- 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

[heartlessglitch]

I know.
That is why it would be foolish for me to act rashly.

[slightlyoffchilt]

So I'm to suffer Sofen's maniacal lording? Alone?

[heartlessglitch]

I am not abandoning you.
But I cannot simply eliminate her.

[slightlyoffchilt]

What will you do for me, then? Offer comfort?

[heartlessglitch]

Is that what you want?

[slightlyoffchilt]

I want you to do what you, yourself, are guided towards. Whatever impulse that may be.

[heartlessglitch]

I try to refrain from acting on impulses, Doctor.
The majority of mine tend to be violent.

I will make myself available to you, if we agree that would be helpful.
Otherwise, I will look into Dr. Sofen.
Is that satisfactory to you?

[slightlyoffchilt]

[He lingered on the invitation, smiling behind his communicator.]

If there's any dirt, anything... I can use. I would make it up to you, Danger.

[heartlessglitch]

That is not necessary, Doctor.
I know better than to allow myself to be motivated by your promises.

[slightlyoffchilt]

You're keen to make me sound like the bad guy, aren't you?

[heartlessglitch]

I simply want you to understand that I know you.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Right. And how deeply will you look into Sofen? Knowing the enemy and what not.

[heartlessglitch]

Do refrain from micromanaging me, Doctor.
If I discover anything of value, I will inform you.
Otherwise, I suggest if you are going to ask me for my help, that you step back and allow me to work.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Have I offended your sensibilities, coming to you for -- [The wince is nearly audible.] Help?

[heartlessglitch]

Asking me for help is perhaps the least offensive thing you have ever done to me, Doctor.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Nonsense. I said "good morning" to you, that one time.

[heartlessglitch]

I am sure you did it in the same infuriatingly smug way you do most things.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Are you positive that this human-machine existential crisis is something still dogging you? Because you sound precisely like a human woman.

[Wait for it...]

Impossible to please.

[heartlessglitch]

I suppose I should take it as a compliment that you have found me particularly convincing lately.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Lately? Surely you would have believed that since we've first -- you know very well since when.

[heartlessglitch]

Do I.

[ Of course she does. She's just being mean. ]

[slightlyoffchilt]

[Flatly:]

Check your data logs. Plenty of ones in those zeroes, as you'd agree I'm sure.

[heartlessglitch]

[ Likewise flatly: ]

I would push you to articulate yourself more honestly, but I suppose it must be damaging enough to your ego to be sexually attracted to a machine in the first place.

[slightlyoffchilt]

You're both mechanical and human. Or are you more inclined to ignore your human side, now? Some are.

[heartlessglitch]

To whom or what are you referring, Doctor.