- 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]

[ That reaction doesn't pass her unnoticed. It is, in fact, exceedingly intriguing to her, warranting another brief pause before she answers again, without questioning the shift in tone: ]

I understand the importance of privacy in these matters.
I am capable of making an educated guess without your explicit confirmation, regardless.
There are, after all, very few of my kind in the imPort population.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Does that discourage you? The very fact of your endangered status, as it were, makes you more... Unique.

[heartlessglitch]

I am unique among other machines as well.
The Cybertronians look down on artificial intelligence.
Aaron Stack was designed and raised by his father to be human-like.
I am separated from them in my origins and perspective.
It is, at times, isolating.

[slightlyoffchilt]

[A beat -- a long one -- and, quietly:]

I've also felt ostracized by my peers.

[heartlessglitch]

I suppose that is not entirely surprising.
I had concluded some time ago that you are a lonely man, Doctor.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Loneliness attracts loneliness.

[heartlessglitch]

I am not entirely lonely.
I have you, and Dr. Gideon, among a select few others.

[slightlyoffchilt]

A select few others. I see.

Are they imaginary?

[heartlessglitch]

Should I be flattered that you believe I might have an imagination?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Yes. I don't give some humans that much credit.

[heartlessglitch]

You should reconsider condescension as an approach to your fellow humans.
You might find that they will more willingly befriend you.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Why would you think I'm interested in the friendship of the average mind? Which, may I remind you, that many humans do indeed fall into -- as a category.

[heartlessglitch]

Your other current options include a possibly sociopathic robot and the homicidal surgeon that tried to kill you.
Twice.

[slightlyoffchilt]

[And, by way of a joke:] And Will Graham, I suppose.

[Hah.]

[heartlessglitch]

I do occasionally enjoy Will Graham.

[slightlyoffchilt]

... You do? In what... Manner?

[heartlessglitch]

In an entirely platonic and appropriate manner.
No need for concern, Doctor.

[slightlyoffchilt]

He's dangerous, you know -- not, ah, intentionally. To be. Fair. [He has to admit that much at this point.] But everyone he invests in, or allies with, suffers.

[heartlessglitch]

As I said, there is no need for concern.
As moving as I find your fussing to be.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Fussing? This is legitimate warning for your reckless behavior.

[Says the guy involved with a potentially sociopathic robot.]

[heartlessglitch]

What, precisely, are you worried will happen?
Relative to you, of course, as we're both aware you would hardly be concerned about me unless it affects yourself in some way.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Do you know what happened to Gideon? Why his leg is missing? You know, because I've told you, the last we heard of Abel Gideon was when he was safely snugged away in a medical hospital, in recovery. Awaiting physical therapy -- not like much could be done for a T4 fracture. But then his guard was gutted and strung on fishing line, according to the FBI's file; I was privy because he was lastly my charge. It was unmistakeably the Chesapeake Ripper's work.

[A beat.]

Do you know why he was once more my charge? Because I hadn't wanted him back. Will Graham did, however, for his... Investigation. Fishing line, Danger, who among us is known to fish?

[heartlessglitch]

[ A tense pause, this time. ]

I find you subtly encouraging me to hurt a number of people today, Doctor.
Is that purposeful?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Graham didn't intend to get Gideon hurt. He simply miscalculated the Ripper's eventual motivation.

[Spoken somewhat smugly; Chilton would much rather buy into Will's malfunctioning empathy thing than, say, Hannibal's semi-successful seduction of the FBI's most precious teacup.]

But don't you worry. My more literal psychic driving pertains only to transport vehicles.

[Believe him, he's tried.]

[heartlessglitch]

I could, in fact, transform myself into a transport vehicle, if I wished.
I will assume, however, that you meant to be clever.
That being said, you should know that I am monitoring Will Graham as well.