- 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]

[There's a sharp intake of breath -- he can tell Crane is enjoying this. He knows the streamlined power of maintained perfect composure while your subject squirms under your whims. He knows how lovely that feels.

The issue of choice in this context was absurd.]

What do I owe you? For Will's confidential conversation?

[restingstitchface]

A generous sum.

Components cost money, you know.

[He phrases it like a request. He honestly doesn't hold the intent to commit blackmail - and would simply neutralize anyone who tried to turn it against him. Everything he did, in this sense, was for his curiosity. He gives a thoughtful lick of his lips.]

[slightlyoffchilt]

Components -- what a vague term. Another man might consider chemical contributions. That would be the most logical assumption, yes? Or at least the most common.

But I prefer to test one's patients.

[Chilton was fond of puns for numerous reasons.]

[restingstitchface]

[A pause, and Crane's expression falls. Puns.

He's going to completely shun that failure of a joke. Chilton's testing his patients, all right.]

Having access to a chemical laboratory has many advantages. Though I'm afraid my latest batch of medication came out a little white.

[Chilton. White. Crane. What did Crane know about Walt? Had he gone there on purpose, having observed the other psychiatrist's fascination? The implication was hidden under a powdery surface, easily blown away - and underneath it was explicit.

And oh. Was he going to keep quiet about that.]

[slightlyoffchilt]

[He didn't react to the bait -- it was obvious that Crane wanted him to, and obvious that the hued language was intended to provoke. The insinuation of some relationship with Walter perhaps shed more light than Crane had intended; but that wasn't unusual, just as Chilton underestimated individuals, individuals underestimated him.

More reason to be guarded around the man, more reason to pinch out the details of his own behavior. The parallels with this relationship and the one he had possessed with Hannibal were crystallizing.]

What a relief, that you could access such a necessary facility. Let's hope it ends with relief.

[restingstitchface]

Elliot once said, "What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from."

[His calm tone mixes with excitement and mockery - his voice barely more than a whisper.]

We'll see how it ends, won't we?

[It's a hint - a subtle hint that he has a theory, the framework that Chilton's so very curious about him and wants to get him wrapped up in a study. It's throwing down the gauntlet. It's showing that he's linked the intent hidden behind Chilton's joke about experimenting on his patients, and an ending with relief. That Chilton's own challenge hadn't gone unnoticed. It's a message between psychaitrists that he knows all the tricks of the trade - he's played this game at Arkham. Being caught isn't weakness; if it happened to him it wasn't going to be over at all.]

[slightlyoffchilt]

It's almost rather circular logic.

[Haha. Chilton dangles that, wondering how soon Crane will want to analyze his response, and if any of that analysis would approximate his intent. Those of other professions might call it a tired habit, but psychiatrists were keen on context in contrast with its subtext -- especially those psychiatrists with tenuous personal boundaries.]

But until then, Doctor Crane.

[restingstitchface]

[Crane can't wait to get started on dissecting Chilton's response, and would rather enjoy doing so in private. Back in his apartment, not at work, in a timeless atmosphere perfect for such lateral thought. He makes his goodbye rather quiet and thoughtful in tone.]

Until then, Doctor Chilton.

[A nod to Chilton's profession. It was better to dominate the strong than the weak, after all. Then he disconnects.]