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silph_co2017-05-08 08:50 pm
indigo_league) wrote in silph_co2017-05-08 08:50 pm
Entry tags:
ATTENTION ALL ROCKETS!
[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.
[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.]
[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!))
IF YOU ARE ABSENT FROM THIS VERY IMPORTANT MEETING, THERE WILL BE DIRE CONSEQUENCES.
THERE WILL BE CREPES. TOOTLEBYE.
[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.]
[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!))
no subject
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:
no subject
But, he could see an effort was made. "What did they say to that?"
no subject
"They just said they'd take it into account."
He doesn't seem too worried about Walter's chiding from the admins at the meeting-- they said he did some good things, after all!
And cleaning toilets barely even registers as 'punishment' on Wrath's radar.
As far as he's concerned, Team Rocket is practically a consequence-free playground as long as you don't massively fuck up.
no subject
True, the punishment was laughable. But being under Auntie and Uncle...it just brought back memories if being under Father Jimmy and Father Tony. He definitely looked reflective, although it wasn't on his failures as one might assume.
"What new powers do you gain from this?" ...What did a promotion mean in this company. Was it more money, more responsibilities? Did it mean he reported back to Wrath in certain situations?
no subject
He wasn't too concerned about it-- and to be honest, he's not terribly familiar with the concept of 'promotions' anyway.
None of them'd had promotions with Master-- they fell in or out of favor depending on their performance (and sometimes her whim).
no subject
"I thought you did not like having a Master." He murmured quietly. A master was essentially anyone in authority. Like Auntie and Uncle, and the other admins.
what the fuck I thought I replied to this ages ago
welp
Being given superiors like this was stirring up a lot of old feelings in Walter. Conforming to a more distant authority was one thing. But there was something in him that was welling up, although it wasn't at the surface yet. It was the same feeling that had gone hand-in-hand with his determination to find his mom as a youth, that had led him to sneak away from the Wish House and go to Ashfield. And it was the same feeling that had him deny Valtiel and the ritual for so long.
no subject
"They haven't hurt anybody. And they say they love us. I think they seem nice."
He didn't quite have the same experience with manipulation and subtle abuse like Walter did-- or rather, he didn't have enough experience to recognize it in the same way Walter did. Wrath's entire, short existence had been black and white. He was a monster, and he got treated like one. There was no reason for his Master to, at any point, play nice to lull her servants into a false sense of security.
He knew nothing else... and had barely even begun to question any of it.
Therefore?
Auntie and Uncle's niceness, to Wrath, is to be taken at face value!
Why would they lie?
no subject
"They do not love us Wrath. We are a means to an end. If we had no use for them, they wouldn't care at all. And being nice now doesn't mean they will be later."
And even then that wasn't a promise of being cared for. But Walter had been taught that God loved all Her followers; not just him for awakening Her. The Mother's love was protective and embracing. This was not that love. And...it wasn't love, but the feeling he had for Wrath was something. He knew that these people had nothing like it towards any of them.
no subject
GOSH WALTER DON'T YOU KNOW THIS STUFF??? :T IF WRATH WASN'T AROUND TO LOOK OUT FOR YOU, WHERE WOULD YOU BE?
He puts his hands on his hips-- he doesn't want to draw attention to them, or for Walter to get in trouble. But clearly he's gotta set him straight!
"People don't just like other people for no reason! I'm very useful, and loyal, and good at being part of the team. That's why they like me and why I'm getting a pro-mo-shun. What's wrong with that?"
no subject
"Then why did you like me? When we first met you decided to help me, and then follow me even when I ignored you. You kept doing that." He hadn't been a good 'team member' or useful or anything like that. He had just been nearby and, for whatever reason, had caught Wrath's eye.
"I don't...like you, because of those things. I like you because you were good to me. And you didn't like it when Henry hit me." This was hard to explain, as Walter was getting used to actively having people to care about. He held his hands together a little nervously. He'd never had to put into words his feelings before. Was he being creepy?
no subject
BUT... he never got that far, and right now he thinks he's got everything figured out.
So his answer is matter-of-fact, and nonchalant.
"I'm not a people. I do what I want."
He obviously doesn't need a reason to like somebody, psh. That's clearly a human thing.
no subject
And the 'I do what I want' meant that Wrath wanted to be here, unlike himself, who was here out of circumstance and current convenience. He wondered how much Wrath saw of the operation of Team Rocket. He had stressed the important of 'the team' before to Walter, but he couldn't see Wrath being fervent over Team Rocket's goals of making money and using Pokemon to obtain power.
"Why do you like Team Rocket, Wrath?"
no subject
And it's true-- he doesn't care about money, outside of the fact that more money = more pudding cups from the vending machine. But he is super devoted for some reason.
Fortunately, he doesn't try to elude or dodge Walter's question. He answers readily enough.
"Because they give me food and clothes and a bed. And they also wanted me when my old team didn't. And I make friends here. Like you!"
And Ralph, but RALPH WAS A DIRTY TRAITOR WHO WRATH NO LONGER TALKED TO.
no subject
But there lie the difference between Wrath and Walter; Walter had grown enough to become angry and resentful of the Order. They could intimidate and bully and abuse a child but they had failed to find a way to control what he became. Wrath hadn't reached that level of independant thought.
He only hummed softly in reply, holding his hands together. There was more to ask, more to question...but not in front of the admins.
I think that's a wrap!
Although they don't know it... he and Walter have that very much in common.
And even now, even after they'd made amends and gone 'back' to being something of a family... the initial rejection he'd gotten from Envy (and Lust, but she was already a traitor) had pierced deep. Even now, he does not consider them his team-mates any longer. Still likes them, but they're not his team anymore.
This is his team.
So he simply nods to Walter's hum, assuming that this means he's successfully made his point. Because of course it did! It all makes perfect sense.