Chapter Text
Feofan previously had no interest working within an academic setting. After her studies, she sought opportunities that would keep her hunger for wealth satiated. With her capabilities, Feofan quickly made a name for herself in the financial sector, and by chance happened to be introduced to the growing benefit of investing in graduate research. Thinking back to that time she couldn’t help but sigh, had it not been for that she would not be standing in the crowd of her nth poster session.
She watched the scholar present their work with the same structure as the others. She watched them prat about how their projects could have 'universal application' without providing a single practical use. Her hand itched to reach for the cigarettes in her purse but she tried to still her focus. She became increasingly irritated at the people in the stuffy hall. Tapping her finger against her crossed arms, Feofan’s displeasure festered. Before long the session concluded and she readied herself to exit the building.
As she stepped out she sighed in relief, the kiss of the frosty wind calming her. Feofan stood to the side of the building and lit her cigarette, the smoke curling into thin ribbons as she exhaled. At the moment, her main focus had been breaking into the research sector, so many viable ventures had passed her by. She furrowed her brows thinking about all the money she must be losing out on. Feofan lost herself in her thoughts as small snowflakes began to petal down. Ultimately, she knew could not afford to waste any more time, if she could not find a suitable project today, she'll move her focus to other opportunities.
"Snezhnaya is hardly the place to let your guard down in the cold."
Suddenly, the silky voice of a woman shook her out of her thoughts. Feofan, hiding her displeasure, wears a polite smile as she slowly cranes her head towards the woman behind her.
"By what means is my guard down?"
"Stay out here, and it won’t be long until hypothermia starts to freeze up that pretty face. A smoke break could not be worth lingering in this weather."
The mysterious woman wore a heavy coat, frost clinging to the fur lining surrounding her face, which was half obscured by a black mask. She dragged a cloth covered cart beside her.
The woman continued speaking, "Although you must disagree." pointing to the cigarette butts at Feofan’s feet. Feofan was only on her third cigarette. She chuckled before responding to the other woman. "We all have our vices."
The hooded woman hummed a neutral response before turning to enter the building. Alone again, Feofan finished her cigarette before throwing away the two butts. To think I hadn't noticed.
Glancing at her watch, she saw there were only five more minutes before the next session began. As she approached her space in the hall she was provided a handout with additional information about the session topic; she had heard of Eleazar before, but it was beyond rare.
As she read more of the pamphlet, her interest grew on how this student would be utilizing an orphan disease in their work.
She tuned out the speaker on stage and put the pamphlet into her purse.
"For our next Presenter, Il Dottore, presenting Isolated Eleazar Infected STEM Cells for Physiological Enhancement." The man motioned to his left and the crowd politely applauded.
The woman moved with a long stride, her willowy teal hair flowing like waves with every step. Time seemed to slow down, allowing Feofan to observe those same alluring features. She raised her brows slightly in surprise, it was the same woman as before, only she looked quite different without her heavy coat on her shoulders. Purple eyes widened in shock as they trailed below her shoulders.
Indecent. She willed her attention to the assistants rolling a poster board and animal cage behind Dottore, and then stepping off stage.
It was clear that Dottore was not only extremely well versed in Eleazar research, but clearly the eccentric type of character as well. When she discussed her current animal testing, many of the crowd beside Feofan grimaced. Without so much as a stutter, the scholar continued her presentation and demonstrated current progress with her animal trials. Drawing attention to the cage, the mouse performed a series of tasks that ought to be impossible. To be able to change the physical capabilities this way, one could only imgine the human uses, she thought.
Not once removing her mask, she left the stage without a word. Not even a bow. As the session came to an end, Feofan could hear other viewers critiquing how unprofessional the masked woman was. While she couldn't disagree, the behavior only worked to intrigue Feofan further.
With her mind settled, Feofan returned to her office, intent on finding all she could about that 'Doctor'.
Doing a background check was a menial task for Feofan; she had always done extensive research into all of her partnerships. And yet, none of them could compare to the kind of results Dottore's did. Finally pleased, she was determined to meet the strange woman once more.
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"This is quite the unexpected arrangement.” Dottore said, placing the manilla folder she held on the table before sipping her tea.
She sat opposite to Feofan; being entirely honest she did not expect to see the elegant woman again. After the research symposium, she did not give half a thought of the result. After all, it wasn't like her work could be affected by anyone there. When she opened her email and saw an unknown address requesting a meeting to discuss her research, she had thought it was another person condemning her for the methods she used.
The sender was anything but that, Feofan Segeyevich Veksel, was a notable Snezhnayan businesswoman. One which Dottore never considered to be within her social realm.
"And so Doctor? What do you make of my proposal?" Feofan eyed her curiously.
Dottore's expression was unreadable but her voice chimed in Feofan's ears. "You make for a compelling offer, although I do have my own questions for you"
Relaxing in the love seat, Feofan nodded curled her gaze to the doctor "Ask away."
"Could you explain this surveillance clause? My work is independent and I aim to keep my methods confidential." Beneath the mask, the woman had a slight frown.
"For the sake of my investment, its only natural I am cautious. Especially with a partner like yourself." Feofan set her teacup on the table with a clink.
"I can assure you that any funds will be used solely for the Eleazar research. To date, all my previous contracts remain intact." To think someone would even imply that of her! Dottore couldn't help but feel indignified.
Feofan stood up and sauntered toward her desk, reaching into a drawer before placing another folder in front of Dottore.
“All of your contracts Zandik?"
At this the masked woman began to laugh, "You are beyond the kind of person I expected." Skimming through the pages she smiled.
Feofan replied coyly "As are you, Doctor."
"Even knowing this about me, you are still seeking a partnership?" questioned Dottore.
Feofan took her seat once again, "Of course. The Akedemiya were fools to expel you."
Dottore raised her head to look at the other. "While I agree, one can't say they were without reason."
Feofan made a noise of agreement "Which is why I’ve included the surveillance cause; Should you remain unconvinced, I can propose another arrangement."
"Go on."
"To limit the information leaving I will conduct surveillance myself, no need for you to worry about outsiders." Feofan looked over at the woman across whose slight smile held her gaze captive.
I can’t let her go, not after I’ve spent so much time in search of this moment…
Dottore spoke up "That will do, although one last thing.."
"Tell me."
"Do not expect me to work solely off this initial funding, expect more requests in the future."
With a small chuckle, Feofan stood up and extended her hand to Dottore. "I look forward to our partnership, Doctor"
Dottore didn't reciprocate the gesture, only grunting before she continued "When can I expect to resume my research?"
With that smile which never seemed to leave her face, Feofan recomposed herself. "I will update the contract and provide you with a finalized version in the coming days. There you will find the details."
The masked woman stood up, from behind her her hair jostling. "Then its settled, Goodbye Feofan."
"Goodbye Doctor."