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]

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.