A Radiant Representative

Forgive me for the impromptu summons, Aldo. I know you're a busy man.

It's fine, really. I know you have your own lengthy to-do list here at the school. Speaking of, whatever you're doing now must be pretty top-of-the-list priority for you to go out of your way to call me here.

An astute observation, Aldo. You're right. I'm to give a tour of the school to the Director.

The Director? Who's that?

An instructor at a medical school on a plate rather far from IDA. He's quite esteemed in his field.

And why would you be meeting with a doctor, essentially?

The school he lectures at, the Elzion Institute of Medicine, has always had a close relationship with IDA School. In fact, the hospitals all across IDA City were established as a result of that relationship. One might even call them branches of the E.I.M.

Huh. I'm not sure I get it entirely but it sounds like a big deal.

Well, as little comparison as the minimal selection of schools Elzion provides is, IDA IS the largest academic institution around. Naturally, it will amass scrutiny from all angles. People like the Director are a conduit through which entities outside IDA can stay informed.

That makes sense but why should it be you to represent IDA in this instance? That's the part that doesn't make sense. You might be the Head IDEAlist but it's not like you're the head of IDA itself.

The headmaster's daughter was initially supposed to go, not me. But she's taken ill and I've been chosen to replace her.

That explains the outfit. You really went all out for this one, huh?

Uh, well...Actually...

What?

The headmaster's wife picked it out for me. Or piled it on me, I should say. Her eyes were practically sparkling as she placed one accessory after another on my person.

I'm not sure how I feel about it. It's rather flashy for one. And lacking in decent coverage too, look!

Well, it definitely presents a bolder image than you'd usually go for, but...

I think it suits you, in its own way. And it's something different to your usual white school uniform. Kinda reminds me of the sort of clothes the Unigan aristocracy would wear. Perfect for an audience with a noble doctor!

Only you would make a comparison to something from 800 years ago as a compliment, Aldo. Well, thank you. I'm flattered. The only problem is...

Isn't that the Head IDEAlist, Isuka?

Who knew she was hiding such a great figure under that white uniform she's always wearing!

Hey, don't get any ideas now. No way she'd even look twice at a guy like you or me!

She looks so elegant and mature even though we're the same age! I don't know if I'll ever be that confident in my whole life...

I can't quite hear what they're saying but there's no doubt that they've been keeping an eye on us.

Y-Yeah...

Let's hurry and head to IDA City. You'll be my escort. I'm counting on you.

He should be here any moment now.

Excuse me. I don't suppose you've seen the headmaster of IDA's daughter pass by here in the last few minutes?

Doctor Mueller?

Yes, that's me. And you are?

It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Doctor. I am the representative you are to meet in place of the headmaster's daughter. Isuka, Head IDEAlist.

Of the very same IDEA making the rounds in the city gossip? This is unacceptable! I never thought IDA would stoop so low as to send me a no-name upstart with no relation to the headmaster to waste my time!

Excuse me?! Well, that's rather rude of...

It's all right, Aldo. Let me handle this.

I sincerely apologize for the change of plans, Doctor. The headmaster's daughter is really very ill, and quite suddenly so.

I had heard. It is one thing to fail to manage the health of a relative of the headmaster but to send a student in her stead? That only sends the impression that IDA is losing grip on its capabilities to self-govern properly. For shame, I say!

With all due respect, Doctor, I am fully authorized to act as IDA's proxy for today by the headmaster himself. And I am fully aware of the responsibility that comes with that privilege.

Hmph! He really considers you worthy of the job, does he?

I certainly intend to do my best to see that he does.

Hmph! Very well. I'll allow this one indiscretion for the moment. But just the one. I won't accept any mistakes or any more sudden "changes of plan." Understood?

Absolutely, sir.

And what of that suspicious-looking fellow there? Surely he's not a student of IDA?

Who, me? Oh, I'm one of Isuka's frie...

Aldo, master swordsman. He'll be providing us with security for today.

Sorry. You don't mind, do you?

N-No, sure.

Uh...Pleased to meet you, Doctor.

He and his comrades were the driving force behind Galliard's defeat. As such, you may have even heard his name before.

The ones who brought down Galliard, you say? Yes, I HAVE heard the name Aldo before. Along with much praise, in fact.

Fine. Let's get on with it, then. I don't have all day.

You heard the good Doctor. Let's go.

Hmm...

Are you all right? That's a very furrowed brow you have there.

Isuka, you're pretty good at playing along with that guy's superiority complex but I...I don't know. I'm not great at dealing with people like that.

Well, I'm sure that's just how he copes with the harsh environment that is an elite medical school.

Hm. You really sure that's it?

Teaching at E.I.M isn't without its challenges. In any case, as abrasive as he may be, think of this interaction as a life lesson of sorts.

I will. I already agreed to help you and besides, I'm curious to see where this goes.

You have my thanks, Aldo. Now, let's hurry after him and make sure he gets where he needs to go smoothly. First would be the Clock Tower.

Regarding the characteristics of an MSLL cell stimulated to divide in meiosis...

...In particular, the relatively high precision ratio displayed in the lead analysis of the optic nerve is...

Wow. I thought this would be a good opportunity to learn more about IDA, but...

And how does IDA fare according to these results?

There appear to be some deviations in these supplementary examination results from the materials you provided. I believe our tests were conducted in-house with K-121 standard equipment...

And we used DF-25 standard. That must be why the two differ slightly.

It's likely. But we'll need to conduct both tests again to verify that the difference in equipment really is the source of these anomalies.

Hm. In that case we'll have them both carried out here.

Thank you.

Forget it. I still have no idea what they're talking about.

Now, am I right in my understanding that you plan to offer Reagent No.58 to KMS for a joint development contract, Doctor?

Well, KMS has the money and resources to make the project a success. I see no reason why we shouldn't.

If I make speak frankly and in your total confidence, sir, we at IDA wish to discuss the possibility of acquiring the project ourselves.

What? As prestigious and well-funded as IDA is, it hardly compares to a giant like KMS even on a basic level such as facilities, and...

Doctor, are you aware that the reports concerning Terminal A's development have fallen under some suspicion lately?

I'm aware that the institution carrying out the research was bought out by another company then, in turn, reaped all the rewards. Or at least, that's what I remember hearing. Are you saying that isn't what really happened?

That is what the mass-media reported. However, there are a number of people familiar with the situation who find the celerity with which that story was reported...unusual.

Do you mean to say that we have a cover-up on our hands?

I can't say for sure, but it's possible.

......

I see. It certainly won't do to have that company swoop in and swipe the patent for Reagent No.58. Fine, the project is yours.

Thank you, Doctor. Then I'll make the necessary calls right away and...

Oh! Would you look at the time. I almost forgot I was meant to be observing the school today. You, uh...err...

Isuka.

Yes, Isuka. Take me to the next place on today's itinery, if you would. But first I'd like to step outside for some light and fresh air. It's a little stuffy in here.

You know, it's been quite some time since I was able to talk at my own leisure for so long. If I weren't here on business I would've liked to continue our conversation a little longer.

You flatter me, Doctor.

If you like, let's stop outside on our way to the Medical Realm and resume the tour after you've had sufficient time to rest.

I apologize for the wait, Aldo.

Don't worry about it. I'm glad that old grouch seems to be warming up to you a little bit. He might just have finally accepted you as a worthy stand-in for the headmaster's daughter.

You really think so? Well, underneath all the bells and whistles of his title he's still a researcher at heart. It isn't difficult to eke out that side of him when science is the topic of discussion.

Hah, that makes sense.

So, while he's still in a good mood let's guide him to the next stop on the observation tour. It's the Medical Realm, our university hospital. This part is especially important to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Well? Now that you've seen it with your own eyes, what do you think?

Yes...The infrastructure is, as one would expect, somewhat lacking compared to that of the main institute, but that isn't to say that it's bad. No... As a standalone unit, it is more than sufficient. I can tell that a lot of work went into its foundation.

I can't speak for the elements outside my field of speciality but I can see this is an ambitious setup.

Only thanks to the lead we've taken from the Elzion Institute of Medicine, sir.

How is the health and safety standard?

We have imminent plans to implement a state-of-the-art Sentry Bot developed in one of our industry-partnered research programs. Would you like to see some of the units go through testing firsthand today?

As a matter of fact, I would love to. Lead the way, Isuka.

Oh?

Is something the matter?

I'm receiving a call from the Strategy Room. Please excuse me for a moment.

It's me. What is it? You sound rather calm for an emergency.

What?!

Something wrong?

It appears that our new Sentry Bots are having some trouble behaving. It has misidentified students and staff members as threats and is attempting to incapacitate them.

Oh, boy. That's not good.

Thankfully there haven't been any casualties as of yet and IDEA has evacuated the area as a precautionary measure. However, a handful of units have somehow managed to escape the testing area.

Doctor, for your safety I must ask you to come with me. It may be dangerous to remain on the premises.

I suppose I have little choice in the matter.

Oh dear...

Is this our rampaging robot?

No doubt about it. Ready, Aldo?

Of course!

Don't tell me you actually intend to fight this thing?!

I'm your security for the day, aren't I? It's in the job description, Doc!

Don't worry, Doctor. He's a professional. And...

So am I.

Phew. Job well done.

Isuka! You aren't hurt, are you?

I'm fine. What of the city?

Public Security has eliminated all further threats. We are currently cooperating with the vocational school committee to tie up any loose ends.

Very good. Then I'll leave the surveyal of any following paper works and procedures to you. I'll escort the Doctor to a safe location.

Understood. Moving out!

I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, Doctor, and I shall see to it later that the appropriate amends are made. But for now we must make for the City Entrance.

You should be safe here.

Once again, I deeply apologize for the wholly unnacceptable lapse in security that we...

No, no, it's quite alright. I rather relished the opportunity to witness you and your companions' magnificent swordplay. It was sort of like being in theater, but better! I doubt the headmaster's daughter could have organized a more interesting tour.

You really are too kind, sir. The headmaster's daughter would have done a much better job than I, I'm sure.

Particularly with regards to seeing the observation tour to its completion.

Oh, a call? Yes, what? Oh yes, I'm perfectly fine. I'm at the City Entrance now.

My associates have caught wind of this silly runaway robot incident and require placating. I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me a little earlier than expected.

Of course. Thank you for coming today, Doctor. I do hope you'll visit IDA again soon.

I'm glad you were chosen to show me around IDA today, Isuka. Until next time.

Phew...

That was one hectic afternoon. Good job, Isuka.

Likewise, Aldo. Thanks for your help. Frankly, I would have been lost without you. I'm not very good in these sorts of situations. It's a relief I was able to carry a conversation with him for so long.

Having someone else there really helped me steel my nerves.

What do you mean? You handled that tour better than anyone else could've! You even managed to impress that important doctor by keeping up with all that complicated science-y stuff he specializes in.

A lucky coincedence. I happened to have read a little on the topic recently.

You think?

Well, with the tour out of the way I think a spot of rest and relaxation is in order. Do you like tea, Aldo? I know just the place to take you to for a thank-you cup if you do.

Sure, I like tea. That sounds great! And I'm curious to see what kind of place you go to in your down time.

Perfect! I do hope you like it. Well then...

Well, with the tour out of the way I think a spot of rest and relaxation is in order. Do you like tea, Aldo? There's the place that makes the best tea with jam.

La Vie En Rose? I've wanted to go back.

Hehe... I'm glad to hear you like the place.