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Post by Mirage on Aug 2, 2009 20:44:30 GMT -5
Mirage blinks. That tirade was wholly unexpected. It's not Mirage doubts Perceptor's experience, whatever it may be. He merely was thinking that Perceptor was one of those with old-fashioned notions or some such.
Which...isn't much better, really.
His hand is still on Perceptor's arm as he softly says, "I never said you didn't understand it. I did not mean to imply that you did."
His arm drops as he reaches for the last sample. Right before he takes a sip, he quirks a brow and a smirk.
"And your solitary life truly didn't bother you at all, then you would be able to make a much more convincing argument."
Oh! This sample...is surprising. He frowns down at it, then sets it aside with the three others he'd not returned to the tray.
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Post by Perceptor on Aug 2, 2009 21:18:36 GMT -5
Perceptor would like to ask just what Mirage had been attempting to imply, then, but that smirk and last comment distract him from asking. His frown deepens as he bends to make more neat, precise notes on his datapad, glancing up only to take in Mirage's reaction before fixing his attention back on the pad.
He refuses to look up as he intones, "I would be lying if I said that having one go to the same level of effort for me that you go to now for your lady friend would not be appreciated. I do not, however, require such to find fulfillment."
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Post by Mirage on Aug 2, 2009 22:03:30 GMT -5
Mirage is only partially paying attention to Perceptor, eying as he is the four set-aside samples. He very methodically tastes them each again in turn, cleansing between, of course.
"Hrm."
He then tastes two of the samples without cleaning between, then the third- the very pale one that had garnered such an odd reaction from him at first.
"Those three together....they each alone have echos of the familiar, but together the echo is stronger."
The spy steps back then, looking thoughtfully at the scientist, "It is not a requirement of myself as well, but it is preferred. Few things make me happier than indulging a lover, and that regardless of the level of actual intimacy shared between us. One need not be a sexual partner to be named ones lover, after all."
Mirage is, in reality, a chameleon of sorts. He will be whatever (even whomever) his friends or his partners need in the moment. Oracle, to Mirage, needs someone who she can trust, someone to pamper her and treat her as more than an object, a weapon. And so Mirage hopes to provide that, at least for a few hours.
"And if no one has ever gone to the trouble for you, then that is quite a shame."
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Post by Perceptor on Aug 2, 2009 22:21:36 GMT -5
Perceptor doesn't honestly know what to say to that. For once, he chooses silence, retreating to his notes. After consulting them, he retreives several vials of his chemicals, and another test tube, into which precise amounts are measured. Next comes a careful measurment of the extra ethyl alcohol blend he had set to one side - from the earliest run - and mixes it. This mixture is then split equally between five tubes into which Perceptor carefully measures precise amounts of the brilliant, refined energon - a 3:1 ethyl alcohol blend/energon ratio in the first, 2:1 in the next, 1:1, 1:2, and finally, twice as much energon as ethyl alcohol in that final test tube. Once this is accomplished, all five are carefully mixed, centrifuged, strained off into more shallow cups, and then Mirage is presented with the new mixes, all without Perceptor saying a word.
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Post by Mirage on Aug 2, 2009 23:00:31 GMT -5
Never let it be said that Mirage doesn't know when to let a subject drop!
He is still eying Perceptor thoughtfully though. Watch out, Percy, that sounds like Popular playing in the background!
Once more Mirage samples the blends, taking slightly larger sips and more time to savor them. After re-tasting two of the samples, he pushes the 1:2 ratio sample toward Perceptor. He then puts his hand to his temple and smiles slightly at the scientist.
"If you don't mind, I'll have a seat again. Had I known you would start immediately to work, I would not have come here with a full tank. Plus, while I am no lightweight, I am unused to so much raw fuel."
Yes, Mirage can drink mixers all day long. Hard liquor goes to his head much faster, however.
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Post by Perceptor on Aug 2, 2009 23:18:08 GMT -5
Perceptor favors Mirage with another faintly perplexed look. "Why delay?" he asks with genuine confusion - and no trace of that almost sullen irritation from before. Fortunately Perceptor doesn't seem to hold a grudge. "By all means, however, please, do have a seat," he urges, pointing first toward the chair Mirage had recently vacated, and then to the workbench beside the spy.
"The work bench also doubles as a berth, if you require it," he offers. If Mirage is paying close enough attention, in fact, he may spot one particular bench/berth off in the corner which has that slightly scuffed, lived-in appearance as if it gets used fairly regularly as a berth rather than a table.
Perceptor waits for a moment to make certain that Mirage doesn't require assistance to get to his seat of choice, before turning his attention back to his notes. Scrolling to a clean screen, he carefully writes down a chemical formula, and then glances back up at his guest.
"Can you describe how, precisely, this blend differed from the vintage you recalled? Additionally, how would you prefer that this be altered, if you could have it altered in any way?" he asks, prepared to make more notes. No, the work isn't done yet, Mirage. You asked a perfectionist for help, and until you beg off for the day, Perceptor is going to keep trying until he gets it right.
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Post by Mirage on Aug 3, 2009 10:31:33 GMT -5
Mirage waves off Perceptor's concerns. He has the beginnings of a slight headache, nothing more, but would prefer to sit before the headache takes hold in force.
Once he's made himself comfortable, Mirage puts his hand to his chin, once more seriously considering the question put to him.
"The color is still a bit dark, on that one. The base taste is there, the subtle heat on finish, the slight spice. The overall flavor is rather close, really, though it seems...less well-developed, less rounded. And the mouth feel is off, still a bit thin. Of course, both of those qualities likely come from the aging process, and would be nigh impossible to duplicate."
Yes, he just used that word Perceptor. Down boy. Mirage doesn't mean it as a challenge.
"Just a hint less dry, the tiniest touch of sweetness, and the flavor at least will be almost spot on."
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Post by Perceptor on Aug 3, 2009 14:38:21 GMT -5
"Hmmm," Perceptor muses, chin dropping into one hand as he broods at his notes for a moment. "Yes, quite possibly from the maturation process..."
The gauntlet may not have been intentionally tossed, however, words like "impossible" and "never" and "unlikely" are simply too tempting of a goad for Perceptor to lightly shrug off. He taps the workbench surface with his stylus for a moment and then begins scribbling furiously, muttering to himself about "atomic degredation" and "chrono plasma impingement".
"I believe that I can simulate the necessary adjustments with an infusion of ethylene glycol, which will both sweeten the mixture and grant a bit more body. At least for now," he observes absently as he scribbles a few more valence equations into his notes.
He is still muttering to himself as he fetches and then mixes in his chosen fix, blending it most carefully before striding over to present Mirage with the the latest version.
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Post by Mirage on Aug 4, 2009 11:42:17 GMT -5
Mirage is starting to realize that he should just accept whatever is presented and not comment. If, that is, he wants to every get out of here.
He smiles and takes the newest mix from Perceptor. A sip, a hum of appreciation, and then another, larger sip. One that goes straight to his head. Mirage's brow furrows, and he puts his hand to his temple.
"Hmmm, most excellent. I think that will do nicely. But I think I should refrain from further indulgence at this time."
Mirage reaches out then to grasp Perceptor's free hand. "Thank you. Please, do let me know if there is anything I might do to repay this favor."
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Post by Perceptor on Aug 6, 2009 14:35:57 GMT -5
Well, if Mirage wants to accept mediocre product, then he can just accept whatever Perceptor gives him. Perceptor doesn't do things half way.
The scientist does frown, however, when Mirage winces and rubs at his head. Smaller samples next time. Yes.
"You are quite welcome. If this formulation is adequate, then I will produce a larger batch for you immediately. It should be ready for consumption within a few hours. With your permission, however, I would like to continue making adjustments to attempt a more authentically aged product?" he asks. He doesn't comment on the matter of repayment. As far as he is concerned, there is no need.
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Post by Mirage on Aug 7, 2009 20:07:47 GMT -5
"You may certainly play with formula as you like, if you think it will better the mix," Mirage says as he stands, still holding onto Perceptor's hand.
Suddenly, and very impulsively, the slightly tipsy racer rocks up on his tiptoes and gives Perceptor a quick peck on the cheek before dropping the scientist's hand and stepping toward the door. He pauses a moment in the doorway and smirks back over his shoulder.
"Just give me a call when you've got it ready to your exacting standards, my dear. And thank you again."
He slips out of the room.
OOC: Out of thread, and touching done with permission.
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Post by Perceptor on Aug 9, 2009 16:24:46 GMT -5
Perceptor nods, intending to thank Mirage for the challenge he's brought the scientist, except that that brief little peck catches him so by surprise that Perceptor finds himself still staring at the empty doorway, a look of dumbfounded surprise plastered across his features long after the spy has departed.
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