Felix took notice of Naomi Sato for a reason. More than her intelligence, the woman held a certain bite to her words. It is what separated her from the others. And it was what Felix who found himself the most interested in.

"Head Scientist Naomi Sato ."

Her formal greeting was returned without a second thought. Unlike many, who'd prefer to shed themselves of their title, Felix held an innate preference for it. It was what divided work from reality.

"Congratulations on the position."

Another token of respect and formality. But, alas, there was business to conduct. Leaning forward, his eyes reached up to meet hers. Unfortunately, this meant the Sylveon would have to go without being a pet, but there was a price to every exchange.

"Tell me more."

Naomi Sato

There was no need to explain the merit of her work. Still, Felix remained quiet on his side of the desk. Tentative eyes stared down at the file she'd presented.

"I see."

If things were as the head scientist pointed out, with this research, they'd be ascended to a level only matched by god himself. To be able to create artificial avatars as they pleased... it went against everything Felix stood for as a man.

"Have you begun to conduct any experiments yet?"

But he was not naive. Even if it were denied by him, another would only move to pick up the mantle. And onwards it'll go, into the hands of another to help control. At least here, with Nomi, he held some level of oversight over it.

Naomi Sato

Listening intently, he only looked to interject at the conclusion of her explaination.

"Til then," in reference to SPECTRA's upbringing, "I'd also suggest reaching out to bryan delarosa, Xerneas' avatar."

Lifebringer. Man of steel. The unpredictable firecracker of rocket.

"His abilities allow him natural healing capabilities far beyond anything you'd ever see. Gives a sort of resilience for human testing."

And, if plans were successful, there was no doubt where the man's loyalties would remain. It made him the perfect guinea pig. At least, if it were her conducting the research, that's how he would see him.

To Naomi Sato's accusations, Felix's expression hardened. There were not many privy to his disinterest in avatars, fewer who knew the extent of his deep-rooted hatred toward their very existence. If Elisabeth Fiorelli's meeting reminded him of anything, it was just how imperative it was to remain neutral to the eyes of those around him, for his opinion was not one many others held. In fact, it bordered treason in the eyes of those stationed above him.

"You could say that," he shrugged, eyes firmly locked onto hers. "I prefer more controllable means of achieving strength. Avatars, synthetic or not, are far from that."

Just look at Remiel Calcifet.

"But there isn't much a choice to this."

If they didn't reach for this opportunity, their enemies would. Eat or be eaten, as they say.

He paused, considering his next words.

"Don't let that dissuade you. I fully support you and this project."

Naomi Sato

"good."

a solid end to a rather prickly conversation. with so much at stake, one false step was all it would take to send their efforts toppling downward. far, far, far down it would go, like a coin sinking into the black abyss of a deeply dug well.

to her question, his gaze flicked over to the nearby clock. its ticking hand sounded off the necessary means of retreat.

"next time. i have another meeting to attend."

but before he could leave the room, the admin hovered just long enough to echo off one last sentiment.

"i'll be in touch."

Naomi Sato