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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.

Comments

[amaure]

Whatever you wish--I have not given him a name.

[And he doesn't plan to. However, the possessed grunt makes a small, strained noise, like someone trying to speak when they haven't in ages. Less so the problem of an under used voicebox, and more the unpracticed formation of words by the ghost at the wheel.]

Yaa...mmm. My--my name was. Nour.

[Solus perks at that, at the Yamask speaking through his host, curiously tilting his head as he watches and admires.]

Look at you. Possessing and speaking both, I'd wager you have done this before, hm?

["Nour" nods, then brings a hand up to Steven's own on his mask, tentatively touching it.]

Well you heard him, his name was Nour, if you feel the need to honour that, or whatever.

[fingersandteeth]

[Steven smiles gently at the Yamask, not at all flinching at the hand on his.]

I'm very pleased to meet you, Nour. At some point when we have time and you've someone to possess, we ought to talk about your life together. I'd love to hear about that.

[amaure]

Mm... I would...like that, yes.

[The expression is hidden behind the mask, but Nour is smiling all the same. It's been a long time since he's been able to communicate with humans properly. Sure, he could have possessed someone, but that hardly had favorable results. Who knew most people didn't want to talk to a Pokémon possessed person! Weird!]

...Shall I give you two privacy? Or shall we conclude this little experiment of ours?

[There's sarcasm to his voice, and the nasally tone only enhances it.]

[fingersandteeth]

[Steven glances back at Solus and for the briefest half-second, his own pleasant mask slips to show a twinge of irritation-- and then it's gone.]

I suppose we shall. [He removes his hand from the cheek of Nour's mask and takes a step back.] Thank you for the demonstration, [he tells Nour.] We'll talk another time, okay?

[He'll just return to his seat at the table now.]

[amaure]

[Solus merely keeps his smile at Steven's irritation. Pardon him for withholding his sympathies towards the creature, though the fact it can possess someone at all...and was once indeed a human, proves to him that this apparition is unlike the other creatures. At least in his mind.

Nour nods again, then looks to Solus for instructions. After all, he's still a Pokémon, human-soul aside. With a raised hand and a snap of his fingers, the instruction is wordless but clear: the mask unseals itself from the man's face, and the Yamask emerges from his host. Floating over to hide behind Solus, as the afflicted grunt nearly falls to his knees as he regains control of himself.]

Do you mind? We're trying to have a private conversation here, and little and less do we need you gawping at us. [With an exaggerated shooing wave of his hand:] Begone, will you?

[Pointedly confused and bewildered both, the man looks at him, then Steven before nodding with just as much puzzlement before returning to his seat across the way. Clearly shaken by his sudden lapse of memory and...teleportation?

Solus shrugs, turning back to Steven.]

Anyroad...what a most useful little trick. I say, this will have boundless uses. Mayhap I judged this Yamask too quickly.

[Pointedly avoiding its name. Can't go humanizing it, he might actually start to care about it.]

[fingersandteeth]

[Steven's pleasant mask is back, seamless once more.] You might have, yes. Although I'd have been happy enough to take Nour off your hands if you weren't reconsidering.

What did they give you besides him, by the by? I know it's team policy to start everyone off with two, whereas those who wake up at the false mother's house only get one.

[amaure]

Nay, for all my initial misgivings, I will not part with him. [He's still salty, but...he can deal with irritation at one's existence if he gets some benefit from it.]

A bird of some sort—Murkrow, I believe its name to be. Clever creature, that. Familiar with them?

[As he talks, Nour seems to draw closer and closer to Solus, while Solus pointedly ignores the Pokémon's clear want for attention.]

[fingersandteeth]

[Jeez, what a dick. For someone Steven honestly did want to like, you're doing a really good job of making him side-eye you. Or, well, mentally side-eye you while keeping Nice Steven up, because after that little threat regarding Steven being useful and pleasant, he really does not feel like showing you what's underneath.]

I am. I have one of my own, named Matthew. They're nocturnal, mostly. And very fond of sparkly things--if they like you, they'll sometimes bring stolen treasures to you. And they can learn how take you flying with them--although you'll have to be licensed at either Celadon or Violet for that, as well as get the hidden machine to teach them how to do it at Olivine or Saffron.

[amaure]

[Look, he's only this way because he can't afford to get attached to things. If you've lost the sheer amount of what he has, you'd understand!

And jeez, it's not a threat, it was a word of warning! Advise, even! Talk about ungrateful!]

The fondness for what sparkles did indeed make itself apparent. [He further explains by gesture to himself. Considering the gold trimmed outfit, the gold epaulettes, his gold and diamond earring, and so on. Finally, he looks to the Yamask with trace annoyance, before patting it begrudgingly on the head. Like it was a child, or something.]

But licensed flying, you say? Do the authorities here truly chase one down to assure they've a license?

[Sounds like the sort of bureaucracy he'd actually be behind, if it were the case. The only problem is that he doesn't actually respect the authority of anyone here, and least of all any that'd believe themselves actual upholders of the law.]

And what's that about a hidden machine? Not so hidden if everyone knows where to obtain it, eh?

[fingersandteeth]

'Hidden machine' is just its name. There's certain... we'll call them moves that pokemon can learn that have utility outside of battle. Ones that allow them to move large objects or destroy boulders or swim up waterfalls or fly their trainers places. A rare few pokemon can learn them on their own, but most of us have to get the 'hidden machines' by defeating various gym leaders and those 'hidden machines' are used to teach the pokemon how to Surf or Fly or properly use their Strength.

[Or you can borrow a friend's and then lend them to some of your fellow Rockets in turn, like Steven did.]

But even then, they'll only use these moves in battle unless you can defeat other gym leaders to be granted permission to use them in your daily life. [He examines his hands.] I haven't seen a Jenny chase down an unlicensed Flyer, but I'm sure they'd try.

[amaure]

[He listens, looking thoughtful during the explanation, pondering the logic of it all. It all sounds like the premise of some strange Allagan game from several millennia ago, they did go pretty nuts with the technology he bequeathed them with. Reality always has its own set of rules, but never quite like this. But it doesn't matter, he just has to accept that not all realities have to make sense.]

This all sounds rather ridiculous, but I suppose I've little reason to believe otherwise, regardless of how queer it is.

[Shrugging, he idly glances at his Yamask, hand resting on its head as it looks somewhat delighted by the attention.]

So these gym leaders, are they authoritative members of the government here?

[fingersandteeth]

There would have to be a government for that, [Steven says dryly.] There's no head of state or legislative bodies that I can see. There's a court system and there's bureaucracy, but if you're looking for anything traditionally resembling government--

You're not going to find it.

[amaure]

[Solus looks surprised at that. Even the savages back in his world had functioning governments, imperfect though they were. He...honestly has too many questions to ask, but fears there merely are no answers. What a hell he's been pulled into, when he's a seeker of and distributor of knowledge. For a moment, he looks a little perplexed, but then lets out a resigned sigh.]

...'Tis anarchy, then. One wonders how this world has not fallen apart completely and utterly.

[Even the peaceful Amaurotines had their own system of government. No law enforcement, but that's because they were all naturally kind and caring people, with no reasons to fight one another, no reason to harm each other either. Nothing but philosophical pacifists who wanted nothing more than to better their fellow man in every endeavor.

Such a system without proper authority and leadership should not be stable with mortals at the helm. Perhaps this is a nightmare? Maybe he's still asleep somewhere outside of Eulmore, and he'll wake up and this will all go away...

The nudge from the Yamask trying to be affectionate with him pulls him from his despairing thoughts. Gruffly, he brings a hand to his face to rub at his eyes.]

I suppose that is how this laugh of an organization still exists, then?

[fingersandteeth]

Almost certainly, [Steven says, with a shrug.] Honestly, it feels like this world just-- runs on completely different rules than anything I'm used to. Than anything any of us are used to. That's why I was saying you should take Jack's advice, earlier. He's the only one of us who's been here long enough to have enough experience of what this world will and won't permit.

[amaure]

Mm.

[He almost looks like he's about to acquiesce, but then he shakes his head.]

I do not simply believe a man's claims, I must see these limitations for myself. 'Tis no slight against him, nay. I've found I rather enjoy him, he is a competent sort, but surely you understand my resolve?

[fingersandteeth]

[After a moment, he nods.]

It's a matter of pride, yes? I can understand that all too well.

[amaure]

...I suppose there is little point in denying, but after a fashion, yes.

[He straightens himself in his chair, putting his gloved hands on the table top as he begins to explain.]

If you need some measure of understanding my point of view, imagine, if you will, a child were to attempt to tell you the limits of something you are profoundly talented in. That you have nigh-limitless knowledge and skill with, to the point you have created the equivalent of gold from lead—and without the use of magic. Nay, naught but mere raw, earth-bequeathed materials. And the friends of this child continue to encourage you to not attempt to push these limits you have broken before, all because they are full certain that this child is the law on such matters, regardless of the fact that his capacity and experience in his short, fleeting life cannot hold a flame to the burning sun that is your existence.

In short: such warnings are little more than insults to an ancient being such as I, and I have quite humbly suffered them long enough.

[fingersandteeth]

[That 'child,' Solus, is a grown man and this world seems to actively resist being meddled with is what Steven wants to tell him. But he holds his peace.]

I see.

[He glances at his wristwatch, then stands.]

I'm sorry, Solus, but I think your lunch hour ought to be done soon and I really should let you get something to eat before they want you back at Mandatory Training. If you have questions about things, please do feel free to message me on the pokegear.

[He smiles pleasantly at him.]

It's been an interesting talk. Thank you for introducing me to Nour.

[amaure]

[Unfortunately, it's about the most accurate way to put their lives into perspective of his. Even then, it's accuracy is questionable, if only because there is no true equivalent. Outside of going to an entirely new world like this, there is near nothing he can learn from man, when he has been the teacher for man through their entire history.

It's an insulting comparison all the same, and well did he know it, but as he said, each incessant urging likewise was an insult to him. So, nobody wins!

Solus watches as Steven stands, clearly more concerned with leaving the conversation than whether or not Solus gets his lunch. Solus isn't particularly concerned with the latter himself, though he ought to be.]

If I may—[He says, holding up a hand to signal for him to wait a moment, before settling both arms on the table, fingers weaving together as he talks,]—I know well the stony face of indifference and detachment, even when it hides behind a most pleasing to the eye smile.

Whilst I have little intent on us becoming any sort of bosom buddies, I would indeed hazard you to take not offense at my words. Hard though they may be to hear, I speak with not ill intent, but merely wish to walk a path of understanding one another.

Great is the gulf between our experiences and—lest we forget—our very existences. True diplomacy is found in unbiased understanding and widening one's perspective to the greatest degree, not fraudulent niceties in the face of the problem right in front of your nose.

You would do well to remember this, for it might aid you in forging better alliances with those outside of your mortal perspective. But as you say, we have talked quite enough, and, despite mine expectations, greatly have you aided me. For that you have my sincerest thanks.

[fingersandteeth]

[Steven sighs and finally he lets the pleasant mask down to show that he's-- well. More weary in this moment than anything else.]

Solus, [he says, softly but firmly.] I honestly don't care all that much if you lacked ill intent when you insulted me and mine. You still did it. I know you've got phenomenal cosmic powers where you come from--that you know things I'll never know, have seen things I'll never see--but here and now you're just as mortal as any of us. And it might aid you in forming your own alliances if you don't just-- insult and belittle us out of hand, especially when we are trying to help you.

I believe in doing well by my colleagues and subordinates, so I'll help you and continue to help you, as long as you need it. But forgive me if I can only take so much condescension at a time.

[amaure]

[For Solus' side of it, his expression is much the same, though the grin he's worn for much of the conversation has lessened to some degree.]

My are you ever obsessed with the fact I have power, when it has naught to do with this. What I told you were mere facts, and if you choose to take such as an insult, then there is no helping you. I bid you to shed your fragile ego, and listen: whether or not I am bound to a mortal form changes not the level of intellect and wisdom one garners over living a thousand thousand of your mortal lives.

To imply otherwise is naught more than a grave insult to me, so before you decide that 'tis I whom has insulted you...mayhap you should look upon your own actions, your own words? Think on it.

[And then that smile comes right back, like it was never gone in the first place, waving his hand in a languid and dismissive motion.]

Now, my dearest Steven, pray be on your way. After all, I would scarce want to overwhelm your senses with my overabundance of condescension.

[fingersandteeth]

[Steven shakes his head.]

Believe it or not, [he says quietly,] I wanted to like you.

[He leaves. Somehow without leaping over the table to throttle him.]

[amaure]

[Oh, Steven. It's quite alright, because while you might not like him, despite this little kerfuffle, he quite likes you.

He'll be looking forward to this blossoming relationship, wherever it may go.]