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Post by Mineral on Nov 14, 2016 19:23:07 GMT
Jacob was sweating too, all things considered. When he learned that all the Pokemon would be in the same cage at the same time, he worried for Vorp's temper. Kings were humble, slight, and that gave their anger more weight than anyone. The dragon was yet to learn that lesson about leadership. On an empty stomach, he probably was not willing to work it out either. As for the car of humans, Jacob was less than concerned with Hugh and Bill. Bill was the every man, if you gave him a script and a suit he'd lose his effect. Hugh was just going to do whatever he wanted. Though that was just his opinion on the matter. Much as he was distracted, he still couldn't help the occasional peek at the professor's legs. None too worried about Bill and Hugh's speeches. They didn't have to be perfect, infact they would lose their effects if they were.
"Sorry to be hasty, Professor Rosewood, but I'm nervous about the parade car. Will it be much longer?".
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Post by birdy51 on Nov 14, 2016 19:53:27 GMT
"Brushka vu, heh heh heh..." Hugh muttered behind his sunglasses. His head tilted up, as if in a quiet understanding, before falling to the side in clear vision that he was really just slacking on the job. Just behind his sunglasses, the mountain of man had clearly been dozing wasn't quite ready to answer to anyone at the moment.
Security. Always sleeping on the job.
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Post by ThRevanchist on Nov 14, 2016 22:06:32 GMT
Upon arrival in the enclosure, Ulrich had been torn as to whether he should take the time to observe the other Pokemon from a more natural perspective, or simply find a place to inhabit for the shorter journey. With the promise of all the in-situ observation he could ever hope for so close, it didn't take long for the lack of desire to take hold, and so the Yamask languidly 'explored' the terrarium until it found the darkest, most quiet corner and nestled into it.
Well, in truth, he went for the second-darkest and most quiet nook. Even run by a human operator, that Dunsparce would probably gravitate toward his preferred spot, and what was the use fighting over it?
When the chatter started, Ulrich noted that at least some of the specimens were pleased with the more natural accommodations. He didn't weigh in on that himself though. Nor did he take heed of the mounting tension. But for the sake of observation, he slowly posed the question, "And what do you think so far of 'their way', Gunshow? I would wager, that its much more sensible to follow along with them... Especially today if our goal is to return home." He only bothered to single out the Machoke, simply because Three was being Piloted, Vorp would no doubt take offense to sharing existence with being singled out by him, and Rosebud would surely be agreeable as always.
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Post by DataNinja on Nov 14, 2016 22:27:40 GMT
Evan does indeed gravitate to the corner that was darkest, and also farthest away from Vorp. He was under no illusions as to who was probably going to be the first target if the dragon got hungry amongst a walking vegetable, a hulk of muscle, a ghost that could go invisible... and him. It would, of course, probably be futile... there isn't going to be anyone near the Carnate engine who would be able to stop Vorp in time. Idly, he wonders what would happen if this body died. Would it mean brain death for him? Trauma? Or just phantom pains that would fade after returning to his own body? It isn't something he'd like to test.
At this point, though, he is fine to just let Ulrich talk, draw attention, and otherwise just see where the whitecoat was headed with this conversation. Hopefully not to a point leading to another breakout. Once more he wonders exactly why they didn't get Vorp piloted. Or, at least Gunshow. The three of them could probably subdue the dragon if need be. But... he doesn't like his chances of a possible 2 on 2 confrontation. Especially since Ulrich would probably just be a coward.
So, he simply sits (well, lays down), skulks, watches, and waits.
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Post by Robot on Nov 14, 2016 23:27:51 GMT
Bill sat mostly doubled over, elbows braced on his knees and cast Hugh a sideways glance, thumbing his mustache with a chuckle. "Still don't get why you asked me along for this little chat, I'm a glorified janitor really, but it's a paid day off even if I gotta keep busy. Probably more prepared then your muscle here, but I got a full night's sleep." One of the balding man's hands found it's way inside of his lapel and scratched a bit, and his smile soured just a little after some mumbled complaint about 'damn hand-me-downs'.
"It's a half hour by shuttle to the parade grounds Jacob." Delilah replied gently to his urgings, and didn't seem remotely perturbed despite Hugh's lethargy and Bill's ambivalence. The level of tolerance was astounding and far beyond what she'd normally give anyone, especially where her project was concerned. "Both this vehicle and the parade car have a platform conversion, so I hope you have decent balance. We'll be spending some time appealing before our actual speech."
"The one they call 'Hugh' has impressive strength and has shown me our home. It was as a great ball of green, covered in patches of white, with splashes of blue. He intends to conquer it with my help." Gunshow slapped a powerful hand against one of his well muscled thighs and stood tall and proud at the announcement. The pose held for a fraction of a second, and then an equally well muscled finger tucked itself under his short muzzle. "Though I am not sure what 'conquer' really means."
In the motorcade, the box of the truck visibly shook. Inside, Vorp had aggressively dismounted from his perch, landing with incredible force three long strides from Gunshow. "To take possession or control of, on a grand scale, you simpleton." The dragon growled in a sibilant tongue and stretched it's limbs, his fierce eyes moving from Ulrich, to Evan in the corner, Rosebud, back to Gunshow. His finned tail flicked angrily behind him as he took a few wide steps around the Machoke.
"Like... King of the Mountain?" Gunshow asked thoughtfully, his eyes sliding to the rocky perch that Vorp had claimed in their initial entry into the truck. The Gabite's lips twitched, threatening to pull it's expression into a snarl. "You think too small. King of all the Mountains. King of the Skies. King of the Oceans. A ruler of everything. This is my rightful place."
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Post by Mineral on Nov 14, 2016 23:41:45 GMT
Jacob was the most nervous person in the vehicle it seemed, rubbing his dark wine red suit pants. Though it wasn't for the reason anyone might think. It wasn't the speech, it was leaving Vorp alone. It'd be fine, wouldn't it? Wouldn't it? He distracted himself with answering his boss and peers.
"You're not the glorified Janitor Bill, you're a backbone of the project. It'd be paralyzed without you. Like like the people in this crowd today will be the backbone of our new home." he said, casting looks back to the habitat truck. It wouldn't be fine. "Half an hour however...that's too long without a distraction. Is it possible I can ride in the enclosure? Vorp's patience lately has been nothing short of paper thin.".
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Post by ThRevanchist on Nov 15, 2016 1:02:24 GMT
In spite of himself, Ulrich was thoroughly enjoying studying the two powerhouses interact within their little cage. Had they not been en-route to such a monumentally important event, he would have even goaded the 'King' a little more, just to see what happened. But alas, they couldn't afford an actual confrontation before things truly began, no... And it seemed Evan was content to let Three's natural tendencies take over, and cower.
...what was it Jacob always did to calm Vorp down? As much as appealing to the dragon's over-inflated ego would have left a bad taste in his mouth, had a Yamask possessed one, it was a sacrifice for a worthy cause! Floating out of his hidey-hole, Ulrich rose up to almost-but-distinctly-not eye level with the problematic one, and said, "Careful, Vorp... If you can't restrain yourself now, you won't ever have a chance to rule anything. It would be a pity, to... squander such potential, don't you agree?"
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Post by birdy51 on Nov 15, 2016 1:13:51 GMT
"Nnnnrgh... Nargh!" Hugh barks, jolting up in seat and staring blearily about the cabin.
Still on the shuttle, damn it all. He settles back and sighs noisily. "One cannot be expected to sleep on these things. It is just one great big nuisance."
Still. The faster they arrived, the faster they would be on stage, the faster that he would be addressing the crowd. He rubs his hands tiredly before getting up to pace about the cabin. Hugh was not nervous. But he was perhaps a bit agitated. Not knowing what the subjects would do before a crowd was an element that he could only slightly control. Were they to act up, it could spell disaster.
He could only hope that they would not do something so silly. But one could never know.
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Post by DataNinja on Nov 15, 2016 2:03:00 GMT
This... wasn't looking good. Much as he was partially hoping to see Vorp lash out at Ulrich, that wasn't a good thing. Even if they both had similar sized egos. Because, if last time was any indication, there was no such thing as just stopping a rampage. But, he decides to hold his (overly large) tongue for now, and wait to see how Vorp reacts to this latest statement. If things look like they'll explode, he'll try and step in, but... last resort. Partially because he wanted to see if Dr. Ego could quash that for a time, partially because the only one probably less likely to be listened to was Rosebud. Intuition to figure out how close Vorp is to rampaging: 25
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Post by Robot on Nov 16, 2016 16:19:35 GMT
"Probably better you not be sleeping at the moment, Hugh." Delilah knocked at the dividing wall between the drivers and passenger's cab, a speaker crackling to life mounted in the center of the ceiling. "You need anything? It's just a short ways more." Comes an irritated male voice. "One of our researchers needs to go check the specimens one last time, as he..." Delilah cleared her throat and tried to sound stern, while giving Jacob an apologetic look. "Forgot to before we departed."
A pause, and the shuttle lurched to a halt. Being the leading vehicle, the entire convoy halted behind it. No doubt there was a great deal of cursing down the line as 'schedules are schedules'. "Go on Jacob... run if you need to, now isn't the time for stately grace." Rosewood encouraged warmly.
Even after Ulrich's soothing words, it is blatantly clear to Evan and Three that the dragon would not be easily placated. How could any of them understand what it was to go from being feared and well fed with a high nest and a harem to stalking halls on a constantly empty stomach at the beck and call of smooth skinned hairless fighting types! Vorp knew their kind well enough. They were common in his stomping grounds, the meat always far too tough. Sometimes he'd let it sit for days first.
"A ruler also needs the adoration of his subjects." Rosebud drew the dragon's ire and attention for a moment and rose up onto all fours, shaking a little water from his back. "Thoughtful decision making." A few steps from the pond to have a seat in amidst the others, the dragon towering over him. "And knowing when not to act. It garners respect, practicing those things."
"How dare you lecture me?!" A flutter of his arms, and an outraged bellow filled the blessedly soundproof truck.
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Post by Mineral on Nov 16, 2016 17:03:29 GMT
Jacob gave the senior researcher an understanding smile as stepped in to help placate his unease. It was a fulltime job, managing Vorp. There were more than a few scratches that needed healing and a few that even needed stitches, getting him hooked up to IV. Making sure that he felt more comfortable without that empty stomach of his. Though, he hoped this would be a humbling experience for him. That there were things out there with more power than him, and how it felt to be the things under his foot. Jacob already went though the adolescent phase where he thought himself invincible and kingly, solely on his finances and looks. It didn't end with anything but an empty house at the end of a day.
Jumping up when things stopped, he took Rosewood's advice and jumped up, running full bore. Just a few taps and he was in the enclosure, just in time enough to catch the tail end of Vorp's bellow. Ulrich and Evan were...doing nothing. More likely than not, they had hidden in corners of the enclosure. Ugh. After closing the door behind him, he starts the dangerous part of his job. Striding towards the group, Jacob has gone through this plenty of times before, the calming ritual. Before he even says a word, he casually puts his hand on top of Vorp's head, letting him absorb the heat coming from his palm."Vorp. Partner. We're just a short time away from our destination. What is wrong, why are you blowing this for yourself? We're so close to fresh meat, so close to carving out your kingdom.". He's learned to treat Vorp not just with respect as a pokemon, but as an equal. No baby talk.
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Post by ThRevanchist on Nov 16, 2016 18:30:40 GMT
While Ulrich was certainly impressed by the posturing of their dethroned king, as it would take a fool not to recognize the anger there, he stopped far short of being intimidated by the roar. Part of it may have been that Gunshow, extra support that he was, was decidedly opposed to senseless fighting (it figured he would be acting so sensible...), or that Vorp had directed his outburst at Rosebud, but Ulrich was nonetheless not about to let the grouchy dragon ruin the Project!
Or so he thought, when it so happened that Jacob made his way in... Had Vorp been that loud? No matter, it appeared his emulation had been flawed, but now that Vorp's handler was here, he would be placated in short order. Rather than interfere, Ulrich drifted closer to the congregation. Not only would it be easier to observe from such a distance, but if he had cause to intervene, it would also be more convenient...
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Post by DataNinja on Nov 16, 2016 19:42:48 GMT
Oh, good, Jacob is here... Just what I need to relax, Evan thinks, sarcastically. Bad enough that there was a killer lizard with a short fuse in here. But Jacob's appeasement doesn't really sit too well with him. Is he really planning to carve out some kingdom on the surface for that lizard? Whichever way it was, it seemed risky. Kingdom carving seemed like it would interfere with other activities... and, frankly, the thought of probably being a subject in said kingdom, under either Vorp or Jacob, disgusted him. The other possibility is that he doesn't mean any of it... and then you'd have an angry vessel messing things up any time you weren't piloting.
Feeling perturbed at this train of thought, he inches over towards Rosebud, quietly saying, "It's not worth it. Even if it's a good idea, if it's not his idea... then it's a bad idea."
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Post by birdy51 on Nov 17, 2016 15:14:37 GMT
"I! Shall remain here." Announces Hugh, as he settles back into his seat grumpily. He was already a bit tired and such delays took much out of the big man's delicately immaculate form.
"Hrmmph. It simply does not do to work up a sweat before such an important event." He mused, stroking his beard sagely. But now that Jacob was gone from the room, his eyes turned over upon the good Professor with a quiet sort of caution and unease.
"Professor. You were talking to Jacob last night. Just what was that all about?"
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Post by Robot on Nov 22, 2016 16:57:48 GMT
"Empty promises and empty stomachs carry no weight!" The Gabite jerked it's head back from Jacob's touch, raking sharp scales along the young man's palm, leaving a long series of deep scratches there. With a lunge that toothy maw clamped over Jacob's hand before he could react, but the teeth only bit in enough to draw blood where the dragon could've easily crushed every bone in his hand had it wanted. Rather then throwing the beast into further mania, the trickle of blood seemed to pacify it to some degree. A low, rumbling sigh rolled through Vorp's chest and up his throat. There was a great deal of unhappiness in his bearing, but an alpha does not admit weakness or need.
Rosebud nodded appreciably to Evan's statement. "There are many great guardians of the forest back home that impart wisdom and strive for peace. Then there are the strong," At this Rosebud lowered his voice so that only the Dunsparce could hear. "and misguided who attempt to rule with that strength alone. I wonder which these 'humans' are?" His eyes followed the joining point between Vorp and Jacob, then up to the man's face. "Dedicated, forward thinking, passionate, impractical... he reminds me of someone. It's like a dream though." The Bulbasaur shook his head.
Gunshow stands poised to act in the human's defense, watching Jacob for some kind of cue that he might need assistance.
(Jacob takes 26 Normal Physical, and a Tick of Damage, before defenses.)
"Well Mister Beef." Professor Rosewood sat up a little straighter and crossed her legs with a little sigh. As will be merited by group discussion later, it seems he felt as though I had undergone a drastic shift of personality as a result of using the Carnate Engine. Professor King formally requested that I stop using the engine, despite being medically fine. It was a little strange... I wasn't even that angry, even though I knew I should have been." Gently she cradled her chin between her thumb and pointer finger. "I did only strike up testing the project myself for lack of volunteers... I suppose if it's approved for launch I wouldn't need to anymore, but I'd miss out on the experience."
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Post by DataNinja on Nov 22, 2016 22:33:40 GMT
"Do they need to fit into one or the other?" Evan asks in a similar volume, also keeping an eye on the conflict between Vorp and Jacob. It seemed to have calmed down a bit, with Vorp having latched onto Jacob's hand. So, a happy resolution to a potentially terrible situation. The notion of the 'guardians' also intrigued him. A followup for another time, perhaps. "The best - and safest - thing to do, would probably be to just wait, watch, and learn. Acting impulsively is probably the quickest way to die. And I don't want that. If I'm going to die, I'd rather it be anywhere but here."
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Post by ThRevanchist on Nov 23, 2016 3:47:10 GMT
While Ulrich knew that allowing Vorp to harm a fellow researcher was risky, he was, admittedly, not the expert on the dragon's behaviour... No, that was the man currently being chomped on and lacerated. But Jacob obviously knew what he was doing, that was certain; Vorp was already calming down. Or as much as a high-strung, hungry and egotistical 'alpha' could, anyways.
Since their spokesperson had so handily dealt with the situation, Ulrich felt disinclined to continue watching. Unfortunately, not seeing it through to completion would be a mistake on his part... With a heavy sigh, he simply, somberly floats over to Gunshow, only careful to not get between the muscular Pokemon and the dragon.
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Post by Mineral on Nov 23, 2016 23:26:21 GMT
Jacob hadn't seen it coming, but he didn't let his feet move an inch as he was cut, his eyes closed in a wince before he was bitten onto. If anything, the bite made it better. It was a warmer crushing pain somewhere warm. Mouths were meant for more than to hurt, Vorp's scales were not. Still, he hissed in pain and went rigid for a moment. Taking a few calming breaths, he quickly scanned the mood in the room. He made a calming motion with his hand behind his back at Gunshow, before gripping his pant leg to help cope. This was not even a glass of what he'd pay in his own blood to make this all work, only relief washing over him as he realized that he made it in time.
Slowly lowering himself down onto a knee, he let Vorp keep the hand in his mouth, so they could see eye to eye. If he'd learned anything since his own change in diet, it was how frustrating and suffocating this place could be. Vorp needed understanding without judgement. Wincing, he opened his hand in the dragon's mouth and let his palm rest on his tongue, letting himself bleed as his voice lowered so only Vorp could hear.
"It's okay, Vorp. It's okay. I understand. But listen to me. Please. You and the others in this room are the hope of my people. We're dying. Long ago, our home was ruined by lazy, arrogant, and greedy rulers. Every one of my people lived with partners, just like you and me. It made us stronger than our two halves. But then we had to leave them. Looking for a new home, we died on your world without them. Look at you. You could kill me right here. But I'm not afraid. Because my promise to you HAS to be to be fulfilled. Not just for you, or me, but for all these people you're about to meet. Scared and hopeless people looking for something taken from them. What I have with you.-"
Jacob winced again as another wave of pain hit him. He wasn't physically impressive outside of the bedroom, the pain was getting the better of him. His hand on his pants coming up to grab Vorp on his shoulder. "I need you, Vorp. I need you to trust me so I can trust you. You have the potential to be a king. Humble but strong. Wise but wild. Not just another Tyrant that'll die and be forgotten. Kings aren't ever forgotten, and they don't fight alone. Tyrants hold mountains, but kings hold the mountains and their people.".
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Post by birdy51 on Nov 24, 2016 1:27:04 GMT
"Heh." Hugh interjected with a smirk. He rolled his hands together, crushing an imaginary piece of dough in his hands. "Only the weak-minded would be effected by such a thing. And you are not at all 'weak'."
"It takes guts and skill Professor, to lead such a project as this and navigate such advanced systems as you do." He said, smiling quietly out of the side of his mouth. "You may have the body of weak-boned woman, but you've a mind like iron."
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Post by Robot on Nov 26, 2016 16:04:43 GMT
Rosebud smiled brightly at Evan's suggestion. "I'm very willing to let what will be, be. It was a little nerve wracking for a little while until the humans figured out I needed sunlight. Without it my other half has to take and take and take, it's not it's way. I was hungry enough that I think I almost understood Vorp's mindset in this moment. They can be surprisingly intelligent. You've gotten a little more brave too in these past weeks." The bulbasaur gently butted it's head against the scales of the serpent's cheek. "If we're ever in need, I feel like I can count on you."
Gunshow tapped his muzzle with a thick finger, the fighting type's fierce and intense gaze settling on Ulrich. "You have been awfully quiet over there, tiny Ulrich." It was such a perfect parody of Hugh, down to the tone, it might've been worth a laugh if the Pokemon couldn't benchpress a shuttle and tear through most any obstacle in front of it to reach an opponent that slighted it. "Nervous to meet our new adoring public?" He seemed content to let Jacob handle his own problems now that the human had given him the gesture to stand down. Once in awhile, he'd cast an eye over his shoulder to check on the situation with the human.
Vorp's intense gaze never left Jacob's face as the human spoke long of his plight, the tightness of the dragons jaws unceasing even after the human finished speaking. His tongue pressed thick against the human's palm and light-headed waves of nausea continued until slowly the hold loosened. It wasn't enough that Jacob could easily remove his hand, the teeth still needed to be navigated, but the pressure was gone. The Pokemon had relented just enough to permit the human his freedom.
The wounds bled freely, would likely need more stitches but there really was no time for that. As Jacob had long ago learned, Vorp's teeth had serrated edges designed for such work. The dragon let out another low rumble. "Fail to deliver me home, and I will kill you slowly." Before it scaled it's rocky perch and settled eyes closed, back to Jacob in the only sign of trust it would admit.
"A woman's strength has to be in her mind Hugh. Even attaining a genetic peak for musculature, we wouldn't be able to reach the same mass that a man could, testosterone plays too large of a role in that process and we don't have enough of it." Rosewood rubbed her chin. She respected and was fond of Jacob, with everything that had come before, stopping was certainly in her best interests should things get worse. "At any rate, thank you for the complement. We should be arriving shortly now. I do hope Jacob is alright."
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