xp_logs | Hope and Hank | Friday evening (Reply)

Hope and Hank get all dressed up and go out to a fancy dinner. For work.

"Stop fidgeting." Hope chided with a smile, reaching up to cover his hand. "Your bow tie is perfectly straight and you cut quite a figure in your tux. Nothing to be worried about." A mischievous grin slid over her face for a moment as she commented: "I am sure the eyes of some of the ladies will be drawn to you as well."

If she was trying to make him feel more at ease, that wasn't the way to do it. Hank gulped and gave his tie one last tug before dropping his hand to his side... and then shoving it into his pocket. "I came in order to potentially speak to some of the researchers you said might be here," he reminded her quietly. "Ladies are not of interest. Unless they're researchers," he added swiftly.

She grinned again at that as she started to make her way to the entrance of the ball room. "Yes, there will be researchers here. Even lady researchers. I know that at least Dr. William Franks will be speaking tonight. I did not fully understand what exactly he has been researching though. Something about using the bodies own T-cells to fight malignancies, if I understood correctly?"

"Yes, it's a rather fascinating area of investigation, actually..." Now that was a much better distraction. Hank regaled Hope with details about Dr Franks' research as they crossed over to the entrance, quickly descending into overly-scientific technobabble despite his best efforts to the contrary.

Hope took the chance to guide them towards where various round tables were set out and went in search for the seats assigned to the representatives of the Keller Foundation. "What I am most curious about, is what this research can be used for in practice? How far along are they in the trials?" Her new responsibilities at work had sent Hope looking very quickly for at the least the basics of how a drug trial worked.

"Ah, well, it's likely still quite a ways off from being useful in a clinical setting - I don't believe the trials are out of Phase II yet, which means the effectiveness of the therapy is yet to be tested and won't be for some time," he explained. "If they determine efficacy then it will move to Phase III, which is generally the longest phase of the intervention process and often takes several years. So we're still some time from Dr Franks' treatment being available to any run-of-the-mill patients yet. Scientific progress is rarely as simple as an 'Eureka' moment," Hank added with a small smile. "It's years and years of dedication and hard work by many different people."

"But the first results at least look promising?" Hope asked as she found their chairs. "I just kind of figure they would not have invited him to speak here on his research."

"Yes, the initial research is very promising indeed." Hank stopped enthusing long enough to pull out Hope's chair for her. "I'm sure his talk will be fascinating."

"Thank you. Though I am afraid it will be a talk more aimed at the layman then at your level of expertise... It might be somewhat... superficial." She picked up the program card that had been placed on the table. "Here are the other talks. Does anyone sound familiar to you?"

"Let's see... Dr Gang Xiu is one of the foremost researchers in the area of therapeutic protein manipulation," he said, furrowing his brow as he looked over the card. "And I've read some of Professor Clayton's papers, she's considered by most to be the expert in regulatory enhancers. This really is a star-studded event," he added, looking up at Hope earnestly.

"Several major donors will be attending tonight and I happen to know that due dates for a number of grants from said donors are drawing close. So this event is an excellent way to put yourself on the map if you are trying for one." Hope mentioned. "Keller Industries is giving out one or two themselves, so I am quite interested to hear about some of the research myself. Several proposals have come across my desk."

"If you have any questions about the research therein, I'd be happy to lend what little expertise I have," Hank volunteered then. "Though on second though I'm sure you have scientists on your staff who are more than able to judge the application on their merits... in fact, forget I said anything, I shouldn't have presumed..."

"Thank you for offering. I might actually take you up on that." Hope immediately replied. "The final decision is not in my hands, nor do I have to report on the science, but I have been drawing up backgrounds on the applicants and their merits. I am not always fully able to understand the science referred to in there."

Hank nodded. "Scientific jargon can be quite obtuse. And I'd be happy to help - it's the least I can do after you so generously allowed me to accompany you tonight. And helped me pick out a tuxedo," he added, blushing.

" I was happy to do so. But to pounce immediately... I have several files and a mountain of notes back at the mansion. Would you have some time this week to go through them and clarify some things for me?" Hope grinned.

"Yes, yes of course." Secretly the idea of spending more time with Hope, even in a work-related capacity, was quite thrilling to Hank, but he tried not to look too eager. "I know you're very busy, should I email you my availability so that you can choose a time that works for your schedule?"

"That is a good idea." Hope shifted her gaze. "Oh, there is one of our fellow dinners at the table. Dr. Olivia Williams, I believe. Are you familiar with her work?" She asked as she rose to greet their table mate.

"Yes, of course!" Hank said delightedly, standing so abruptly he nearly knocked his chair over backwards. "Dr Williams works on viral vectors - using viruses to change gene sequences for therapeutic purposes. It's a real pleasure to meet you," he told the scientist, giving her hand the briefest of shakes before hiding his hands behind the table once more.

The scientist smiled warmly, her teeth bright against her dark skin. "And you, Mr..."

"McCoy," he volunteered. "And this is Ms Hope Abbott, of the Keller Foundation."

"Ah," Williams said, a small light of recognition dawning in her eyes as she turned her smile to Hope. "I'm surprised you've not been swarmed already, Ms Abbott. Funders usually have to fight researchers off with a stick at functions like these."

"I suspect most are on the lookout for Mr. Keller, Dr. Williams. He was originally going to be here. It might be the quiet before storm." Hope joked a little as the three took their seats. "Which I see I should not have said..." Hope rose once more as three people clearly headed in her direction. "Excuse me for a moment."

Dr. Williams turned towards Hank. "And what brings you here today, Mr. McCoy?"

"Oh, I... I'm just here to help advise Ms Abbott on some of the talks," Hank replied shyly, just grateful he hadn't lost the ability to speak altogether.

"Ah, a consultant? Who are you with?"

"No, not precisely. I'm a student, Ms Abbott is just... a friend who invited me along," he admitted.

"Mr. McCoy is an avid student of science." Hope commented as she returned to her seat. "He volunteered to serve as my guide and back up tonight as his knowledge and experience far outstrips my own."

"Ah, well, I look forward to seeing how far that knowledge extends," Williams said with a smile. Hank tried to return it, though it looked more like a grimace. This was a dream and a nightmare all in one. He'd definitely have to thank Hope for it later...