- 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]

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.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Would it help if we called it by another name?

[mantlepieces]

Yeah, 'cause that's not what it is.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Then we can call it a conversation.

[mantlepieces]

... All right. Just a quick one, though. [ He pauses. ] If you're too busy we can always skip it, I know you got all your weird people issues goin' on to deal with.

[slightlyoffchilt]

My "weird people issues"?

[mantlepieces]

Yeah, y'know -- like all these guys you keep warning me against that I guess all got some kinda beef with you.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Please don't use the word "beef" when referring to any conflict with Hannibal Lecter.

[mantlepieces]

Why not? Don't tell me this dude is like your ex or something.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Excuse me? What on earth would ever give you that idea? What in my behavior would indicate such a conclusion?

[mantlepieces]

You mean with him or just in general?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Specifically with him.

-- But also in general.

[mantlepieces]

'Cause you're bein' all defensive and you won't say why. And 'cause you're, like-- [ A pause. ] Well, I can't answer that or you might fire me.

[slightlyoffchilt]

And because I am, like -- what, exactly?

[mantlepieces]

Well, like-- real freakin' prissy, for one thing.