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

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.

My business, you mean.

For the purpose of this exchange, I believe we can safely assume "business" is synonymous with "whatever it is you're aiming to do" while abroad, yes.

If business is unsuccessful, one does not fail to return to one's place of work in response.

Wouldn't that depend on the business at hand?

[Ugh.]

Stop playing coy.

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