02 - [Video] Backdated to March 26

[iceontheground]

[When the video turns on, it shows Gray standing outside the Death City Heights apartment building. He looks pretty serious.]

Looks like Natsu left, if anyone's wondering where he is.

[Again, he doesn't add. But his tone is sharper than usual and with that, Gray hits the off button a little harder than necessary.]

rebuttal 18 ► [backdated to March 26 | video]

[prosecutory]

[Edgeworth is seated at his desk in his office, a dossier in his hands as he faces the communicator, which is presumably propped up on a stack of books or something so the view of him is more level instead of somewhat tilted upward. Speaking of his desk, it is neat, with arranged pens beside a small bottle of black ink, and several papers organized into a small pile and marked accordingly, weighted down by an organizer. The window behind him is framed by curtains the color of red wine, with golden trimming and tassels.

As soon as the transmission begins, he starts speaking clearly and deliberately in his usual baritone. Business as usual. He doesn’t glance at his papers while talking.]

Good afternoon. In the interest of the new arrivals, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Miles Edgeworth, public prosecutor and one of the heads of the Kuzunoha Detective Agency. [Yes, a lawyer is one of the leaders of a detective agency.]

The Agency was established to take on cases and mysteries in Death City. We specialize in investigation, dissemination of and gathering information, and surveillance and security. [He gestures with the dossier as he speaks.] As some of you may have noticed, a surveillance system has been installed throughout the city for everyone’s safety and protection. Near, my co-head, had it installed some time ago when we assumed leadership of the Agency.

[Edgeworth puts down his documents and adjusts his cravat for a moment before continuing with that same steely, matter-of-fact glint in his gray eyes. Looking presentable is also important, after all.]

If you believe you can be of some help to us, feel free to send either me or Near a private message expressing your intent to join. Alternately, you may stop by our office in the Shopping District. [He proceeds to give quick and concise directions from Shibusen to the Agency; surely Shibusen was a landmark known to all. And of course, links to his inbox and to Near’s inbox are attached for convenience.] We are particularly looking for a secretary, a messenger...and a janitor.

[He frowns briefly, then proceeds.]

Currently we are on the trail of a serial killer whose whereabouts remain a mystery. [Edgeworth’s eyes narrow, almost dangerously. He wants this man, and he would be glad to prosecute this killer himself. Yet his voice remains level, as if merely discussing an academic problem.] Five deaths have been linked to our killer, and during the last incident on the second of March, a young man with dark hair and of medium build was spotted at the scene with a murder weapon, along with a man in a blue costume of some sort. The young man, known to us as Devin Bones, is at large and is our prime suspect. The costumed man is a potential witness and has not been seen since, but I personally would not rule him out as an accomplice, or possibly a co-conspirator.

The victims had only one thing in common: they were linked to previous crimes such as robbery and murder. This leads me to believe that we are dealing with a vigilante who believes he can take the law into his own hands. [His scowl deepens, not just because of his opinion on vigilantism but also in thought.]

About three weeks have passed since the last death, and reports say that Bones has left the city. Despite this, I urge you all to remain on your guard, and notify us, Shibusen, or the Watch of any suspicious activity within the area that may shed some light upon this case. As much as possible, avoid traveling alone at night, and keep your communicators close by at all times.

[Again, he pauses - this time to cross his arms as if that would emphasize his point.]

I understand the need for justice to be done to those who deserve it and who manage to evade it, but the law has been laid down to organize the administration of justice and order, and to keep us from trying to recklessly and blindly dispense it ourselves.

… [Edgeworth relaxes slightly after that.]

Thank you for your time.

[OOC: I'm so sorry for the giant wall of text aaaaaaa]