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

[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?

[herodrawing]

So you really do have gadgets like that? That's so cool!

James Bond is a super spy and agent. But, umm, he's not real.

[a_louse]

Well, let me assure you that unlike him, I am a real human being of flesh and bone. And I'm not here to spy on anyone.

[herodrawing]

Well, he's called a spy but he does more like... action.

In more ways than one.

[a_louse]

You're old enough for that kind of stories, I presume?

[herodrawing]

Mostly.

[a_louse]

Just don't let your parents walk in on you when you read them.

[herodrawing]

That's not a problem, I don't really have parents.

[a_louse]

Oh.

Sorry to hear that. What happened?

[herodrawing]

Nothing really happened, it's not that they died.

I was born as a part of the MJP program so I don't have real parents. I had people who took care of me when I was little and they did a great job but I don't remember them either.

[Izuru explains calmly, like someone who got used to this a long time ago.]

[a_louse]

And now? Do you have someone today?

[herodrawing]

There's my friends, and the Instructor... I mean, Captain Suzukaze. Not to mention, Unity Group itself!

[a_louse]

The whole organization is your family equivalent? You're quite the optimist, aren't you.

[herodrawing]

Well... some people have big families, right?

[a_louse]

Exceptionally big, in some cases.

[Not that Roger would know anything about it firsthand.]

It's rather surprising to see someone so young pilot a Megadeus. Or Megadeus equivalent from the outside world, at least.

[herodrawing]

That's because - you see, I mentioned that program earlier, right? Its purpose is to raise good pilots. At first it was for space exploration, but our mission is to stop Wulgaru now.

[a_louse]

Space travel and aliens... In Paradigm, both of those would be considered topics of cheap pulp stories, or delusions of madmen. But here, they suddenly became reality.

Are you fine with the role you were given?

1/2

[herodrawing]

W... well, where I stand Paradigm City looks like a setting of a movie, too.

What's a cheap pulp story?

2/2

[herodrawing]

Anyway... hmm.

Yes.

I think I'm fine with what I'm doing. It gets really scary or sad sometimes, but I already could save a lot of people. Isn't that amazing? It really helps make a difference in the world.

[a_louse]

Something similar to the movie you were watching right now.

So, despite your circumstances, you are still determined to do the right thing. That's pretty admirable professionalism. Especially from someone so young.

[herodrawing]

I guess I'm just used to it.

Well, I won't lie. Doing this feels good too. It's like I'm really a hero.

[a_louse]

A hero, huh? Well, if you ever run out of villains to fight, you can always find some more in Paradigm.

[herodrawing]

Somehow I don't think that's going to happen any time soon.

But, thanks for the offer, I guess?