soul_campaign | rebuttal 20 ► [backdated to May 30, 2:00 PM

[The voice that speaks is a bit weak; it is a voice that would normally be a clear baritone but is, instead, hoarse with exhaustion. Edgeworth struggles to make himself heard, and his efforts pay off.]

Hmph, mounting a riot while many of us were dispatched on missions? I can't say it was not a calculated move. The local thugs are using their brains in tandem with their brawn for once.

...In any case. [He sighs wearily.] Allow me to offer a piece of advice as one who has called Death City home for nine months: learn how to defend yourself. Shibusen has given you a choice: to either live as a simple civilian until you return to your real home, or to take up arms, so to speak, and fight. Regardless of what you choose, however, danger threatens us both outside and inside the city walls. Our enemies - anti-Shibusen forces, kishin eggs and witches alike - are not picky with their targets.

Learning self-defense is not equivalent to becoming a soldier. I'm not making your choice for you; I am simply offering a suggestion, a precaution if you will, if you wish to stay alive when the war comes knocking at your door, whether you expected it or not.

...

Should you have any business with the Agency, your concerns are best directed to me for now. [Edgeworth, you dolt, you're also in the hospital. So what if you're in better shape than Near? STOP IT.]

[Filtered to the Agency]

I should return to work in 3 days. Those of you who stayed in Death City are not excused from reporting regarding yesterday's events. [Before you think Edgeworth is a mean slave driver, note that he didn't give a deadline.]

I believe a head count is in order; how many of you are well enough to work?

[OOC: ACTION FOR PEOPLE WHO'D LOVE TO DROP BY FOR A VISIT, GIMME ALL YER VISITORS]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Good afternoon, Sheena. I'm fine, thank you for asking.

[He tries not to show pain on his face by greeting her with a little formal smile.]

[So polite and formal, Miles. As always.]

No problem.

[She moves in a little closer, studying him, her eyes concerned.]

So, what happened?

During yesterday's mission, Genesis and I encountered not only a particularly strong kishin egg, but also a witch. [Smooth and straight to the point. Edgeworth grips his bandaged arm briefly.]

[Sheena catches that movement, Miles, and her eyes narrow even further with concern.]

Did the doctors say you two will be all right?

[Yes, she knows Genesis, too.]

Yes. I should be discharged in three days, but Genesis will have to remain here for a longer time.

[He's not surprised that she knows Genesis; the guy got around and of course, had Watch connections.]

[She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. His expression...]

Miles, what happened to Genesis?

[She only knows him because of a book...]

[He sighs.]

Genesis...took a blow for me, and was attacked by a particularly vicious kishin.

[She starts slightly at the response, and her concern deepens for both men, but right now, she thinks she understands Miles a bit better.]

Miles...[Her voice is soft and understanding.] You don't think it's your fault, do you?

[That leaves him silent. Edgeworth had berated Genesis over and over for this, but...]

Perhaps I wasn't circumspect enough during that battle, but nothing can change what happened.

[Sheena shakes her head.]

Miles, you know that no matter how much you train and prepare, unexpected things always happen.

It's not your fault.

I know. I can't change it, so there is no point in dwelling upon it.

[She places a comforting hand gently on his uninjured arm.]

That's always easier said than done, but it can be done.

Indeed. Besides that, other concerns warrant my attention. [The creepy black blood and all that.]

[She looks at him incredulously.]

Miles, you're not thinking of leaving here early, are you?

[So says one of the worst patients in DC]

[What. No, no, he shakes his head, and looks at her as if thinking WHOA YOU THINK I'D DO THAT?]

Of course not. I can't disobey the doctor's orders. [But he can try to work from the bed...]

[Why not? She would... She just doesn't think others should.]

[She crosses her arms and studies him.]

So, what exactly do you plan to do?

rebuttal 20 ► [backdated to May 30, 2:00 PM | voice]

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