Oh, very nice! Some of these boys have never seen the female form in person...
Sounds like you're both in for an interesting night. Now, about that professor.
Yes, of course. Her name is Doctor Annaya. She's fairly new, but she knows everybody. I'm guessing if she doesn't have the information you need she'll know someone who does. Unfortunately, I have a party to prepare for, so I can't introduce you. Tell her you helped me write my thesis. She gave me the highest mark in the class.
That's alright, Sarius. I appreciate the help. Have a few drinks for me, will ya?
Dr. Annaya? It's urgent. One of your students, Sarius, gave me the impression that you could help me.
Oh? Sarius, yes. One of my brighter students. You are friends with Sarius and in a time of need? Well, I suppose a few minutes of my time won't hurt.
So, you'll help me?
Why, of course. The least I can do for someone who helps my students is to listen.
I'm looking for information on a student who was enrolled her about twenty years ago.
Is this about the creation of the Swallows?
The Swallows?
The Verita waste outside the city, formed by an unsanctioned student experiment. As research is quite difficult to perform in such a deadly climate, nobody knows for certain why it exists.
How do you know so much about it? You're so young.
Are we gonna bang this doc?
Thank you! But, truth be told, I know little more about it than what I've just described. It's a taboo subject, I'm afraid. A failure of the faculty to monitor their students. I may be able to direct you to someone who knows more... but, I can't imagine it would be much help.
Why do you say that?
I'm only the Dean of the Faculty of Nature, a relatively weak position, hierarchically speaking. Quite simply, I'm not sure dropping my name would be enough to convince him to speak with you.
The faculty here must really mistrust each other.
No, it's not that. Because of the incidents in the past, we can't be very candid with outsiders. And despite what some of my colleagues will tell you, there remain serious problems to this day.
Like what?
There's a rumor that a male faculty member recently assaulted a female student. And as I've heard, it wasn't the first time. Over the past few years, some of our best and brightest girls have abandoned their studies with no justifying reasons and on extremely short notice. I'm beginning to suspect why.
Obviously the Patriarchy is to blame.
Did they report it?
Not directly, but I know my students. You learn to ignore the lapses in effort, but the more I look... When I confronted him... I nearly lost my job. He's one of the 'old boys' club', a circle I'm not a part of. Now there are rumors circulating that I tried to seduce him.
Uh... tell me how I can help.
The university can't afford another scandal. But... perhaps you could convince him to retire. If you take my meaning.
I'll take care of it.
Very well. This MUST remain discreet. His name is Rhodeus. His office shouldn't be difficult to find.
All I want is to save the world.
Wouldn't dream of it.
The boss has his eye on you. Watch your back.
What kind of person threatens an honest citizen?
We both know there's more to you than meets the eye.
Just who does your boss think he is?
Tread carefully. The boss watches everything you do.
The man stayed there, watching my every move. I can't pick the lock without him interrupting. So I gave up and decide to look for Prof. Rhodes' office instead.