maskormenace | [04] Voice

[ So even though the feed opens up, Walt doesn't talk for a moment or so. There's a sharp inhale and it's accompanied by a piteous cough. And then after a couple minute pause, he starts talking -- sounding rather relaxed. ]

Today was my birthday.

[ A beat. Nonchalant. ]

But it's also my death anniversary. How many people can say that? Their life came a full and complete circle, starting and ending all on the same day? I mean, what are the chances? Pretty crazy, that.

[ Another brief pause. Another follow up cough. When he speaks, his voice is a little strained. ]

I mean like, this whole world. What an insane concept, right? To think that our own individual worlds are just this tiny fraction of all the different worlds out there -- some with crazy powers or vampires or Satan. We have Satan. Does anyone ever stop to think about that? How Satan has a TV show? I mean, I guess...what a better way to say welcome to hell than Satan with his own TV show. I've never actually watched it, mind. But I imagine it probably involves burning people alive.

But following that thought -- I still think this place is hell. I mean, I can't be the only dead guy walking here, can I? And it's definitely not heaven. My therapist called it purgatory once.

[ A beat. ]

Purgatory is kind of accurate. Sometimes he knows what he's talking about. All of us just sitting here and waiting -- to either go home and die for good or to do whatever it is we do here. I mean, we can't die. There's a definite statistical likelihood that we come back to life if we get killed, so do we age? I'm 53 today, but am I not really 53? Am I eternally 52 until I die again? Do I die again? Or do I just live an endless loop of my life -- dying, coming here, dying coming here until some otherworldly being makes up their mind?

Maybe that's what Satan's show is about. Collecting as many of us that belong in hell and dragging us back with him. That's a pretty morbid thought, isn't it?

[ So why is Walt laughing. Why is Walt laughing like it's the most hilarious thing in the world? Why is he laughing at all? What was he laughing at again?

The laughter dies. ]

What was I talking about again? [ But it's lost. ] Anyway, I just want to know. Is there anyone else out there who died? Bonus if you died on your birthday. Might be good to talk about it. Therapeutic. And I'm here to listen. We can talk here or in person. If anyone wants to go with me to get birthdeath day breakfast for dinner, that could be a thing. That we do.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Don't kill him. I do not want you to kill him. It would be -- convoluted. For the both of us.

[An exhale follows -- the sound of a splintering man.]

What additional persuasion do you need? I will take care of it.

Just do your best to keep him in line and out of our business.

You know what will appease him best.

[ The shrug can pretty much be heard in his voice. ]

Do you want to meet me somewhere? For a drink?

What, now?

[Chilton asked, distracted. Now tasked with keeping Will Graham disengaged to ensure he keeps breathing, his focus centered on that crucial undertaking. The potential of resurrection notwithstanding, Chilton's people did not have the best of luck for reiteration: both Abel Gideon and Freddie Lounds, technically murdered, had not returned.

Those were not ideal betting odds.]

Where were you thinking?

[A distracted Chilton made for a pliable one.]

I'm in De Chima. So how about that one bar you like out this way?

Solve? Yes, all right. I would be able to meet you in an hour or two.

Just you. No one else.

[ Maybe there's a little paranoia now, paranoia that Chilton will bring backup or that Will might just happen to show up. Or that anyone else might invite themselves along under the guise of being there to celebrate Walt's birthday with him.

Who knew. The imagination could run rampant at times. ]

Oh, right, because I was certainly under the assumption you were inviting my Rolodex along with me.

[Of what, three people? Metaphorical Rolodex, of course, since that wouldn't have the same rhetorical punch as, say, "my relatively empty personal phone contacts".]

Just me, Walt. No one else.

You might've wanted to throw me a surprise party.

For my birthday.

It's my birthday, Chilton.

[ Remember that -- with a card, is what Walt's saying. ]

I thought we were not supposed to be publicly engaged with each other? Isn't it bad enough that you once filed a restraining order, and with Schrader's help?

A surprise party.

[Spoken in that don't be ridiculous tone.]

I'll buy you a drink.

I didn't have a choice. And I once fought him over you. Did I tell you about that? I can't remember.

Anyway, I'll see you in an hour or two. Let me know when you're here.

[04] Voice

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