[SCENE] Phoenix and Colias in: An Ambassadorial Interview
Phoenix: *Phoenix steps off the bus at the Cohdopian Embassy and takes a moment outside to spruce up his hair spikes and blue suit. He hasn't been in a job interview since college, and he can't help but be nervous. Once satisfied that he's spiky and not too badly wrinkled, he enters the building.*
Phoenix: *Inside, he's approached by a pair of guards who check his ID. After explaining that he already called ahead and has an appointment with the Ambassador, they show him to Colias' office. With a deep breath he knocks on the door.*
Colias: *He's been waiting eagerly for his interviewee to arrive, passing the time studying souvenirs and taking notes. He usually doesn't interview prospective hires himself, but Mr. Wright is a personal friend of Detective Gumshoe. At the sound of the timely knock, he smiles brightly, setting his notes aside, and answers the door.*
Colias: Mr. Wright! It's a great pleasure to meet you. *he shakes the man's hand, then steps aside so Mr. Wright can enter.* Detective Gumshoe has told me all about you. *pauses as he remembers what Gumshoe actually said, which didn't make a great deal of sense* Or a few things, at least.
Phoenix: *He chuckles, and hopes his nerves don't show--just what would Gumshoe have had to say about him?* It's good to meet you too, Ambassador Palaeno. Thanks for agreeing to see me on such short notice.
Colias: You're quite welcome. It was no trouble. Please, have a seat. *he gestures to the chair positioned in front of his desk, then walks around the desk to take a seat himself.* Oh yes, I had some food brought up in case you wanted something to eat. *he indicates a plate on the desk, upon which a variety of snacks are arranged.* Do help yourself.
Phoenix: Thank you. *Phoenix sits and accepts a cookie to be polite.* I brought a copy of my resume if you'd like to look it over.
Colias: Certainly. Yes, I'll do that. *Colias reaches across the desk and accepts the resume, then looks it over thoughtfully before glancing up with a smile.* Detective Gumshoe said you worked with him on some of his investigations? I'm curious, is it customary for all lawyers in your country to work with detectives like that?
Phoenix: No, actually, I don't think so. *Smiles crookedly* In fact, he wasn't all that willing to work with me at first, but I guess you could say we built up a trust. We've helped each other a lot over the years.
Colias: Good working relationships are very important. *his smile falters for a moment, but recovers.* I've been quite interested in your legal system since the investigation of the murders at the embassy. *he seems a bit too happy for someone discussing murders, but he sobers.* Though that's not the point of this interview. What kind of employment would you be most interested in, Mr. Wright?
Phoenix: To be honest, I'd be happy to work any position with steady hours. I did a little bit of everything when I was in college--retail, handywork, even a little acting. *He chuckles with the memory* I'm sure my law experience doesn't count for much now, but I know my way around a computer and a file cabinet.
Colias: *brightly* It's life experience, regardless, and that's essential. Acting! Wonderful. We're looking for actors. As well as people to do manual work. And clerical work. All those things. If you want steady work, I would recommend clerical or retail, as the acting and manual labor are more temporary in nature, but we could simply move you from one to the other.
Phoenix: I don't mind being hopped around, that's for sure. Retail would be...in the gift shop? *He manages not to wince* I'm not sure I know enough about Cohdopia yet to be useful there, but I did plenty of clerical work as a law intern.
Colias: Retail would mean the gift shop. Probably you'd be better suited to the clerical work, if you're not well-versed in Cohdopian products. Also, I'm looking for someone to work as an advisor for my prison rehabilitation program. *reflects* That's not--exactly a job. But if you have any ideas.
Phoenix: Ah... *He thinks immediately that's not a good idea, but he doesn't want to offend Colias somehow.* I'm familiar with the program. If I can help in any way, I'll be happy to, but it sounds like I'd be put to best use in an office.
Colias: Oh, you've heard of it? *pleased* Let me know if anything occurs to you, that's all--critical or not. I've received so many conflicting opinions, it's daunting. I'd love to hear what you have to think. *smiles hopefully* Office work it is, then, if that's your preference.
Phoenix: Y-Yes. *Is very happy to move on from the prisoner question* It's what I have the most experience with, and I want to be helpful here. But if you needed me to be shuffled around, I'm fine with that, too.
Colias: Wonderful! I'm glad you're so flexible, Mr. Wright. That's an admirable quality. Which reminds me, I should ask you some questions about yourself. *pauses to consider.* Let's see... How would you describe yourself?
Phoenix: *He straightens, trying to remember the tips he read off a Job Interview Help website...!* I'd have to say...tenacious. Usually I'm pretty easy going, but when I get involved in a puzzle or problem I can't stop until it's done. I do my best to take care of the people around me, but sometimes I get the feeling they're doing more for me. *smiles sheepishly*
Colias: *returns his smile* I know just what you mean. I'm much the same way. *He suddenly remembers something.* I confess, I usually don't interview people, but I researched the process, and I read that there are questions you're not allowed to ask in the States. We have no such laws in Cohdopia, but if I ask a question you'd rather not answer, feel free to refuse!
Phoenix: I'm not exactly sure what those questions are either, but thank you. I'll be as honest as I can, of course.
Colias: I believe the laws are to protect you from discrimination, which was why I was a little worried. I wouldn't want to discriminate accidentally. I do appreciate your honesty. *He clasps his hands together and considers a moment.* You mentioned taking care of people. I think that's very important, myself. Do you have a family? Or pets, perhaps?
Phoenix: Actually... *He hesitates, but after what he's just said, he knows he'd feel too guilty to not be totally truthful.* I'm trying to adopt a little girl. I think you may have spoken to her online already.
Colias: Oh! *he's stunned speechless for a moment.* You don't mean to tell me that you're Trucy's daddy?
Phoenix: *It's a little strange to hear someone else say it, and he chuckles* Yes--well, working on it. The paperwork isn't in yet so I haven't told many people, but that's the plan. That's part of the reason I need the work right now.
Colias: *beaming, he's a bit too delighted to talk for another moment or two* Yes, Mr. Wright. I'll do anything I can to help. I certainly wouldn't want Trucy to be taken away from her father. Would you like to take some candy home for her? *He opens a desk drawer and removes a few small bags.* I happen to have some samples here. I promised that I would give her some.
Phoenix: Yes, thank you. *Grins as he accepts* That's very kind of you, I'm sure she'll love it.
Colias: I'm so glad. Do tell her I send my regards. *careful pause* I don't mean to pry, but do you have a domestic partner, or someone to look after her while you're at work?
Phoenix: No...but I have looked into summer school, camps, things like that. And I have friends that are willing to babysit. *At least, he hopes they are...!* I'll find a way to make it work.
Colias: I ask because, if you don't have someone to look after her every day, you can feel free to bring her to work here when necessary. You needn't worry if she isn't legally adopted yet, as you'd be under Cohdopian rule within the embassy.
Phoenix: Really? *he perks* Thank you. I'd thought of that, but I wasn't sure if it would be appropriate to ask.
Colias: Yes, of course. There are residential quarters here at the embassy, and some of the staff do have children. I make sure that we're quite child-friendly. And please, feel free to ask me anything, Mr. Wright.
Phoenix: I guess the only question I have left is how am I doing? *he smiles hopefully* Or maybe...when could I start?
Colias: Oh! *returns his smile* You're doing quite well. You seem competent and professional, you have an excellent resume, and Detective Gumshoe spoke quite highly of you. I have to talk to the clerical department first, but you can start as soon as tomorrow, if that suits you, as we're very busy here. I just have one more question, if that's all right.
Phoenix: Yes, of course. *Relieved, he leans forward a little.* What is it?
Colias: I was simply wondering, since you've worked with Detective Gumshoe in the past--are you also a friend of Mr. Edgeworth's?
Phoenix: *The question is unexpected, and Phoenix does his best not to frown.* Um, yeah. Actually, we've known each other for years, since before we were in law. Do you know him well?
Colias: For years? That's so wonderful. No, I don't know him terribly well, but I'm very grateful to him for his services to Cohdopia. He investigated the murders at the embassy and was a great help to all of us here. Such a kind man. Quite the model American.
Phoenix: Yeah, he is. *Realizing that knowing Edgeworth seems to be a positive to Colias, he brightens* And a good friend. Though I haven't seen him in a while...
Colias: It's an honor to have a friend of Mr. Edgeworth's working here. I'm sure everyone will be excited. Perhaps you'll even see him here, if he stops by.
Phoenix: Ah...yeah, I'd like that. *He's pretty sure that Edgeworth's black eye would have healed by now... hopefully Edgeworth didn't tell many people about who gave it to him* Is that all?
Colias: Yes, that's all I need from you, Mr. Wright--oh, I almost forgot! *he hands him some papers* Please fill these out and bring them in tomorrow. There's a lot of red tape when hiring foreign nationals. *apologetic smile* But there are some coupons in there too, for free samples, which might make the paperwork less of a burden.
Phoenix: Thank you, that's very generous. *He takes the papers and looks through them briefly* I'll bring Trucy by sometime just to say hi, if you don't mind.
Colias: I wouldn't mind at all, Mr. Wright. That would be delightful! I look forward to it. Thank you so much. I'm sure I'll see you again soon--I try to remain involved in all aspects of the embassy's operations. *He rises to his feet and offers his hand.* It's been a pleasure to meet you.
Phoenix: Same here. *He stands and shakes Colias' hand* Thanks again, Ambassador. I'm really looking forward to working here.