- 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

[slightlyoffchilt]

Only a suggestion. [He was quick to douse the notion, rendering it to nothing but a flicker; something to preoccupy.] Distance, even temporary distance, might give you more control of the situation. No awkward grandfatherly encounters, not until you are ready for them.

[inmyothertights]

I don't think it's a good idea. I just got some measure of stability.

[He stands up and paces, one direction, then the other.]

And I'll talk to Kate about it.

[slightlyoffchilt]

It's all right, Billy.

[His tone softens, the vowels folding out like feathers. Chilton watches Billy pace, while keeping his own body perfectly still.]

It's only a back-up plan, only if these variables -- Emma Frost, Charles Xavier -- become too convoluted. You want to simplify this reunion as much as possible, right? [A beat.] But there are other alternatives.

[inmyothertights]

[He turns, looks at Chilton, goes still]

Like what?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Like a third party arranging a meeting between you both. That way you're not all alone, you're not open to as much unpredictability, and you have full control of the situation.

[inmyothertights]

I think...maybe Charles Xavier?

[He pauses for a moment-]

Unless you want to do it?

Wait, what are your powers, anyway?

[slightlyoffchilt]

[Chilton frowned, feeling the warmth of a questioning spotlight back over his own flesh.]

Invasive question, isn't it?

[Perhaps not to a young man born into a world of incredible powers.]

... I have psychic control over transportation vehicles, it seems. A switch out from my former set, which was sound-based.

[It's true, yes, but not complete information. He doesn't mention his sedative-spewing fingertips.]

Do you think I should be the intermediary? It is your choice.

[inmyothertights]

I'm going to think about it.

[A pause.]

So you can drive cars with your thoughts?

[AND ANOTHER BECAUSE:]

Cool.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Do you really think that's cool? [Because he did GET INSIDE of Knock Out.] It's any transportation vehicle, really.

[inmyothertights]

Yeah, I mean I can't fly a spaceship-

....do you think you can control the thing that gets us here?

[slightlyoffchilt]

The porting device? I -- I don't know, I certainly have not attempted such.

[inmyothertights]

Well, you said it-transportation, right?

[But then...]

Though I don't know, meddling with it might be weird.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Boats, planes, buses, cars -- sentient cars, even, yes. [A beat, and he looked away. There was little temptation for him to court his own home world.] That thing? I don't know. Perhaps.

[inmyothertights]

You met a sentient car?

[Why is this even remotely strange, Billy Kaplan???]

[slightlyoffchilt]

By -- only by accident. I can manage odd vehicles indeed, but I hesitate to try that, is my point.

[inmyothertights]

Right, right.

Sorry.

I don't even mess with the porter and you know, reality bending and everything.

[slightlyoffchilt]

[He swirled his empty milk glass, briefly, looking back at Billy.]

We ought to be discussing you. Diversion noted.

[inmyothertights]

[Damn it.]

You're good.

[slightlyoffchilt]

[He smiles, looking pleased with himself. Praise from a young patient is still praise.]

The doctorate assists with that.

[Which is bullshit, but he does love his framed diploma, located back in Baltimore.]

Avoidance isn't necessary. I appreciate how monumental this change is for you -- having to face your past like this, I mean. Family always tends to invoke one's past.

[inmyothertights]

Well especially when your family's past involves terrorism.

[God. His family is so messed up.]

[slightlyoffchilt]

Especially then, yes. Are you afraid of being ostracized, because of what your grandfather has done -- or, rather, will do?

[inmyothertights]

No.

I'm just worried that he isn't ready to stop yet. I don't want to have to stop my own grandfather.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Your morality will will over your familial loyalty. [Chilton leans back, thinking on this -- clearly it was a dilemma that meant something to Billy.] Because you've already decided you would stop him, however emotionally painful that might be.

[inmyothertights]

[He squirms a bit, inside]

What kind of person would I be if I didn't?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Not an unusual person. People are... Interesting, in their values.