video;

[aceordisgraced]

I'm back.

[That was the coolest opening he could think of (or rather, the lamest of the coolest he decided on). It looks like the blue-suited lawyer is back to being a blue-beanied scruffy.]

That was a bit of an adventure wasn't it? I'm kind of embarrassed to remember it. How was it for anyone else?

Oh, and... [A pause. Then he clears his throat.] Aah, never mind. It really is a bad idea to let kids into something like this. But I guess Father's Day will be a little lonely from now on.

[to Maya, Mia, locked separately]
I think I owe you an explanation. Got some time for lunch?

[to Edgeworth, in the evening]
Do you have some time? I'll pay for tea, or coffee, or whatever you drink.

Comments

action!

[aceordisgraced]

[He watches, then stuffs his hands into his pockets.]

... Hey, I'm from the future. If this world's thing is to send us in the past to change the future, I'm going to worry about what my past -- you guys -- would do to your future -- me. You follow me?

I need to know if you remembered anything, and if I could clear up any questions you might've had.

action!

[bratworth]

[ There's a question that he's had the whole time, but even now, with the possibility of candid discussion, it's still not one he can bring himself to ask. So, instead, he just scowls and snaps: ]

Alternate realities, Wright. I doubt it really matters.

action!

[aceordisgraced]

Your alternate reality can be my reality. If there's a possibility, I'll pursue it.

action!

[bratworth]

[ He scoffs. ] Do you really think I want to know about you that badly?

[ A beat. ]

Well, I don't.

action!

[aceordisgraced]

Well I'm glad to hear it. The age difference between us is astounding, and I definitely don't see you in that way.

[He sighs and shakes his head.]

You said "since." You don't remember the mission?

action!

[bratworth]

[ His scowl deepens because this isn't a time for jokes and if that's all Wright's going to do then Edgeworth might as well just leave now. But at the question, he shakes his head, then begrudgingly offers a verbal answer as well. ]

I do not.

action!

[aceordisgraced]

... Right. That's weird. Then what's the last thing you remember before it?

[bratworth]

Returning from New Mexico. What's with all the questions? I think we can both easily surmise what happened. [ Even if he doesn't really want to talk about it. ]

[aceordisgraced]

Assumptions are dangerous, that's all. And even if you're not interested in me, I'm interested in what this place is up to. Tea or coffee?

[He points to an open table. Wanna sit?]

[bratworth]

Tea. [ But he doesn't move towards the table. Not yet. ]

Don't you have anyone else you can talk to about all this?

[aceordisgraced]

A couple others. [He relays Edgeworth's order to a passerby waiter, not moving to sit just yet either.]

My daughter's not in Exsilium anymore, so after that, you, Mia, and Maya Fey were most reliable for me.

[bratworth]

...In that order? [ He asks, then regrets asking, which is foolish in itself. The answer shouldn't matter. ]

[aceordisgraced]

I doubt the other really matters to you, but for the sake of answering, I find you three to be equally reliable. In different ways.

[bratworth]

May I suggest that you talk to them first?

[aceordisgraced]

I sent them a message the same time I sent you one, actually.

[bratworth]

Then why am I here and they're not?

[aceordisgraced]

Oh, I called them too. Just not with you, because I wasn't really in the mood for a party.

[bratworth]

So they turned you down, is that it? Frankly, I'm starting to wish I'd done the same.

[aceordisgraced]

Iiiiii called them to meet up with me at a different time. The day is long.

...How're you doing, Edgeworth?

[bratworth]

[ Immediately, he's on the defensive, hands crossing over his chest. ]

I don't see how that's any particular concern of yours.

[aceordisgraced]

... Really?

I was trying to be conversational, Edgeworth.