[Stunned, he stared at Starr. The emotional roller coaster so recently suffered: his return, the edit to his supernatural abilities, the acquiescence of Herr Starr -- it all overwhelmed Chilton. Muted him. Numbed him from remaining cognizant of his immediate surroundings.

Because Starr had brought up a singularly compelling point, that he could control people now. Control at a price, yes, but control nevertheless. Indisputable control.]

I'm not sure of the limitations, beyond the trigger. Would I require a higher degree of pain to influence a grand number of people? For as long as I am agonized?

[He didn't move from Starr's grasp.]