The Negotiator

[a_louse]

1. Greetings. My name is Roger Smith, I am Paradigm City's top negotiator. Thanks for your assistance out there; I'm glad to see miss Ohara is alright now.

I should offer a short explanation. Paradigm is the city of lost memories; all of its citizens suffered from complete amnesia in a mysterious event 40 years ago. Since then, we had no contact with the outside world, and weren't even aware civilization exists out there; seems that this lack of knowledge turned out to be mutual.

I was hired to help with the talks regarding establishing relations between Paradigm and ESUN, so for the time being I can offer you my assistance - as negotiator, and Megadeus pilot. A TSEN is being set up as we speak, and you will be able to visit Paradigm soon if you want to. Just remember to stick to these rules:
- Do not draw attention to the fact that you're from the outside world.
- Keep the identity of Big O's pilot a secret.
- You can stay as a guest at my home for any time, but unless you're lovely young woman you have to let me know in advance. Also, wear all black; it is one of my house rules.

I think that's all. If you have questions, I should be around to answer. I heard you've been through hard times lately, Unity Group; perhaps by cooperating we can make it a bit better.
[The above is a message, but Roger can be easily accessed either through the comm system or in person.]

2. [Roger is walking around the bases, getting familiar with their layouts and various objects inside. Considering the technology level is vastly different from Paradigm's, it means a lot of things attract his attention! Not just super high-tech stuff, but even things like computers or color TV. Strangely enough, he barely blinks an eye at the hangar full of mecha.]

Well, that's interesting...

[What is it that attracted his attention?]

Comments

2

[herodrawing]

It's a cellphone!

[Yes, a phone that can project a holographic movie. For example an episode of a hero show, which is what Izuru was watching just now.]

[a_louse]

Isn't a phone a device you use to call other people?

[herodrawing]

Yes, but you can do it to do many more things, too.

It's not surprising, right? I mean, you probably have a lot of spy gadgets, like James Bond.

[a_louse]

Of course. As a matter of fact, I can use my watch to make calls as well, in addition to using it as a grappling hook and for other functions that will remain a mystery for now.

But it's specially-made equipment, not an everyday item. You won't be able to find a second one in the whole Paradigm. Who's James Bond?

2

[tiger_ken]

Thats... a door.

[An automatic door, Ken fails to realise is the key difference.]

I was looking for you actually.

[a_louse]

I can see that. I can also see how it works - that red light over there casts an invisible laser. Still, such items are not used in Paradigm.

What did you want to ask?

[tiger_ken]

Not ask, say.

[Ken bows. Very, very deeply.]

Thank you, Mr Smith!

[a_louse]

Let me take a wild guess. Are you an acquitance of miss Ohara?

[keep_your_dignity]

[Well, for surprising things to see... two little fairylike creatures with half-spheres instead of legs rolling around in circles on a table probably qualify]

"Weeeeeeee!"
"Diizzyyy-y-y-y..."

[a_louse]

What are you? Fairies? Tiny androids?

[keep_your_dignity]

[The two little creatures stop spinning and go upright, floating in the air and eyeing the new arrival with candid suspicion on their tiny faces]

"Who are you?"
"We don't know you. Are you a spy?"

[a_louse]

No, I am a negotiator. A spy would try not to attract attention and pretend he's familiar with the place he's trying to infiltrate.

2

[majestic_keiki]

It's just a cake. [Even if it looked like some kind of melted 3D hologram and not any real world object, but that's just details, right?]

[a_louse]

Is this how food in the outside world looks like...?

[Roger is too polite to say what he thinks about the cake, but his face speaks volumes.]

[majestic_keiki]

Some of it.

[a_louse]

I should bring Norman here when the TSEN is complete. See what he has to say about the local culinary traditions.

2

[caressthedarkness]

Um...does that mean you know how to use this...?

It does not open on its own like most of the others...

[You are standing in front of a door. But it is not the door that is the object in question.

On the wall next to the door frame is a small console. A security console with buttons and a screen.

What Roger probably doesn't know is that Seta has been standing here for the past 20 minutes.]

[a_louse]

Aren't you supposed to enter a security code to open this door?

[caressthedarkness]

I was told that I would have to speak to it.

[And as she approaches, the device lights up.]

'Good day. To proceed, please enter your base access code.'

[Seta lowers her head slightly in response.]

Hello again. I apologize, but I may require a hint as to what this code is...it is clearly not 'open says me' like some others have mentioned...

[Unfortunately, the console doesn't say much more.]

[ugyuuya]

[Yuuya comes up to Roger and looks at him oddly for a moment.]

It's a vending machine though this one is changed where it doesn't need funds as part of the perks for working with the Unity group.

[Stepping in to select a coffee from the machine Yuuya waits for a moment while the machine works before speaking again.]

I heard a bit about how you found and took care of Setsuko. I appreciate that, she's a good pilot and a valued member of the team even if she gets unsure of herself sometimes.

[a_louse]

Unlimited free drinks and snacks for everyone? That's quite luxurious for a military organization.

[Roger presses a button on the machine himself, and receives a can of tomato juice.]

I wouldn't be much of a gentleman if I didn't help a lady in need. And whole miss Ohara might lack in confidence, she is still spirited when it matters; even without her memory she didn't hesitate to help me when she heard about Dorothy Waynewright's kidnapping.

[ugyuuya]

Yeah she's like that sometimes, quick to make everything her problem and quick to blame herself. She's a good pilot and person but that bad habit is a real issue when it comes up.

1

[brought_it_back]

[A girl will approach him later in the day.]

Umm...you mentioned a dress code...

Is that still the case....if, um...we're only visiting?

[a_louse]

That would depend if you are visiting as a guest, for business reasons, or just saying hello or passing through. The rule only covers the first of these cases.

[brought_it_back]

That makes more sense...I guess...

...making girls dress up for you...is weird...