? Maybe she could convince the ferret to volunteer to a little experiment?

The thought brought a small smile to her face, which disappeared fairly rabidly at the comment. "If the rumors are founded in absolute truth I suppose I would reconsider my supplier," she stated flatly.

Not like the ferret gave a damn.

The canine's eyebrow arched at the explanation of the other's specialty. That was actually mildly interesting and fairly practical. She could make a good deal of money from that, and could probably become well known. "Fascinating," she said.

"I suppose I could bend my schedule a bit," It's not like she had a watch to keep exact time. And she hadn't particularly decided how to tackle her to do list. And if she could convince this wonderful Corvie to help her with experiments it would be time well spent.

"Iaso? Your parents obviously gave you big shoes to fill," The canine commented as she gave a small bow of her head in respect. "You can call me Bailee. My specialization varies from artificial poison immunity to the effects of injecting particular toxins between the layers of skin to creating vaccinations. And the kitchen sink."

[Callypso]

Iso quirked another eyebrow at the shifty expressions crossing the canine’s face, and was slightly bewildered (though she didn’t show it other than the lifted eyebrow) to see a twisted grin fall into a flat declaration. The woman's attitude wasn't exactly to her tastes, and there was just a slight hint of accusation in those words. Iso defaulted toward her usual brusque behavior to make the point perfectly clear.

There’s no benefit to me whether you regular Ada’s or not. I’m merely the messenger passing potentially useful information to another scientific mind.

The enthusiasm she had felt just moments before lessened considerably as she questioned the motives of the other Corvie. She began debating whether to rescind her offer to show the woman around when the Club reluctantly agreed to accompany her. So much for that.

Yes, I rather think so. Of course, I do work on forming muscle mass itself and studying musculature in general, but I think this experimentation is a more engaging field of study and more wholly beneficial.

A short, sharp laugh escaped her muzzle at the canine’s commentary on her name. More like my father has a penchant for myths and my mother positively caves to his every whim, though I’ve always known I wanted to be a doctor. I suppose it’s fitting.

Bailee, repeated the doctor, and nodded briefly to acknowledge the exchange. She paused to take in the other doctor’s specialty. Interesting.

In spite of herself, Iso's mind quickly began assembling experiments and possible theorems she could prove with the canine's assistance. If Iso loved anything in the world, it was her work, and she was willing to make personal sacrifices (including sharing the glory with another Corvie) if she was guaranteed success. It was very hard to suppress the excitement that always overcame her when it dealt with her research.

There’s an apothecary nearby that might prove suitable. There was a gleam in Iso’s eye as she gestured for the canine to walk along with her. She wondered if the poison immunity or vaccination process could be altered to prevent arthritis? Now here was an opportunity not to be missed, still, she would like to investigate the scope of Bailee’s abilities.

Are you agreeable to a luncheon after we conclude our rounds?

Iso might not particularly like Bailee personally, but if they could collaborate adequately it might prove fortuitous for them both.

[Kari Muffin]

Bailee was half tempted to brain herself for taking the other Corvie up on the offer. But the chance of having a new test subject was enough to keep her in the conversation. She needed to be polite. She could put the issue of Ada's on the back burner for now. Later she could pull some strings so she could talk to the Corvie directl about the matter of missing supplies.

So Iso had an interesting family dynamic. That explained quite a bit about her attitude. Heaven only knows about the horrible complications that go along with a push over mother and a father who gets his way all the time. For a moment Bailee was happy about her "normal" family dynamic.

There was something different after the ferret remarked that her specialty was interesting. Did she seem... cheerier? Well at least she knew a good apothecary. The offer to lunch made the canine stumble slightly. She was quickly able to smooth over the step. "I think that would be a splendid idea. I heard about a nice little place around here called The Tea Room... have you heard of it?"

[Callypso]

The ferret would have laughed out loud had she been able to hear the other Corvie’s thoughts. Push-over mother? Only when it came to their father. Iso’s mother had a heavy hand and an even heavier vocabulary, when it came right down to it. She was hell-incarnate, well-meaning but strict on discipline. One paw out of line and you were seeing stars from a quick backhand to the skull. The woman wasn’t abusive per se, but certainly took obedience to the next level. Despite all this, the woman had managed to become quite friendly with all the neighbors, had extensive knowledge on everything happening in Corvistowne and still had time to micro-manage her children’s lives. It was beyond Iso’s comprehension how she did it all.

Iso wrinkled her nose at the canine’s suggested establishment. The name didn’t register with the ferret, but then again, most restaurants and eateries were largely categorized as “unimportant” to her memory banks. Eating was a mildly annoying task whose only significance was to provide caloric energy and provide proper nutrition to maintain health. As she had done in Corvistowne, the doctor had hired a trained cook/nutritionist to take responsibility for her dietary needs. Three meals were prepared and left for her daily and the Corvie never took much notice of what went into her mouth. The ferret didn’t venture regularly from her laboratory, except when she was collecting supplies or became so restless she was forced to leave the premises. Though the latter was happening with much more regularity than Iso would have liked to have noted, she still found it beneath her to memorize buildings whose services didn’t directly relate to her research requirements.

I’m not familiar with the Tea Room, no, but I am amenable to sampling their fare.

Iso made have been heavily sedated at most times, however she was still observant enough to catch the canine's error in footing, though she wasn't sure if it was attributable to her offer or to general clumsiness. She certainly had her own misgivings about their proposed luncheon, but only time would tell where it would lead them. Foot traffic would be increasing as the noon-hour approached. If the situation turned too questionable she could always lose her "companion" down a side-street...

[Kari Muffin]

Bailee found that one of her eyebrows was slowly sailing upwards as the ferret spoke. Amendable to sampling their fare? It was like being stuck at boarding school again. The canine shuddered inwardly at thought. Her parents had been kind enough to ship her off to a "proper" school that taught all of the academics subjects. If she ever had little puppies of her own she wasn't going to put them through that nightmare unless the needed to be smacked with rulers.

"Well then, lead the way! And at the end of this little trip we can have a bite to eat at the Tea Room." she said with a note of cheerfulness.At least she would know this part of the city better after this little adventure. Maybe she should venture out of her Corvistowne cave more often? Of course some of her customers were probably going to throw a purely because she was taking a "vacation" now. And it was better to keep them happy so she could make a decent living for the sake of her experiments.

[Callypso]

Iso viewed the raising eyebrow with mild contempt, though as usual her face was an impassive, neutral mask. The doctor prided herself on her academic success, despite the fact that it seemed as though they were letting any half-wit with a quill in to the academies, these days. It wasn’t too long ago Iso had been part of a panel per the Esterberry University’s request – she had been absolutely appalled by the complete lack of talent and utter foolishness she had surveyed in that auditorium. Her work was precious to her, and it was unacceptable that they were lowering standards in the schools and laboratories. The Corvie held herself to a higher standard, though admittedly she hadn’t done very much since relocating to the Capital. Whichever way Bailee wanted to express herself with was fine with Iso, so long as it didn’t interfere or negatively impact the quality of work she was producing.

The ferret nodded in agreement to the canine’s statement. Iso still wasn't certain she entirely liked the other Card's demeanor, but felt this encounter was a potential opportunity that might mutually benefit the two. Friendship wasn't a necessary component for a successful business enterprise or experimental research. This was merely business, one Corvie extending a paw to another. (There was still the added pressure of Iso's mother finding out about the encounter, but the doctor liked her view of the situation much better.)

That sounds agreeable. Unless you have a preference to do otherwise, I have a couple businesses that I think you might appreciate. Might I recommend we first peruse Fair Heights Pharmaceuticals? Their actual pharmacy isn’t much to look at, but the quality of their equipment is impeccable. Their stock is more expensive, of course, but worth every copper. I haven’t had to return anything since I began frequenting their shop.

[Kari Muffin]

"Fair Heights Pharmaceuticals?" Why did that name sound so familiar? Perhaps there was a branch in Corvistowne that she had visited once or twice. Then again some of the suppliers in Corvistowne were so fleeting she was surprised anyone made any sort of progression to fame. "That sounds vaguely familiar. I would appreciate a place that sold high quality goods that I wouldn't have to return. Periodically I have run into trouble with my supplier. Good sterilized and untainted needles are hard to come by. The last batch I had to deal cause more trouble than good. I think that would be a fantastic first place to stop."

She would follow the ferret closely as they made their way through the streets. Being with someone who knew where they were going made life far easier. Even if they weren't much for socializing. The canine was tempted to ask a few questions about her companion. "Do you have lab or practice in Corvistowne or are you based here entirely?"

[Callypso]

Iso nodded as the canine’s question reflected recognition. Yes, they’ve become quite a large company and have expanded in recent years. I usually gravitate toward small businesses myself, familiarity and all that, but they’re one of the best. If they’re out of a certain item or you require a specialty good, they’ll order it for you and you can expect to receive it in less than a week. Their service is superb.

The twinkle crept back into the ferret’s eyes. They were talking about her favorite topic, after all. Anything to do with her field of expertise was conversation worth having, as far as she was concerned. Iso weaved through the crowd, a slight spring in her step as she pointed out a few lesser shops along the way.

No, everything I have is right here. When I inherited my current laboratory it was in dire need of repair. It’s been a slow process and I’ve yet to complete all the desired renovations. I have to say, I haven’t been very impressed with craftsmen of the Capital and have been considering contracting someone from Corvistowne. It’s such a hassle that I’ve been avoiding it, though I may soon reach my limit on my ability to work in my space such as it is.

Surprisingly, Iso found herself positively babbling, but it had been such a long time since she had come across a true scientist. It was refreshing to be able to talk about her work to someone who genuinely understood. Perhaps this wasn’t such a waste of time, after all.

And you had said you were just in town for supplies, yes? Have you any connections or emissaries in the city, or do you usually manage everything yourself?

[Kari Muffin]

The canine tried to refrain from raising an eyebrow or two, but they arched upwards anyway. Who in their right mind would go out of their way to hire Corvie contractors? Considering the state of most buildings she wouldn't trust them to put on their pants, let alone build a proper lab. Of course there were specialists who had established themselves in creating underground laboratories but she hardly thought that they would make their way to the city. And who could trust them?

She brushed the thoughts aside. The woman obviously had her opinions, and she wasn't about to argue about them.

"Good luck with getting your lab together." She said as she tried not to look so surprised. Her eyebrows had a mind of their own today. "And I normally work through contacts in the city.They've been quite reliable until recently. My little Apothecary, private research and customers keep me rather busy so I rarely get out of Corvistowne. When I get home I'm sure I'm going to have a few angry letters and a box of chocolates on my doorstep."

[Callypso]

Iso was neglecting to keep close scrutiny of the canine’s face – had she bothered, she might have wondered if the other Corvie had a facial tick. As it was, the doctor was content with perfected tunnel vision. She need only to keep her eyes forward until they reached their destination.

Luck hasn’t much to do with it, rather close supervision. Finding craftsman with ingenuity are rather hard to come across, but once basic construction is in place it’s simple to hire within the city for maintenance and/or repair.

Iso was by no means an eccentric. The ferret was well aware that those of their realm had a… tendency… to push limits or install extraneous contraptions. It was easy enough to assemble a small team of other artisans to direct, supervise and manage. Suits knew she wouldn’t be able to distinguish a faulty wire nor whether connecting certain cables would cause an explosion, but her future team would. The difficulty was locating a visionary – a… “creative director”… for the others.

That seems a wise business decision.

It was a logical and economical choice to run business through the city – why sell to other Corvies when they were capable of producing similar products? Then again, consistency, effectiveness and actual desired outcome were completely different. It was refreshing to meet another Corvie that wasn’t completely out of their mind. So far, anyway.

Around the next corner and we’ll have arrived.