herrstory | IC CONTACT

Fine.

[ Starr said, all emotion fleeing him. All care or investment draining. It was entirely impassive. Chilton had likely made up his mind so there was no sense arguing with him on the matter. But there was also no sense in staying in the room for further conversation either. He would have to find another means of eliminating this ambassadorial influence. ]

Will that be all?

[It was a curious thing, to watch Starr. He was such a subtle creature, so calculating and so composed. His expressions needed a trained eye, and -- often -- a sense of humor.]

Not unless you have something to share? Something to get off your chest?

Are you seeking a confession?

[ He paused, considering. ]

Fine. I shall indulge you. I was listening in on one of your conversations the other day, and it leaves me baffled as to why a man who has the mayor in his corner pocket would feel the need to have the ambassador's influence. Especially after you spoke in such depth about conditioning the population through your own skills. You have enough power on your own to outshine them both.

[Chilton's smug, smarmy smirk -- the one that had been savoring Starr's clear disdain -- now faltered. Washed clean off his face like dirt from a storm-drenched stone.]

What?

[His voice lost its brazen glow.]

Listening into my conversation how? [He hadn't been keeping focused enough tabs on Starr, he realized that now.] And why?

I threw my lot in with you. I opted not to run for De Chima ambassador in order to focus upon my work here. So I will be damned if I do not throw everything into being here, including keeping tabs upon you.

[ He got up to approach Chilton's desk, laying palms flat on the surface as he loomed almost threateningly over the Doctor. ]

So tell me why it is you can have such brilliant ideas -- everything this world would need as a Messiah and yet you crawl and kiss the feet of these ambassadors -- as though your influence would not far eclipse their own?

[Chilton, utterly unprepared for Starr's intensity, sank back into his seat. For those few moments, he remained flabbergasted -- stunned at the question posed and the framework that supported its question mark. A remarkable silence filled the room as he struggled for his tongue.]

I -- [Blinking, he took a deep breath.] I know how to run a hospital. I do not know how to enact what you're talking about.

I do not believe in much. But I believe in you.

[ Starr didn't move back, didn't waver in his stance. ]

You have the exact makings to recreate this world. Any doubt I had in this was quelled by your offering to turn Jaime Reyes into your own sacrificial lamb. But even though you have what it takes, you lack the confidence needed. You still think of terms of things of this world. You think of your hospital and make the hospital larger than the man who runs it. And it should be the exact opposite.

What would this even... How would we start?

[He asked, enthralled. Starr possessed a compelling authority, the sort of energy that made you watch him. And so, Chilton watched him. Stunned, captivated. His mind suggestible.]

How would I start this?

Come with me.

[ Starr eased off of Chilton, straightening himself so there was a comfortable distance between them. He ceded the authority back to his boss while still maintaining an air of mystery about his intentions. He was suggesting Chilton follow him while dangling such an attractive bait -- the unknown. ]

I've something to show you outside of the hospital. Something that will illuminate things for you.

Well -- all right.

[Not so much as even a whisper of disobedience, and Chilton stood up to follow Starr away and out the door.

He barely registered being outside, he was so transfixed by what might happen.]

[ Since this was essentially a business venture, Starr took the keys to the company van -- opening the door for Chilton to give him a small taste of preferential treatment. And once the man was inside, Starr circled to the driver's seat. ]

It's about twenty minutes outside of the city. But you've no appointments to get to until later in the afternoon, correct?

[ Chilton had called Starr in to play a little game, and surely he allowed himself plenty of time for that game to flourish. ]

You do like to monopolize my time, you know that, I'm sure.

[It was more a sly remark that anything weighted with criticism; there was little that Chilton could do to protest anyway, so what would be the use of any sanctimonious remark?

He assumed shotgun as invited, which would put him right next to Starr in his driver's seat. And he did this without question.]

Where are we going?

[Well. Without immediate question.]

I blame you entirely for being an intriguing individual.

[ A casual compliment tossed toward his runner up Messiah. Starr certainly wouldn't treat Chilton with the same level of respect he bestowed upon Josh. Chilton wouldn't believe it anyway. But a compliment here and there? Those would build up the ego. ]

But as for where we are going, I am not one to erupt prematurely. It would ruin the surprise.

[ He pulled off onto the road. It might have been dangerous to let a man who was blind in one eye operate a vehicle. But Starr didn't really seem to have any problems abiding by the traffic rules. ]

If you would rather have a distraction for the ride, however, might I suggest allowing me to fondle your testicles?

Edited 2018-05-05 02:43 (UTC)

Yes, Herr Starr, you can absolutely do that.

[Said Chilton, dryly, indulging in sarcasm -- his mistake, given his company. He should have known better.]

I hope it isn't excessively far, then. [He didn't put it past Starr to potentially ditch him after whatever event they were attending to. Chilton had resigned himself to acknowledging that he could not always predict Starr's behavior.

In fact, he could rarely predict it.]

An excellent choice.

[ Starr could definitely read tone. He just opted to ignore it. While he prized consent, consent could be dubious. And a fine grope was not nearly as bad as forced anal penetration. So, Starr took one hand away from the wheel and without even taking his eyes off of the road for a second, he was already accessing Chilton's zipper. ]

It will not be far. And it will not be long. So you needn't concern yourself over time wasted. In fact, it is my hope you will come out of this understanding more about the sheer power dynamic you possess.

[ A light squeeze to Chilton's length through the fabric of his underwear to punctuate the point. ]

Come to an understanding? This might be the first time I've been accused of not being egotistical enough. I --

[His eyes widened, as Starr so deftly zipped down his zipper and in that fluid, singular motion grabbed for his member with a supportive grip.]

I -- I -- Herr Starr.

I am still waiting for you to make good on your promise to show me. Something we agreed to in the terms of my hiring. I've operated on good faith so far, but I do hope you were not merely lying to me.

[ He glanced over at Chilton briefly and then looked back to the road. They were heading out of the city, toward the more rural outskirts. Starr merged onto the highway that would take them there with one hand on the wheel and the other firmly palming Chilton's stick shift. ]

Oh god.

[Whimpered Chilton -- an outright whimper. That hand proved to be relentless.] I wasn't lying. [He lied, but he conjured it in his mind as a self-defense fibbing.] But even you have to agree that this is not the time.

Why not? You can seize control of the vehicle at any time. Should we be headed toward danger, you can keep us safe.

[ With a squeeze. ]

I remember what you did when we first met in person.

[ 'First met.' As though the ordeal wasn't a kidnapping. ]

It's not something you use often, is it? Not as much as your sedative touch. You prefer a more hands on approach, don't you? You could use your sedation for a hypnotic effect, could you not? Something put people directly under your control. Would that not make you feel powerful...?

[ The very word 'powerful' was accompanied by Starr's fingers burrowing into Chilton's pants, penetrating the layers to fondle him...to give a sexual emphasis to the word -- to create a reward response. At least it was Starr's intention. But brilliant psychiatrist Frederick Chilton could very well see straight through the tactic. ]

Mmhhn. [An unusual sound, leaking from Chilton's mouth. Something of a muffled moan.]

I have more precision with my sedative, yes. More than what any pharmacy could cough up. It could influence intimately -- what you're getting at, yes.

[He stared at Starr, who seemed so nonplussed at the multitasking achieved. That was a man with a composure that merited psychopathic analysis.]

And you want me to influence in such a manner.

Think of how many lives you could change. Think of how many you could save from themselves if you did. This ability is right at the cusp of your power, and yet you have only used it to its base potential -- to protect yourself. Are you not tired of being just another imPort?

[ Starr maintained his grasp on Chilton up until they reached their exit, which caused him to put both hands back on the wheel to turn off. He drove a little while through a scenic route of trees before they reached an old, abandoned church -- dilapidated in its current state, but once it had been beautiful. The remnants of faded stained glass were only one remaining sign of the building's former splendor. ]

We are here. Take a moment. Take a deep breath and collect yourself. Probably zip up your pants...because you are about to see your true potential when we walk through those doors.

[Grimacing, he zipped himself up. It was less the act and necessity and more the fact that Starr had ordered him to do so -- but Chilton had already forfeited a lot of authority since stepping into that vehicle. He was only now coming to realize that.]

You are being quite mysterious.

[Said Chilton, as he followed Starr in step. He was looking at the church, analyzing its meaning.]

True potential. It is flattering to hear you say, as if you see something within me.

[Something Hannibal never could, thought Chilton -- just a touch smugly.]

I do, of course. But it is meaningless if you do not see it for yourself.

[ Starr reached the door, giving a glance toward Chilton as he pushed it open. For as run down as the appearance on the outside, the church was not empty. There was incense burning and around twenty people milling about -- twenty people who stopped what they were doing as soon as Starr entered, twenty people who saw Chilton and immediately had a visceral reaction. Some burst into tears, others dropped to their knees, some expressed their abject admiration, praising Chilton and calling him their salvation.

This had been his former clone's work. And these people were Chilton's inheritance -- to take with him and do as he pleased. ]

Ladies and Gentlemen. I have delivered on my promise and brought you your Messiah.

[ Starr gestured reverently toward Chilton before dropping to a single knee next to him, the message being that even Starr would bow to him. ]

Messiah. You stand before the broken, you stand before the lost. These people are your people -- looking to you for their deliverance and salvation. Please. Say a few words. They have waited patiently for so very long to hear your message.

[ He handed the control to Chilton simply to see how much work Chilton needed before he could step into this role -- if he would be too flustered to speak or if he could embrace this immediately. ]

[Chilton stared at Starr, a quiver of horror evident on his lips. He knew who these were, how they were his people -- that imposter that so many had loved so dearly. It remained a sore spot for Chilton, who felt undermined by someone (something) wearing his face. His voice, his powers warped.

And now he stood before the remnants of it.]

You -- you've all been freed. Long ago. Months ago. You are all liberated.

[Chilton stepped towards Starr, leaning to hiss in his ear:] They aren't here for me. [His glare remained significant.]

They are here for you.

[ Starr looked up at Chilton from his place on the floor and he chose not to rise -- not until Chilton gave him express permission. What sort of example would it set for the rest of these people if he stood before the Messiah told him to? ]

All of their lives, they have been searching for meaning. Your clone started them on the right path -- but he was never the one they truly wanted. He was never real. His message did not lead them to freedom. It only led them to pain and emptiness. You are the one they've been waiting for. You are the one who has earned their loyalty without the use of intoxication or sedatives.

[ Starr gestured to the men and women with a nod of his head. ]

They are free, Messiah. And they have freely chosen to kneel before you.

IC CONTACT

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)