- Overview
Neil is one of the chief engineers in the Research & Development sector of Fort Briggs.
While privy to all the mechanical goings-on in the fort, Neil is especially knowledgeable on the subject of cold-climate metals such as those used in North Area automail limbs and is often seen acting as Captain Buccaneer's automail mechanic. A laid back and easygoing fellow, Neil is quick to make friends with those who come to the fort and is even more eager to share his expertise on the technological advancements the facility has made.
He first appears in the story in Chapter 64, when the Elric brothers arrive at Briggs, and is seen removing Alphonse Elric's entangled helmet from Buccaneer's Crocodile arm, at the cost of the armor boy's stylish hair trim, but next visits the alchemists in their cell to deliver them coffee and thank them for their aid during Sloth's intrusion. When Winry Rockbell arrives at the fort shortly afterward, Neil takes it upon himself to give the cute young girl a tour of his workspace as well as give her important pointers on automail construction.
He is perhaps the one hardest hit by the angelic Winry's emergency departure from Briggs later on.[2]