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[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.

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[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.

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[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.]

[conniemaheswaran]

[Connie has gotten a bit better at picking up sarcasm over text ever since she made friends with Dirk. Which means that she rolls her eyes when she sees Emet's new message.]

Just because I'm a kid doesn't mean I can't tell when you're trying to spoonfeed me bullshit, you know. I already have one sardonic asshole in my life, I don't need another.

[She has also learned how to perform a quick conversational turnaround from Dirk.]

[amaure]

You will just have to forgive me, I forget myself.

Though, not all I said was in jest. Nay, you do indeed have an eye for design. One I encourage most heartily for you to cultivate. You have spirit, child, do not lose that.

[conniemaheswaran]

I'll choose to believe that compliment was genuine.

[amaure]

It would be folly to do otherwise.

Very well, have you naught more to share with me, I shall let you tend to your civilian.