[Interesting. Simon's cautious, but Dagger had implied the consequences for whatever he'd done were severe. That's reason enough for the suspicion.]
It may be. [He'll admit that much, and while Charles would like to explain just why he's calling--he might be new to the CDC, but un-secure phone lines definitely aren't new.] I simply wanted to ask a few questions. Call it curiosity, if you will.
I, uh. I'm afraid I don't have anything I'd discuss in person that can't be said here.
[And there's more to that, of course; whether it's true or just Simon's paranoia at work, he's sure they listen to him wherever he goes. He's talking faster, beginning to trip over himself in nervousness.]
If it's mission-related, or to do with settling in, of course I'll help in any way I can. But if it's really just curiosity, uh... [He hesitates. Then, to hell with it.] Well, you know what it did to the cat. I couldn't recommend it. To anyone.
[That says a lot already, and Charles is forced to acknowledge getting the information he wants may take longer than he'd expected. If Simon's already warning him off like this, he must be frightened with good reason. He'll have to be careful and bide his time before broaching the subject again.]
I see. [Still, he can't hide all of his disappointment.]
Then I suppose there's nothing more to discuss at the moment. I do appreciate your offer, however, and might call again if I do need advice on settling in.
[Simon doesn't like to disappoint people, even strangers. But there are things he dislikes more, like the horror the CDC inflicted to bring him into line. No longer pressured to answer, he sounds audibly relieved; it's a bit pitiful.]
Yes, please do. I'm at your disposal.
As far as the rest of it goes, it's not too significant. Just pay attention to the mission and you'll be fine. [Again, things unspoken. Almost the first thing Gliese had told him: learning is dangerous. He hadn't listened.]
[There's a strained little laugh; don't poke into things that don't concern you was what he'd had in mind.] Uh, something along those lines, yes. Always a good idea to listen to the people in charge. Very closely. I recommend it.
I am sorry I couldn't be more help. Good luck settling in. [Because anyone who's asking the wrong questions already is in for a bad time.]
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Hrm. This is sounding a little ominous. Should I ask what it's about?
["No", he suspects is the answer. Listening ears on the network. Or something else, like the time Vriska pulled his secrets right out of his head.]
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It may be. [He'll admit that much, and while Charles would like to explain just why he's calling--he might be new to the CDC, but un-secure phone lines definitely aren't new.] I simply wanted to ask a few questions. Call it curiosity, if you will.
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[And there's more to that, of course; whether it's true or just Simon's paranoia at work, he's sure they listen to him wherever he goes. He's talking faster, beginning to trip over himself in nervousness.]
If it's mission-related, or to do with settling in, of course I'll help in any way I can. But if it's really just curiosity, uh... [He hesitates. Then, to hell with it.] Well, you know what it did to the cat. I couldn't recommend it. To anyone.
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I see. [Still, he can't hide all of his disappointment.]
Then I suppose there's nothing more to discuss at the moment. I do appreciate your offer, however, and might call again if I do need advice on settling in.
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Yes, please do. I'm at your disposal.
As far as the rest of it goes, it's not too significant. Just pay attention to the mission and you'll be fine. [Again, things unspoken. Almost the first thing Gliese had told him: learning is dangerous. He hadn't listened.]
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Listen to what the instructors tell you, you mean.
[All right. He can keep his head down for the time being and think about what this means for him.]
It's good advice, and I'll certainly take note of it. [A pause.] Thank you for your time, Simon. I apologise for taking so much of it.
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I am sorry I couldn't be more help. Good luck settling in. [Because anyone who's asking the wrong questions already is in for a bad time.]