The tall chimera gave him a sidelong look, a smile over her decidedly Draconic features. "You understand at once, my next task. They certainly have the broadcast power to be heard far and wide over their... epauletted Empire, Matt-san. Sometimes the trick is not for one to sing louder, but to get them to sing the songs you want them to sing."

The smile got a bit toothier. There was a soft laugh. "Oh yes, that presence. I and all of the clan that I grew up in were taught to recognize it - and respect it always."

She gave Matt a polite bow, though her eyes never left him.

"An honor to be working with you, Matt-san," she said.

That subtle smile was still there.