slightlyoffchilt | - IC CONTACT POST FOR MASKORMENACE -

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ic contact

- IC CONTACT POST FOR MASKORMENACE -

"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."

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[A beat.]

Abel Gideon will never be safe from Hannibal Lecter, Danger. My engagement between them isn't going to escalate their eventual fates. There is nothing anyone can do to prevent Hannibal's interest -- I simply presented the facts in the easiest, most accessible way, so Hannibal wouldn't feel victorious in his hunt of Abel.

Hannibal thrives in domination. He becomes most interested in something when it becomes a conquest -- I took that from him, and in that effort, probably bought Gideon some time while Hannibal musters his dampened motivation.

He will be safe while he is here, with me.
I can assure you that regardless of whatever twisted biology works in Hannibal Lecter's soft human brain, I am capable of being infinitely more terrible.
You should remember that.

Hannibal Lecter will not finish his work in this universe.
Even if it means I must eliminate him.

Are you willing to extend that level of protection to me, as well?

[She wasn't wrong to call him a coward.]

Have I not promised to protect you already?
Despite your constant attempts to sabotage me.

I wasn't sure if your sentiment had changed, since you've been emotionally compromised. Are you redirecting your anger at Hannibal towards me?

If I suddenly decide I wish for you to come to harm, then I will most likely take to the task myself rather than wait for Hannibal Lecter to finish harvesting your organs.

He didn't do that to me! [There's a sudden sharpness to his voice; the cold, thin reed of fear and despair.] According to Freddie Lounds, I was framed for murder! I -- I was framed as the Chesapeake Ripper!

What is that saying humans have?
"A taste of your own medicine?"

That -- That isn't funny! [The irony boils beneath his skin.] I'm -- when I'm out of that medical hospital -- they're going to put me in my own!

[It's a terrifying prospect, for reasons that Chilton had constructed all by himself. This was his cage that he built, never intending his own flesh burdened.]

I can't go there, Danger, I cannot go there!

As you stated yourself, there is no altering what will happen in your universe once you return.
I have offered to protect you while you are here.
That is the extent of my power.

He's going to get away with it. [It's a whimper at this point, a whine -- the curl of an existential crisis forced before uncompromising destiny.] He's going to get away with hurting my reputation.

[The degradation, the humiliation. The coil of loathing. The rub of a starched, orange jumpsuit against his slender legs. The weightlessness of ringless fingers.

The view of mold speckling dark, damp tiled walls.]

He isn't going to touch me. He won't lay a finger on me -- he won't need to, for this destruction.

If a tarnished reputation is the worst of what Hannibal Lecter does to you, then perhaps you are less in need of my protection than I initially assumed.

[ Is she being cold, or is it just that mechanical quality in her voice? ]

But my work is all I have.

[Quiet, struck admittance.]

... Or rather, it is, back home.

You have your life.
That is more than others can say.

Do you think I'll have it for long? When I'm committed to my own asylum? Accidents happen often with prejudice.

What would you have me do, Doctor?
Your destiny is out of my hands.

I don't want you to -- hold this against me, while I'm here. [Beat.] I don't know what he's planning with me in Heropa, and I -- I require your help.

[Beat.]

What do you want me to do, to make it up to you?

[ She doesn't answer immediately, letting his plea for help hang in the air between them untouched as a way of making a point.

Finally, her terms: ]

I want your submission.

[He holds his breath for the moment, appreciating the controlled way she said that.]

For how long?

Preferably always.
But as that is an entirely unrealistic expectation, I will settle for tonight.

And this will make up for my -- for what you see as my transgressions? One night submitting to you. [A beat.] All right.

How do you want to do this?

I would hate to spoil the surprise for you, Doctor.
After all, knowledge is power.

I assume you recall my address.
I suggest you steel yourself to exercise some self-restraint.
It would displease me if you were to disturb Dr. Gideon's sleep.

Are you advising that I acquire a gag?

Are you implying that you do not believe you can stay quiet?

I'm anticipating that you'll be looking for reasons to punish me. Better to take the precaution.