slightlyoffchilt | - IC CONTACT POST FOR MASKORMENACE -

I think you had a sort of prescience that can only benefit our community as a whole, Peter. Your shining ethos, your determination -- that's the sort of inspiration that can influence a massive population. [A beat followed, and he inclined his head, acknowledging the caveat to follow.] When embodied with the right individual, of course.

A leader requires a certain appeal.

[ Except this somehow felt like it was going too fast. He was either clueless or he couldn't keep up. Or maybe he didn't want to, or maybe he wanted it so badly it hurt. To be the one that everyone followed. To be the one everyone saw as finally making all the right choices. It would be beyond what he'd ever wanted when the only things he'd ever dreamed of were helping with or without the notice of others.

But his mind was still a touch boggled. ]

You still didn't answer my question. Where am I supposed to be leading everyone? Because if you're implying- I know I want to but nobody's going to follow that. I don't even know if i'd follow it, I-

I don't have enough appeal to overcome the things I need to do.

Not a physical place, Peter, but a moral destination. And it's true that not everyone would follow your step, it's true that some would require starker persuasion than others... [He let the implication linger, with an artful one-shouldered shrug. Chilton wouldn't stain their conversation with direct comments of violence, not yet.] But I'm sure you see what I see? How fractured the imPorts are, how dangerous this is becoming. People need someone to look up towards, people need someone to trust.

And perhaps you are that person because of the things you need to do. You're making tough decisions -- how is that not a leadership quality?

[ But he knows it's a physical place, he's just being contrary because he has no idea where the hell this is going. Why him. Why is this conversation happening. Why is he supposed to incite belief in the hearts of many with beliefs he... doesn't even quite get that Chilton's trying to get at.

He thinks he might. But maybe he doesn't want to. ]

Because I didn't go into politics for a reason. A lot of reasons. And sure, I know I have the qualities that... make people follow me. I've done the giving speeches thing before, keeping people on target and rallying the masses. Even when the masses were three people.

But I just don't know where you think i'm taking anyone. Nobody's standing behind me killing people- do you know how fast i'd be arrested? How fast the other 'vigilante's' - [ the air quotes are oh, so painfully evident ] - would be all over me? I already tried to say my piece less than a handful of people listened. They're not going to start if I show my face.

While not many people will stand behind a killer, a significant amount will stand behind a crusader.

[Or a martyr, but that was a different tone entirely. Chilton has spoken with a kindly smile that leaked into his verbal tone (something he knew Peter would notice). It was a tonal choice that he thought would buy him a little time as he deconstructed Peter's reactions. The phrased irony, the self-deprecation -- Chilton believed that Peter knew what he was getting at, but his patient simply did not want to acknowledge it in full. The psychiatrist understood that impulse, he was even somewhat sympathetic; after all, a sharp intuition would denote this situation as something dire. The responsibility inherent wasn't some mere hobby.]

They need to be persuaded, that's true. You've been honest with our community, Peter, and that will carry weight -- once the right message starts to get out. That's where I'd like to help you.

We need to showcase what a danger Sylar is. We need to prove to them how you were right.

Proving to people that Sylar's dangerous isn't exactly difficult. But it's proving that he's any more dangerous than half the people around here that's the problem. Everyone's got a worst enemy- I don't even know how many people are actively seeing Crane, just as an example. And he's not as bad as some people around here.

[ Peter knows these things, he does. And it being spoken with the sort of touch that's meant to be- well, nice, makes Peter want to be compliant just because he's being cooed to instead of demeaned. Killing them with kindness has always been effective on Peter, always, if only because he's a sucker for feeling as if he's somehow appreciated in his behavior. As if he's needed. But he still wasn't quite sure what path he was supposed to be walking here.

Except for the obvious one, where he's holding the staff and parting the Red Sea. Which is distressingly appealing. ] I can't go on the Network and slaughter people to make my point. But don't actions speak loudest? Shouldn't I do something and then make a statement?

Or am I supposed to rally the masses first and then send everyone with their pitchforks after Sylar? What do you want me to do?

Ah -- yes. [The mention of the other psychiatrist provokes a hesitation from Chilton's part. He knew that Peter's initial encounter with Crane had been unpalatable, but as far as he could tell Peter had escaped unscathed. That had always been something of a linger question in Chilton's mind -- didn't Crane know Peter's value? Didn't he see the fracturing? Or perhaps Crane sought a different kind of target -- it was nonsensical either way. But given how Chilton had benefited, he wasn't about to complain.

However, the resurgence of Crane's name worried Chilton. Was the man leering at his patient again? Maybe regretting the profile he had lost?]

I can't say I know of many, but I'm sure he safeguards his records suitably enough. I know that Will Graham keeps an eye on him, which isn't the worst defense to have implemented. [But far from foolproof, if Hannibal was any foreshadow.] I suppose we shall see.

It's a good idea. To act first. [The glowing warmth in his voice was sincere.] Ideally, if you took control of a dangerous situation -- perhaps something unrelated to Sylar -- and then used that as a platform for your insight. People trust a leader, but they also trust a healer. And you happen to be both. If something outrageous were to happen, it's the first responding aid that will capture the spotlight, Peter. That could be your time to shine.

[ The only reason Crane had popped up is because, well- he's talking to his psychiatrist and Crane is pretending to be one. Comparing apples and oranges or something. The only reason he's doing this after all is because he's fairly sure that Chilton isn't faking it for kicks. Apart from that, there's no further mention he sees fit to bring up. He barely even pays attention to Crane these days; doesn't speak to him, doesn't listen.

He's almost inclined to say he's spoken with Will, though he has no idea where that'd fit, either. Instead he just sighs, thinking for a few seconds in silence. ]

But nothing has happened. I can't run in to save the day unless there's something.. or someone that needs to be saved. And considering this place, it'd have to be someone important. No one usually cares enough to worry unless we're talking Superman, here.

Unless you're implying that i'm the one that should start up whatever situation I need and that- I don't know if I have a problem with that so much as I have no idea what i'd do. [ No, that's not true - he's near paving his way as a serial killer. ] Or who i'd have to pay to do it. But being a first responder's easy - that part i've got down.

[Chilton tilted his head, his gaze sliding to the corners of his eyes. That physical reaction, unseen, took a moment's pause -- the silence of which could certainly be deduced as something indicative of what he was about to say:]

I'd say that, in lack of any current crisis, then yes. A demonstration of your own design would be the best medication. It isn't as if traumatic events don't occur now and again -- the timing is just inconvenient to our purposes. But perhaps it's all the better to manufacture one, if only to ensure you have the most control made feasible.

[Another beat followed.]

I'm not talking about mass murder. Of course. [Not yet.] But what about infrastructure accidents? Some disaster to demonstrate how well you act under pressure.

[ He had to think fairly hard about that, going utterly silent for a good few seconds - longer than even he'd like to - mulling possibilities over and getting tangled up in the ideas. It's like Adam, quietly convincing him to freedom after a month of earning his trust. He had no idea how he'd wound up walking down this road but he isn't even thinking about it, instead considering how he'd go about accomplishing it.

And just how good of an idea it is, something his brain is near cheering about. Because wouldn't it just do exactly what he wanted? If it worked, that is. ]

So i'm the one who knocks down the building. [ Hm. Saying it outloud requires even more thinking, though this time it's far more brief. ] You do know i'm not a... demolition expert, right? And I don't have super strength. Apparently making a bomb's easy enough, but that's not infrastructure so much as terrorism.

I've already scared the shit out of the government, that'd just make it worse.

Perhaps I know a fellow who has significant chemical expertise. Someone who could concoct an explosive, easily, and without raising too much suspicion during the process?

[He was, of course, thinking of another patient on his roster. This was hardly fostering healthy treatment. But the expense of one chemist's sanity for Peter's heroic fame helped Chilton twofold.]

In purely hypothetical terms, as we needn't commit to an itemized plan at the moment. But if I could solve that variable for you -- how would that make you feel?

[ How would it make him feel? That's questionable - were they in his office, Peter'd be staring at his boots, trying to come up with the right, reasonable answer to the possibility. Not squirming so much as going infinitely more still. Which is, in essence, what he's doing anyway. Going quiet, absently glancing around as if the air around him might whisper the right words to make him sound less like he's starting to crack. ]

I don't know how it'd make me feel. Doesn't matter- I'd do it. It's saving people, right? For a good cause?

[ It makes him go bit glassy-eyed, staring off again before he gets with it, like spending hours staring at the ceiling in Primatech. ] That's what matters. Getting people's attention, making sure people know. I want them to listen. To me. For once.

Perhaps it is better not to speculate upon what emotional responses you might have, true. Your focus is much better when directed to the cause at hand, much like you said -- making that statement.

[His own voice rises, but only a little. Chilton comes in strongly, if gently, reassuring and enabling with bold consonants and careful, silken vowels. He wields a tone intended to banish whatever doubts might fester within that noteworthy mind of Peter's. Safe, cogent, forceful -- that was the brand of support that Chilton thought Peter required.]

They need to listen to you. Their survival might depend upon it.

But what if-

[ But he never asked Adam but what if. What if we get caught, what if someone finds Victoria's body, what if they comes looking for them. There were so many what if's that Peter could get lost in a single one of them, the worst of them being what if I get caught. But starting down that rabbit hole meant following through with the repercussions and he had no idea if Chilton would be there to save him or not.

The blame, he knew, would fall on his shoulders alone. Which meant he had to get it right. ]

You know the logistics that're gonna have to go into this, right? What city, what building, who's gonna see, how bad it's gonna get. I'm not just asking someone to jump off a bridge and then flying them to safety- it's knocking into a building. The last time I even broke into one I had telepathy and I don't anymore.

And I can't just go ask someone for help.

I certainly wouldn't advise rushing this job, Peter, I promise you that.

[It was reassuring, if anything, that Peter kept one eye on the coordination and the other on the grander vision. Chilton was made all the more confident that Mr. Petrelli was the right man for the job -- the ideal emblem of imPort perseverance.]

But preemptive consideration is all I ask. I agree that this must be kept between us... And while your hands will surely remain spotless, well. [He cleared his throat, some measure of disciplined restraint. It was an invitation of prelude, a hint of his commitment.]

I know someone. Who can. [Abduxel, the demon already employed by Chilton.] Get back to me when you want to enact this necessity, and I will plan out the logistics for you. Your hands will be clean, we will keep the damage as minimized as humanly possible.

It will be easy to respect that preference.

[ Peter's brain is officially toast.

He listens closely enough, follows along and takes part in the reassurance of the fact that he won't get whiplash from the resounding effects of what's to come from this whole thing. Which is needed, of course, but no less dangerous. And yet, there's something placating about it, as if there's assurances that this won't come crumbling down around him whenever he's... ready to enact the entirety of the performance. Which is exactly what this is.

A necessary visual of what can be done. What he needs to do. And it seems so obvious when Chilton puts it the way he does - Adam had been equally as comforting, and even now Peter has to wonder what he'd have done given the choice. Even more so now than ever. It's the beginning of something greater and it's so unbelievably pertinent that Peter almost doesn't know how to cope with it. With the sheer necessity.

That doesn't mean he isn't at least partially terrified of it. ]

I thought getting back to you was kind of a prerequisite. [ Peter's gone a touch foggy, not sure there's much else to say apart from the fact that his head is a little bit full. ]

[Chilton raises an eyebrow at that statement -- something thankfully not observed, given the nature of the call. But that fogginess is observed, and Chilton considers taking a more cautionary approach through his demeanor. The last thing he'd want is to overwhelm Peter, to seem like he's trying to force any handling going on between them. Subtlety was a quality that Chilton had since refined in the wake of Hannibal Lecter, and Peter would be one of the foremost beneficiaries.]

For this matter, yes. But I'm only part of the process -- a process that is entirely your choice to endeavor.

[Calm, cooling, reassuring.]

You have time, Peter, there is no rush. I would much rather you feel confident and prepared, of course. Consider that as the most pressing prerequisite, if you would.

[ Peter takes in a breath and holds it for a few seconds - unconscious self soothing while trying to decide how to respond. Peter doesn't know what's beneficial to say here, what means something and what's still worth keeping to himself. But as far as Peter knows, he shouldn't be keeping secrets at all. Not from Chilton. Even when he still feels like everything is meant to be kept to himself. ]

I get that it's my choice, which I appreciate- believe me. I like actually knowing about things for once before I throw myself into them. I still wish- [ Adam would know what to do. But Chilton's taken that place now and Peter clears his throat abandoning the trial of thought. ] Nevermind. Doesn't matter anymore.

[ Another exhale. ] I'll try not to let the decision take forever. It's not like waiting around to decide will do anyone any good, either.

Perhaps that decision will be made for you.

[Softly, gently delivered. Almost in a merciful tenor. He's only speaking statistically, of course, as Raina hadn't yet had her Swearing-In premonition, as Crane has yet to enact the darkness that would cloud those De Chima skies. But Chilton has spent some time in Heropa -- a consequence of this world -- and he watched how the numbers correlated with human behavior.]

Though I do believe that it would just be better if we had more control over whatever catalyst was required. I rather trust us far more than I trust the average psychopath. Or even the above average psychopath.

[ Well, there it was - if there were more effective words, they likely didn't exist. Peter hadn't even been aware of the fact that roping him in could still be so easy. Because if they didn't make it happen, someone else would and Peter practically cringes from the possibility. Because it wasn't a maybe, it was a definite - around here cataclysmic events seemed to happen every time someone breathed. ]

And if we have more control over it, then we'll actually know how to fix it. How to help.

Precisely. [The pleasure in Chilton's tone could not be overstated; he coaxed and enabled, and here was Peter -- ready to ascend.]

It will only be a matter of timing.

You make it sound easy.

[ Because in Peter's head, it still sounded tremendously large. And potentially devastating if on domino got knocked out of line. ]

Deconstruction is part of my job.

[And he's so confident in that, his cajoling so warm and supportive.]

We can do this, Peter. You and me.

[ The fact that he honestly sounds worthy of belief is the only significant part, to Peter. That he sounds like he believes himself, believes in it; not that he's simply waiting for Peter to carry his bags. ]

Yeah. We can.

Good to hear.

[Reverberation, back and forth. The subconscious reminder that they were both in this together.]

I'll talk to you later, then, won't I?

- IC CONTACT POST FOR MASKORMENACE -

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