001 [Video]

[attainment]

[What initially looks like a pink version of Iron Man is addressing the network, although he has enough sense to lift his face plate when introducing himself to strangers.

The confidence with which he carries himself, along with the polite/neutral mask he wears, both suggest that the man is at ease with broadcasting his image for anyone tuning in. However, someone more observant might detect an oddly brittle look in his green eyes.]

Hi. My name is Barnaby Brooks Jr. I'm currently trying to confirm the status of a man who goes by the name of Kotetsu T. Kaburagi. He's middle-aged, wears a distinct beard, and is of Japanese descent.

[This is where he might have made some vaguely smart-ass comment disguised as legitimate concern about property damage, but the anxiety gnawing at him keeps him laser-focused on the task at hand.]

If you've seen a gentleman who fits this description, I would appreciate any information you might have. [He almost mentions the fact Kotetsu was injured the last time he saw him, but for the sake of being cautious, he decides not to expose a potential vulnerability just yet.

The most important question asked, he nearly ends the feed, but stops himself. A beat of silence, and then he dryly adds:]

Also, since my current outfit doesn't do much for letting me blend in, I'd be grateful if anyone can recommend a skilled tailor or a good place to purchase a new wardrobe.

[It's not the sort of thing he'd typically ask right off the bat, but he's so taxed emotionally and mentally that he's decided to free up as much brain space as possible by deferring smaller matters like clothes to people who know the area better than him.]

Thank you for your time.

Comments

[attainment]

With work, or other endeavors?

[imitari]

Work. I'm sort of a teacher at Sunday school.

[attainment]

At the church you mentioned before, I presume?

[imitari]

Got it in one.

What about you? They got you a job too, right?

[attainment]

[A dry smile.] Energy drink spokesperson, or something of that nature, from the sound of it. Of course, that hinges on if I choose to accept my assignment and register with the government.

[imitari]

That's weird. You'd think they'd take someone like you and make you, I don't know... do something that's a little more in your area.

[attainment]

Given the nature of the hero industry back home, it technically is in my area.

[imitari]

Come again?

[attainment]

Our hero program costs a lot of money, so corporate sponsors are necessary to keep it afloat. In exchange for their financial backing, we tend to advertise for different companies -- wearing their logos, doing commercials, things like that.

[imitari]

Oh. Wow, I never even thought of that.

[huh!]

So you're, like. Total celebrities.

[attainment]

I suppose you could say that.

[That's mostly him trying to sound modest. They're total celebrities.]

[imitari]

This should be nothing new to you, then. The way people kinda lose their minds over imPorts.

Did you know one of them cut off a bit of my hair?

[attainment]

I've had encounters with enthusiastic fans, yes.

[He's been manhandled by people before, rumpling his clothes and messing up his hair in the process. But actually taking a pair of scissors to these curls? He'd disarm them before they got the chance -- and have a perfectly valid reason for doing so.

That's not even going into the message board where stalkers post updates about where he is at any given moment, or the paparazzi. It just comes with the territory, though, so he can't complain too much.]

That sounds terrible. Are you all right?

[imitari]

Ego's a bit bruised, but yeah, I'm all right. At least they didn't cut off something I'd sorely miss. [Her hair is her baby, though.]

[attainment]

[He sympathizes. :(]

Still, someone coming at you with scissors sounds like a potential safety hazard. Do you have training on what to do if someone approaches you with a weapon?

[imitari]

Oh - yeah. I got that kind of training when I was a kid. I'm well prepared, don't worry.

Thanks.