- 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

[mantlepieces]

I'm fine. I make a point of not gettin' scratched or bitten by anything.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Surprisingly cautious of you. I imagine you would survive fairly well, if ever our next imPorted plague was a zombie apocalypse, or something equally ridiculous.

[mantlepieces]

[ Reggie falls quiet for a span of moments that feels, to him, much longer than it probably actually is. ]

That's a freakin' weird thing to say. Thanks, I guess?

[slightlyoffchilt]

It isn't so weird. I just talked to a gentleman a few weeks ago who had come from a world of zombies. He, of course, preferred a different name for them.

Too tacky otherwise, he claimed. A man who came from a zombie world had the gall to insinuate some level of taste.

[mantlepieces]

Well whatever, it's weird to me. I don't think about that kind of horror movie bullshit. Survival instincts don't do anyone much good here anyway, now do they?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Well, if you want to avoid agony and trauma, I would beg to differ on the use of survival skills.

Just because she dumped you doesn't mean you get to act bratty. Just so you know.

[mantlepieces]

She didn't dump me. We weren't even dating.

[ Ugh. ]

How's it bein' bratty saying it don't take skills to stay alive in a place like this? It's true.

[slightlyoffchilt]

People have died. They have died and they have not returned.

[Baltimore people. His people.

For better or worse.]

What's to suggest you're immune, Reggie Mantle?

[mantlepieces]

Nothin' I guess, not that I've checked. 'Cept I know when to shut up and keep my head down.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Very good. Perhaps now would be an excellent time for you to take your own advice.

[mantlepieces]

What, 'cause of some guy you know that I probably wouldn't be talkin' to anyway?

[slightlyoffchilt]

No. Because you are delaying me from my next session.

[mantlepieces]

[ Reggie hisses and clicks his tongue. ]

Oh, big whoop. This was important.

[slightlyoffchilt]

As is my career, and the responsibilities inherent to the fact. To me at least.

Sasha had you over to Will and April's house -- not the most traumatic thing, Reggie.

[mantlepieces]

Speak for yourself. What aren't you tellin' me about these people?

[slightlyoffchilt]

What is there to tell? You have to reap the oats you sow.

And let's hope that remains a metaphor.

[mantlepieces]

Is that like some fancy kinda way of saying "you get what's comin' to you?" 'Cause that's not helpful, I already think about that plenty.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Is that so? And what else do you anticipate coming to you, Reggie?

[mantlepieces]

Well, I don't know. It isn't exactly anticipating, I just-- [ He pauses, exhaling. It's on his mind far too much, especially lately; getting to be that time of year again. ] I mean you gotta think about something to plan around it, you know? That's just how it is.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Are you accusing yourself of lacking foresight, or are you simply unwilling to discuss in honest language what you really want to talk about with me?

[mantlepieces]

[ Reggie sighs and says sharply: ]

Yeah, well -- 'cause you'd probably just call me suicidal again or something.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Ideation. Suicidal ideation. And clearly that resonated with you.

Perhaps you ought to come in. For another session.

[mantlepieces]

What, like-- [ It's actually somewhat tempting now, despite everything. The closer October draws, the worse Reggie feels. ] Today?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Have you the time, today?

[mantlepieces]

Well do you? I mean I don't need no session. Not like therapy.