Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Dec 8, 2018 6:01:43 GMT
"I apologize for the short recuperation period, Technicians," Cain says. It hadn't even been a day and a half since returning from the last mission, and showing him the package. The senior Technician has a look of determination on his face, staring at each of the three in front of him. "However, time is of the essence here. I am hoping that it's not already too late, but I had to make sure that whoever I sent was rested. You'll find, too, that your Pokémon have had machine-learning techniques applied to them, the details of which will be available from your P*DA, and an additional creature has been supplied to each of you in order to augment your teams. I am sure that you are wondering why."
"First off," he says, "let me preface this with some history. I'm sure you were able to guess that the collar that was delivered belonged to one of my former team members' Pokémon. It's obviously a message directly to me, though I'm not sure why now. Whoever sent it wants me to come down to where they perished. When I was younger, I would probably have done that without a second thought. But not now. That is where you come in. I'm sure that the location they want is a trap. That is why I've selected you." Cain pauses, and then smiles. "You are not going there.""Thoron," the Captain directs his attention to the named Technician, "your Luxray is able to track by scent. And so, you will all return to where the box was found, and use the item in hopes of tracking whoever sent it directly to their base. This is no longer a purely reactive operation. Unfortunately, we can't spare the manpower to aid you more. Due to the nature of this operation, and because you may be forced to engage large numbers of Pokémon, much as it pains me to say it, capture is not deemed to be a priority. Requisition limit will be noted at the counter, but some heavier equipment will be made available to you." He looks back and forth between each Technician. "Intelligence on this particular mission is near zero, but do you have any questions that might reasonably be expected to be answered?"Each of you is able to take a set of (Errata) Heavy Armor, 5 Ultra Balls, $6000 that may only be used on held items/equipment (but may be pooled between you), and $3000 that may also be spent on consumables/crafting.
|
|
Member
|
Post by ThRevanchist on Dec 9, 2018 7:47:22 GMT
Thoron had many questions, mostly falling into the unreasonable or seemingly-unreasonable category. So he thought for a moment and asked, "I understand our objective, sir... Will another group be sent to disarm the suspected trap? As curious as he was, Lowe would be leading them to the ones responsible soon. Thoron figured he could wait that long, skipping to a more pressing question, "And in the event that we encounter Nephilim, or anyone else responsible for yesterday's attack, do you want... Is there a preference for apprehending them? ...Unregulated Pokemon have a tendency to display very aggressive behaviour toward humans they perceive as weak." And yet, time and again they were finding people who cavorted with wild Pokemon.
|
|
|
571 posts
|
0 likes
|
Sept 23, 2023 4:13:40 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Moriya on Dec 11, 2018 22:46:50 GMT
Silas thinks back to the time they tracked down the culprit of their second mission. It seems reasonable to assume that Nephilim possesses access to the same mode of transport, given the appearance of several Pokemon in such a high district.
"One question. If we find another teleport circle, how do you want us to handle it? We might end up in their base."
|
|
|
677 posts
|
0 likes
|
Spaaaace
|
Oct 25, 2023 14:56:46 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Bowyer on Dec 12, 2018 2:48:04 GMT
A scant few days and they were already back in front of Cain. Blake almost thought that they were being reprimanded for some small failure or perhaps for showing up the other teams with their rousing successes. Another mission was a surprise but not entirely unwelcome; he was still curious about Nephalim's identity.
He'd almost asked what the intent of the mission was but fortunately Thoron had asked the most pertinent question. The only other one being, "Is there a reason you've chosen us for this mission? Silas and Thoron have been quite efficient but surely there are others that are more...experienced for this matter."
|
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Dec 12, 2018 4:22:20 GMT
"No," Cain says to Thoron's query. "If they want us to go there, then we want them to waste whatever effort is going to be there. We don't have the manpower to spare, which, incidentally, is another reason that you're being sent. With that business in Prometheus and all, well, Technicians are in short supply. We're constantly short on people. It's a testament to you all that you manage to make it work."
"If you manage to apprehend anyone... please try and bring them somewhere for questioning. That would be much preferred, seeing as information is also scarce about certain activities. If it comes to the choice between letting them roam free, or terminating their existence," he purses his lips, "I hate to say it, but the latter is more pressing. Reprieves of any kind would be good, given the sorts of activities that these sort get up to. If you find another circle... then if you can use it, do so. At the very least, your P*DA will be able to get us the location, even if you have to make haste out of there immediately. Anything else?"
|
|
|
571 posts
|
0 likes
|
Sept 23, 2023 4:13:40 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Moriya on Dec 16, 2018 2:45:09 GMT
While Silas isn't looking forward to blindly taking a teleporter, at least Omega will be able to navigate their way out. Probably. "No further questions about the mission. Though I am curious, has anything notable come of the the Prometheus cleanup?"
|
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Dec 17, 2018 3:54:41 GMT
"Nothing particularly notable as of yet," Cain says. "We're still examining the powder we found... could probably get more data a little quicker if we tried it on humans, but that seems like it's just inviting disaster, even with volunteers. Who knows what the side effects could be, after all. As for the locals... well, most of the troublemakers seem to be lying low. No incidents since then."
With that out of the way, the Technicians are able to make their way to select inventory, and also meet the new members of their teams.
|
|
|
571 posts
|
0 likes
|
Sept 23, 2023 4:13:40 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Moriya on Dec 22, 2018 3:48:50 GMT
After gathering his equipment, Silas heads to a training room to bring his team together. He releases Gus and Sera first. As usual, Gus pays more attention to Sera, and Sera seems uneasy but has learned not to reach for Silas's mind. Once pair is settled, Silas pulls out his third Pokeball and releases his newest teammate. Now, she needs a name. Silas thinks for a few seconds. A lizard of burning poison... "Welcome to the team. Your name will be Chlora."
"I'll be taking a more active role in combat this time, since I seem to have picked up some new tricks." To demonstrate, he holds one hand out and lets spectral energy flow over it.
|
|
Member
|
Post by ThRevanchist on Dec 30, 2018 6:44:49 GMT
After being dismissed, Thoron's acquisition went by without incident. His newest Pokemon was of a very sturdy type. He was appreciative of the bulk it would bring, and fastened a Ground Brace to the newcomer with the words, "You are Meteo," alongside a few notes on strategy.
Aias was given the second brace, and Thoron was also (silently) pleased to see their training paying off. Not only had Lowe evolved, but he and Aias looked sharper than ever... Which was good. They were about to take on a serious enemy.
Outfitted and acquainted with his Pokemon, Thoron was ready. All that was left was to meet back up with the others and head out.
|
|
|
677 posts
|
0 likes
|
Spaaaace
|
Oct 25, 2023 14:56:46 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Bowyer on Dec 31, 2018 6:17:07 GMT
Lagging behind the others as they scurried to get themselves equipped. He reads up a little more on his newest partner, glad that he'd finally been granted something to round out his weaknesses a little. Yes, Silas and Thoron helped some but what if they were separated? It helped to be prepared. And the grassy faux-bug seemed like an excellent fit. He hurried to catch up with the others as he noticed he had slipped behind.
Procuring replacements for the repurposed items he had used before, he also secured just a little more adornment for Terris and Radiant. Besides the old color was a little faded after being doused before. Then securing something for the newest member of the team. He releases them all, presenting their trinkets and trying to gauge the newcomer's style. "Difficult to place you? Not quite as serious as these two a bit softer. Casmere....that should serve you well, at least as far as a name." Then handing the plant a couple more pieces of equipment, "These should help you get a little bit further on the field."
He spends a little longer making sure the group would at least behave with each other before heading back to the others. "So ready to go on a mission with no intelligence and a dubious foe?"
|
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Dec 31, 2018 20:48:40 GMT
Their new Pokémon met, and their equipment stocked, the team sets out on their mission. The first stop, of course, is the place where the box was first found, just below the Over. From there, the game is afoot, with Lowe working on tracking the scent, helped by frequent sniffs at the box.
There's actually very little lateral movement through the city at all, at least once the first stairwell is found. The group just goes down, and down, and down, from Halcyon down until arriving at mid-Phoenix district, one of the third level districts.
Once there, the trail finally begins to lead in something other than a downwards spiral, going through the more back-corridors of the place, to arrive at a door, one of many citizen dwellings. There's nothing here to indicate that it might be any different than any of the other ones. There's no challenge, or anything of the sort, approaching it.
|
|
Member
|
Post by ThRevanchist on Jan 6, 2019 3:58:13 GMT
Going up against unknown foes of dubious origin was more or less the Technician MO, so of course they were ready.
Lowe had performed his job well. Though, the last nondescript door led to an ambush against a bloodthirsty assassin and her duplicitous pet ghost, so... It would be best to be prepared. Quietly, Thoron conferred with his team, "Lowe seems confident the trail leads here. No matter how we look at it, this is a single civilian dwelling. It may not be impossible that Nephilim is a single individual, but I still find it unlikely. If we assume they are a larger organization, it could be that they have made illegal modifications to this dwelling, or even the entire area. Either way, charging in seems reckless. What do you two think?"
|
|
|
571 posts
|
0 likes
|
Sept 23, 2023 4:13:40 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Moriya on Jan 8, 2019 3:14:33 GMT
"Or this agent lives a civilian life as cover. If they have a way to use the teleporters, that's all it will take." Silas thinks for a moment. "Omega, are there any logs of more foot traffic in this area? If this is a base, we would expect to see more."
"I think we should try for a normal approach first. We're investigating a report of suspicious activity. We just need to ask a few questions and take a scan of the place. We're willing to let something slightly illegal slide; it's not worth our time. How does that scenario sound to you two?" This plan lacks the immediate effect of a more violent entry, but Silas doesn't really want to create a disturbance in a residential area just yet. And if the culprit takes the time to flee by teleporter? That just leaves a fresh trail to follow.
|
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Jan 8, 2019 3:25:43 GMT
"While we may like to give the impression of being all-seeing and all-knowing," Omega says, "there are limits. If we had records of foot traffic, I imagine that we would have probably been able to locate any Pokémon activity in this area." The Porygon pauses. "So, to be more clear, no, there are not records of that."
|
|
|
677 posts
|
0 likes
|
Spaaaace
|
Oct 25, 2023 14:56:46 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Bowyer on Jan 8, 2019 4:09:07 GMT
Down they went, taking steps deeper into the city. Fortunately they stopped at the third floor. Who wanted to be in the depths of the under all day tracking a mysterious parcel dealer? He hadn't quite expected the secret hideout to look so...normal though. "Acting routine is probably the best route. Wouldn't want to spook whoever this is away if he has made some sort of second exit. Or if he's willing to cooperate at all." Blake hesitates, " Do we want to leave someone outside to stand watch? The chance is tiny that we were expected but it's not impossible." He's willing to stand watch himself but who knew how necessary it might be?
|
|
Member
|
Post by ThRevanchist on Jan 12, 2019 2:05:44 GMT
"An inspection should work. Leaving one of us out to guard would also block escape from the door, if it came to that." Thoron nodded. "Right. Blake. If that was your way of volunteering, stay alert. If they are holding a teleporter here, hiding it would be difficult. They will would most likely try to act quickly."
|
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Jan 12, 2019 2:45:19 GMT
Simply knocking on the door is a bold move, but something that does appear to do the trick, as a plain looking young man tentatively opens it. To Silas, from the residue on him, it seems that, at the very least, there's been some psionic activity around him, and it seems somewhat familiar...
"Hello?" he asks looking between the faces, before nervously glancing at the piercing stare of Lowe and backing up. "Hi there, uh, can I ask what this is abo-" "You!" He's cut off by a feminine voice from inside. A voice seemingly from the not-too-distant past, though it may seem like it. It sounds very much like the voice of Requiem.
As the man backs inside, the trio is able to get a somewhat better glance at inside the dwelling. It's clear that some of the adjacent walls have been removed in some way, in order to stretch to more space. On the back wall, Silas can plainly see a portal circle drawn there on the back wall. And, within, are a good handful of sizeable Pokémon, though they're not particularly distinct from this point of view. There's some red monkey-like 'mon on all fours, but that's the only clear one.
A table is visible from the door, though, and there's a young blonde girl that looks to be sitting down at it, giving a blank stare at the door, while a woman that looks very much like Requiem has bolted up from her seat. "It's not enough for you to kill my brother and my sister, and fight against the renewal that I'm trying to bring about, but you just won't give up! Aaaauuuugh!" There's a very frustrated scream that emerges from her, as she glares at the door. The younger girl just wordlessly glances back and forth between the door and Requiem, while the man who answered the door seems to be trying very hard to press away from the fireworks currently going off.
|
|
|
571 posts
|
0 likes
|
Sept 23, 2023 4:13:40 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Moriya on Jan 12, 2019 4:08:06 GMT
Silas is somewhat surprised by the woman's frustration. Of course it must be annoying to be pursued by the law, but while Requiem's actions on the second mission were abominable, their conflicts aren't really personal to him. It's not like they've shown abnormal persistence, and each mission has been instigated by some action on her part. He gives the woman a flat look. "Yes, hello to you as well. Requiem again? Or her sister? I see you've meddled with this man's mind, are you going to go for my colleagues again? Or maybe you'll just run for the nearest portal." While Silas would like to go for a Pester Ball immediately, they need to know where she would flee to.
|
|
Member
|
Post by ThRevanchist on Jan 14, 2019 1:52:51 GMT
It looked as though they weren't expected. But the not-so-late Requiem's reaction (and everything else about her, including being alive) was quite unexpected... Although, she shouldn't have been so shocked that they were fighting against a revolution they never asked for, really. Thoron kept that thought to himself, instead announcing, "Stay where you are. We are here to investigate, not fight." It was a warning mostly for the two confused citizens to not cause a panic, and left out that Requiem was the investigation and would probably not come quietly after all. Specifically to the man that Lowe would have to trample over to enter, Thoron instructed, "Move aside. Against the wall."
|
|
|
677 posts
|
0 likes
|
Spaaaace
|
Oct 25, 2023 14:56:46 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Bowyer on Jan 14, 2019 21:37:40 GMT
Blake takes his spot slightly behind the other two Technicians, ready to take up position outside once they managed to make their way inside. He hadn't quite expected the other two to recognize anyone inside, although it was little comfort since they seemed to recognize someone who was a criminal. He almost makes a move himself but Thoron beats Blake to it.
"Yes. We are here to find information not stir up trouble. Though this 'renewal' does sound problematic. Assuming it had something to do with all the Pokemon released in the over of course." He plants himself in the doorway so there'd be no attempted escape. It wasn't likely since Silas and Thoron were still in the way but it did give him some time to figure out what was going on.
|
|