silph_co | Video;

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[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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[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.

Edited (MOBILE TAGGING... o9) 2020-05-04 13:45 (UTC)

[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.

Edited 2020-05-04 13:34 (UTC)

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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?

Edited 2020-05-04 18:42 (UTC)

[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~

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.]

[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.]

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.

[At least Goldenrod and Olivine tend to have the more... extravagant fashions of sorts. Which is exactly how she's been dressing how she does. He merely caught her in her more drab fare.]

Arcane beasts might be a better term for them, given some do things such as breathe fire or harness electricity. Come to think of it, the majority of the creatures here do some... rather questionable things. And take quite a bit of damage while being perfectly fine after being "healed" in one of the cities or towns.

If you count being dead as being immortal, is what I mean. [And she will give very little else without some sort of prodding.] Well. There were wizards and there were sorcerers. Each that did... different sorts of magic in different sorts of methods. Specializing in a field or two was the preferred method, going with whatever naturally came to you. More dark aligned?~ I would venture darkness depends on who you speak to. [Does she consider necromancy dark? Not at all.

However, she does manage a small hint of a smile before shifting the 'gear around to show her zoroark, Edward, that is currently keeping an eye on a large bird on a perch not far from him.]

That is a zoroark, if you would like an example of one. Ecruteak is more or less north of Goldenrod, yes. Just keep going north, there is a way to go east while going north, but that would lead you to... Violet, instead, I believe.

If you say so, Gengar are a bit of a different breed of their own. [And her's is an absolute fucking asshole to literally everyone.]

Yes, these creatures could not truly be naturally occurring. While beasts of different aetherial aspects are to be expected, these creatures make little sense in the natural world. Though...admittedly, this world is far from the natural sort I am used to.

[There's something inherently wrong with it, why else would there be that weird constant music???]

An undead, are you? The sort I am not unfamiliar with, and while I believe they are their own classification, they do indeed fall under the idea of immortal. Well, yes, wizards and sorcerers, depending on the culture and world are either different or interchangeable, but regardless of that, I would hope that a well learned woman of your pedigree would not necessitate dark with evil.

[After all, darkness is but another element as fire or earth. Neither of those are inherently evil, either! However, the view of the Zoroark intrigues him. It's a strange creature to be sure, but he kind of likes its design. One of the few he has, even if it's still rather simple and a little comical.]

Ah, a fine creature indeed. I shall keep watch for one. Mayhap after this training is finished, I will travel north to Ecruteak, see these Ghosts for myself. But tell me, what is it that makes this Gengar stand out among its incorporeal brethren?

It would seem that here, they are. I have no idea how they could be, but then again we had things like the purple worms, which are... absolutely giant worms. That were naturally occurring and killed quite a number of people. [Which is still a rather normal creature other than a stupid name being unnaturally huge. It's fine.

Get used to the music, Emet, sorry.]

Technically term was lich, but yes, something of that sort. Skeletal creatures animated by raw magic is perhaps a better term for it. [That she did. For funsies. More or less. We don't talk about that part in particular.] Oh come on now, I'm hurt that you would think I would ever do such a thing. I do not think dark and evil are one and the same, but the majority of the population certainly thinks much the same. You can never be too careful. [Probably reanimating dead bodies is considered evil and dark, but that's a conversation for another time entirely.

At least Edward seems fairly chill, even if the pidgeot on her perch seems to be trying to shoo him away with large wings and puffing. It's fine. Probably.]

Because gengar, above the others, have a sort of... charm to them, I suppose. They are creatures that tend to rarely, if ever, happen in the wild as they evolve via trading which is a very man-made construct. But their personalities is why I find them so intriguing. Tricksters and malicious they may be, they can be quite loyal partners if treated well. And are quite powerful, at least in my opinion. They also tend to take delight in tormenting and terrorizing people just because they can. Quite fascinating creatures and the few more humanoid looking ones, if I remember correctly.

Seem so, and are so tend to be decidedly different. As I said, should the wielder of creation magics be particularly skilled, the difference between life and its mockery is nigh indistinguishable. And, if the creatures were meant to be able to bear offspring, the distinction would only come down to matters of the soul.

[Which, he would be able to tell immediately if not for his sight being taken from him. It's pretty wild how dull the world looks through the eyes of mortals. Mayhap that is why they kill each other...]

Ah, yes. Lich, I am familiar. [So, not a true immortal, but rather some wicked creature that believes itself sapient. Well, he supposes that's better than nothing. Though, they bear a striking similarity to Ascian Primes, but if aught, they're a crude mockery.] Then consider me assured that you are not so foolish as they. 'Twould be a great disappointment if you were, what with this wonderful rapport we seem to have.

[Well, isn't that charming. Poor bird, but he supposes it will just have to get over it.]

If what you say of these Gengar and their evolution are true, then that further strengthens my resolve that these creatures are constructs of sorts. However, from your account, I may yet enjoy myself one of these devilish fiends. They do sound fascinating.

[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.

[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.]

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 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.

I'd say the typing acts more like a complicated elemental table, specific to Pokemon and not necessarily the composition of the universe.

Taxonomic genera is an entirely separate topic - there are canines and birds that fall under a wide variety of types, as well as Pokemon that wouldn't fit in a traditional organic taxonomy. Steel types especially tend to be non-organic or just weird in the application thereof.

[This all sounds like bullshit, but you know what? Fine. He'll...run with it.]

I see...

From whence I hail, there are all manner of fauna with great variance in their taxonomy, aetherial composition, and alignment. Though they still followed basic universal principles and—to put it crudely—sense. That is, unless they were an arcane beast of some sort, designed by and brought to life through magic—but even then they followed still a sort of logic which all aetherial comprised beings must oblige. [He waves dismissively with a sigh.] But I suppose it is merely a matter of adapting to this world's rules of reality, and what not, eh?

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.

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.]

Edited 2020-05-05 00:56 (UTC)

Oh, he most definitely does deserve it and not the least because he's been here longer than any of us. He's very experienced at dealing with the Admins and in managing people in general. Back home in his world, he had an empire spanning multiple planets.

Though, ah, I did help him a little with the front.

And, ah-- [His dark skin might be slightly darker around the cheeks now.] I wouldn't call it an 'arrangement,' per se. More of a relationship.

[Jack is not his sugar daddy, thank you so very much, Lydia.]

An imperialist, is he? Marvelous, 'twould seem he and I have more in common than I might have otherwise assumed. It well explains his success in this organization, but I fear that someone of his aptitude might be restrained by such meager limitations.

Perhaps the pair of you will be—if your assistance with the front is aught to go by. And worry not, whatever the nature of your relationship, 'tis no true concern of mine, for who am I to remark on young love, hm?

[Young love, sugar daddies. They're all kinda the same thing for some people.]

I don't doubt we'll find a lot of Pokemon who are directly analogous to fauna from your world. There's a lot that match my world's.

Allegedly, all Pokemon were made by a creator god - also a Pokemon, of course - so you could make a pretty solid argument that they're all arcane beasts, but they still exist in very physical ways.

If you ever want a hand looking into all of that bullshit some more, I've been doing a lot of research into it. It's useful to know if you want to do any kind of battling, since different types have strengths and weaknesses against other types. Sometimes they can be a bit... obscure.

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