herrstory | IC CONTACT

[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.

Are they? Are they here for me? [A pointed question, and one he asked with raised eyebrow. Much of this seemed to be as equally for Starr as it was for Chilton, and he wasn't sure where that line divided -- if it did, at all. That was where Jesse Custer and Frederick Chilton departed; the former too easily bought into his glorious impact, and the latter knew a manipulator when he was stroked by one. But Chilton couldn't blame Starr for seeking influence and power through a vessel, there was unrealized benefit in being the man behind the curtain, so to speak.

Chilton's question, ultimately rhetorical, did not hold his attention for long. Chilton scanned the crowd, profiling each and every participant.]

You have experience in playing this game, Starr.

[And Chilton, in contrast, felt woefully unprepared.]

I will need to be taught. How to be an emblem of hope.

You have it in you. I would not be standing beside you if you did not.

[ It was honest, at least. Starr would not be wasting his time if he did not see potential in Chilton. But it was also going to be a longer process since he did not immediately accept his 'flock.' Standing slowly, Starr placed a hand on Chilton's shoulder. ]

We will return here when you are ready. They will wait for you.

[In the fragile moment, as Starr rested a hand on his shoulder and Chilton turned his head towards him, his body tense and uncertain, did then Chilton bring a hand up to meet Starr's own. Resting on top of Starr's own. Willing, but hesitant. Ambitious, but fearful. Frederick Chilton was a project to be worked upon, someone who would want this power -- but he didn't know how to command it.]

We're going back?

[He gave Starr's hand a hopeful squeeze.]

We are. Perhaps it would be best to take smaller steps. And when you are ready...

[ Starr gave an easy gesture toward the former cult members -- there to be whatever Chilton wished. ]

I am here to support your endeavors. You may draw strength from my presence knowing that I stand behind you completely.

[ His other hand came up to rest on Chilton's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. Starr was an efficient killing machine. But he was not so socially unaware that he didn't know when he needed to be gentle. When it came to delicate matters like the Messiah, even his world's ingrate Messiah, Starr could toss away his tougher exterior to better manipulate them into what he wanted. ]

Now then. Let us get you back for your afternoon appointments.

Right -- of course. [He spoke in that dazed, distant kind of way that a man swallowed by an emotional sea would speak in. Starr had a certain forceful effect, and when he coupled his steel demeanor with more gentle weaponry, he was a force that could not be denied.

Chilton, guided from behind, put forth no complaints as Starr steered him out.]

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