02 | VIDEO

[andgoliath]

Good evening, everyone. I hope you're doing well.

If we haven't met before, I'm David Xanatos, founder and CEO of Xanatos Enterprises. I have a couple of things to discuss tonight, so please bear with me.

Firstly, I'm happy to announce that I've taken over the role of Director at Xavier's School for Imports outside of Heropa, filling a more financial-oriented role with the always-capable Robert Callaghan as Headmaster. Import youth of all ages who would like to learn more about controlling their powers or who simply want a student body filled with people like them are welcome to enroll at any time, and we're always hiring for teachers and staff positions.

Secondly, I'm looking for science-minded individuals to collaborate with myself and Tony Stark in the design and construction of a state-of-the-art, multi-billion-dollar research facility near De Chima. The sole stipulation is that any discoveries made there be made available for others to build on, for the advancement of all.

I'll be happy to take any of your questions in the meantime.

Comments

private;

[kreiastophe]

[There's a brief silence.]

We don't know that yet. We haven't tried.

Has- has something happened? Because it wasn't that long ago that you were determined to see this project through to its end.

[microbrobotics]

[ Nothing specific, just growing unease creeping like a mold from Crane's influence. There were two suggestions put in his head that day, and the one feeds off the other... He's calmer at least, focusing on this subject. ]

I just - the more I try to think through it, the more issues there are. I can't hope for it any more.

[kreiastophe]

It isn't the only option we have. If the portal doesn't work, we can keep on trying until something does.

[microbrobotics]

They're all going to fail. We can't do it.

[ He's miserable - and worse, convinced. ]

[kreiastophe]

The task of saving your brother might seem insurmountable right now, but we have to try, Hiro. We can't give up before we've even started.

[microbrobotics]

What makes you so hopeful?

[kreiastophe]

I'm a pioneer. It's in my nature.

[microbrobotics]

[ Now that the initial rush of emotion is over - and the dark splotches on his psyche have receded for the moment - he seems almost calm. Curious again. ]

... How'd you get started? How'd you know?

[kreiastophe]

How did I get started? As a pioneer...? The same way you did as an inventor. I became knowledgeable about what I was passionate about - technology - and then supplemented that with physics and mathematics, and I started to see things differently.

[microbrobotics]

And it was that easy, huh.

[kreiastophe]

There may have been some crying in a bathtub involved.

[microbrobotics]

[ A faint but audible snort. ]

I can't picture it.

[kreiastophe]

Oh? I'm flattered. I was quite a bit younger when that happened.

[Remember Tadashi during the final stages of testing Baymax? Yeah.]

[microbrobotics]

How old? Tadashi's age or mine?

[kreiastophe]

How old is your brother? Early twenties, late teens...? I was closer to his age, in any case.

[microbrobotics]

He'll be twenty-one in a few weeks.

[kreiastophe]

Oh? That soon? I'll be sure to get him something.

[microbrobotics]

Yeah, July 7th. I think this trip was supposed to be some kind of birthday present.

[ And now he's ruined it. His face falls again. ]

[kreiastophe]

[He's getting good at reading Hiro. Not that Hiro makes himself very hard to read.]

Don't fret, I've seen him on the network and he had a very good time.

It's the day of the birthday that matters most, anyway. With your aunt here, you'll be able to do something a little more homely for him.

[microbrobotics]

[ He's a little obvious. Despite being a genius - maybe because of it - Hiro's not real great at managing his feelings. ]

I - yeah. I guess we can. She'd bake everything for him.

[kreiastophe]

Perhaps you could make something out of grape jello for him?

[Trying for a smile here. Come on, Hiro. Cheer up.]

[microbrobotics]

[ Even better - Krei surprises a laugh out of him. ]

Maybe I could.

[kreiastophe]

Did you ever manage to get that smell out of your room?

[microbrobotics]

Eventually. Somehow.