ATTENTION ALL ROCKETS!

[indigo_league]

_{[It’s early. Very early. A familiar signal chimes from every Team Rocket member's Poke'Gear--a sign that they are about to receive new instructions. However, these instructions contain no mission. When opened, the text reads:]}

ATTENTION ALL TEAM ROCKET MEMBERS. REPORT TO THE GOLDENROD BASE IMMEDIATELY VIA THE NEAREST WARP FOR A VERY IMPORTANT MEETING ON THE 9TH. IF YOU ARE BETWEEN CITIES AND DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO FLY OR TELEPORT, CONTACT YOUR ADMIN AND YOU WILL BE FETCHED. IT IS TIME WE REWARD THE EFFORTS OF THOSE WHO HAVE PROVED THEMSELVES LOYAL AND SKILLED. IT IS ALSO TIME TO MAKE AN EXAMPLE OF THOSE WHO NEED TO IMPROVE.

IF YOU ARE ABSENT FROM THIS VERY IMPORTANT MEETING, THERE WILL BE DIRE CONSEQUENCES.

THERE WILL BE CREPES. TOOTLEBYE.

<sub>[May the 9th. Noon. The day of the meeting. When the Rockets do finally arrive at the meeting room designated by oddly floral signs posted all around the base, they will find several rows of very uncomfortable folding chairs facing a podium. A long table stands at the back of the room and does, in fact, have the promised complimentary crepes. For a time, the meeting room is empty.]

[And then. It is not.]</sub>

[With catlike tread comes a man of sufficient build, his Rocket Administrator uniform crisp, unbuttoned at the collar and rolled up at the sleeves. Pink hair that greys at the temples is brushed back, flaring out at the neck a bit. It’s reminiscent of a Spritzee, and one is indeed perched on the man’s shoulder - the very same one that had been stationed in the bathroom in the base underneath the Elite Four’s mansion. He comes to a stop at the side of the podium, hands behind his ramrod-straight back, and he looks appraisingly at the cluster of Rockets present. Those of you in the front row might be able to discern the slightest of smiles on his face, but any further back and all you get is calm and solid aura of discipline.]

_{[A looming shadow follows the man and as it nears the podium, it is revealed to be an enormous woman with wide shoulders. Her suit is hand-tailored to fit her skull-crusher frame and is covered in beautiful intricate flowers. Even her pink hair is styled so that it looks like a large rose is situated to one side of her head. In that false rose, a happy little Cutiefly rests, buzzing its wings contently as it looks out over those assembled with dead black eyes--just like a doll’s eyes! The woman’s pink lips pull into a very wide, shark-like smile and she brings her tiny hands together in a loud clap.]}

Oh look at you! Look at you! I could just eat the lot of you right up, I could! Welcome, Rockets, to your appreciation ceremony! I know you've probably been enjoying the new decorations and your new Pokemon, but there's even more to come! Now, you might wonder just who we are. That’s normal. We haven’t been buzzing around the base in quite some time. You may--and will-- call me Auntie Apricorn because here in Team Rocket, we’re a family.

[The man coughs softly, blinking just long enough to hide a roll of the eyes.] And ya can call me Uncle Haban, ‘n only that. Last guys who tried a nickname...well, let’s say they ain’t comin’ round for Sunday dinner. I don’t wanna haveta kick youse kids outta that just yet, y’look like a good gaggle a kids...ya just need a lil’ shapin’, lil’ incentive ta get your Rocket chops up ta snuff. That’s what we’re here ta do.

_{[Auntie hums, seeming pleased. The Cutiefly in her hair hums too.]}

Well put, baby brother. After all, we’ve only just met! The team has decided that you all need special attention and that is why we are here. Besides being your new auntie and uncle, we are also your new admins. You answer to us now. We are going to make you the best that you can be and more! Aren’t we, Habey?

[Uncle bristles, and the Spritzee on his shoulder puffs up indignantly.] Fookin’ rude, ‘Pri, ya only got eight ‘n a half minutes on me, it ain’t worth lordin’ over a guy…

_{[Auntie leans across the podium to forcefully pat him on the head, mussing his hair even more.]} Oh, but it is! Eight and a half minutes is eight and a half minutes worth of world experience! Now then! Why don’t we be a good aunt and uncle and give the kids some treats?

So long’s ya didn’t cook those things yerself, we shouldn’t scare ‘em straight with food poisonin’.

_{[Auntie’s perma-smile draws back just enough for the thinnest sliver of her perfect white teeth to be visible and sher turns to face her brother.]}

Not those treats, Habey.

Well ya shoulda clarified, ’Pri.

_{[A silence passes between the duo, not unlike the silence before a volcano erupts, but no eruption happens today. The team’s new auntie and uncle pause, take a breath, and put their smiles back on and turn to address the gathered Rockets.]}

To begin, I would like to call attention to our current, most decorated Rockets! These Rockets showed their true colors in the heat of chaos. I would like to congratulate them on their promotions! Everyone clap now! Clap!

_{[She claps her tiny hands. Those of you who don’t clap are glared at by Uncle Haban.]}

First up...we had a real darn good Rocket in the thick of it, real dedicated to the mission...not everythin’ hit the mark, sure, but we’re damned floored by the initiative. So c’mon, show Handsome Jack some love for a near perfect job!

[His claps are loud and echoing, almost demanding to be accompanied.]

Near perfect, yes! _{[Auntie interjects.]} Good job Mr. Handsome. Our next Rocket is a real whirlwind in the heat of battle! A great little guard and stand-in to boot! Congratulations to our Wrath! Claps for Wrath!

And our final promotee showed great skill in crowd control! Great use of birds! Claps for our Manaka! Good work, sweetie!

_{[Haban clears his throat as the clapping dies down, pulling back the crowd’s attention. He’s still as calm as ever, though there’s a glint of disappointment in his eyes.]}

Then there’s the rest a ya...not ta say everything ya did went south, but, well, not everybody’s gettin’ promotions, ya don’t hand ‘em out like candies, ‘n we gotta see more from this next bunch before ya even think a gettin’ past Grunt clearance. First up is...Sullivan. Walter Sullivan? Heard some things about ya! Ya helped rope in a good haul, but, ah…[He tsks.] Ya come see me, alright? Afterwards? You ‘n me, we need a chat. Chitchat. ‘Cause ya got potential, kid, but it’s gotta go into the right places, ya know?

‘N then there’s...Diana? Ya didn’t slouch off, an’ I know prom’s a fun time for a kid, ya wanna have fun, but when ya gotta work, ya gotta work. You too, you see me later, alright? For more chitchats. We got chitchats ta go over.

Then, last…[Haban trails off. He...actually looks pale as he glances over to Auntie Apricorn.] Well. That ain’t my jurisdiction. ‘Pri, floor’s yours.

_{[Auntie finally stops clapping and Auntie finally stops smiling. Her pink lips quickly flip from being a wide crescent moon of a smile to a tight little pout. Her eyes fall on Anthy.]}

I want you to understand, dearheart, I’m not…mad. Just disappointed. But it seems you just didn’t do anything right. And we can’t have that in the family, now can we? Instead of special training with Haban, your punishment can be carried out here and now. I’m afraid I’m going to have to half your pay until you can provide, honeypot. And send you to bed without supper.

_{[Her face hardens like the outward skin of an apricorn and she whips out an arm, calling the attention of the grunts along the back wall.]}

THIS WOMAN IS NOT TO RECEIVE FOOD OR WATER FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. And no food the day after that! I want guards on every snack machine, water fountain, and exit. If I catch a single one of you showing her any pity, I’ll have you thrown in the PokeyChokey!

_{[Auntie’s eyes rest on Anthy again.]}

This hurts me more than it hurts you.

_{[She sniffles.]}

[Haban grimaces slightly in the girl's direction. He really doesn't like to give those punishments, not at all, but it's for the good of the team. The Spritzee on his shoulder mirrors his movements to fix his sleeves.]

You'll see us around the base and for training exercises - specialized or otherwise. Don't be strangers, but don't be whiny lil' shits either, capisce? We ain't the Human Resources department. Now - get out there 'n make us proud ta be your Rocket Auntie and Uncle!


((OOC: Okay! For the Rockets who were called out by Haban to see him later, he’ll be having a serious talk with each of you - primarily about the importance of loyalty to the team and how they should take measures to overcome their shortcomings, whether they be focusing more on the social aspect of prom and slacking on the diabolical aspect (Diana) or being far too loose about top secret plans (Walter). Diana, you will be let off with a warning to reign in your behavior during missions. Walter, you will be required to clean the toilets until the seats shine, the metal sparkles, and the scent of bleach permeates your clothes as you reflect on the importance of keeping your mouth shut.

That aside, everyone come give your new uncle and auntie a big big hug!))

Comments

OTA

[11121_assumption]

The family monikers are extremely...they bring up memories of Father Jimmy and Father George. Not family. People you were meant to respect, and who held a position over you, but not closeness. Not trustworthy. If anything, it meant the opposite for Walter. So when he addressed them, it was with the hallow tone he used for the priests. He knew that this was the same.

The punishment...he managed to reign in a gobsmacked look. That was it? Toilet cleaning? He was not complaining in the slightest. It was literally the lightest punishment he had ever been given in his life. In the Order, the punishment would have been something else entirely. But after receiving his punishment, he wasn't interested in talking to his new Auntie and Uncle.

There's a few people he's looking to speak to, so he is lingering at the meeting rather than immediately planning transport to Mahogany Town. Having a Sandslash burst out of the ground in front of him in Mt. Mortar and drag him back through the hole it had dug was not pleasant, and he intended to use the resources to recover his progress.

OTA

[badluckbabe]

To be entirely honest? Jinx had been sweating bullets the entire way to Goldenrod. Somehow she had been even paler then usual when the new Admins started calling people out on their work and failures.

But...somehow she had been overlooked. She had been in a number of battles and come away with...nothing. Nada. Just a lot of scuffles that weakened the the trainers.

So...at least she hadn't failed. She just hadn't really succeeded anyway.

And it was in that moment Jinx realized that once again...she was a mediocre villain.

So while she's gloomy and kicking herself for that she decides to socialize a bit. Maybe try to work up her courage to greet the new admins. For how terrifying Auntie is it's a strange sort of comfort being an underling to someone she is at least half sure could destroy her with less effort then it took to make a sandwich.

At least there's crepes to be had here. And it's always nice to be around other Rockets.

[keep_surviving]

[Diana walks up behind Jinx and flicks the back of her head in that teenage way of showing affection.]

Hey Ji.

[Her voice is a little muffled, because of course she's eating a crepe.]

[badluckbabe]

[Jinx gives a little start and spins about trying to laugh like she wasn't just shaken sharply out of a funk.]

O-oh hey Di! Heh heh I um...how are the crepes?

[keep_surviving]

Nut enuff. [She manages to mumble through a mouthful before, impressively, swallowing what's left over.]

What are you looking all mopey for?

OTA

[rosehecate]

[Anthy had been quiet throughout the entire meeting. It hadn't been hard for her to show up - this was where she had been living, after all, and she had been looking towards the day where her actions during the mission would fall upon her. She expects pain, she expects wickedness, and so she enters with an old, practiced smile, but none of the demure weakness of the Rose Bride. She doesn't regret a single thing she'd done. Why should she flinch from punishment?

That being said, holding a shivering Junior in her lap as the new administrators lay down the law, Auntie Apricorn shrieking her ultimatum...

Well. It's certainly not going to be fun, but it wasn't what she'd expected at all. She doesn't make to move or leave immediately, preferring instead to smile unwaveringly in Auntie's direction, petting Junior reassuringly. If anyone approaches, she'll say very clearly and crisply,]

Hm, I don't think it hurts her at all.

[It's like...she's not even offended? After being called out in front of everyone? What??]

[11121_assumption]

"Of course not." Walter murmured to her. He had recognised her, the 'new' Rocket who had been so hesitant and unsure in acting when the reveal came. When her punishment was declared, he did pause. Was it because of him sending her away from the fight? He hoped not. He had learned a long time ago to take his own punishments, rather than try to get other people thrown under the proverbial bus.

Her calm reaction intrigued him. It seemed she was used to this kind of...scenario. It made him wonder about her past, although it was too soon to outright ask - or rather, not in a room full of people anyway. "Do you remember me? We met at Prom."

[rosehecate]

[He could always ask. Despite being punished, Anthy is not ashamed of how she acted that night.]

Oh - yes, hello. Thank you for your help that night. [She lessens the coldness of her smile for Walter, genuinely appreciative of his help.] Her type of woman is rarely sorry for the misfortune she causes. She could stand to be more subtle, though.

[Junior is still quaking like a leaf as he looks at Auntie Apricorn, tail entwining around Anthy's arm to keep her hand in place on his head. The contact helps him relax a smidge.]

[keep_surviving]

It think it hurts her to exist.

[Diana smirks and, unsure how Anthy is on physical affection, opts to rub her arm in friendly greeting.]

Hey Anthy. How you doing?

[rosehecate]

[She doesn't freeze, but doesn't really lean into it either. She just lets it happen.]

Hi, Diana. I'm okay.

[Junior, however, is not. The poor little Aipom is absolutely fraught with fear, clinging to Anthy as she continues to pet and placate him. No one could ever say she was ignorant of her Pokemon's needs, but this is...kind of excessive, isn't it?]

[beastofasister]

[Honestly? That's about what Manaka expected. If the people in charge want to force compliance, there's far worse they could do than public shaming, especially when the people being shamed didn't volunteer for this job in the first place. She giggles at Anthy's observation, commenting in kind:]

It's a little cloying, isn't it? The happy family act.

[rosehecate]

Yes, it's far too saccharine.

[She doesn't care if Auntie can hear her. If all you're going to do is take her food away, then go ahead, keep digging that hole for yourself.]

I would never have thought to think of this place as any sort of family.

OTA

[garbagechild]

<sub>[Wrath wasn't particularly nervous coming into this.]

[He done good, and he knew he done good.]

[Even if he'd been snatched and bodily escorted from the Manor by non-Rockets, they'd been non-Rockets who had his back and, even now, didn't PARTICULARLY object to him living a life of crime.]

[But, you know what he hadn't expected?]

[A promotion.]

[Wrath's little chest swells with pride.]

[YES OMG HE IS BEST ROCKET!!!]



[After the meeting's over, Wrath is over the moon. And, un... surprisingly, he doesn't seem particularly bothered by the fact that others received much worse news than he did. They failed, after all! NOT LIKE HIM. He's so good. THE BEST. And he's got the swagger to match his new status.]

[And all he has to say about their new overlords?]</sub>

I like them.

[rosehecate]

That's nice.

[There is nothing noting sarcasm, bitterness, or jealousy in Anthy's voice. It's literally said and presented as it is - a phrase to be said. You can go ahead and like these people all you want, Wrath, but the Worst Rocket (TM) couldn't care less about them. The Aipom in her lap is full-on hugging her, shaking his head as if to say "No, don't provoke anyone, please don't!"]

[garbagechild]

<sub>[Honestly, even if there had been, there is a distinct possibility that Wrath wouldn't have picked up on it.]

[There are a lot of things he doesn't pick up on.]

[He merely puffs his chest even more.]</sub>

They appreciate hard work and initiative.

_{[... Which is a really hilarious set of words to hear coming out of someone who regularly shoves his entire head into the mashed potato basin in the cafeteria and gets chased out by angry ladle-wielding lunch ladies, but.]}

[11121_assumption]

Of course Wrath would be overjoyed. Walter's not sure if he's surprised or un-surprised at how quickly Wrath takes a liking to their new admins. He thought the feral child would have higher standards for those in authority on him...but said feral child had also stuck to his side like glue when he had first arrived here. It was hard to judge Wrath's standards.

He hummed vaguely at Wrath's declaration about their new admins, but spoke up when he saw him. "Congratulations." Wrath was happy about being promoted, so it warranted a congratulations.

[garbagechild]

Walter.

Look at Wrath and remember every single conversation you've ever had with him.

He doesn't have 'higher standards' about anything.

And besides... he never saw any rewards from his former Master. Maybe a head-pat now and then. Which he generally didn't enjoy, because... well, yeah. Every other touch from those hands was a reprimand. And oh boy. Did Dante know how to make a punishment stick.

Wrath looks up at Walter, beaming.

"Thanks!"

And then, voice lowered.

"I put in a good word for you!"

c:

OTA

[keep_surviving]

Oh no. A warning.

If warnings worked with Diana her dad wouldn't have shipped her off to Coates all those years ago.

Jesus, had it really been that long?

Well, whatever. After the pointlessness that was that little assembly, she's back in the cafeteria making use of the bottomless cereal. Because there had not been enough crepes.

Which is how anyone will find her, eating heaping spoonfuls of cereal, checking out all these Rockets. Man, there really was alot of them, huh?

[beastofasister]

[She hasn't spoken with Diana before, but when Manaka sees her seated in the cafeteria, she sidles into the seat across from her as if it were perfectly natural for her to do so. For a moment, she simply sits there, chin in her hands as she studies Diana's face — and then she giggles, legs swinging beneath the table as she speaks.]

You know, I don't think a single one of their punishments worked at all.

[keep_surviving]

[Diana glances up from her bowl at the arrival of another person. She tries to offer a smile, which is hard with a mouthful of food, and the next time she swallows she says "hey".]

[Since the other girl doesn't seem to want to strike up a conversation just yet, Diana returns to eating. It's a little weird that this chick is staring at her but, hey, it's not the first time Diana's had people watch her.]

[When Manaka finally speaks, Diana smirks.]

Saw something you like?

I'm not even sure you could call mine a 'punishment'.

[thedifferencebetween]

[Jack feels like it's twenty years ago, and he's attending a Hyperion management meeting. Complete with the used car salesman freaks with weird hair running the show. Holy nutballs, are these seriously the guys at the top? The Bubblegum Twins?]

[He wasn't worried about this whole thing, he knows he'd gone above and beyond the call of duty that night. And hadn't once come close to exposing his cover, either. This kind of shit was what he was good at, after all. But damn is it nice to have it recognized! He'll give Team Rocket that over Hyperion, they're recognizing his greatness from the start. Good. That's gonna make it easier to rise up through the ranks. He even steps forward, gives a little wave, when he's personally recognized for his efforts.]

[The 'near perfect' stings, though. It's not his fault a bunch of self proclaimed do-gooders actually aren't.]

[Still, he can't help but gloat in amusement at how many of his fellow teammates are getting called out and singled out for punishment. What did they think was gonna happen? This might be a pretty disorganized organization with unclear motives, but they're not messing around.]

[Afterwards, he'll be strutting around the headquarters, his fat puppy at his side, positively beaming, happy to stop and chat with anybody. Because it's always nice to have public validation that you're better than everybody else, and nicer still to get to rub it in people's faces after.]

[Ignoring Dumpster Kid.]

Y'know, it's just...it's just a good day!

LATE but

[garbagechild]

<sub>[You DARE to ignore Dumpster Kid?]

[Dumpster Kid will make himself impossible to ignore.]</sub>

Yes!

I've never gotten a promotion before!

_{[He has Manifested (tm) right at Jack's elbow, and looks absolutely beside himself with joy and enthusiasm. Apparently enough so that he's willing to temporarily forget the fact that Jack doesn't like vanilla pudding cups and therefore is not to be trusted.]}

[thedifferencebetween]

[Oh, great.]

[It's not like Jack has anything against kids. Hell, kids can be useful! And Dumpster Boy's at least more entertaining than Pickle ever was. Whatever happened to that kid, anyway? Jack hadn't even talked to him again, after he took control of Hyperion. Maybe he got eaten by a Shuggurath.]

If you're waiting for me to feign surprise, we're gonna be here a long time, kid.

[Eh, whatever, he's in a good mood.]

The first promotion feels great, I know. Like 'wow, I did awesome!'. Had my first when I was twenty. But a couple years you'll feel like it's nothing. Or, hopefully, 'cause the idea is to get a lot more promotions.

ALSO TAGS THIS LATE

[beastofasister]

[Jack is half the reason Manaka is still around the base herself. She doesn't mind waiting for him to finish preening before they leave, though. On the contrary, it's a good excuse for her to scope out some of the Rockets that have shown up in the time since she stopped visiting the base regularly.

Still, it's a little amusing. He always talks like it's an inevitability that he'll rise to the top, so surely—]

It isn't a surprise, is it? You said so yourself. You worked hard for this.

[thedifferencebetween]

Yeah, but it's still nice to be recognized, ya know? Hear'em say my name, knowing everybody else heard it...feels good!

[Feels like old times, when he was climbing the ranks of Hyperion. Of course there'd been a lot less glowing public announcements from superiors, because...well...Hyperion.]

[But he grins down at Manaka, clearly delighted at today's turn of events. His own promotion, getting to see other people taken to task...better than coffee with a shot of Truxican vodka in it to get the day started.]