Insane shit. Well, that shouldn't be new news for him, and somehow, the acknowledgement of that helps shake some of the bewilderment of the whole thing.

With a quiet word muttered to Neil that he'd be right back, he abandons his tea on the table and stands.

"I--- yes, I can do that, if it'd help. Ah..." He trails off, and after a beat of thoughtful quiet, he's chosen his words.

He speaks, calmly and measured, and the strings of compulsion begin to pull.

"Who are you, and how do you know me?"