[It's a bit more intense of a reaction than he's used to seeing from Edgeworth, but then again, it's probably pretty shocking to just have this kind of thing dumped in your lap. the last Edgeworth had been thrown into this fray; there wasn't exactly time to be righteously indignant about it.

Kotetsu, for his part, just looks rather grim.]

The civilian kids were probably just collateral. Insurance to make sure we fought, 'cause they know we care too much not to protect 'em.

[It's an unfortunate reality that Kotetsu's found himself confronting more and more in this place. Everyone who wants to cause trouble's got their number, as it were. They know beyond an absolute shadow of a doubt that most imPorts don't have the stomach for callousness. Threaten the lives of people and they'll come running in droves. They'll come out to events as added protection in the case something happens. They'll ignore all signs telling them getting involved is a bad idea and fight anyway because they just can't not. It's a way to control them, and even Kotetsu knows it.]

I can't remember it offhand, but it was on the network. [He rubs at his neck.] David-something? Darryl? Daniel? Pretty sure it was something along those lines...