You really cannot stand the idea of someone like that, someone so inferior holding that kind of prestige over you. It just uproots your sense of order.
[An insightful perspective into Starr's authentic fear -- arrogant in its own way. Chilton cleared his throat, procrastinating for a moment, knowing what he must do and yet dreading the plunge.
Another sharp yelp, with a whimpering accompaniment.]
You still believe I am ruled by my own pride? That what I do is about my precious feelings?
[ The word is spat with a bitter disdain for such emotions. ]
You are wrong. There is far more at stake beyond me and my--
[ Then that order came. Starr's words ceased and with a great deal of exasperation, he reaches up to yank his tie taut -- effectively strangling himself. Although to teach Chilton a little lesson, Starr goes silent. And he is silent for much longer than the fifteen seconds. Even if he is safe and sound, Chilton deserves to have that bit of a fright that his power could cause something to go terribly wrong so he could learn a bit of restraint. ]
[At first it was funny -- deeply funny. An impossibly magical tactic to prove a mild point of curiosity. It was only an experiment, he was going to argue if need be, he was seeing if his commands had duration. Starting small, of course, like fifteen seconds small. But it was funny, with Starr cutting short his own tirade, the struggle that played prelude to silence.
Then that silence. That much too long silence.]
Hah... [A beat, and Chilton glanced at his clock.] Klaus? [Another beat.] Wake up. Shit -- Wake up. [His thumb digging into the two cuts in his palm, again and again.] Don't be dead.
[ His voice is a bit distant, as though he's got Chilton on speaker and has walked away. Starr returns with a cup of hot tea to soothe his aching throat. ]
Have you gotten this little powertrip out of your system?
No, I absolutely have not. [Anger leaked into his voice, knowing now that Starr had tricked him into guilt and fretting.] I'm just considering what humiliating thing I'll have you do next.
no subject
[ Unacceptable answer. Try again. ]
no subject
[HE TYPES THIS POINTEDLY.]
no subject
no subject
[The braggart.]
no subject
--> voice.
I wonder how bold you'll be when you can hear me.
voice.
voice.
A sharp, brief yelp.]
Tell me what you are frightened of.
[Blood on his desk, as it dribbles in droplets from the slice in his palm.]
voice.
What the world will become if that imbecile halfwit takes over back home.
voice.
[An insightful perspective into Starr's authentic fear -- arrogant in its own way. Chilton cleared his throat, procrastinating for a moment, knowing what he must do and yet dreading the plunge.
Another sharp yelp, with a whimpering accompaniment.]
Choke yourself for fifteen seconds.
voice.
[ The word is spat with a bitter disdain for such emotions. ]
You are wrong. There is far more at stake beyond me and my--
[ Then that order came. Starr's words ceased and with a great deal of exasperation, he reaches up to yank his tie taut -- effectively strangling himself. Although to teach Chilton a little lesson, Starr goes silent. And he is silent for much longer than the fifteen seconds. Even if he is safe and sound, Chilton deserves to have that bit of a fright that his power could cause something to go terribly wrong so he could learn a bit of restraint. ]
voice.
Then that silence. That much too long silence.]
Hah... [A beat, and Chilton glanced at his clock.] Klaus? [Another beat.] Wake up. Shit -- Wake up. [His thumb digging into the two cuts in his palm, again and again.] Don't be dead.
voice.
[ His voice is a bit distant, as though he's got Chilton on speaker and has walked away. Starr returns with a cup of hot tea to soothe his aching throat. ]
Have you gotten this little powertrip out of your system?
voice.
voice.
[ Sipping his drink. Starr could have hung up the phone, of course. But it's telling that he's allowing Chilton to do this, consenting to it. ]
voice.
voice.
voice.
[He thought he could, with that last one. Like the fifteen second example, it would need experimentation.]
voice.
voice.
voice.
voice.
[He almost doesn't chuckle at his own joke.]
voice.
voice.
I'll take a rain check on your next obedience trial. Wouldn't want to exhaust you so early.