The lion appears on stage

[srwu_npc2]

The Chimera ambassador arrived at Fort Alhambra in person. This young, handsome man represents a secret organisation that apparently found and helped Toby.

"My name is Lowen General. I'm glad to make your acquaintance. You probably already know this but I represent the Chimera, I'm here to offer a message of goodwill towards Unity Group."

"Chimera is a secretive group - we are few in numbers so it's necessary for our survival. However, we have good sources of information and using information for good of mankind was always our goal. So I offer a partnership of sorts: please continue what you are doing, members of Unity Group. As long as you're doing the right thing, we will support you with our information whenever we can."

Lowen seems a bit embarassed.

"I'm afraid we do not have a lot of information regarding Asakim Dowen. You will probably want to learn more, but we told Lt Toby Watson everything we already knew. I swear that as soon as we discover something else, or where he is, Chimera will let you know."

Comments

[prismphantom]

The help's greatly appreciated. Gracias, Lowen.

[Oh hey, Lowen. Here's a lovely lady in... rather revealing clothes. How about that?]

Though... it's not much of a partnership when we're just going on, business as usual, is it?

[srwu_npc2]

"You could say that. The pleasure is..."

Suddenly, Lowen takes a step back and starts stammering, all red on his face.

"A-aall, I mean, all mine."

His gaze drops.

[prismphantom]

[Well look who happens to have limited social skills.]

Are all Chimera's members as shy as you? It'd certainly be one explanation for why you've kept a low profile.

[srwu_npc2]

"No, it's not like that, I j-just..."

Deep breaths, Lowen. Deep breaths.

"I'm really sorry."

[prismphantom]

It's fine.

... Just be glad you're lucky enough to not cross paths with a certain friend of mine. Her outfit would probably give you a heart attack.

[srwu_npc2]

"A friend? She is... she isn't anywhere around by chance is she?"

[prismphantom]

Unfortunately, no. I guess you could say she's cut off from the rest of us, so you're in the clear. At least for now, that is.

[actuallyselfish]

"...Huh." Dido says, regarding Lowen with a curious glance.

"So why is your organization called Chimera? Symbolically, I mean?"

[srwu_npc2]

"The mythological Chimera is a creature with several different heads but only one body. That represents my organisation well, because we're all different but we have a common goal."

[majestic_keiki]

Thank you for helping Toby like that.

[srwu_npc2]

"You... are welcome."

Lowen smiles awkwardly while looking uncomfortable.

[majestic_keiki]

...Is there something weird about being thanked for taking care of one of our comrades?

[srwu_npc2]

"N-no, of course not. I'm... really sorry, if it seems like I act... weird."

Lowen's gaze drifts here and there.

[majestic_keiki]

Just what are you focusing on?

[srwu_npc2]

"Nothing, really..."

[majestic_keiki]

And that's all you have to say? Not even some kind of vague excuse?

[srwu_npc2]

"I am really sorry, I... I just do not feel comfortable in..."

[majestic_keiki]

In?

[srwu_npc2]

"In the company... of a lady..."

Lowen sighs, his brow sweaty.

"Please forgive me."

[majestic_keiki]

...Seriously?

[srwu_npc2]

"Y... yes. It may seem strange for you, but I had very little contact with women for most of my life. I do not mean any insult or ill will, I am just... overwhelmed."

[majestic_keiki]

You can at least try to act normal.

[srwu_npc2]

"I am already trying..."

[majestic_keiki]

So that's what counts as trying to you? Did you live with an enclave of sweaty nerds talking women up as some kind of mysterious, magnificent creatures to be admired from afar but never talked or interacted with? It's that whole calling women extra special that creates creepy staring like that, not isolation or common shyness. Back in the Victorian era, there were lots of examples of men doing the same despite interacting with women every day...[It looks like she might continue for a while if nobody snaps her out of it.]

[srwu_npc2]

"Ah... aah..." Lowen needs to retreat.

But his legs are refusing to cooperate, so he'll just stand there as a wall of text crushes him.

[majestic_keiki]

[Kei finally did quiet down, looking rather red after the repeated rant.]

Get it now?

[srwu_npc2]

"Thank you for being... enlightening."

Lowen wipes the sweat off his face.