Ψ Voice Ψ

[phobic]

I'm in the market for an assistant. Someone with steady hands who knows how to read aloud. You wouldn't believe how many people I'm surrounded by who have, at the most, a third grade education.

Yes, I'll pay - an hourly, twice minimum wage rate. And it's not physically demanding work.

Bats need not apply.

Comments

Video

[phobic]

He could be so much more.

Video

[viced]

Maybe, but if he wants to move up, he has to start somewhere. [ Yet he knows Jonathan doesn't mean more in politics. ]

Video

[phobic]

You ought to make this private. I'm about to say something quite damning.

Video > Encrypted (you did this just for the voice, didn't you)

[viced]

[ A sigh, and then: ] COMMUNICATOR, PLEASE USE ALPHA-DELTA ENCRYPTIONS.

I can't have that, now can I? Even if they're just accusations ,

Video > Encrypted (MAYBE A LITTLE YES but also because Jon can't encrypt so well sob)

[phobic]

Mmm, that's beautiful.

Something occurs to me, Mr. Mayor. Something about how intimately you know Edward's history.

Video > Encrypted (ASLKDJFSDAF JON)

[viced]

[ Ignoring...that... Scarecrow you are too creepy. ]

What about it? [ a beat ] How much I may or may not know isn't exactly worrying you, now is it?

Video > Encrypted (:3)

[phobic]

Ahahah. No. That can't be helped, sadly.

But knowing what he is, and what he's done, and what he's like...

It started me wondering about what kind of man you are.

Video > Encrypted

[viced]

Does it? [ A beat. There's none of his usual barrel through conversation, instead, his voice is cool, but his words come more carefully. ]

You don't think that, maybe, I know who he was, and how I know that he's actually changed?

Video > Encrypted

[phobic]

[plainly appreciating the dip away from jovial friendliness into the opportunity to be a horrible jerkass territory]

There are two options. One is that you don't know him as well as you claim, but I find that unlikely, because you plainly value him as if you do.

The second option is that you know him better than you claim ...and we both know that a man like him may be reformed--but can never be cured.

Video > Encrypted

[viced]

Reformed and cured are two different things. [ A pause, and then thoughtfully: ] I once had a meeting with some mental health experts, who told me it couldn't be cured, but it could be controlled, and handled right.

Or is there a problem that I trust an old Arkham inmate?

Video > Encrypted

[phobic]

Yes, yes. You have listening comprehension. Good work. [a little sharper] Mental health experts are anything but.

The problem is, Mr. Hundred, I'm starting to suspect you're closer to one of us than you have any right to be.

Video > Encrypted

[viced]

[ A longer silence, and when he speaks, his voice is far frostier. ] Excuse me? I don't think I like what you're implying, Doctor Crane.

Video > Encrypted

[phobic]

You know what he's done, and it goes far beyond using him. You actually like him. And what kind of man would like Edward Nygma, given an uncensored, unapologetic biography?

I can't blackmail you with this, but that's not really what matters, is it.

What matters is that you know I'm right.

Video > Encrypted

[viced]

I think, Dr. Crane, that maybe you're insinuating something that isn't there. Maybe I enjoy his company because he's intelligent, and maybe it's because he's been vital to the City. As someone who does think that the City deserves full-time, constant attention, I can appreciate it when I have a staff that works just as hard as I do.

That's why Mr. Nygma and I get along. [ Oh Mitchell, the lie is smooth, but he knows it's a lie, because goddamn does he hate himself enough to recognize that Crane might be right. ]

Video > Encrypted

[phobic]

Oh, yes. Obsession and dedication are certainly alike. And a wolf is a dog if you squint.

I imagine that's part of how you've done well, yourself. Lots of squinting in your general direction.

Video > Encrypted

[viced]

What someone sees when they look at me is what they get. I hate to toot my own horn, but there really aren't many politicians who are willing to do what they need to for the good of the country, and be straightforward about it. That's what I'm here to do, make sure the discussion is open, and that everyone gets a say. I don't think people need to squint to recognize that.

Video > Encrypted

[phobic]

Oh yes, you're a fine martyr for the cause. The only decent politician in the whole world.

And in your world, where they come from, they're unswervingly trusting.

Video > Encrypted

[viced]

You'd be fucking surprised how they're the absolute opposite of unswerving trusting. If they were, I'd be the goddamned president.

Video > Encrypted

[phobic]

You'd like that, wouldn't you.

Video > Encrypted

[viced]

[ There's a momentary pause, his mouth twitches, but he actually considers before he speaks. ]

Of course I would.

Video > Encrypted

[phobic]

Power and control.

It's so easy, Mitchell.

Video > Encrypted

[viced]

I'm sorry, what?

Video > Encrypted

[phobic]

It's so easy to dig talons up under that mask of yours and rip it off to get at the real you. [This is a lie but it sounds good on paper]

Video > Encrypted

[viced]

[ He stares at the comm, and doesn't blink, his face is a tight mask, not strained, but certainly tight. ]

I don't know, I wouldn't call it easy.

Video > Encrypted

[phobic]

At least, you hope it isn't.

Time will tell, won't it.