(Untitled)

[osborn_journals]

Norman knows full well he's a terrible person, on almost every level. But that, still, doesn't mean he can't try and at least do his job to the best of his (occasionally hindered) abilities. And that includes checking up on, and taking care of, his 'employees.'

So down to the medical wing he's going, today, to see Otto. And have a nice little

Comments

[octopus_hubris]

Doctor Octopus has seen better days, quite literally; though not life-threatning, a gunfire-related facial injury is still painful and debilitating, and the doctor is now less one eye because of his wound. The base physician in charge of his health has been able to determine that the optic nerve is still intact, though, and is just finishing Otto's morning checkup when Norman arrives. He quietly withdraws, after ensuring them both that the wound is healing as per normal, and has yet to show signs of infection.

Otto straightens himself out and stands, addressing his boss. "Yes, sir?" Despite the anxiousness he's feeling, he manages to appear outwardly calm.

[osborn_journals]

Norman frown of concern is genuine, as he looks the doctor over. He'll deny 'til his face is blue any favouritism or unusual possessiveness toward Octavius, but that doesn't mean it isn't there. He still can't help but view Otto as a friend and a valued possession, even if the doctor doesn't see him the same way.

"Otto." He gestures for him to sit back down. "How are you feeling?"

[octopus_hubris]

The doctor's face is gradually beginning to resemble something human, as his lip heals and the swelling goes down. He looks sedate, considering his circumstances, but a life of adventure in (and out of) the Nexus usually involves quite a bit of injury.

"I'm alright... it really looks worse than it feels, at the moment." He smiles weakly, returning to his seat. "It seems that no amount of surgery will repair my eye, though, which upsets me, as you can imagine."

[osborn_journals]

A slow nod is what he gets in return, and a wry little smile. "I'm sure." Norman has had his own fair share of injury in his time as a supercriminal, after all -- even if he's never been shot in the face. "Can you tell me what happened? I've gathered bits nad pieces from the Nexus, but I'd like to hear the full story from you."

Almost as an afterthought, he adds, "And I'm working on that. Let's see how the paperwork goes through?"

[octopus_hubris]

"I'm still working on my report, but I can give you my version of events now, for your convenience." Ock sighs a bit, reajusting his glasses and wondering how much trouble it will be for him to get a more stylish pair

[osborn_journals]

Norman is quiet throughout Otto's retelling of the events, only nodding occasionally. "I'll do that, thank you. Who were the others in the group?" He really doesn't care, to be honest -- and it's unlikely he'll do more than a cursory checking-up on whether Otto's telling the truth or not. As far as he's concerned, that just doesn't matter.

But doing his job means acting professional. So he will.

[octopus_hubris]

Ock lists a few names, though he can't presently recall everyone who was in the group. After the flak he got over the last thrill-killing troublemaker in the Nexus, he's anxious to cover his ass, or at least prove to Norman that he was doing something valuable when he got injured. The possibility of a working replacement, whether through cloning or technology, is something that gives him hope.... for both his sight and his hide.

"I hope that this is satisfactory. I'll try to remember any other relevant details in the report." He attempts a meek smile, adding, "Anything that you can do to help me would be appreciated. My sight has always been poor, and even with the video feed on my harness, it's making things hard for me to be reduced like this." He's reasonably confident that Norman values him as more than the occasional source of entertainment, but paranoia has long been one of Otto's closest companions, and its strong grip is hard for him to shrug off.

[osborn_journals]

"It's fine, Otto. Thank you. It's bureaucratic hell, but if I'm lucky I should get what we'll need. Especially considering the other benefits.." Norman sighs, running his hand through his hair. "And I know what you mean, unfortunately. I've -- had my own experiences with that sort of loss. I'll do everything I can to help you with this, you have my word."

[octopus_hubris]

With this, the doctor's smile becomes a little more genuine. His feelings about Norman Osborn and the experience of working under him were mixed, but amidst the fear, respect and loathing, a part of him did care for Norman, and it was comforting for him to know that at least some of the time, he was fortunate to have the man looking out for his own well-being.

"Thank you... Norman. I'll do my best not to cause you undo stress."

[osborn_journals]

He cant help it -- he has to laugh, at that. After everything, everything these past few months have thrown at him, someone is trying not to cause him 'undue stress.' It's just too rich. "Ahah -- ah... thank you, Otto." Still grinning, as he looks up at him again. "Really."

[octopus_hubris]

It takes a bit of self-control for Ock not to cringe when Norman starts laughing. The boss can be hard to predict, but when he laughs, there's always the possibility that something is about to explode. "Y-yes.... I just..."

He sighs, looking down at the floor. "I know that the last thing you need troubling you is what your technicians and moles are getting into in their spare time. I avoided getting caught up in the problem with Soze because I didn't want to risk killing anyone or causing excess paperwork."

[osborn_journals]

(The exploding only happens very rarely, really! ...as long as you aren't counting Norman himself as one of the exploding things, anyway.)

"Thank you, Otto. I know it's hard to keep from getting caught up in Nexus business, and I appreciate that you've made the effort." He really does mean that, too. "As long as you get back by curfew, and behave yourself while you're out, I can deal with most of the other nonsense. They really don't care too much about the Nexus, I think."

That might just be a bit of bitterness in his voice, there. For some inexplicable reason.

[octopus_hubris]

(Norman's temper is quite combustible, as is the rest of him!)

He nods, managing a professional calm. "I won't disappoint you, Norman. If there is anything that I can do to help you, in regards to the Nexus... please, by all means... let me know."

With the question of his eye taken care of, (and Osborn not degenerating into a shrieking frenzy) Otto seems to have finally clicked into 'business zen mode', and is eager to see his boss satisfied.

[osborn_journals]

He gets a nod, in return. "I'll keep that in mind, Otto. Thank you. For the moment, though... is there anything else you need here?"

[octopus_hubris]

The doctor pauses, then sheepishly asks, "If it isn't too much trouble... a new pair of corrective sunglasses would be appreciated. My glasses were lost when I was shot."

[osborn_journals]

Another nod, and he starts to push himself up again, looking about for passing medical personnel. Time to go, it seems. "Of course. Anything else? Any particular style of frames?"