maskormenace | 04 ⚜ Video

[Pristine is how Crane appears when he flicks on the video feed; it's a lovely display of smoke and mirrors that he's pulling off, after the events of the last three days. He has a clean, elegant, ascetic appearance - and enough calm professionalism to mask his excitement.]

You're all handling this outbreak remarkably well. It seems you're all keeping to the boundaries of the law, as the Major-General expects you to. That's a good thing, mind. It would be terrible news to hear people have been shot for breaking quarantine.

Anyway, I am here to help if this event has caused you psychological distress. I am a doctor, after all.

[A pause, and he tucks in his chin and folds his hands in his lap. He half-closes his eyes.]

Fears and phobias are my specialty, and there is much to fear in this situation.

[His head comes back up. He's staring at the lens.]

Be that as it may, fear is something everybody needs. It keeps you safe and keeps you on your toes. It will do you all well to remember that. That it's good to know we must always feel a little scared. It's good to see that most of you haven't submitted to bravado and dagger-tongued bragging.

[The corners of his lips lift in a boyish smile. He tilts his head slightly. His voice is disarmingly gentle. His soft inflection on 'most of you' is meant for one person in particular.]

And I wouldn't like to think that those with guts would put everyone in danger. I trust everyone to make the best decisions for each other in combating this disease.

It would be terrifying to think we couldn't trust each other. Wouldn't it?

[He crosses his right leg and rests his hands over his knee. His graceful fingers smooth his trousers, and he waits for his audience to speak.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

As someone who obviously loves the sound of his own voice, I thought the word "paradox" would be like bait. But maybe you were just one step ahead.

How's that fascinatingly contrary nature doing with the outbreak? Experiencing both joy and sadness?

... Of course I am. Isn't everyone? Feeling happiness in the worst of times is part of human nature. I really don't comprehend why joy cannot be found in learning one's friends are alive.

[Ha. Ha. Crane doesn't have friends.]

I'm experiencing, largely, nothing. Except an abundance of target practice. Did you know this many people could get a sickness? Truly? It had never occurred to me before I saw it.

I don't have any friends I'm worried about. You should pick yours more carefully.

[yeah i have....friends......SO MANY friends]

Yes, then it seems you are fortunate to have this learning experience. But phrase it however you wish; I am certain many just took umbridge with your description of them as target practice.

[Enough of the pleasantries.]

Now. I'm more interested in your so-called advice. What makes you believe I'm concerned about my circle?

People stop being people, after a point. And who's listening?

Joy in learning your friends are alive—didn't you say that? Implying you doubted it. Otherwise, there wouldn't be a change.

Seems you missed the point; it's a hypothetical thought.

Now. Try answering me again. What makes you believe I' mconcerned.

You're normal, aren't you?

Oh. I'm just same as everyone else - including yourself.

[So is he really normal? No. He doesn't think so.]

[a burst of slightly-too-high laughter]

"Just the same as everyone else"? Don't be silly. Look around you.

... I really don't see how the contents of my office are relevant to this conversation.

[Spoken sardonically. Yes. He knows what you meant.]

[r u bully ing me]

You're in your office in the middle of a plague outbreak? Is that where you feel safe?

[Wow. Subtle.]

That's my question to you. Do you feel safe during this outbreak?

Oh, absolutely.

I wonder why that is.