[video]

[glassinine]

[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.

Comments

[dragony]

Do you think you're the first person to hurt someone with his powers?

[glassinine]

I -

[He scowls.]

That's irrelevant.

[dragony]

How so?

[glassinine]

Other isolated incidents have no bearing upon my current situation.

[dragony]

Please don't think me rude for saying so, but your circumstances aren't half as unique as you seem to think.

[ Still rude to say, though. ]

How long have your powers been active? I mean, I know they are new to you, since arriving here, but when was the first time you recall using them?

[glassinine]

I...

In April. Though it might have been before that.

[dragony]

Three months, as far as you're aware.

How many times have you used them without intending to? As far as you are aware.

[glassinine]

...Four times. But again, it could have been more.

[dragony]

Can you tell me about those incidents, as you remember them?

[glassinine]

I - I would prefer not to.

[dragony]

[ She sighs, shifting position - her arms fold on her desk, and she leans forward a little, giving the communicator a serious look. ]

Sir, please don't misunderstand me. I'm sympathetic to you, but I'm not asking to tell you that it wasn't your fault, or that you're forgiven. But leaving like this in the hope you won't hurt anybody else - that's irresponsible.

Wouldn't you rather learn to control it?

[glassinine]

...Yes. Of course.

[dragony]

The first step to control is understanding. Understanding comes from examination... from knowing what happened. Why, and how.

[glassinine]

The information isn't mine to give.

[dragony]

[ She shakes her head. ]

You don't have to tell me who they are. The people you affected - mask their identities as best you can.

[glassinine]

It's not my information to give. I can't.

[dragony]

Why can't you?

[glassinine]

Because if they choose to press charges, I do not want you having to be called as a witness.

[dragony]

[ She bites her lower lip, thinking on this, and shakes her head. ]

If you believed they were going to press charges, you wouldn't be leaving the country.

[glassinine]

It may still happen in the future.

[dragony]

Fine. Why wouldn't you want me called as a witness, in this potential future?

[glassinine]

...Because I don't want you put through that. Not for something so foolish as this.

[dragony]

Are you certain it's not you, looking for excuses, this time?

An inconvenience like that is nothing, if this can help you attain control of your power.

[glassinine]

I do not see how it would.

[dragony]

How many other people with emotion-based powers do you know?