maskormenace | [video]

[video]

[The thing about employing text is that when you start using it when all your broadcasts are in video, people tend to question why you've suddenly switched. So he makes the decision to instead compose himself as best as he can and use video instead.

Unfortunately, he always sort of overestimates his ability to compose himself. He certainly doesn't seem distraught, or panicked, or anything of the sort, but he's definitely shaky. This is definitely a far cry from his normal, slow, quiet, lengthy broadcasts.]

I'm leaving on a business trip abroad for...some length of time. I'm - not certain how long. Please don't try to contact me; I'll be far too busy to answer any messages.

Good day.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Well, that message wasn't awkward to watch or anything. Of course, it's not Barnaby's place to comment or otherwise question his reasons for the abrupt trip, but he still ends up sending a message.]

Sir,

My partner told me you were interested in setting up a fund to help imPorts settle in with their new circumstances. Once you return and have some time, I'd like to talk to you about assisting with that.

Either way, no response necessary. We can work out the details later.

Take care.

[This text is a deeply unpleasant reminder of what he's leaving behind. He has responsibilities, doesn't he? Things he's committed to, things he's promised to do to help.

But what good is he if he helps with one hand and dispenses misery with the other?]

Phoenix Wright is working with the fund as well. You should direct all inquires to him from here on out.

[That doesn't sound like a routine business trip at all, but all right then.]

Very well.

[A hesitation - ]

And thank you for being involved. Mr. Wright does not have much of a head for financial management; I will depend upon you to ensure that all such details are taken care of.

There's no need to thank me. In truth, we can all benefit from giving people a third option.

[It means people won't have to register out of desperation or fear, which can only make life smoother for those who still choose to stay in the government's hero program. In a best-case scenario, such a fund would also give imPorts more leverage when dealing with government officials.]

I've yet to meet Mr. Wright, but I will do my best to assist him in whatever is necessary. At the very least, my previous work experience in both business and public relations may be of some use to him.

I am glad to hear of it.

May I ask if you've told anyone where you're going? In the event of another crisis, it would be good for someone to know whether you're in an affected area or not. The reason I mention this is because your imPort status and position with the government makes you a potential target.

[A hesitation. Finally:]

My superiors at my place of work know.

Do you trust them to provide you assistance in the event of an emergency? With all due respect to your superiors, their reach may be limited on account of bureaucratic and political concerns.

If there is an emergency, I will handle it myself.

Am I to understand that you have combat experience, then?

I do not intend to find myself in combat.

There are quite a few people who didn't intend to wake up in an alternate universe, much less with unfamiliar powers. Even if you intend to avoid combat, it may find you anyway.

Then I will deal with it when it comes.

Would it not be more efficient to take proper precautions beforehand?

I have other things to concern myself with.

You do not have time to inform one or two imPorts of your whereabouts?

There are few people with authorization to travel abroad. I'll simply liaise with the local police if I need assistance.

Actually, I have a passport. And with all due respect, local police departments seem under-equipped to deal with some of the threats we've experienced these past few months.

Please don't misunderstand me. It is not my intention to pry into your personal affairs, nor do I expect you to justify your abrupt departure, as uncharacteristic as it may be. That said, given the current political climate, your hand in apprehending one of the agents, and some of the unfinished business you're leaving behind, it seems irresponsible to travel abroad without informing at least one imPort of your whereabouts.

Sir, I appreciate your concern. But I assure you, I am more than capable of taking care of any issues that might arise.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the fact you are deliberately concealing your destination while refusing to give an estimated date of return suggests the exact opposite, as it gives the impression that you do not expect to come back.

[A moment.]

Of course I intend to come back.

That may be your intention, but do you truly expect to return?

Why wouldn't I?

If, for example, you're unsuccessful in whatever it is you're aiming to do.

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