Etraya: Inbox

[restingstitchface]

✉ ☏ 🎞

This is Dr. Crane. I'm not available right now but my answering machine is. Maybe you can hold a conversation with it instead?

Comments

[copsormasks]

I'm good with hard work. [Jason's eyes lock in on the burner for a moment before turning his gaze back up Crane.]

Whatever you need. [Luckily Jason is a tough nut to crack and will take any and all beatings required to keep it secret. He needs this and he's not about to phone it in.]

[restingstitchface]

There is a man named Silco. You should be aware of him.

[He's not a hard man to miss, given his presence and demeanour.]

Make yourself available to him. Do whatever he demands of you.

[The implication being he will soon be too busy to do anything except this. Only there's more.]

In any case, we shall not be working here. Too many prying eyes. [Bats and strangers alike.] But remember. Misdirection. Feed them misinformation. Let them believe we are. Keep bringing materials. Compounding. It would be good to see the looks on their faces when they realise all this is nothing but basic parasetamol.

Or whatever one is in the mood for.

[copsormasks]

Silco. Got it. [Jason makes the mental note to get a hold of Silco when he's first available to.]

I can do that. [Jason nods, intrigued by the idea of misdirecting. He already knows he has eyes on him, so that should be easier to do.]

[restingstitchface]

The address where I requested we meet-

[He reminds Jason of where they arranged to meet.]

Is where we shall discuss a rudimentary compound. We cannot trust these devices, after all. But we shall require proper security for the real thing.

[copsormasks]

[Jason nods.]

Keep it secret, keep it safe. Got it.

[restingstitchface]

[Crane looks around his laboratory. What a shame for it to go unused.

But he is hardly a sentimental man. The important thing is that he can work.]

Can you identify anyone who might cause a problem?

[They know who. But he wants to see how this boy's mind works. He's showing an interest.]

[copsormasks]

The bats in the belfry. [Jason replies easily.] Everyone seems to want to stick their nose in my business.

[He looks at the lab and it reminds him of his Crane. With the exception of how everything in his Arkham seems to be eternally wet.]

[restingstitchface]

That's what happens when you make yourself stand out.

[He told you before. But whatever, he's not a cop.]

[copsormasks]

[Jason sighs.]

So I play nice? Get them off my back?

[restingstitchface]

No. You play smart.

[Ergo, the fact he is suggesting it suggests a belief he considers this boy intelligent. It's a compliment designed to engineer a bond. Or, as he would call it, compliance.]

You are capable of that.

[copsormasks]

Yeah, I am. [Jason doesn’t see anything amiss here. Of course he’s smart.]

I can do that.

[restingstitchface]

So why not push yourself?

[His voice is light and almost melodic as he turns to investigate another table.]

You don't seem afraid of hard work.

[Afraid, ha ha. GEDDIT?]

[copsormasks]

I can do this. [Jason emphasizes, Crane has him hook, line, and sinker.] I'm not afraid to work hard.

[restingstitchface]

I know you can. [Another compliment. Lovebombing, some people call it.] That's why I'm suggesting it to you.

[copsormasks]

Thank you. For believing in me.

[Jason smiles up at Crane.]