Barnaby caught the squeeze. Although he didn't glance back at Kotetsu, he could understand the meaning behind it. Kotetsu was holding himself back, but he was still there. But for what...? Barnaby didn't see Kerrigan as a threat in any case. They were coworkers, and not unpleasant ones. But he could still answer - couldn't not - and the first questions weren't very harmful. That second one, though?

Barnaby's eyes narrowed immediately. "We're not mutants," he answered, trying to keep his tone as level as possible. He had to pause, enough to blink away and return to glancing her with a nonchalant indifference. "There's most likely some sort of genetic difference which causes the NEXT ability, but no one's been able to explain it. And most, if not all, of the abilities are retractable and controlled by the person. They're not mutations, they're just added abilities. Please don't use such pejorative terminology."

With a soft sigh, he ran a hand through his hair. "But to answer your second question, no. NEXT are to be treated just like non-NEXT humans in society. The only major registration comes from those who commit crimes and those who actively work with their abilities." Although vague, he meant the heroes, as well as the students at the Hero academy. The ones who used their powers almost every day, if not for training then for fighting. But he didn't explain any of that - he wouldn't unless her questions led into it.