[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

text; private

[attainment]

Honestly, you may be right. [He never said he has complete faith in you, Edgeworth, just that he's going by what he's seen so far.] Even so, I'm not one to merely take someone's word for it, particularly if there's no further explanation regarding why I should.

text; private

[glassinine]

Fine. I have done him significant injury, and have the potential to do him more. For his safety, you will keep him away from me.

text; private

[attainment]

What do you mean by significant injury?

text; private

[glassinine]

[A pause. He tries to figure out how to say this in the way that frames him in the worst possible light. Finally, he settles on:]

I caused him grave offense.

text; private

[attainment]

[His initial wording made it sound like he'd caused Kotetsu bodily harm. "Grave offense", at least, is a step down from that, and Barnaby loosens his grip on the device he's using.]

In other words, you two had a disagreement, and you said something that upset him.

[That is hardly a threat to anyone's safety. Don't scare him like that, Edgeworth.]

text; private

[glassinine]

[A pause. Damn it.]

It upset him very badly.

text; private

[attainment]

Did you upset him on purpose?

text; private

[glassinine]

[The pause is just a little too long.]

Yes.

text; private

[attainment]

What did you tell him?

text; private

[glassinine]

I cannot say.

text; private

[attainment]

I can't make a proper assessment of your character if I don't know what you told him, sir.

text; private

[glassinine]

I don't need you to make a proper assessment. I need you to keep your partner safe.

text; private

[attainment]

I fail to see the connection between causing grave offense and posing a safety risk.

text; private

[glassinine]

It is there.

text; private

[attainment]

Just a moment ago you were equating "significant injury" with making him angry. You'll have to excuse me for wondering what your idea of a safety risk is.

text; private

[glassinine]

[Fine.]

What is your ability, Mr. Brooks?

text; private

[attainment]

I can increase my physical capabilities 100 fold for five minutes.

text; private

[glassinine]

That seems useful.

text; private

[attainment]

Some people back home seemed to think so.

text; private

[glassinine]

With a touch, I destroy people. Mentally and emotionally. This power is uncontrollable, and it is getting worse. More powerful.

That is my ability. What I gained upon coming here.

text; private

[attainment]

[Well, that's...unfortunate, although not at all unheard of, sadly. Barnaby considers this new piece of information for a moment.]

How long have you been here?

text; private

[glassinine]

[That's a strange question. And an underreaction.]

Since February.

text; private

[attainment]

[Although he certainly recognizes the seriousness of the situation, Barnaby is detached enough that he doesn't allow the news to affect him too deeply. Between coming from a world where power types are as numerous as the stars, discovering his entire life was a lie, and waking up in an alternate universe, it is difficult to truly shock him at this point.]

In other words, you've had this power for about five months now, correct?

text; private

[glassinine]

Yes. But please do not claim that this is just due to inexperience. Experience has brought the opposite of control.

text; private

[attainment]

Are you certain the power is uncontrollable due to experience? Correlation does not necessarily equal causation, Mr. Edgeworth.

NEXTs who awaken at an older age often have a more difficult time adjusting to their new powers. For some people, stress alone is enough to make powers flare up by accident, which in turn causes more stress, which leads to more incidents. This often gives the false impression that their ability is impossible to control.