Video;

[amaure]

[When the feed cuts on, it's later in the evening, well after the first day of Rocket training, and thus Emet-Selch is not wearing his uniform while in his little dormitory. What he is wearing is far more extravagant. Yes, he took the time to put that thing back on, he wasn't about to suffer the alternative longer than what was necessary. Of course there are likely those who saw him in that most abhorrent uniform, if others were in training or aiding in the training that is. All of which he's been entirely quick in mastering, almost as if he's already...mastered such trivial skills. He has, and plus some.

Regardless, that's not what this is about. Well, it kinda is, actually.]

Good evening, I am Solus zos Galvus—your newest recruit to this fine organization of unscrupulous villains. Certainly prompt with the training, aren't they? That sort of rigid discipline I can most certainly respect—after all, with poor foundation, you cannot expect aught else but for everything to come crumbling down around you.

[He settles back in his seat, resting his elbow on the desk he's clearly sitting at, cupping his cheek with the palm of his hand as he lazily gazes into the feed.]

Regardless, such training is wasted on one such as I, but I understand rules are rules, and even I am no exception. [There's the slightest edge of annoyance to his tone, but it disappears as he continues.] Regardless, 'twould do us well to know each other properly, wouldn't you agree? So come, introduce yourselves to me. For I will know each and every one of you, as well as what rank you hold—what skill sets you have, and so forth.

If I am to familiarize myself with this team, to know which holes my expertise should rightly fill, then I must take your measure.

Comments

[Video]

[wonderland_vogue]

[Oh, this is an interesting one and she can certainly respect the choice in clothing, a little much for business, but totally fine on downtime like this.

Which might be why when she switches the video on that there's her sitting on her couch in a rather lovely outfit with a liepard on one side, a pyroar at her feet, a luxray to her other side, and a galarian Meowth on her lap. Don't ask.]

Welcome to the most incompetent organization if you want to listen to any of the natives to this place. But fairly competent if you look at the transplants~

I'm Lydia, darling, I'd venture one of the oldest of age here, but I've only been here a couple of months. Unfortunately a little neutered without my magic but I still tend to run distraction on the majority of things I get up to. Illusions are, were now I suppose, my specialty. But if you needed ghost Pokemon, then I'm one of the two to really talk to.

[Video]

[amaure]

[Oh is he ever interesting. But hey, at least this lady has some style, something he can appreciate. Not so sure he'd want to get such a nice white suit covered in cat hair, but that's between her and her dry cleaner, he supposes.]

Transplants—is that what they call us? Curious choice, though I suppose it's far from wrong.

[He cannot help the slight rise of his eyebrows when she claims to be the oldest in age around here, and while he doesn't care to flex his age, he also can't help but be curious if her scale is somehow...insignificant in comparison.]

The oldest in age? Color me surprised, for you look nary a day past twenty summers. Regardless, I know well the sting of being robbed of magic, I favored myself quite the sorcerer of sorts, yet now I cannot cast even the most simplest of glamours.

[He shakes his head with a wistful sigh.]

'Tis no matter... I do have an affinity with "ghosts", in a manner of speaking, so perhaps I will take you up on such an offer. I've one of my own already—Yamask, I do believe to be its moniker. Queer little fellow.

[Video]

[wonderland_vogue]

[It's fine, she has more than enough clothing to where it's not a huge ordeal for her. And it was only to be used for business purposes in the first place. Though it does not stop Cobbles from yawning in her lap and pushing his face between her and the 'gear for a second.

Glarian meowth, feral trash gremlin, who is being pushed back down.]

That seems to be the moniker that they prefer to use. Whether it be from the natives or from those who are said transplants, I haven't a clue. I'd prefer to be separated from them to begin with given all of them are... droll. Or so cartoonish that you wonder how they truly exist.

[Give her a moment to change her position around to... just be upside down instead. And probably good that her hair is tied back and not getting in her face. All of it is questionable and at least he gets a look at the pointed ears. Even if they're all in human proportion otherwise.]

Well, elves do age differently than the other races tend to by default, but... to put it mildly, I wasn't exactly mortal before I got here, either. [Not that it matters, pretty much all of Team Rocket is aware that she was a lich to begin with.] Though I do appreciate the compliment, even if it's probably hollow. A sorcerer? I was something of a wizard myself, illusions and necromancy in particular. I can quite understand being frustrated of being unable to cast such simple things, but unfortunately that is how we are. [... Though.]

Actually, perhaps you might want to look into zorua and zoroark if you're keen on illusions in particular. While we cannot do much, those two pokemon in particular seem quite adept at such concepts. Zorua being able to change their form and zoroark able to cast grander things, I have a zoroark, personally.

Do feel free if you're ever in the Ecruteak area, luckily my ghosts tend to be rather pleasant creatures. Except for Eclipse, but that is the trickster nature of her type, unfortunately~

[Video]

[amaure]

[Emet will definitely need to expand his own wardrobe, for all he enjoys his current attire, not being able to snap his fingers and change is...taxing. That aside, he realizes he will need to blend in a little better, even if the style of clothing here seems rather drab.

As she pushes the Meowth about, and eventually shifts till she's upside down, there's an amused upward curl of Emet's mouth.]

Yes, their designs leave a lot to be desired, and I am not quite convinced these creatures are not some manner of arcane beasts. Those skilled enough in the power of creation could fool even the keenest eye, and with us robbed of our senses, there's no telling if theirs is an existence most fraudulent.

Ah, far from hollow, my lady...but an immortal of sorts? How very interesting. [So too is it interesting that she would use the term for Elezen from the First, but he merely stores that away for later.] And you fashion yourself a wizard, it would seem we are in good company with one another. Though I am familiar with a wide range of magics and aetherial arts, I do suppose mine own specialty is more dark aligned than not.

[In fact, it's ALL dark aligned.]

As such, I will most assuredly look into this zorua and zoroark, they sound useful if naught else. I have little use for beasts of no utility, after all. As for Ecruteak—that is north of Goldenrod city, yes? Little am I worried about the trickster sort, for I am well acquainted with their ilk.

[What with effectively being one, and all.]

[Video, self-subtitled]

[asmywitness]

[He is so glad that Isis has improved enough to give him direct words instead of vague impressions, or he'd have never understood half of what this guy was rambling about.

Tyler's footage shows a beach-themed hotel; the young man himself is sitting at a desk wearing a comfortable black shirt under an open navy peacoat, and an undersized Natu on his shoulder is staring at the floating camera - definitely floating, because it twitches every now and then, changing position slightly, and Tyler is using both hands to speak in sign language at the camera: and lines of text appear on the screen as he does.]

Welcome to the team, I guess. So long as you're not an idiot who goes around revealing you're in Team Rocket, you'll do well here.

I'm Tyler. I'm the oldest of the young half - and deaf, to explain the [He pauses, and makes a broad gesture with his hands at his general set-up.] everything. I personally specialise in Psychic types with a major in hypnosis and memory alteration, and status effects for good measure.

[amaure]

[His eyebrows raise at the gesturing, and then the text appearing. Well, isn't that an interesting little but of technology. Simple, yet effective. Unfortunately, it's not as if the nations he's given rise to cared to use their technology to better their less fortunate citizens in such a way.

If only they had, perhaps he might have thought differently of mortals, alas. For a moment, he considers whether or not typing back would be better, but the man clearly understood his initial video, and so he stays the course.]

I do favor myself of the non-idiot variety, arrogant as that may be. I am rather skilled in subterfuge, so you have no need to worry about that.

[However, the mention of psychic types and their utility piques his interest. Memory alteration, hm? My, that will most certainly be useful when need arises for it.]

Well, aren't you a touch twisted with your specialization, hm? 'Tis not a critique, but a compliment. Those willing to go down more nefarious roads to accomplish a goal are more oft than not successful compared to their more morally inclined fellows.

Tell me more of these "Psychic" types, would you? You sir have piqued my curiosity.

[asmywitness]

[Tyler's expression remains impassive in the face of that... compliment.]

It suits a similar set of rather unusual abilities that I had in my home world. It's inconvenient having to use my Pokemon as a liaison between myself and my impact on the world but you know. Take what you can get and all that.

There are seventeen types of Pokemon. Most Pokemon are one of those types, while others are two. Psychic is exactly what it sounds like: great strength of mind, highly intelligent and capable of exerting their will on the world through complex use of their mental energy. Hypnosis, telekinesis, physically manifested blasts of energy and generally invasive forms of manipulation. Also limited telepathy with humans, which I personally use as a kind of substitute hearing aid with Isis.

[He gestures to the Natu, who peeps loudly.]

Such use of these skills on other humans is non-standard, of course, but not technically illegal.

[amaure]

[How interesting that he garnered no obvious reaction. Emet doesn't make it too obvious that it affects him one way or the other, likewise wearing a stony—if friendly—expression as he listens.]

Mmm, yes it will be troublesome having to rely on these creatures in this manner, but there's naught to be done about it. These psychic types...they do sound useful, I must admit. Most assuredly they are worth further study.

[Tilting his head as he thinks, rubbing his chin thoughtfully with his white-gloved hand.]

...You said there are seventeen types? These types, are they merely the genus of each group of creatures, or something more elementally inclined?

[After all, he comes from a world with eight elements that comprises all things. Seventeen seems excessive, if that's the case.]

Video

[fingersandteeth]

[This particular video feed will show a man sitting at a kitchen table with his hands folded in front of him. He's dark and handsome—he might be tall too, it's hard to tell from where he's sitting. He's certainly broad, anyway. He's got glasses over his hazel eyes and a light beard the same black color as his hair and he's wearing a light-colored button-down shirt.

His voice when he speaks is a pleasant tenor, with a newscaster's lack of accent.]

Hello, Solus—may I call you 'Solus?' In any case, I'm Steven Durante and I'm currently a Private with Team Rocket. As far as Pokemon go, I specialize in Ghosts, mainly—much like with Lydia—and these days ones that drain life force in particular. [There's the slightest hint of amusement in his tone at that declaration.]

Otherwise, I suppose I mostly specialize in... paperwork, I guess. Keeping track of things for our crew in particular. Some public relations. And if you need Handsome Jack's help with anything and would rather have a go-between than address him directly, I would be your man.

Ah. Jack would be the leader of our particular crew—but I'll let him explain the rest of that himself. Suffice to say, he's our only Alpha.

Video

[amaure]

[To contrast Steven's lack of accent, "Solus" has that standard fantasy English accent. His voice is light, though somewhat nasally.]

By all means you may. For I know the status I once held means naught at all here. I am but on equal terms with the lot of you—or below, as far as this organization is concerned—and I shall not pretend otherwise.

But two Ghost specialists in our midst, hm? How very convenient. [He almost sounds sarcastic, but he's not, that's just how he talks.] Let not the importance of paperwork go unsaid, friend. For all we might achieve greatness, 'tis through its record that we remember it and order is truly maintained.

[He comes from an ancient civilization that LOVED bureaucracy, so...]

...Admittedly, it holds not the glory of conquest. Anyroad, Handsome Jack is our leader, eh? Then I do suppose I should familiarize myself with him—I see of little reason to not address him directly. Is there aught I should know about him for such an offer to be made?

Re: Video

[fingersandteeth]

We all start out as Grunts, yes, so you would be on the same level as Tyler and Lydia, who I see you're already speaking to. The hierarchy goes Grunt, Private, Beta, Alpha... with the Admins above all of us, and Boss Giovanni above them, but unfortunately those of us from other worlds are unable to rise higher than Alpha within the Team.

But yes, as far as our group of people from other worlds goes, Jack is our leader. He's also the CEO of a thriving business outside his work for the team—one that sells novelty items and pokemon goods—so the cover story we use outside the Team for knowing each other is that Jack is paying as freelancers to have our pokemon photographed for his use. Which does, actually, necessitate the occasional pictures taken for verisimilitude, but we should be able to make arrangements for that.

But because he is such a busy man, occasionally he might not be able to be reached when you need help. In that case, you'd tell me what you need and I'll pass it on. I've a bit more access to him than most.

[Because they're schtupping.]

[amaure]

Certainly not the most flattering title to start, but I suppose that's by design. [More murmured too himself, than to Steven. He takes note of the hierarchy, though, committing it to memory, along with the admins and Boss Giovanni. He'll just have to see how impossible it truly is to raise above being an Alpha ranked member. After all, he started as a soldier and rose himself to Emperor while likewise raising Garlemald to becoming the most powerful nation in his world at the moment.] This is all very useful information, it certainly bodes well that there is an established front. I may even say I'm a little impressed with the organization of it all. This Handsome Jack most assuredly deserves his rank.

It's of no surprise that he has limited access, I know well the burden of leadership. But, what is that? A bit more access to him than—[His expression brightens with realization, a smug grin spreading across his features.]—Oh. Ooooh... I see. That sort of arrangement, hm? Very well, should I need his counsel and otherwise cannot reach him, I will be most certain to contact you.

text

[conniemaheswaran]

Sorry, I can't video call you right now—I'm on the road with a civilian, and it would be kinda awkward if she found out about my job like this.

I'm Connie Maheswaran, one of your fellow transplant grunts. Fifteen years old—since people are apparently surprised by how young I am—and I'm as human here as I was back home. Here's a pic of me and my public team.

[A selfie of Connie in a blue sari is attached to the post. She's posing in front of what looks like an exploding Gigantamax Toxtricity just about to shrink back down to its normal size with an impressively large Aegislash hefted across her shoulder. A Gallade stands back to back with her, smiling cockily, and a grumpy-looking Dragonite hovers at her side, arms crossed as two (four?) Doublades hover around her. Judging by the five sheaths on Connie's back, she isn't handling her Aegislash like that just for show.]

And here's me when I'm all dolled up for operations.

[Connie is a few inches taller in this photo, but that's the least surprising change. In addition to the billowy sleeves, hakama pants, and streaks of gold flowing across her Rocket uniform, Connie's skin is entirely blue and golden lines run up her face and into the thick white bangs that conceal her eyes. The white wig's perfectly straight locks cascade down to her waist, and she's even doing the dignity laugh pose. Aw. How adorable.]

I'd post a pic of my Infiltration Team, but Case has made a game of deleting anything with their faces on it, which is both good training and praxis so I can't stop it. Anyways, I'm looking forward to working with you.

text

[amaure]

[Text it is! He's pleasantly surprised by how well put together she is, but not necessarily because of her age. After all, he comes from a world where there are many soldiers of the selfsame youth. In fact, Solus was around this age when he had taken over his body and his life, working his way through the proto-Garlean military. Ah, such fond memories.]

Fifteen is as fine of an age as any. I have found it far more beneficial to start while your youthful fire burns its brightest, in lieu of waiting till the smothering ash of old age robs you of such fervor.

I thank you, mistress Connie, for your most thorough report. If I may, your operations costume is absolutely exquisite! Such a flair for the dramatic, I cannot help but admire it. Did you make that yourself, or are you in league of a customer?

That aside, your team of beasts most assuredly are an interesting lot. The more I see of these creatures, the more does the mind wonder about them.

And am I to believe this Case fellow is a bit of a scamp, hm? All the same, you have given me more than sufficient information, and should we find ourselves working together on a mission or project, I feel fully confident of your ability to pull your weight.

[conniemaheswaran]

Heh, yeah. I suppose so; honestly, my monster-fighting career peaked when I was twelve.

[Unfortunately, Connie isn't kidding.]

I made it myself! It took days of grueling work, but I think it was worth it. Putting on the makeup is an ordeal, but the bodypaint is worth it to hide the heavy contouring I use to make my facial features less recognizable. You also can't see it because of the bangs, but I use eyedrops to turn my sclera black and contacts to make my irises neon blue for the extra mile. Going this hard isn't strictly necessary—you can get away with a domino mask and a standard uniform—but since I enjoy my "normal" life, I make sure I look nothing like myself when I'm on missions. Carly even taught me how to drop my voice a few octaves.

Case is just doing its job, really, albeit in an occasionally frustrating way. Most of my infiltration team isn't trained for combat; Case takes care of software, Doomlord manipulates hardware, DA SHAREZONE (yes, Doomlord and DA SHAREZONE named themselves; they kinda ruined the whole "famous fictional criminals" theme I had going but I can't complain) is our engineer, Adler scouts, Black Bart smuggles, and Arsène infiltrates.

[amaure]

Well aren't you the little hero, slaying beasts at such a tender age? Though, I suppose you aren't quite much of a hero now, are you?

[It's pretty impressive, if true. He's not one to believe someone at their word, but this girl seems genuinely earnest from what he can tell.]

Really. Well, I must say you have an eye for design, truly you could make for quite the little thespian if you put your heart to it. Such talent at your age... Creative, brilliant, and powerful, my I am glad you're on our side.

[A little sarcastic flattery never hurt anyone. Probably.]

I'm sorry, but did you say that your little beasts named themselves? Are they truly of that level of sapience?

[While not unheard of for beasts molded by creation, he's also trying to gauge the complexity of these creatures. If they are so integral to everything, he must needs know the finer details. Their level of competency and general intelligence are crucial ones indeed.]

VIDEO

[insidescoop]

[Wherever Carly is appears to be...inside a tent. Aw. Still.

She adjusts her glasses at the intro.] Hehh, wow, you're right to the point..! It's nice to see that actually...

Ah, I'm Carly. I'm one of the Privates here, though I'm not going to be on base for a while...

Oh, but I specialize in sabatogue and disguise~

And also recon, I guess...I was an investigative reporter at home haha...

[And she is Far more canny than she lets on. But the list of skills probably say that for her.]

VIDEO

[amaure]

[Well, isn't she an interesting one...]

I see little to gain by dancing around the point, if we are to work together at all, 'twould make the most sense to trim the fat, so to speak.

But sabotage and disguises, with a dab of recon, eh? Well, you sound the well-rounded and skillful sort. A true boon to this organization, I'm sure.

Re: VIDEO

[insidescoop]

Oh yeah for sure! Most people uh, just start grumbling about practical jokes honestly... this is kinda refreshing...

Ah- In any case, I just do what I can really..! And I mean, I sure wasn't going to make it in brute force..

Video

[thedifferencebetween]

Well hey there buddy!

What the hell is going on, years and there's like no transfers over here and all of a sudden I can't shake a stick without hitting a transfer grunt.

Pro-tip: don't take this pathetic excuse for a functional organization that seriously. The admins? They do not give that much of a shit about you. Or any of us, really.

Me, on the other hand? I'm Handsome Jack, the highest ranking dude around here, you defer to me. And I do give a shit. So actually, you're the one who should be telling me your skills and how you might be useful to my team. Ask anybody on this network, I take care of my people.

Video

[amaure]

There he is, the man I have heard oh so much about.

[The way he talks, it's about a fifty-fifty chance he's being genuine, or sarcastic. It's really hard to tell.]

Worry not, I had no designs to take this organization any more seriously than what was truly necessary, but your counsel is duly noted. It does my heart good to know that, in the face of our indifferent masters of sorts, that one among us truly cares about his fellow transplants, ready and willing to take the reins of leadership. Yours is a soul most compelling, and thus I can see why the others flock to your stalwart guidance.

But, I do suppose you have the right of it, folly of me to ask the others of their own expertise while withholding mine own. I am a man of science and knowledge, an engineer of sorts. I have experience with—and even invented—technologies that far exceed the paltry standard of this star. I do suppose it is worth mentioning that from whence I have been spirited away, I served as Emperor to my people, bringing about their technological revolution, as well as their rise to power in our most uncaring star.

Of course, that is but the start of my lengthy résumé.

Video

[thedifferencebetween]

Well you're a verbose bastard, aren't ya?

Oh...Oh buddy. I got some rough news for you! As one former tech savvy empire head honcho to another....you're in for a bad time here. Get ready to beat your head against every available flat surface for the next year or two. If the ridiculously uneven and incomprehensible tech level here doesn't get you, the impossibility of how what passes for a government or bureaucratic system somehow works will. Gimme a call when it drives you to drinking, I know all the best places.

But yeah, you seem like you've got a working head on your shoulders, I don't think you need the usual run down of 'don't get caught, don't be a moron' yadda yadda yadda.

Late the next day.....

[uber_marionettist]

[Okay, so I'm late to the party. That's cool. It's fine. It's really whatever.

Another day, another import. Is it just me or are the intervals between arrivals decreasing with the passage of time?

Truth is, though, I just don't care. Not about this new face, not about his particularly affected diction, not about whatever special snowflake bullshit he thinks he has going on. Not today. Not this week. Maybe later, when his fresh-off-the-boat adjustment period is tapering off and the conversation is something other than paradox space's most excruciating "nice to meet you now whip it out for me" dick measuring, round number whatever. I gotta fake it, I'm well aware of that. But I'm just not that impressed.]

Oh, it's that time again already, huh.

Sorry I'm late, I had a prior engagement with the endless abyss of my own collective unconscious.

So I take it you've had all the tedious little introductory conversations by now? Someone's already told you that whatever you had going on back in home canon is functionally worthless in this one?

[amaure]

[The sad part is, he'll only get more annoying as time goes on. His arrogance literally knows no bounds, and his self-entitlement could put a certain violet blood to shame. The point is: this is the high point, it's all a twisting downhill shitshow of a ride directly into the depths of hell from here.

Anyways, he appreciates the colorful text. A nice touch. Idly, he wonders if such color would reflect in his soul, but then dashes the thought quickly. Knowing well that is a curiosity that will not be sated for far too long.]

Worry not, ever do I know the importance of such engagements, for I myself oft enjoy the slumbering abyss whenever the chance arises.

But yes. I have been quite informed by our fellow colleagues of the worthlessness I have been lowered to, thank you. Would it be folly to assume you might be the Dirk I have heard about—the one of which that puts off sleeping before his duties, only to fall into a veritable coma thereafter?

[uber_marionettist]

[What the fuck.]

So you've already attained more 'familiarity' with me than I do you.

[Which of these donkey-headed bottoms got so bored that my circadian arrhythmia became the hot gossip to share with this antediluvian dunderfuck.]

An argument could be made that it's the natural consequence of my predilection for falling behindhand with certain of my more entrainable biological obligations, but I'd say that it kind of changes the stakes of this conversation.

Wouldn't you agree?

Not that the playing field will ever be truly equitable between us, of course. But for the sake of cosmetic appearances, let's pretend that pursuing a synchronicity of information is a little less fruitless than fertilising Astroturf.

You tell me what you need to know. And then it's my turn to ask questions, if I care to have any.

Game?