maskormenacelogs | [CLOSED] my road it ain't your road but trust i know (i know just where i'm going)

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[CLOSED] my road it ain't your road but trust i know (i know just where i'm going)

WHO: Lord Petyr Baelish and Lesser Lord Doctor Frederick Chilton
WHERE: Chilton's hospital in Heropa
WHEN: July 2nd, early morning
WHAT: Discussing plans for the Maurtia Falls Hospital for Behavioral Renovation
WARNINGS: Probably lots of shade.

[ Petyr arrived promptly at the agreed upon time, heading toward Chilton's office. He had only been in this building once before, but it was infinitely easier this time. It truly was amazing how quickly one adapted to the modern technology and overly bright lights. But whenever given the option, Baelish would always take the stairs instead of the elevators. He felt far more confident putting trust in his own movement than letting technology be the thing to carry him.

Reaching Chilton's office, Baelish knocked lightly on the door. There was a certain hierarchy here. Before when he came to the hospital, Chilton was the man in charge -- the well established doctor. And while he was still king of this castle, he served Petyr Baelish who dangled an opportunity before him. It only took four months to have the doctor in the palm of his hand. But whenever the psychiatrist did answer the door, Petyr's smile was nothing short of amicable -- just two friends on equal ground discussing a business endeavor. ]

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Ambassador Baelish!

[Chilton opened his door, his solar smile already beaming. Chilton was more than willing to put on a show for his prospective patron, and he understood the underlining requirement to pander. Lord Baelish, he imagined, was used to subservience and observed propriety; Chilton hardly wanted to rock the boat with contrarian opinions of birthright power. Even if the translation into the democratic world was messy to consider, there was a hierarchical difference to be noted: Chilton, hired and appointed, had dominion over his patients and his employees, and a greater extent to the political academia inherent to hospitals. Petyr Baelish, elected official, had dominion over a city that housed dozens of imPorts. And more importantly, he had money along with that power.

So when Chilton opened that door, he did so with grand hospitality.]

Would you like a brandy, before we start? It would be just a brief stroll, and I prefer to take the stairs.

I would, thank you.

[ He stepped into the office, looking around at the decor before his eyes returned to Chilton whenever the doctor moved to pour the glass or glasses. ]

It was only a few months ago I sat down here with you, new to this modern world in order to receive your approval. Your word that I am fit to fit in and mentally sound.

[ Baelish mused, walking toward Chilton's bookshelf. ]

Now I stand as Ambassador to Maurtia Falls, voted in by the imPorts. I suppose that is a testament to your good judgement. I was more than fit to fit in.

And I am delighted by your success.

[Chilton had grabbed his crystal decanter and its contents, quickly pouring two tumblers of brandy. He glanced up only to follow Baelish's movements.]

Your ascendancy has proven to be remarkable, meteoric even. [Chilton moved towards Baelish, glasses in both his hands.] In no small part due to your ardent support system, I imagine.

[Chilton was, of course, speaking of himself.]

I have always had a talent for befriending the right people. But so rarely does that talent bring me someone as intelligent and like-minded as you, my friend.

[ Petyr smiled, not above flattery or paying compliments. He could not exude his dominance and higher status simply because he had it -- not so overtly. He was certain what won him the campaign was that he came across as charming and charismatic while still intelligent enough to make a difference. So while he secretly delighted in being above Chilton, he wouldn't let on that he viewed them as anything other than the greatest companions.

He accepted the tumbler, drawing in a sip as his eyes scanned the book titles. ]

Someday I imagine you will have a shelf full of your own books. Case studies written by you in your new hospital. Awards hanging on your walls. Framed magazine covers with your image on them. You will do well in Maurtia Falls.

It certainly is my hope.

[Chilton had kept his gaze on Petyr Baelish; perhaps it was a little too eager of him, a little too desperate, but there was a piece that the doctor so desperately wanted to play. Acquiring a fully functional hospital, his hospital, would eradicate the pestering specters of oversight and regulation. He would once again, finally, be able to engage projects with the security he could afford at the Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane.

It was a power play, and Chilton played for his own power. His goals just happened to align with Baelish's own agenda, much to his good fortune.]

Have you seen the display of powers here? I once treated a man by the name of Doctor Conners. He had a woebegone condition alongside his mood instability, you see, it was quite bizarre. The man could transform into a terrifying, lethal lizard -- often against his own will.

I needed to create something that would contain him. And people like him.

[ Petyr casually leaned against the edge of the bookshelf, his attention on Chilton as he spoke of this Doctor Conners. A man who was likely no longer within this world. But it was a fascinating condition. ]

Such a man could have been used to your favor, I would imagine. [ He lifted his tumbler. ] Hypothetically speaking.

[ And he took a sip. After all, Chilton probably built the containment area with the express purpose of actually helping imPorts. Not building them into monstrosities and unleashing them on the public.

The second thing was absolutely something Baelish would do. ]

So does this facility you had built -- this containment center get much use?

That was the idea.

[A broad confession accompanied by the tilt of his head. Chilton didn't hide the smirk -- it was a secret shared between them, that was the implication.]

I enjoy case studies of a specific nature, you understand. My specialty -- my original specialty, before Heropa -- was also my passion. Narcissistic personality disorders, psychopathy, identity dissociation. It is all remarkable to comprehend.

[Something of a spiel.]

And perhaps because of my passion, my pet project has been put to use only rarely. I believe I need to expand the definition of applicants, and I can -- with your help.

[ The smirk Chilton wore was matched in full by Baelish. The confession didn't only serve the purpose of a secret shared between friends, it also greatly endeared Baelish to Chilton. A man so willing to play with the people under his authority -- that was the sort of man Baelish did so enjoy. A person willing to play this great game with him. A person who may one day challenge him. ]

If I wasn't already inclined toward making your hospital a reality within Maurtia Falls, you would have sold me on it now. I do imagine it to be a rare thing indeed when someone actually arrives and meets your certain criteria. But when they do, you are likely extraordinary at your craft. It takes a certain talent to do what you do, and I can only hope I get to see the results of your efforts someday.

[ Petyr swirled the brandy around in his glass. ]

I see something of a mirror in you, Doctor Chilton. We are both men of vision and ambition, both men who can use this world to our advantage.

[ A pause and then he lifted his drink in Chilton's honor. ]

I admire you.

[It was a flattering statement. Chilton smiled -- shyly -- and dipped his chin as he shrugged his shoulders in bashful acknowledgement. It was the sort of demeanor a besotted girl might express before her suitor.]

Would you like to see it, now? I've ensured that the security cameras have been temporarily disabled. Our movements will not be observed.

[The implication being that most of Chilton's guests had their movements observed. The man was highly fond of surveillance.]

I had been friendly with the prior Ambassador to Maurtia Falls, you know, before his exportation. Polite. But I hadn't felt the same sort of camaraderie as I do now; like you said, we are both men of vision and ambition.

And I find that to be something of extreme satisfaction.

[ The way Chilton accepted the praise was a mix of surprising and sad. Baelish housed far more grace than Chilton when it came to receiving compliments, but he still understood the sentiment behind Chilton's response. The reaction was genuine and honest and spoke volumes about the man's life. It seemed it was not often that he heard such praise from a peer. And Baelish certainly understood what it was like to be looked down upon.

But he nodded after the invitation. ]

Yes, of course.

[ Baelish straightened up, gesturing for Chilton to lead the way as he finished off his brandy in one large gulp. The empty glass was left behind and he clasped his fingers behind his back in order to follow the king of this psychiatric kingdom. ]

Ambassador Revan was not a bad man. But it seems to me as though he did not allow himself to get terribly close to the imPort population. That is why I imagine no one mourned his absence. He missed a grand opportunity to know the finest doctor of psychiatry this world and any world has to offer. But his loss is my gain.

How many know of your special projects?

Oh -- how many in general, or how many remaining in this world? Because there is a few more of the latter.

[His thoughts were on the doctor already mentioned, Abel Gideon, and Walter White. Chilton beckoned Baelish to follow him, and he was careful to lock his office door behind them before they accosted the stairway.]

But those remaining here, hm, three -- perhaps four?

[He wasn't sure if Jesse Pinkman knew about the containment center, or if he simply suspected.]

It is a bit of a walk down the stairwell, I hope you don't mind. At least there's electricity running all the way down, no need for torches.

[A smile flicked Baelish's way, as if the lord would appreciate the joke.]

But yes, I can tell already that you have a few major designs underway. Your Ambassadorship will influence the years to come.

It is my hope.

[ He answered, a bit darkly. Words rich with a deeper meaning. If his ambassadorship could be used as a platform to subtly change the history of this world to his whims, the way he had back home, then he would be satisfied. But Baelish had no qualms about walking and followed without complaint, having smiled in return at Chilton's little joking comment that was also a bit derisive about his world.

How archaic, the use of torches. Poor Petyr Baelish who came from a world lacking technology. ]

Is Rincewind one of those individuals? [ His tone was casual, conversational, but for the psychiatrist who was skilled at reading the emotions of people, he may have been able to denote a hint of possession. Did Rincewind know the sort of man Chilton was before Baelish? Had Chilton confided in him first? ]

Edited 2016-07-10 22:30 (UTC)

Rincewind? [The question held meaning, especially since Chilton knew of Baelish's prior skirmishes with the wizard.] Oh no, no. Not unless it was leaked to him, no. [Chilton started down the more winding staircase of the basement level, his eyes focused on how his feet landed.] I think it might unnerve the man, and I wouldn't want to do that.

[Upon arrival to the basement level, Chilton flipped on another set of switches: bright ceiling lights, wide and tall, flickered before glowing to illuminate the entire lower level. Three clear boxes -- imPort Containment Centers, as Chilton called them -- stood proudly with thickened glass right in the middle of the room.]

I had removed much of my psychiatric supplies from here. I needed it elsewhere.

[ Well, that was a satisfying answer. Both that Baelish was first to know and that he now had leverage of something he could tell Rincewind if there ever came a time or a need. ]

That is quite thoughtful of you. To hide qualities of yourself so that he can feel more comfortable around you. [ He said it like it was nothing but a compliment, and to Baelish it probably mostly was. He came from a world where everyone hid their true nature.

But now that they were here, his eyes darted over their surroundings and he approached one of these so-called imPort containment centers. A bit like an unpleasantly claustrophobic chamber. Baelish ran his hand over the surface and knocked lightly on it to see what sort of material they were made of. ]

And these can house imPorts? Do they have nullification properties?

They do, in fact -- or they would. I would have to apply for any nullifiers on loan, as a parole officer, from our government hosts. Ample red tape, the bureaucracy is thick in these woods.

[Something that Chilton so greatly disdained.]

Consider this to be but the prototype. I would want more built to better house a greater capacity, I would want immersive therapy.

Better to properly redirect our more malignant monsters. [A beat.] And you have a plan, don't you? For what that direction would be?

Maurtia Falls will be... easier. The corruption spreads deep through the system, and I've little doubt there are government officials willing to turn a blind eye for the right price.

[ His interest shifted away from the containment center and back to Chilton as he approached the man, almost a bit uncomfortably close. ]

Aye, I have a plan. Or at the very least, a single project to get this off the ground.

[ Emulating camaraderie -- a hand on his shoulder to invade personal space as he leaned in toward the doctor's ear, his voice lowering to nothing more than a murmur between them. ]

Billy Kaplan. I want him entirely under your control. I have heard from a trustworthy source that he is the one responsible for that week of imPort insanity last month. The week that almost saw me die. The week that changed the man you were. You recall what he did to you? How he made you live a lie of a life? Such unpredictable chaos must be contained.

[ His eyes drifted toward the glass chambers. How far would Chilton be willing to go for his project? Because Baelish did remember hearing a note of protection in the man's voice when he first spoke of Kaplan. ]

[Surprise etched over Chilton's facial features. Billy Kaplan was already a patient of the doctor's -- one that Chilton found to be personally amicable. And Frederick Chilton did indeed play favorites, he practiced his unorthodox methods so openly and without shame; that fact inspired a tangle of complicated emotions. He liked Billy, he found the younger man to be polite and graceful, and they had thoughtful conversations together. But if Billy was the rook that required sacrifice for Chilton to get what he wanted...]

Kaplan isn't a malignant force. He simply... Suffers from extreme neurotic consequences, and occasionally a crippling kind of depression. I would have him medicated if not for the unforeseen complications -- risks that our reality cannot suffer.

[He hadn't pulled away from Baelish, not even when the lord invaded his personal space so seamlessly. That perhaps spoke enough to what Baelish wanted to hear, if in a subtler language.]

Have you seen the extent of his power, Petyr? Kaplan might very well outstrip Lucifer.

All the more reason why he should be under your control. Only you know the methods best utilized. And if this containment center would do him more damage than good, then by all means find another way. But you and I both know that his powers do rival the strongest of imPorts. And having such an ally at your beck and call...

[ Or rather, Baelish's beck and call... ]

...would prove to be useful. Make him loyal to you, Doctor Chilton. Unquestioningly loyal. Such a thing should not be outside the realm of your powers, correct?

[ Whether the methods used were unorthodox or not, Baelish didn't care. So long as Billy Kaplan became a controllable game piece on his side, Chilton could have gone to the boy and asked him politely to listen to him above everyone for the sake of his sanity for all Baelish cared. All he wanted to see was the end result. ]

I have taken exemplary care of Kaplan.

[Alluding to the fact that Billy was, and has been, his patient for quite some time. It was information that Chilton had been cavalier about over the Network, but private and intimate discussion was another animal altogether.]

... He already trusts me to a significant degree. Not blindingly, no, but -- [A beat.] If that is what you require, Lord Baelish.

A requirement?

[ Petyr's hand slithered like a snake down Chilton's arm, brushing the fabric of his suit in its wake. His eyes followed the motion and then flickered back up to meet the psychiatrist's. ]

A request. You can only do what is within your power. And such a matter must be approached in a way that will not upset the balance of this world's reality. It will be a lengthy process, and I imagine there is a very real possibility he may port out before you can strengthen that bond between the two of you. But it is a project I would like for you to attempt within your new hospital.

[ The other palm came up to cup Chilton's face in his hand as he spoke with a tenderness. ]

And you know I will protect you. From the law. From the people who may judge the things you do. As your ambassador and as your friend, while you are within my city, I shall do everything within my power to ensure you thrive.

[Chilton balked at the sudden cupping of his chin, paralytic in his response. Baelish had taken him by surprise -- the ambassador used spontaneity to his advantage, it seemed, and Chilton had only an adolescent defense against soft touches and pretty words.]

I know.

[Affirmation of Petyr's promise. Chilton kept his gaze locked with Baelish's, as if he was unable to break it away, unable to divert the mesmerism.]

I do not doubt that you would look out for me, for my affairs.

[Implicit trust. A sentiment spoken more from the fact that Chilton couldn't, or wouldn't, pull away from Baelish's touch. It was the nonverbal submission of a lesser lord to his higher authority, if nothing else.]

[ The hand, both of them, fell away from Chilton as he nodded with a faint smirk at the softened submission. A curious response. He half expected defiance or disgust. ]

Good. I approve of your proposal. And now all that is left is to work out the details and bring it before the government. Will you be bringing fellow imPorts over to work with you? I should like the chance to meet them. Perhaps we can have a celebratory feast in your honor. I can pay for everything and you would not have to even lift a finger.

[Not have to even lift a finger, said Littlefinger. A play with words that Chilton wouldn't indulge verbally.]

I could enlist imPorts. [He said, his words soaked in caution.] But aside from Reggie Mantle, there are practically none capable enough to handle the real grit of such work.

None? I have a difficult time believing there are not imPorts whose agendas match your own. But perhaps you've yet to meet them. We often hide our nature from one another. And you, my friend, are a man stuck between two worlds. A world of ambition and furthering yourself and a more normalized world of friendships and heroics. I find myself wondering sometimes which is your true nature?

[ His palm slid along one of the glass containment chambers, wiping off a thin layer of dust. How could he ignite the fire in Chilton? How could he see where Chilton's ambition would take him? The man did best when he had a target to take down. ]

Who do you despise in this world above everyone else? Who is it you would gladly destroy if you had the opportunity?

Oh -- Dorian Gray. Jesse Pinkman. Lucifer, because he is just so damn irritating to me. Like a scab that's scarred you beneath healed skin, that's Lucifer. Will -- [A halted beat. He had almost said Will Graham.] ... You be taking an interest in each case individually?

They are not my cases to take. But yours. I wish to see you thrive, Doctor Chilton. Of course, our agendas do align when it comes to our desires to see Lucifer fall from grace once again.

[ Baelish had heard the stories of the devil's fall from heaven, after all. ]

But should your wishes grow into true desires to see those men destroyed and I could provide a way to aid you in your pursuits, I would be more than happy to offer you my assistance. You are my one true friend within this world.

[Chilton, with both a tilt of his head and his lips, watched Baelish with a warm touch of curiosity.]

Duly noted, Ambassador.

[With a sweep of his arm, he indicated the remainder of the room.]

Why don't we finish the tour, then you and I can pursue coffee, or tea. Or something stronger.

Of course.

[ He mirrored that quick upturn of lips and gestured for Chilton to go on ahead. ]

Lead the way.

[ And all the while, Baelish trailed closely behind him -- fascinated by this walk through Chilton's world. Yes, he thought. This man was an extremely valuable ally to have. ]

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[CLOSED] my road it ain't your road but trust i know (i know just where i'm going)

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