maskormenace | 001 ✿ Video

001 ✿ Video

Hello, fellow imPorts.

[ A smile lights up her face -- friendly, warm, inviting. And her tone is much the same. ]

My name is Raina. As you can probably guess, I'm new to this world. But that doesn't make me any less fascinated by it. To be drawn here by forces beyond our control, given powers beyond some of our comprehension, and to have an opportunity beyond our wildest dreams to be heroes? I can't be the only one who is excited by the prospect, can I? This world is incredible. Beautiful, even.

[ Her lips purse in thought and she lowers her gaze toward her fingernails -- freshly manicured. It was one of the very first things she did since she got here, apart from buying the lovely flower dress she has on. ]

But there are things that the files and the debriefing can't explain; things that only those with experience in this world can share. And that is what I hope you'll do with me. Share.

[ Raina makes eye contact with the camera again, her smile -- still beautiful in nature -- houses something else. Something almost predatory. ]

What is it that makes you special? We were chosen for one reason or another. Perhaps you aren't aware of the reasons or perhaps you aren't comfortable sharing them over the network. I understand. We all have our secrets. But I hope at least some of you will help me understand your worlds and your lives and you, yourself. Now that we're all given a special power -- what was it that you have done with yours or what is it you will do?

I greatly look forward to meeting all of you and appreciate your time.

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Doctor Chilton. Doctor [beat] Frederick Chilton. I enjoy bourbon, myself.

[An additional snippet of personal information, and one that was only implicitly required. Chilton was measuring himself now, having recognized that this Raina could be surprising.]

Are you free now? Or need you some time to settle in?

[ She smiles at the tidbit. ]

You seem as though you would. It takes a certain man to handle such a drink, Doctor.

[ That last word is emphasized and said with the utmost respect -- as though all of the rest of his introduction doesn't matter after learning of his title. ]

I'd be a fool to decline your generous offer. I'm free now, yes.

[ She winks. ]

I'm currently in De Chima. Would you like me to meet you elsewhere? I'm afraid I haven't gotten the chance to explore much of this world, but perhaps together....

[ The thought lingers for a few seconds, hinting at some deeper meaning only Raina knows before she continues on. ]

....perhaps together, the unknown won't be nearly as intimidating.

[It seemed like an appeal to his ego -- but there was a difference between knowing that, and caring about knowing that. Raina was gorgeous and intelligent and she appeared interested, and those facts alone were persuasive to Chilton.

And then there was the manner in which she said Doctor.]

I can meet you in De Chima. I'm Registered, I have access to the intercity porters. Normally I'm situated in Heropa, but this is no trouble I assure you. Won't take more than an hour.

There's a bar I prefer, called Solve. I'm fairly resolved to revisit Solve. [Mild wordplay at work.] It's quiet.

[Would you like to thread here, or handwave?]

[ A light laugh. Yeah, she's definitely humoring him and his awful wordplay. ]

An hour then. I'll resolve to meet you at Solve then. I'm looking forward to it.

[ OOC: We can thread it out here! ]

[It's forty-nine minutes since he made his promise; Chilton had absconded from his remaining paperwork and patient files, his movement from his office was a motion practically giddy.

Raina had surprised him. He anticipated her method of luring information, that friendly facade was in fact quite effective. And perhaps that was even truly her personality, but Chilton suspected her immediate presentation had been honed for the purpose of gathering intelligence on a drastic situation. He didn't doubt that she observed how people responded to her. Many might take affront to her motivation, but Chilton found it familiar. Comforting, even.

He strolled through Solve's threshold, his eyes looking for her.]

[ Raina left a little early just to make sure she found the place and to give herself a little extra time in the bathroom to fuss over her appearance. It was still amazing to her that her skin was smooth and her body was human only not.

With a final application of lipstick and a smack of her lips at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, Raina sauntered out in time to see him -- the man who observed and didn't share. A smile brightened her face and she sauntered over to him with a click, clack of her heels. ]

Hello, Doctor Chilton.

[ She gave him an appreciative once over. ]

The video didn't do you justice.

[ And she offered her hand. ]

You look beautiful. As well. [It was somewhat clumsy upon delivery, blurted, and much too truthful -- Chilton's sharp tongue worked best as an offense mechanism, and while he could flatter and charm as an aggressive (and self-serving) tactic, the softer arts were a foreign language to him. Needless to say, there was a reason his relationships with many people (and in particular, women) were typically like gasoline and gunpowder, even when he meant well.

Chilton took her offered hand with a pause, unsure if he should kiss it or shake it. He opted for a gentle version of the latter.]

I'm sure you know. That you're beautiful, I mean.

[His smile was momentarily pained. He would later chastise himself over this precise moment.]

Because you're smart enough to know -- so, I suppose I owe you a that Pinot Noir. 2006 was a great year in this universe, and I know they're stocked here. We can sit perhaps a bit away from the bar.

[Finally, he thought, finally falling into stride. Control always reconfigured his sensibilities.]

[ Raina smiled in a way that proved yes she knew she was beautiful, but also that she didn't fault him for his floundering. It was nice to hear. She needed to hear it -- a reminder that she wasn't a monster. Not anymore.

Once she got her hand back, she immediately looped her arm through his -- encroaching on his space, getting close, familiar, intimate. ]

Yes, that sounds good. Thank you, Doctor.

[ And she went to wherever he led, setting her purse down once they were there. Raina allowed Chilton to take charge of getting the drinks, and once that was all taken care of, she turned to him fully. ]

So who is Doctor Frederick Chilton? Is he a medical doctor? Has he devoted himself to the greater good of the imPort society?

[ Three innocent questions to put the feelers out and see how much Chilton was willing to share... ]

[There was a paradox to that arm loop of hers; superficially, it empowered Chilton, it encouraged his physical nearness, his lead. And yet, below that mirrored layer, it was like she invaded him. The territory between them evaporated, conquered by Raina.

His own bourbon in hand, when they were well situated from the bar in the embrace of a quiet corner, Chilton then heard her questions. An eyebrow went up, as the enumerated queries trickled through.]

I'm a psychiatrist. [He opted for a first person response, seizing that charge.] And I have helped a good number in this community, through treatment and cognitive-based, structured technique. Not everyone came with your brand of resilience, some really do require aid.

[Question one remained abandoned, and question three was answered in only the vaguest of gestures.]

Is this truly information you want, this talk about me, or are you only biding your time?

[ Raina reached forward to take a sip of her drink, savoring the taste for a moment before looking back at him. Two of three questions answered. He could be modest. Maybe he didn't think Doctor Frederick Chilton was worth speaking about -- or maybe the question was too broad. But Raina tended to believe he was hiding something.

At his questions, mock surprise came over her face. ]

I'm not biding my time for anything, Doctor. This meeting is all about you.

[ She canted her head, the movement feline-esque. ]

You intrigue me. You fight questions with questions and reflect the attention away from yourself. Is it that you don't feel you're worthy of the attention, or...

[ She leaned in and a grin curved on her lips, dangerous. ]

....that you're hiding something beautiful...?

Edited (wanted to rephrase. >:O) 2015-04-10 16:04 (UTC)

[He opened, and then closed his mouth when she leaned in towards him. When she spoke. He didn't move his gaze off of her, however, he didn't flinch -- Chilton matched her interest with his own carnivorous stare.]

Beauty is highly subjective. What one considered artful, another might call... Unpalatable.

[Both a deflection and a confession. While he didn't slice his words between yes or no, his verbal dance was an admittance onto itself. It was clear by his prior statements that he thought he clever enough to understand how important the things unsaid were.

At last, he took a sip of his own drink.]

I specialize now in imPort psychoanalysis. But before? I was Chief of Staff at the Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane.

I would call that rather beautiful.

[ It was an admittance. Up until this point, her drink had been the hour glass counting down the time she was giving him to give her something useful, interesting. And there it was. Raina set her glass down on the table and looked at Chilton as though he was the only one in the world. And at the moment, he was.

Raina's hand snaked out, reaching forward to cover his -- her thumb sliding over the band of his golden, alma mater ring. She smiled her agreement in the beauty of his statement, her approval. ]

I knew there was something about you. To invest so much of yourself into your craft and rise to the top -- the danger must give you a thrill. Not many would have the stomach to put themselves in your position. Not many could appreciate the minds of those who hurt others simply for the pleasure of doing so.

[ She lifted his hand and held it between both of her own, never breaking eye contact. ]

Beauty is highly subjective, you said. If I casually told you I killed many just to see how the human body could withstand certain conditions -- would you still find me beautiful or would you think I'm a monster? Or are the two interchangeable in your mind?

Edited 2015-04-11 12:54 (UTC)

[Typically Chilton did not appreciate when others analyzed him (to include his motivations); it was unnerving when Will did it (or when Chilton thought Will was doing it), it had been irritating when Karla put his name to a label or two. But Raina hadn't invoked either of those emotions -- Chilton resonated with her analysis. He found himself in agreement. He liked when she ran her hand over his, nearly shivered when her thumb touched his ring.

She was flattering without being overt, she was proactive without making him defensive: she was dangerous. But that wouldn't prevent Chilton in wanting to prolong this tingling encounter, in wanting to please her. The approval she had already granted proved intoxicating.]

Did you?

[Chilton asked in a breathless way, with his eyes drifting over her face. Yes, he found that hypothetical circumstance both beautiful and monstrous. Yes, he couldn't peel himself away from her -- even if he wanted to. Raina was an ensnaring, blossoming vine. She was solanum dulcamara. Nightshade.]

Because -- if so. I could hardly fault you for such an exquisite. Curiosity.

[He leaned half an inch closer, a bold movement that was most certainly subconsciously committed.]

[ The way she smiled was answer enough to his questions. Yes, she had. And she had done far worse. ....maybe not to the extremes he was used to, but her hands -- the ones that were so appreciatively massaging his -- were hardly clean.

She finally broke eye contact just to look down at his lips when he spoke, as he drew near. And then her gaze drifted to his hand in hers. ]

Some would call me a heartless murderer.

[ She flicked her attention back up to his eyes. ]

I like the way you phrase it more. You have a way with words, Doctor Chilton. You really know the way to a girl's heart.

[ Raina took his hand and guided it closer, laying it against her chest so he could feel the rapid, excited beat of her heart. And after a few seconds, she released his hand from its temporary prison between her own, leaving it up to Chilton how long he kept it pressed against her breast. ]

Edited 2015-04-11 17:40 (UTC)

Then some would misinterpret your -- greater -- qualities.

[His speech swerved as she took his hand and rested it on her chest. His pulse pumped and frayed, before soon intoning Raina's heartbeat. Chilton stared at her hand over his, his hand touching her, until she pulled away her fingers. His palm was still against her flesh for five seconds, eight, then ten --]

Never heartless. [The evidence thumped beneath his hand.] They just wouldn't understand that passion is always heartfelt, even if they disagree with that passion. Especially then.

[Reluctantly, he withdrew his hand, its presence on her now too stark to ignore, too bold to simply speak over. He swallowed and ran that hand through his hair, his thumb pressing at the base of his brain stem.]

You are undoubtedly a passionate woman, Raina.

[ She watched his hand retract and followed its movement with her eyes when it went to his hair. She looked down, modest. Then up, grateful. ]

And from what I gather, it's a trait we both share, Doctor. To what extent? Well, it's too soon in our relationship to tell, and I won't pry too much into your more....unpalatable traits. Even if those are the ones I'm sure I'll find most attractive. Perhaps one day, you'll see it fit to show me.

[ Her hand snaked around her glass, cradling the bulb in her palm as she lifted it in his direction -- a silent toast in his honor. She, then, took a sip and offered him a few precious moments of silence. Not that she wasn't drinking in him, watching his every movement, during that time. Far too much could be read from the unspoken. And after a few minutes, she set her glass down and with a sudden and fluid movement, she leaned forward as much as she could across the table, lowering her voice to barely a whisper -- a huge secret plan just for them. ]

You should accompany me to the Swearing In ceremony. I'd like it a lot if you did.

[ A man of power and prestige there while she decorated his arm, Raina couldn't think of a better strategy -- mingling with the people, new and old as Chilton's date. He must have been well-known here as a psychiatrist. Maybe she would even get better insight into some of the minds he treated.

But also, she enjoyed his company. He was a man who understood that sometimes hands needed to get dirty if things were to move forward toward the greater good. He wrote her killing off as passion -- he saw things through the lens of what they were and not what was right. Doctor Frederick Chilton was a little taste of home and a testament to all the great minds she had worked with. This was only the beginning of a wonderful alliance. ]

Edited 2015-04-11 19:50 (UTC)

As... Your date?

[The disbelief wasn't just in his voice, but in the way the corners of his mouth widened, in the soft crease of his brow. Chilton blinked, recovering quickly, but the damage done was undeniable: he had just revealed that he thought Raina wasn't within his grasp. But she had just asked him to accompany her, just now, to the Swearing In. To her Swearing In. He transcribed monumental significance to the request, given the context of her newly arrived state, and --

But, oh. Newly arrived did not necessitate vulnerable. Chilton, with his initial reactions and expressive facial features, knew that he revealed depths to her. And he thought that Raina was clever, and likely she understood what his responses betrayed.

Chilton was wooed by her coyness, her beauty, her speech. He felt control slip through his fingertips, and he couldn't even care to watch it trickle away. His eyes were too busy watching Raina.]

I -- would be honored.

[She had emphasized the word relationship.]

And I imagine you'd like to meet a few of my contacts. [The wealthy, powerful ones.] Tony Stark always pays his social grace, I'm sure he'll be there.

[Tony Stark, occasional patient and one-time romantic rival for Karla, was an enviable figure to Chilton. While Chilton resented the man's wealth and upper tier ease, he nevertheless appreciated the weird, reasonable acquaintance they shared.

He thought of what she had said, about anticipating his unpalatable traits. About finding those dark things about him attractive.

Chilton rested one hand on her shoulder, glancing between his hand and her eyes, and cautiously -- carefully -- leaned in for a kiss.]

[ Raina's expression was entirely warm -- even throughout Chilton's vulnerability, his expressions so clear she could practically taste his thoughts. But the look on her face spoke numbers. She didn't mind. For the moment and for as long as they sat there, she was his and his alone. He was her world, her universe -- and when he agreed to go with her to the ceremony, she smiled her relief, as though she thought he might say 'no.'

She obviously knew better, but that didn't make the act any less convincing. ]

Thank you. I don't know what I would do without your kindness.

[ And as he continued on and started to talk about contacts, Raina certainly didn't expect to hear that familiar name roll off his tongue. The pleasant expression crumbled -- not because of Tony Stark himself. She highly doubted he even knew she existed, but what it implied. There was an Avenger here. There could be multiple Avengers here. And that all led back to SHIELD.

When Chilton's face came near, hers drew back and she stared at him with genuine, doe-like fear. ]

Who else? Do you know of anyone else from that world? From my world? SHIELD. Are they here, too?

[He froze, his mouth already curled to kiss, his green eyes wide and horrified. She had pulled away. She had pulled away from his first proactive action. His attempted kiss. His body language shifted immediately: his shoulders pulled back, his spine straightened, his jaw clenched. Chilton's hand swiftly went for his abandoned bourbon glass.]

Your world specifically? I can't say I know the details, Raina, I barely know you. [There was that guard, closing down. But he wasn't about to be cruel, even if turned skittish.] It's true that many people here know Tony Stark, either by reputation or personally. Not everyone who knows him is from his exact world, of course, but I don't really have the numbered breakdown on hand.

[She was obviously upset about the possibility of people she knew lurking here. He could understand that, she presented it with such clarity -- but still, his ego was bruised. He kept his body language closed in, even as his mouth continued to talk. To reassure with information.]

I have heard of SHIELD. But the only man I ever knew associated with the organization has been long gone -- months now, he's been gone. Grant Ward, if that name means anything to you.

Edited 2015-04-11 22:38 (UTC)

Ward...

[ Raina repeated. So Chilton knew of him -- he knew some of her world. And he associated with Grant Ward. When Chilton called Tony Stark a colleague, Raina became concerned Chilton was somehow on their side. But to know Grant Ward, a man who severed his ties with SHIELD so severely -- well she would like to hope it counted for something.

But more than that, she damaged what they were building here. She noticed the way Chilton folded into himself, the way he acted as though the rejection had been a personal slight, his retreat to his drink. The only way to rein him back in was to sacrifice details about herself. ]

I know Ward, yes. We worked on the same side for a period of time, following a man named John Garrett until his madness consumed him. But we both had a common enemy -- SHIELD. Ward betrayed them and worked for the opposing group of HYDRA, but I was always SHIELD's enemy. I didn't choose to become their enemy, however. They simply kept interfering in the things I did and in a sense chose me. They're a very meddlesome group, Doctor Chilton...

[ Raina reached out to him so she could take his hand again, and she looked at him with need. ]

If they were here now, I wouldn't be able to taste this freedom. I wouldn't be able to be with you. Even though I've done no harm to anyone here, they wouldn't rest until they've clipped my wings and locked me in a cage, never letting me fly free.

[ She took his palm and pressed it against her cheek, closing her eyes and nuzzling into it. ]

Hearing Tony Stark's name threw me off guard. He's so closely associated with SHIELD that it frightened me. But he doesn't know me. Not personally. I could meet him as your date and he would think nothing of it. You could protect me...

[ Her eyes opened and returned to his, veering to his lips and back up -- trying to entice him to try again. Her voice dropped to soft, whispered words -- meant to erase any doubt and to put him on the pedestal, the one in control of her and this whole situation. ]

I need you, Doctor Chilton.

You may call me -- it's fine to call me Frederick.

[HYDRA. He had heard that acronym before, but from where? Grant Ward, yes. But then there was someone else, a doctor -- a biochemist. What was her name? Doctor something, Doctor--]

Simmons. Doctor Jemma Simmons. She's mentioned HYDRA to me, she expressed her disdain for the organization quite ferociously. Warned me against them. And there was a woman who took immediate offense to Ward's arrival here. In September, I believe, or perhaps August -- a woman named Skye. Ward had expressed nuance to his disappointment in her reaction.

[The dominoes began to fall. Names associated with names, circuits of information lighting up -- but Chilton didn't run in those circles, despite the professional and polite interaction he had with Simmons. He didn't know Skye at all. Grant Ward had been his closest company, something of a ephemeral lieutenant. It was Grant Ward who had been so eager to align himself with someone he perceived as powerful and well-connected.

He looked at Raina, with her cheek in his hand.]

Ward was a patient. [Sort of. Loyal, protective Ward. The man had been broken before Chilton ever got to him.] He was under the impression John Garrett cared deeply for him. The mechanisms of that psychic driving was rather... Exposed. [So Raina aligned herself with dangerous people, and evidently survived the experience. Chilton didn't know of Ward's fate, but he had put an expiration date on the man shortly after their first session. It took something more brutal to outlive the manipulative and heinous.

But hadn't Raina already told Chilton as much?]

I believe Simmons has also ported out. I don't know if she ever worked for SHIELD, just that she knew of HYDRA. And that concludes what I know about your people of interest.

[Her investment of information had paid off; Chilton was ripping skeletons from the closet. But bones weren't infinite in resource, picked or otherwise.]

My turn.

[Chilton leaned closer to her again, his face still guarded -- but, inquisitive. One brow was arched.]

Raina, Raina. Why would SHIELD want to contain you? [There was a difference between a murderer and a mass murderer. The latter attracted federal attention, and SHIELD appeared to be federally funded. Superhero FBI, that's what Chilton considered it to be. His free hand, the one she hadn't captured, stroked back a wisp of hair behind her ear. His fingers trailed down that cheek, gently, and only briefly did he consider sedating her.

But that would have been rude.]

You weren't working alone, were you?

[The difference between a mass murderer and a radical splinter cell operative wasn't a body count. What was Raina doing, and with whom, that SHIELD needed to prevent?]

[ The names were flying out now, the information coming faster than Raina could process it. Agent Simmons was here once. Ward was once Chilton's patient. And Skye. Skye. Her blood ran cold at the thought of the young woman who went through the change with her and came out the other side still beautiful. Chilton said nothing of Skye's fate. Was she still here?

Raina looked up at Chilton with widened eyes, eyes that would portray nothing but innocence if it was anyone other than her. ]

There are many layers to this, Doc-- [ She stopped herself short, corrected herself as though she didn't feel herself worthy of calling him by his first name. ] Frederick. Are you sure you want those answers?

[ She closed her eyes as he touched her hair, purring the words. ]

Of course you do. You are a man who thirsts for knowledge and understanding. A brilliant, intelligent man who wants to tear me apart and leave me exposed.

[ Raina looked at him again, darkly amused. She didn't mind. If anything, her expression invited him to do so. She leaned in to match his closeness, lips nearly touching as she whispered this little tidbit: ]

SHIELD would contain me because they're afraid of me -- of what I can do and what I become.

Edited 2015-04-12 00:57 (UTC)

[It worked -- it worked on him, that line of commentary and that degree of tantalizing pressure. Complimenting his mind, etching out his designs. It worked.

His eyes flickered down her face, from her eyes to her lips. She was so close to him, again. She was so beautiful. His impulses ached to kiss her.]

I can protect you. [Promises, promises.] From them. From those others who would hold you captive. But I have to know -- [A twitch, and his lips nearly touched hers, his hands found her hips.] What is it. That I'm protecting.

What it is that you become.

[And Chilton caved to those gnawing impulses, pressing his mouth for a kiss.]

[ Raina listened to his words and they were music to her ears -- a protective promise from an intelligent man. And it brought with it Chilton's status, his power, and maybe even his cooperation for the things she wanted to do with her research. Her eyes gleamed with unending gratitude, and she watched as he drew near, lowering her eyes to his lips. When they finally captured her own, a soft, startled breath caught in her throat and it turned into a light sound of appreciation. Raina tipped her chin and returned it, kissing him back with the sweetness of a first kiss and the danger of it being with her.

Her palm moved up to rest on the center of his chest and she lingered as long as he did, allowed Chilton to control how long their kiss lasted because it was the least she could do for denying him the first time. ]

[It was a long, hungry kiss. Tongue and wet lip and a bit of teeth. He hadn't been with anyone since Karla had ported out, and in that time Chilton had developed a taste for intimacy. Company. It had been easier to justify isolation back in Baltimore, when Chilton's decades-built career eclipsed anything else in his life, and when loved ones could be used against you -- didn't Will Graham prove that rule time and time again?

But Chilton wanted this heated, tingling moment. He wanted the emotional risk. Chilton wanted Raina.]

Ah -- all right. [He smiled, having broken the kiss as Raina had allowed him to do. He paused awkwardly, unsure where to tread. Business seemed most reasonable.] It isn't only SHIELD loyalists you'll have to watch out for. But I do wonder: are you in fact in pursuit of those other dangers?

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