- 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

[flowerette]

As for why I'm meeting up with Crane, you should know why. I want answers. I have a suspicion that you were a test subject and he's planning something far more sinister. I want to know if I'm right.

[slightlyoffchilt]

I would prefer that you didn't use the terminology "test subject" with regards to my person. Quite obviously, you must proceed with caution. Do not discuss me, he will want to, he will test you in that prodding manner of his. It isn't so much that Crane is insidious as he is just quite frankly unhinged. That sort of dislocation from reality is going to cost him before it costs the people around him.

But it will cost the people around him, Raina.



And you weren't answering my calls, so I wasn't sure where to have your gift delivered.

[flowerette]

Test subject is kinder than saying experiment, isn't it? ;)

You act as though I'm new to this kind of information gathering. I know what I'm doing, Frederick. And you don't have to worry. I won't discuss what happened this weekend with him.

Because that's what you are, isn't it? Worried? Worried that I'll walk away and take all of your secrets with me? But you don't get to decide when it's convenient to talk to me and when it isn't, you know. It hurt me when you cut me out.

[slightlyoffchilt]

There's only one person I would be a willing experiment to.

[Aw yeah, smooth ol' Chilt.

Oh boy, good thing (maybe?) he smoothed in that innuendo, because he is really going to need some defense. As the following texts come in, he shifts uncomfortably in his chair.]

I didn't cut you out. A sadistic narcissist tortured me, I needed a couple of days to collect myself. It was not the sort of baggage I was willing to impose upon you, especially when you were already growing tired of me and throwing salads at me.

[flowerette]

[ Did he seriously just... ]

I wasn't growing tired of you. I could never. You're far too interesting of a man for me to get tired of that quickly.

It wasn't you that had me in a mood that day, and I apologize for leading you to believe you had done something wrong.

[slightlyoffchilt]

[Oh. Oh! Well then. Chilton takes a moment to respond, considering the misconception he had committed himself to. And it had cost him a series of increasingly inappropriate and intimate presents.]

Who was it then? If I was not the source of your evident frustration. Has someone hurt you?

Someone besides me, I suppose.

[flowerette]

[ She weighs the pros and cons of actually answering his question because it's her problem to deal with. But then again, as Raina's closest contact -- Chilton could run a risk of falling under Skye's fire. ]

Skye.

I ran into her when I went out to get us lunch that day. But it doesn't matter. She doesn't matter. She's more of an embarrassment to herself than any true threat to me. And she did threaten me, of course.

But I have you. And we have an image. And I highly doubt anything she can do or say will tarnish what we have presented to the public.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Ah. Trouble from your homeworld. But we've all been there, Raina, and you are more equipped to survive it than most. Certainly more than this woman.

You are Peitho to her merely nameless naiad, she still swims in your element ultimately dependent on your charity.

I can control the image factor. She means nothing.

[flowerette]

[ The reassurances are wonderful. But Raina wants to brush the topic under the rug as quickly as possible, so she latches on to one bit and disregards the rest. ]

Do you really think of me as Peitho?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Goddess of persuasion. Seduction. Sappho argues the progeny of Aphrodite herself, with all that parallel charm and beauty. I wouldn't call it inaccurate.

[But there's a darker side to his analogy; Chilton uses persuasion to mean verbal manipulation, in its most defiant and empowered manifestation. He knows Raina can take care of herself, despite his earlier worry. He knows she has her artillery.]

[flowerette]

[ That brings a smile to her face even though it remains unseen. ]

You really know how to make me feel special, Frederick. I've missed your company these past few days.

And I know you've missed mine more.

[ And then she switches to video -- all dolled up and ready for her 'date' with Crane. ]

After this dinner, would you like to meet up? We can resolve to go to Solve. [ Wink. A call back to their very first meeting. ]

Unless you're not ready for something so public just yet. Have you recovered completely?

[slightlyoffchilt]

[He responds with video, as it's only polite. Clean, recently showered, hair perfectly stylized, and wearing gray-blue colors. There are dual dark crescents under his eyes.]

I'm fine.

[The statement lacked his usual conviction.]

If you can, get him talking about the vigilantes we have in this world. What he thinks of them. Their archetypes. We can discuss your investigation over drinks at Solve, yes.

[flowerette]

Of course. Anything, Frederick.

[ Raina offers with warmth and kindness. ]

I would say I'm doing this all for you, but I know you know the truth.

[ The truth that it's Raina's own curiosities and interest leading her down this path. However, she can award him answers to his questions. It's the least she can do for all that he's suffered. ]

If you think of anything else you want me to question him about, send me a message. I will have my phone and it will be on. I'll see you later, my Soter.

[slightlyoffchilt]

[He got a shiver at that. Soter. Savior.]

Duly noted. Hopefully you'll be all done with that business by nine o'clock -- I'll be waiting at Solve regardless.

[flowerette]

It shouldn't take any longer than that. I anticipate he will want to leave as soon as possible.

[ She's about to end the call but then pauses. ]

Oh, and Frederick? The unshaven look is quite a good look for you. Perhaps it's something to consider wearing more often?

[slightlyoffchilt]

[His hand went to his chin, rubbing against the ambitious stubble. He surrendered a half-smile and a light shrug.]

I'll take that as a subtle hint. Have a fruitful dinner, Raina.