- IC CONTACT POST FOR MASKORMENACE -

[slightlyoffchilt]

"Hello.

You've reached the direct line of Doctor Frederick Chilton. As I am not available at the moment, you might assume I'm quite busy with something pressing. State your name and business, and I will return your call."

Comments

[hydraated]

[Ward? ward is rolling in the praise. Rolling in it, luxuriating. Garrett was gone, but this... this was okay. Not great but okay. Easy to deal at least.]

...One day doctor I might sit down and tell you more about my life.

[slightlyoffchilt]

That almost sounds like a threat.

[Which he said with a smile, of course.]

[hydraated]

[When Ward turns back to him and fixes him with a look...it's a look of sadness. A look of longing and sadness.]

...Sure. It's a threat.

But you can rest assured doctor that you're the last person I want to hurt at the moment.

voice mail!

[reptiledysfunction]

Dr. Chilton? It's me--it's Curt. I was just mulling something over and wanted to call you before I did it because it's a pretty big decision. [ a pause, and then ] I'm thinking of telling the imPort network about the Lizard.

So, uh, you can see why I'd want to talk about it first. Call me back?

[slightlyoffchilt]

[The call comes back quickly, and Chilton's voice pitches a high break on the first --] Hello, ah -- [Cue the throat clearing.] Curt. Hello. Thank you for calling me.

Let's talk about how you're feeling, concerning your decision here.

[reptiledysfunction]

Well, I mean...a lot of people probably know already. [ definitely Spider-Man, Peter Parker, Power Girl, Hope, and Annie Leonhart...possibly more people from his world. Connors knows that he's from a lot of people's pasts--who knows what happens in the future?

thankfully, he's still caught in whatifs that he doesn't connect the dots about Chilton clearing his throat. ]

And it's better to tell people now, while it's under my own control than if something were to happen.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Has discussion -- have you talked with the people who do know about you, is that the catalyst? [He restrains his voice now, keeping it to a lulling beat.] It is a big decision, of course. Pros and cons inherent.

[reptiledysfunction]

Certain people, yeah. [ specifically Annie. ] I just want to do what keeps the most people safe.

[slightlyoffchilt]

I can keep you safe, Curt. [A beat.] But it would probably be to your... Advantage, to inform the public at large.

[reptiledysfunction]

I can't always depend on you, Chilton. People get ported in and out all the time. Hell, I've lost at least four housemates to being randomly ported out alone. [ there's a tentative pause. ] I appreciate everything that you do for me. And I'll still need your help. But people need to be able to protect themselves against...against me.

[slightlyoffchilt]

And I want to continue to help you, Curt. Your case study is incredibly crucial to imPort health. While you are individually remarkable, I have little doubt that your... Situation will be some breed of precedent for many cases to come.

[reptiledysfunction]

It's really that important? [ said with equal parts disbelief and fascination. ]

[slightlyoffchilt]

I think it is, yes. You're a pioneer, especially in this regard.

[reptiledysfunction]

You'll give me an ego at this rate.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Trust me, Curt, I've never been one for easy praise. Someone ought to remind you how important you are.

[reptiledysfunction]

It's certainly not going to be me, [ said with a little sigh. ] What's that saying? We're our own worst critics? We see our own faults and don't want to promote our triumphs for fear of being seen as vain.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Well -- at least you can relieve yourself of the suspicion of narcissism! [His lighthearted way of joking.] In all honesty, it's a relief that you lack any of the malignant personality disorders. That makes your situation far more workable.

[reptiledysfunction]

I suppose it's always nice when the patient wants to change just as much as the doctor wants them to. There's a lot less push and pull.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Better than we're on the same page, isn't it? I would loathe to steer you too roughly, after all the progress you've made already.

[reptiledysfunction]

Exactly.

And, speaking of progress...I don't think I ever thanked you for taking care of me after that episode in your basement.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Your compliance is thanks enough, Curt. My research wouldn't be possible without you.

[reptiledysfunction]

Well hey, glad I can help...even if that level of help is simply 'be a guinea pig.'

[slightlyoffchilt]

And in that vein, I'm exceptionally glad that you're a man of science. Anything less wouldn't appreciate how important that much is, of course.

I'll be watching for your reveal, Curt.

[reptiledysfunction]

Fingers crossed that everything turns out well.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Until then, call me with any updates, won't you? I can't help but worry.