slightlyoffchilt | - IC CONTACT POST FOR MASKORMENACE -

[He remains silent for a moment, furrowing his brow as he thinks carefully over his answer]

...only if something can be done with my work. The issue with an unofficial investigation is that anything I find may be ignored, it not outright thrown out. It would be useless. If my investigation goes nowhere, then it's just another failure.

And what is that something you hope for? Is this to be a communal effort, Miles? [A beat.] How personal would you like to make this?

Because he kept you for some time.

[He remembers the conversation he had with Will, and how he had confessed that he wanted to see him pay. He wanted him crushed. He wanted him to suffer. However, it had been a fantasy, borne out of rage and helplessness. He has no desire to repeat it here. Edgeworth straightens up and opens his eyes, composing himself as he looks back at Chilton]

I want Jonathon Crane to face justice for what he's done to all of us. Nothing more, and nothing less.

A sentiment shared by many. But the individuals who form that majority opinion haven't all been submerged into Crane's... Treatment. Like you have.

[Edgeworth glances away for a moment, and when he addresses Chilton, his voice takes a quieter tone]

No, I suppose not.

[But this softness lasts only for a moment, and he looks back at the doctor again. When he speaks, his voice is louder. Firmer.]

However, I had an interest in RISE long before Crane's treatment. It simply reminded me that I could no longer afford to simply stand by and observe. If I can do anything to protect the public from men like that, anything at all, then it's my obligation to do so.

You have committed firmly to redirecting conversation away from your traumatic experience.

[Commentary on both Edgeworth's tone and his contribution.]

Why the investment now? Not merely to RISE, but to Crane. Because you had seen what Crane was willing to do, on a mass scale? Or because you can no longer deny how his actions have impacted your life?

He is still on the lam, after all.

Edited 2015-09-12 05:48 (UTC)

[He stiffens, drawing his lips tight, and he forces himself to take a deep breath. It would do no good to lose his composure now]

Are you asking why I wasn't invested in Crane prior to the swear-in, or why I didn't leap to join your organization as soon as I was released from the hospital?

No -- why did you succumb to that flicker of guilt just now? When I made mention of those scores of others who Crane put in the same position. His other patients.

[Because if reaction was anything to go by, that was highly significant. Chilton offered a tightly lipped smile -- the sort that keeps tension active.

And anticipatory facial expression.]

[He hesitates, glancing away again]

It's because you were right. This isn't just about my experience with Crane. There was... is more I could have done.

[Wait, was more he could have done? Is this about the medical records? Or is there more that Edgeworth failed to do?]

[With a tilt of his head, he examined Edgeworth amidst that quiet disintegration. Subtle as his reaction was -- that hesitation, that quick and avoidant glance -- Chilton nevertheless understood how profound this breakthrough was for the lawyer.]

That is the sort of mettle that that Major General is looking for, you know. Perspective. Ambition. A willingness to accept and learn from past mistakes.

But given this relevant information of your subjection to Crane's treatment, I cannot in good faith sign you off to RISE. [A beat.] At least -- not without a follow-up session. And your implicit cooperation.

[When he begins to speak, Edgeworth looks back at Crane immediately. His eyes are just a little bit wider, and his lips are parted ever so slightly. The change might be imperceptible to anyone else but not to someone watching him as intently as Chilton.

Ah, but then the other shoe drops. He will not be signed off. Edgeworth sucks in his breath, readying himself for rejection, but there's a small sliver of hope. He might have a second chance. Edgeworth tilts his head, and taps his finger against his sleeve, narrowing his eyes as he considers Chilton's offer]

My cooperation considering what, precisely?

[He speaks slowly, cautiously, carefully keeping his voice even and level. He's not going to start lobbing accusations at Chilton, not without solid evidence. However, he's not going to accept a deal like this without further information, especially considering what Kate told him about his reputation.]

Full disclosure. Of what -- precisely -- Jonathan Crane had done to you. Of why you went to him in the first place. Enough to fill another hour or two, quite honestly, of conversation.

[It seemed so minimal, compared to what Chilton asked of some of his other patients; but sacrifice was relative. He appreciated how this would be difficult for the lawyer -- as loquacious and argumentative as Edgeworth could be, it was obvious that displayed introspection wasn't something he was eager to engage in. No doubt Miles had contributed ample thought to Crane's motivation, to the sequence of events, to where it all went wrong; over expression was not the same as silent cognitive consideration, however.

But that is what Chilton required.]

I need to know the extent of the damage, Miles.

[Edgeworth breathes in deep, and nods. This is...fair. It's unpleasant, yes, and the use of the word damage almost makes him recoil; it does, however, make him flinch, despite his best efforts to control himself. But it's fair. Most importantly, though, it's nothing unethical. Chilton is not a threat.

Yes.]

Is that something you have planned for our next session, Doctor, or is it something you wish to begin now?

Whatever suits you best. I will not release you to the Major General until I am confident in your stability. Can't have agents of RISE suffering traumatic flashbacks amidst whatever duty calls for, you understand.

[Even in the containment of a courtroom scenario, Edgeworth needed to be on his top game. And for his actions beyond that setting, well, stability was all the more pertinent.]

A minimum of another session, a maximum of -- well. I know you have no interest in routine sessions. I will accommodate you.

[Chilton hesitated. Edgeworth did demonstrate cooperation, he had been level-headed (emotional outbursts aside, this was a difficult situation after all) and conversational. He was open to possibility. Opportunity. Chilton realized there was a risk in sharing his deepest concern, but he needed Edgeworth's gaze pinpointed on Crane. He needed that motivation cemented at the disgraced psychiatrist.]

I -- hrm. I do not believe Crane is too unsophisticated for psychic driving. [Raina had told Chilton as much, concerning Hiro.] During our limited sessions, I want to ensure he did not, to any degree, invoke brainwashing techniques upon you.

[Edgeworth nods along at first. He'd be lying if he said Chilton's words didn't sting, but his concerns are valid. He just needs another session to prove himself, is all.

Then Chilton mentions psychic driving. The term is unfamiliar to him, and Edgeworth furrows his brow. Ah, but then he brings up brainwashing. Edgeworth's eyes widen immediately, and he stiffens up as he stares at Chilton.

He has a fairly good idea of what psychic driving is, now.]

So you think he- [He holds his hand up, before he balls it into a fist and sets it on his lap] So you think he changed me.

I think it is possible that he changed you, yes. Or specifically -- I think he could have influenced your subconscious.

[It would not be necessarily simple to survey if Crane had or had not, but given how Edgeworth was treated so differently by the local terrorist, Chilton was willing to bet that Miles Edgeworth was something at least a little special to Crane.

Luckily for Edgeworth, Chilton was also highly versed in psychic driving. Sometimes it took a thief to catch a thief.]

I will be upfront: this will not be an easy discussion. If he had done anything to you in that manner, it would have been during your most traumatic moments.

[There's another deep breath, another nod]

I understand, Doctor. If possible, though, I would like to save that discussion for our next session. I...

[He swallows a lump in his throat, and straightens up]

I have much to think about.

Of course, Miles, of course. Please, take as much time as you need to cognitively process this circumstance.

[Chilton rose to his feet, his palms exposed and spread apart.]

As long as you need only a week. I wouldn't want too long a gap between our preliminary and the next session, after all.

I was thinking the same thing, actually.

[And Edgeworth takes this opportunity to stand up, stretching his back automatically. God, he's stiff. Is that chair made of padded granite or something?]

When is your next opening, Doctor?

How do Wednesdays look to you? Not too hazardous, I hope.

[Chilton observed Edgeworth's stretching, keeping his own smile subtle and subdued. Always paid to have that little trick.]

We could do something in the afternoon.

I'll have to doublecheck my schedule, but it should be fine. On the off chance that I can't make it in the afternoon, though, would it be possible to see you in the evening? Just in case.

Evening -- ah, evening. I am sure I can manage that circumstance, yes. [Raina might not be pleased, but she could understand the quells and demands of work.] After all, accommodation is a priority.

Edited 2015-09-15 04:11 (UTC)

- IC CONTACT POST FOR MASKORMENACE -

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