[31: video] so much for these youthful eyes to see, so much for peace and tranquility

[kindly_done]

[There's a small gathering here by the door, but that hasn't stopped Jack from getting right up next to it, his shoulder pressed against the wood. It is from this rather odd position that he decides to make his first real transmission since the fear event.]

Does anyone know where this goes?

[Locked to Elaine; difficult hack]Maybe we should have

Comments

[video]

[fraterminor]

[He stares directly into the camera, not bothering to favor his left side for once. His arms are folded and he does not looked pleased. His shoulders are tight, like a lion waiting to take down a gazelle.]

You may speak.

[video]

[kindly_done]

[Diogenes' steady gaze is enough to make him nervous; he picks at the smooth bulk of the door behind him for purchase that isn't there, but he doesn't drop his gaze.]

I didn't mean to do what I did. I didn't want to do what I did.

[video]

[fraterminor]

Oh, I am most certain you weren't at fault. My brother can be so very persuasive.

[His voice would almost be conversational if it weren't so low, and if he had moved a muscle from his rigid stance.]

[video]

[kindly_done]

[Jack flushes right up to his ears.]

He didn't persuade me!

[video]

[fraterminor]

[He stands very quickly and suddenly, approaching the comm as he speaks.]

Use whatever rhetoric you deem appropriate. He used you, manipulated you. Call it whatever you will, he is a master at it.

[He leans toward the camera, hands on the table it's resting on.]

What I need to know is why.

[video]

[kindly_done]

I don't know why you, but he told me...

[He frowns rather ponderously; the memory is dim, and unpleasant. He's unconsciously chafing his wrists as he thinks.]

Said he wanted to see how far before I'd shut down.

[video]

[fraterminor]

[His gaze doesn't break.]

Explain.

[video]

[kindly_done]

A few months before I came here, I had a--

Something in my head. I had to do anything, if somebody said a set of words with it. Mister Pendergast found out about it.

...He pretended to be a friend, before. He's as bad as Atlas.

[video]

[fraterminor]

That is typically how my brother operates.

[He goes silent for a moment and then speaks very quietly, almost to himself.]

Trusting him is foolish.

[video]

[kindly_done]

The order's gone again. If he tries anything else, I'll break his head.

[video]

[fraterminor]

I sincerely doubt he will try anything else. The sentiment, however is perfectly understood.

[video]

[kindly_done]

I'm sorry about hurting your eye.

[Hurting is a mild word, but it wouldn't pay to be too graphic.]

[video]

[fraterminor]

[That same eye twitches noticeably.]

Apology noted, Mr. Ryan.

[video]

[kindly_done]

[His eyes snap up, suddenly locked-on, hard.]

Jack.

[video]

[fraterminor]

[He tilts his head to the side, expression rather neutral.]

Jack.

[video]

[kindly_done]

Mr. Ryan was my father.