Ryslig IC Inbox
WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, PasUnPolicier. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 246.01.094.30 *** PasUnPolicier has joined 246.01.094.30 <PasUnPolicier> This mail centre belongs to Javert. <PasUnPolicier> Be accurate and brief. <PasUnPolicier> I suggest you not test my patience with practical jokes and clowning around. <PasUnPolicier> I will return your notice shortly. | ||||
<lecter>
<PasUnPolicier>
<lecter>
<PasUnPolicier>
I also have something else to speak of which you may find interesting. It is a project of a different nature. I shall not be long.
<lecter>
I've something else for you as well. Less of a project and more of an opportunity to improve both your current situation and your investigative capabilities. I'll have refreshments ready for when you arrive.
ACTION
Upon entering the relatively modest flat (with difficulty -- his massive frame has been quite a trip to manage) he immediately presents Lecter with two folders of papers. The first is a report and catalog of all the evidence obtained from the blown-out laboratory. The second... is a plan. A long-term plan for a place called the Nightgod Moon Prison "La Forteresse."
As always, Javert is conscious of wasting time. He comes right down to business.]
Good day, Monsieur le Docteur. [He bows his head, a proud, triumphant smirk playing at his lips.] Here is the relevant literature. The first set should not be a surprise. I am more interested in hearing your thoughts about the second.
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Hannibal accepts the folders, opening the first and looking briefly through it until he recognizes what he's seeing. Nodding, he sets it aside to peruse later. He examines the contents of the second more thoroughly. Though he's barely begun before a frown turns down his mouth. ]
I think it wise to refer to this place solely as La Forteresse from now on. Nightgod Moon Prison sounds like either a very confused brothel or one catering to a rather particular clientele.
[ He continues to read as he speaks, mind already fast at work. A prison for humans is of no consequence to him. One that might hold monsters, on the other hand... He doesn't want to go back into a cage. ]
Is this to house humans? [ He glances up from the papers to Javert, one eyebrow rising with curiosity ] Or is it strong enough to contain those among us who refuse to behave in a civilized fashion?
no subject
He helps himself to a meat morsel while Hannibal peruses the sheafs.]
Both. The Poachers already have a home carved out of a cell-block for them. And there are certain mechanisms in place that sap the strengths of Monsters within its walls. I am not naive enough to think we shall not make use of that feature.
[He captures Hannibal Lecter with his intent, rapt attention, and intones slowly, his implications heavy on the tongue,]
The wild beast who held the keys before me is none too pleased about my proposals, you understand. I have sated him for the time being by placing him in directorship of punitive measures for monsters and men, and I shall have to feed and water him now and again to keep him that way.
[Javert bends almost imperceptibly closer to Lecter, his eyes unblinking.]
You are an expert with the criminal mind. [A beat.] We could use your expertise on his team.
no subject
And there is his opening, as neatly wrapped and offered as a present. Yet another unintended side-effect of Jack Crawford's machinations: giving him the experience that appeals to Javert in this venture.
Hannibal smiles in gracious acceptance of the suggestion. ]
I'd be happy to join the team. From what you've described of this other fellow, it doesn't seem wise to leave prisoners solely in his charge. Not if the aim of the venture is rehabilitation of the incarcerated so that they can better function in our unique society.
[ And he's simply curious about this wild beast whose ire can be so easily assuaged by the promise of doling out punishment. ]
Do you think your new associate will object to my presence?
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[The Nephilim appears cool and satisfied with Lecter's response. He pops the meat morsel in his mouth, relishing the flavor with a sip of his blood-whiskey. His lids lull shut. Once a vampire, always a vampire; he did not quite lose his taste for blood, even in angelic form.
His eyes crack open to a narrow slit after he swallows, and he asks gravely,]
Is it possible to rehabilitate? I don't think so. Not for the extreme crimes that would call for a heavy hand.
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I have no fear of him. I simply mean to be ready for uncooperative behavior.
[ And as for Javert's question, well, no. Hannibal doesn't truly believe in rehabilitation. There are strategies one can be taught to better fit into society, but one's true nature cannot be so easily swept away. ]
The world from which I come believes quite strongly in rehabilitation. In our situation, it would be in everyone's best interest if the worst threats were simply removed from the equation. As for the rest, there are methods by which the mind can be reconditioned. Those marked for release back into the world can be taught to choose more acceptable paths.
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[In truth, Javert prefers not to claim authority over monsters, but there is a point where institutions must step in to keep the 'peace' in any society. Monster society is no exception, though the expression of peace is much difference than for mankind. Just wait until Aunamee and Amanda spring up another one of their fun-and-games and the city clamors to the prison, shrieking for retribution.
If their minds and bodies are probed and twisted by them again, he might be inclined to agree with the crowds. But the Fog God is interested in freedom for all of her creations, so what is to be done about those who insist on dominating and crushing their kind beneath their heels in Her stead? Lecter may have suggested a compelling solution. Javert bends against a chair, swirling his glass in an even, slow loop.]
The only acceptable path that concerns me is to lay off damaging our kind. Aiding the poachers on the sly would merit punishment, perhaps. Acts against monsters en masse with the evidence for a condemnation are another possibility. In what way would you recondition these sorts?
no subject
There are therapeutic techniques used in the treatment of the mind that can also be used in situations like this. A combination of hypnosis and light therapy has been successfully used to train the mind away from destructive or unwanted behaviors.
[ He chooses something harmless at random. ]
For example, someone who smokes cigarettes may wish to stop yet the addictive properties of the nicotine make it difficult both physically and psychologically. But the therapies I mentioned can decrease the mind's reliance on familiar routines and teach it to seek other outlets when cravings strike. In this case, behaviors that are destructive and harmful to the community can be firmly encouraged to find more beneficial expressions.
no subject
And they will. Once they direct their freedom of expression to the proper outlets.]
To humans instead of other monsters, then, [he muses.] AM will be a barrier. He is content to rely on pain as his tool. But your methods are perfectly suitable, and worth a try. At worst they become recidivists and endure harsher punishments with each offense. That would not surprise me.
[He helps himself to another sip.]
You shall take a salary this time, of course.
no subject
If you wish, so I shall.
[ He isn't going to fight about money this time. Although he's been steadily increasing what meager wealth he's managed to accrue, it's nothing like what he had in his prior life. And this does sound like actual work, instead of an amusing diversion. ]
And if we are insisting, then I have a proposition for you which I insist you consider.
[ From his jacket pocket he pulls an envelope of thick paper. In it, written in his customary calligraphic hand, is an address outside of Bavan on the shore of Lake Dala and an invitation for Javert to move there. It promises an estate with ample living and office space, as well as a forensics lab with what passes for state-of-art technology here. ]
I was going to send this to you, but since you're here, I might as just give it to you. [ He holds out the envelope. ] You deserve better than what you have and I've the opportunity to provide it.
no subject
At least he isn't refusing the salary this time. His forehead-eyes crease, and he accepts the envelope with grimacing trepidation.]
I can't fathom what you mean, [Javert says steadily.] I already have exactly what I deserve.
[He takes care in opening the elegant stationary, peeling the flap open and drawing out the invitation. His grimace deepens to a feral, silent snarl when he reads the first few lines and skims the rest. But then the promise of office space, a crime lab with people he can employ, and its precise address catch his eye, and he settles, reading it over a second and a third time to ensure he is processing it correctly. This estate is well within a hop and a skip from the prison gates, and it would be a simple and speedy commute to retire from one work place (the home offices) to the prison. The snarl gives way to a disquieted, crooked frown.
The offer is tailor-made to his needs, and it is tempting. Not to mention that indeed, he is touched by this gesture, that this elegant man whom he calls friend would give this infuriatingly perfect arrangement to a creature like him. His nostrils flare, and his sigh melds into a dry bout of laughter.]
Oh, good, [is what he finally says at last.] It's only my choice of flat. Here I was thunderstruck by the guess that you got it in your head to issue me a massive bank-note.
no subject
If you'd like money to go with it...
[ But his tone is light, almost playful. He's not seriously offering money to go with his invitation of a home. Though, if Javert needs a bit of cash to sweeten the deal, he won't object. ]
I noticed strange coins accruing in my bedroom and when I spoke the magic word, one of the god-creatures of this world granted me a wish in exchange for a number of them. [ There's humor in his voice now. Magical coins, granting wishes. It sounds like something out of a fairy tale. ] I wanted a better residence than this. Something closer to the home I had in my previous life. What I received, however, is extraordinarily large. Closer to the castle of my birth than a respectable house.
[ And he could live in that huge place alone. He could fill it with things and not be terribly lonely. But he doesn't have to be. ]
Plenty of room for two people of similar habits. [ A faint frown contorts his mouth. ] Possibly three, if I can manage to locate Daniel long enough to make the invitation.
no subject
The topic-switch to one of the peskier god-creatures of Ryslig is a welcome break from his inward self-deprecation. He nods along with the description of Mana, a wince in his eye.]
Mademoiselle Mana. Of course, [he huffs. His lower lip bulges in a bulldoggish pout.] Check the property from bottom to top for hidden snares, if you haven't already done so. I'll inspect it with you. Mana is untoward in fulfilling her end of the bargain. There is always a hitch hidden about.
[Much to his chagrin and irritation, both of his deals with Mana ended with a surprise, no matter how carefully he worded his request. Javert buttons the breast of his coat back to the top, canting his head in abstracted thought.]
Does Monsieur Daniel often make himself scarce?
no subject
Perhaps. I've not seen him since yesterday. [ And the apartment has felt empty. No extra scents. No heartbeats. No muffled sounds of every day life. As if only the dead reside there. ] It may be nothing, but given the anti-monster sentiment so many humans have, I can't completely dismiss it either.
[ He shakes his head, uncertain. Though he's no more certain about the safety of the house now, either. ]
And as for the house, I've examined it but I certainly won't turn down a second pair of eyes. I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with both her and her tricks.
no subject
I've dealt with Mana twice. For my first attempt, I received what I wished for, plus an unwanted extra. For my second...
[There is a soft wheeze through his nose, his eyes drifting to the ceiling. His mouth splits into a mischievous, feral grin.]
You were present for what happened with that one. Choose your words and provisions carefully.
[It occurs to Javert that he has neglected the sweet dish. He selects one bite and briskly tells Lecter, without finalizing whether he accepts the invitation or not,]
We can go directly once we're through here, and after our inspection, I will search for Monsieur Daniel myself. The employment contract and your permanent prison key can wait until you are ready to take the post.
no subject
[ Hannibal's seen the place Javert calls home. Unless he enjoys living without luxury, there isn't much contest. Throw in the space practically suited for his investigative needs it should be irresistible. ]
And I appreciate your help locating Daniel.
[ From a desk drawer, he pulls a container of pills and hands them over to Javert. ]
Do you think this will suit the population? I thought an oral medication would be more expedient, and in the case of some of the monsters, more useful than an injection.
no subject
Javert peers at the pill container, eyes skimming over the instructions and possible listed side-effects. His grin flattens to a concentrated flat line.]
Are these intended for chewing? That would be simplest for monsters with thicker skin that cannot take those injections, [he murmurs, and he pops open the cap to take a look at them and give them a generous, deep sniff. There is not much of a detectable scent, but the chalkiness that tickles his nose is not particularly pleasant. Likely it would taste metallic and coat the tongue unpleasantly. His lip twitches. He re-caps the container.]
Ten minutes to take effect. That would leave us the element of surprise, lull the scamps into thinking we are at their mercy. It is a calculated risk, but it will work. Very clever!
no subject
I've been apprehended by those who meant me harm often enough to know that sometimes the appearance of vulnerability is all the opening one needs to escape.
[ He tips his head toward the pill container. ]
You swallow them, actually. They don't taste very nice and the chemicals are formulated to release slowly. Chewing them will make them release immediately and that could have unintended side-effects.
[ An overdose, possibly. A failure to work properly. He hasn't had the opportunity to test them as thoroughly as would necessary to be certain. ]
I've made a large batch of the things. I can make more as required.
no subject
I will track who takes their share. Simple enough to log names. If there are any gaps or shortages in distribution, I'll be in touch. [Quite easily, if they are to live in the same damn castle. He tips the bottle in Hannibal's direction.] May I take this one? The rest will be distributed from the office and Crowe Clinic.
no subject
[ He makes an expansive gesture of permission, then tips his head back to indicate the drawer behind him. ]
If you'd like more you're welcome to them.
[ Does he also make the directions for their construction readily available? Or is it more prudent to keep it to himself? A bit of insurance to keep him useful should something unforeseen occur. At the moment, he thinks the latter best. ]
And if you need anything else, simply let me know. I'll go over the paperwork you've brought me. Construct a more detailed plan for you to review and ensure that it matches your vision.
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