001 | Video

[purgation]

[Muffled voices from an opened window greet all listeners when the broadcast begins; the screen comes to life a moment later and depicts a middle-aged man with pale hair, eyes, and complexion seated comfortably upon a chair in a dimly lit room. A cup of steaming tea rests before him upon an oak-stained desk. With care, honey is stirred into the drink.]

[Seconds pass.]

[Setting aside his spoon, he turns sharp eyes upon the device, but not unkindly. While more accustomed to addressing a singular person in this fashion and not a widespread audience, the man does a masterful job at hiding this unfamiliarity. A smile forms upon glossy lips, cordial enough for strangers.]

Good evening.

[A sip is drawn from his tea cup, the flavor savored as he mulls over what to say next. Ultimately, he decides to introduce himself in order to prevent having to repeat his name half a dozen times or more to everyone who takes the time to respond.]

I am Yuri Petrov, one of the new arrivals. ImPorts, I believe we're called.

[In fact, some of you might even recognize him...but it's far more likely that you will not. In either case, Yuri demonstrates no favor and forges ahead. Setting down his cup, he flicks a lock of hair out of his line of sight and continues with an air of confidence.]

I have a few questions pertaining to the justice system here that I would like to ask. If one of you has a moment? Perhaps someone who occupies such a field, or one of related interest.

[A slight bearing of his teeth and his smile widens.]

I will do my best not to take up too much of your time, of course. Thank you.

Comments

Video

[beenwaitinglong]

[Tea. Blegh.

Though he does ask about Godot's other specialty, so he may as well give the guy the time of day.]

Evening, Mr. Petrov.

I won't pretend to be any sort of supreme expert, but I am a lawyer. Perhaps I hold a few answers for you.

Video

[purgation]

[Oh dear. What did tea ever do to you?]

Perhaps.

[Yuri glances off screen.]

First and foremost, I would like very much to know where I might find local public access law libraries. Or, alternatively, the location of any place where I might familiarize myself with how things work.

[A glance back at the device.]

Your name might not hurt, either.

[beenwaitinglong]

[It was born the inferior rival of coffee, that's all.]

First and foremost, there's a public law library at the city courthouse. It's the most extensive one, but there are also a few smaller ones at the universities around here.

[He pauses for a lingering sip of coffee.]

Godot. Public defender for the city of Heropa. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Petrov.

[purgation]

[Tsk. How can tea be inferior when its health benefits are too numerous to count? Coffee has got nothing on tea.]

And the whereabouts of the courthouse with respects to the city? I'm afraid I've only taken in a little of my surroundings at present.

[...that was a pointed sip, wasn't it.]

The pleasure is mine, Mr. Godot. And now that I've properly made your acquaintance, might you tell me more about the crime rate and the need for recruiting imPorts into occupations of law?

[He adds after a moment's consideration...]

I am a judge where I am from. This is a matter in which I very much wish to stay informed.

[beenwaitinglong]

[This is not the man you want to start a fight about coffee with, Yuri... believe you me.]

It's located in the central civic area, nearby the town hall. It's fairly easy to find.

[Another long sip.]

I don't know that it's a "need" so much as an attempt to appease us brought here against our will. It's difficult to encourage your guests to make themselves comfortable by forcing them into menial labor or retail. An effort is made to provide Imports with their applicable occupational field.

I find the crime rate quite relaxing, as I used to practice in Los Angeles. But the presence of superpowers throws a big, gleaming monkey wrench into any other similar comparisons.

[The next sip knocks out the cup, and he sets it aside and grabs another one almost immediately.]

Ah, Your Honor, should it be, then?

video;

[attainment]

Good evening, sir. I must admit, I didn't expect to find you here. Are you well?

video;

[purgation]

As well as can be expected, I assure you. Although, I must admit that I am a little surprised to see you, too.

[Surprised and possibly inconvenienced by, but he doesn't allow the latter to show.]

Should I be prepared to encounter other familiar faces?

video; (1/2)

[attainment]

Excuse me a moment.

video; private

[attainment]

[There is a brief pause as Barnaby adjusts something, and then:]

My partner is here as well, although he's also operating under the name Wild Tiger. Since he doesn't wants his identity to be compromised again, I've made this feed private for now.

video; private

[purgation]

[Kotetsu T. Kaburagi.]

[Yuri was just wondering if he had shown up alongside Barnaby. The two are inseparable. And so is the trouble that often follows at their heels.]

I would not jeopardize Mr. Kaburagi's identity, rest assured. Though I have to ask, has something happened here regarding it?

[It wouldn't surprise Yuri. Not at all. Kotetsu can be terribly irresponsible at times.]

video; private

[attainment]

He interacts with other imPorts under both his civilian and hero name, which makes separating the two identities more of a challenge. Consequently, at least a couple of imPorts have deduced that he and Wild Tiger are the same person.

[video]

[glassinine]

[Oh look who also has a cup of tea.]

Good day, Mr. Petrov. Mr. Godot is a capable attorney, and will be able to answer your questions well; I would be glad to assist as well. My name is Miles Edgeworth, and I'm a prosecutor here.

[video]

[purgation]

[Cheers, Edgeworth. Only Yuri doesn't raise his cup, he simply offers a cordial smile, one that could potentially be appreciative of a like-minded individual.]

Would Mr. Godot be the first individual to have volunteered? He failed to introduce himself, I'm afraid.

[A pause of consideration, and then he continues.]

In any case, I'm pleased to meet you, Mr. Edgeworth. May I ask, is your profession one you found here upon your arrival? Or is it one you have experience with where you come from?

[video]

[glassinine]

[Edgeworth doesn't smile - but then, he never does, and has indeed mastered the art of looking fairly friendly without actually making an overt friendly gesture.]

You are correct, sir, in your identification. Regarding your second question: I was indeed a prosecutor at home, and have served as one for fifteen years.

[video]

[purgation]

[Trademark mannerisms. Those in their line of work tend to adopt them over time. Yuri is rather familiar with that, and their necessity. Unlike Edgeworth, however...Yuri is inclined toward outward displays of pleasantness. Not at all a bad thing when he looks habitually unimpressed with the world whenever he chooses not to smile.]

And how long have you served here?

[It's not a question asked in arrogance, but one of general curiosity. In order to assess Miles' ability to provide useful information, knowing how familiar he is with the way the laws work in this place are of utmost importance.]

[video]

[glassinine]

I have been here since February, sir, and began practicing within days of arrival.

【ᴠɪᴅᴇᴏ】

[sensuality]

Yuri....that's a unique name.

( she had to point that out, but as soon as he starts to talk about justice, mathilda's moods turns sour.

with a glass of milk in hand, she takes a long sip before responding. )

It's the same everywhere, justice. Corrupt and it only benefits the lucky ones.

【ᴠɪᴅᴇᴏ】

[purgation]

I suppose it is.

[Yuri chooses not to linger on the uniqueness of his name, however. The rest of what this young girl says is far more interesting, besides.]

It sounds as though you have contradicted yourself. If justice is corrupt, then it is not justice at all.

【ᴠɪᴅᴇᴏ】

[sensuality]

I suppose you're right.

( she pauses for a moment. )

Then what the hell is it? Because if what there is, is labeled as justice but it really isn't justice since it's corrupt, then what is there?

【ᴠɪᴅᴇᴏ】

[purgation]

False justice is exactly that: false. Unfortunately, it is also widely practiced. That does not mean that true justice fails to exist, however.

[Yuri lifts his cup to his lips and regards the young girl more closely. She has a look about her. Not unintelligent, but perhaps a little feral. Likely she was damaged at one point in time or another. Nowadays, however, what child hasn't been?]

Bearing that in mind, it is important to also remember that it is not the purpose of justice to protect you from yourself. If you make a wrong move, you must live with the consequences of that decision.

[He sets his cup down with a soft clink upon a saucer.]

It is a harsh reality, but there is a reason justice is called a double-edged sword.

【ᴠɪᴅᴇᴏ】

[sensuality]

( her eyes watch him closely and she imitated his movements.

was he a police officer? if he was, he was nothing like stansfield, with his eyes full of violence and corruption. he had to be something though, mathilda was sure of it. no one talked about justice unless they were somehow involved.

she highly doubted he was a hitman....for now she would continue speaking until she found out. )

I wasn't implying that it's there to protect you from yourself. If you need protection against yourself, then you shouldn't be a functioning member of society.

( that reminded her of her older sister. she was really stupid, and that brings some comfort to mathilda. she was no longer alive, no longer doing stupid things. )

Whatever happens to you if you put yourself in a situation like that is your own damn fault.

video; walks in 15 minutes late with fried rice

[earnedmystripes]

...Judge Petrov??

[He did not see that one coming. Then again, he was surprised when he saw his partner here, too.

Those questions will have to go answered by the various lawyers afoot, though, because the only part of the legal system that's really relevant to him is how being a hero is illegal unless you're registered. He hasn't bothered to hunt down much in the way of specifics, otherwise.]

Hey, welcome to Heropa.

video; did you bring more tea?

[purgation]

Mr. Kaburagi.

[Yuri isn't at all surprised to hear from Kotetsu. Barnaby mentioned already that his partner had arrived before either one of them had. It was merely a matter of time before the veteran Hero appeared to greet the judge personally.]

[And, not unexpectedly, Kotetsu is tardy in comparison to Barnaby.]

Thank you. I do feel welcome having been greeted by familiar faces. Have are you faring?

video; nope. but i did bring mayo :D

[earnedmystripes]

[Wow rude, he's not always late to things!!!]

[The question actually catches him off-guard, much as he knows it was asked likely out of politeness alone. It's just a little strange for the man you're used to handling your damage fines to be asking how you are, personally. Unlike the other Heroes, he's never spoken to Yuri in a non-professional capacity before.]

I've been doing pretty alright? For an interdimensional sort-of-kidnapping, anyway, heh.

[Beat.]

The lawyer guys can probably answer your questions better, but is there anything else you need while you're settling in?

[People from Sternbild gotta stick together, after all.]

...what are we even supposed to use mayo on when we have tea and fried rice :T

[purgation]

[ Not always, but often enough! ]

[ ...as for the other, Yuri is a man of appearances; his public face must be maintained at all times. Regardless of whether or not he and Kotetsu have a close relationship (and they do not), they share one pressing similarity between them: they are both citizens of Sternbild in a foreign world and that warrants comment, even just in passing. It is a fact that cannot be ignored, not only because it is his professional duty to see to the needs of the Heroes, but because (even if he is annoying and oftentimes interfering) Yuri does not directly wish ill upon Kotetsu. Or anyone, for that matter, that is not a criminal or force that stands in the way of Justice. ]

I'm pleased to hear that. The last any of us needs is additional discomfort, though I have heard in passing that things are not always so unexciting.

[ He closes his eyes, a soft sigh escaping him. ]

I cannot think of anything that I need, apart from what you might be willing to share with me about your experiences here thus far.