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Post by DataNinja on May 15, 2016 7:24:51 GMT
"I'm glad all of you reported here in a timely fashion," the tall, severe looking Technician at the front of the room says to all of you seated along the wall. You all recognize him as the local senior Technician, Captain Vincent Cain. "Well, at least most of you." At this, he glances at Leslie. "Technician Kincaid, please endeavour to come in before the last possible minute. Minutes can mean the difference between no casualties and hundreds. Remember that. You should all take notes from Technician Solomon." He inclines his head at a lanky girl with a mop of pinkish-auburn hair on her head. This is Emily Solomon, easily the most enthusiastic one in the class when it came to training. Even if that meant stepping on others a bit.
"Anyways, regardless of any shortfalls, you all made it. Even considering that we had an enormous class of thirty applicants this season, the fact that eight of you made it is impressive." He breaks into a grin at this. "I don't remember the last time that we were able to compose two full teams. But you aren't here to listen to me. You're here to finally obtain your Pokémon. Before I begin giving them out, I wish to go over the basics. You may groan, but I guarantee that one of you is going to ignore me anyways, and lose their Pokémon. I don't want- SKYLAR." The boy in question gives a start, sitting ramrod straight, up from his position of whispering to the girl next to him. "I don't want any of you to come crying to me. So, you'll notice a collar or a similar band on your 'Mon, with a little shard. Do not remove it. If it faints without that focus, it will dissipate, and your ball will be unable to collect it. And you'll be down one Pokémon. Alright." Cain clasps his hands together. "Now that the unpleasant stuff is done with, the moment you've all been waiting for. Viewing which companions have been selected for you. I'll call you up one at a time."
"First up, Emily Solomon. You have had a Skorupi selected for you." The image of the arthropod appears on the monitor behind Cain. "It may seem relatively weak, but it is able take down foes many times its own size with potent venom. It should help you temper your direct approach with some well applied stealth." The girl nods, a determined look on her face. "I won't let you down, sir."
"Next, Silas Floros. Yours is a Parasect. It has primarily disabling abilities, which should go well with your seeming preference for the non-lethal capture missions. Just be aware that you'll not likely be able to go toe to toe with any Pokémon that proves itself resistant to your afflictions."
"Thoron Kakomiya- Kaho- Kakomyalo. My apologies on my butchering of your name. You have been provided with a Luxio. This is an electricity-based hunter. It has limited abilities to see through walls and barriers. The full extent of this ability has not been exactly codified, so reports would be appreciated."
"Rose Bartoli, you get a Combusken." The girl that Skylar was whispering to earlier goes up to the front, her short head of bright blond hair and piercing blue eyes standing out. "It's a very versatile combatant, able to tackle threats at close and afar. Just please try to avoid burning anything important down." "Don't worry, sir," she says, confidently. "I'm sure I can manage that."
"Austin Valadin." A severe looking boy with long silvery hair steps forwards. As with every time you've ever seen him, he isn't smiling. "Your partner is a Bergmite. It's a bit cold, and slow, but if you can get used to that, it will be as stalwart a defender as yourself. You should be able to hold against many foes." A single curt nod is the only response.
"Leslie Kincaid. You will be supplied with an Espurr. Please try to actually make use of it. It may seem lackadaisical, but under no circumstances should you lift its ears. It does that to release psychic energy, but you don't want to do it uncontrolled..."
"Soleil Jensen, your Pokémon is a Trapinch. It should have the power to take on threats close to you, while you and your demonstrated skill with the rifle neutralise more distant threats. Just be sure to remember when engaging Pokémon to capture, rather than eliminate."
"And, finally, Skylar Kempton." The dark haired boy seems to almost strut forwards, despite being reprimanded earlier. "Your Pokémon is a Golett. It hits hard, but is still able to take on some punishment. Used right, you should be able to help avoid more casualties, and that better be something you keep in mind, boy.." "Sheesh, you fail one test catastrophically, and it never gets let go," he mutters. "Aye, sir. I'll make sure to do that."
"Alright, are there any questions before I assign teams and inform you of your first missions?"
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Post by ThRevanchist on May 16, 2016 0:20:16 GMT
Thoron tried to focus on Captain Cain's lecture as well as he could, but wasn't quite able to grimace in Emily's direction... a few times. He couldn't help it, though - it was one thing to step on the people they were protecting, but the same couldn't be said of a fellow Technician... Saying that, her methods obviously worked, at least in training. He was interested to see if the same would hold true in the real world, but there were more pressing matters right now.
Paying attention as they were assigned their partner Pokemon, he managed to avoid cringing at how his name was handled. It wasn't the first time someone butchered it, and he was certain it wouldn't be the last... "No worries, Sir, it happens all the time." He had to admit, though, that the prospect of sending in official reports based on his observations more than made up for any awkward handling of his name.
"About the Focus, sir? Is it sturdy enough that it won't break from... exertion?", he asked. It wasn't that he was planning on having his Pokemon get hurt, but knowing their limits was important.
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Post by Moriya on May 16, 2016 2:31:37 GMT
Silas pays enough attention to the bulk of Cain's lecture, but his mind is elsewhere as soon as he sees his Pokemon. What is the purpose of eyes that are completely white? Is this particular specimen blind, or does the species have alternate sensing capabilities? And is that a mushroom growing out of its back?
At Thoron's questions, Silas's mind returns to the present situation. It has been some time since he came across something so interesting, and there's no way he's going to get answers without investigation. He'd like to investigate it in more detail, but will there be time for that? His questions should probably be phrased properly for the situation. Just as the various groups of the Promethean district had their styles of talking, the Techs have one as well. After training, silas is pretty sure that he has this version down. It's like his standard business tone, but with more references to hierarchy.
After Cain has finished answering Thoron, Silas speaks up. "Sir. Will we be receiving a standard info packet with the Pokemon? And what are we permitted to do with them outside of missions?"
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Post by Gear Skitty on May 16, 2016 4:10:58 GMT
At her name being called, Leslie stood and shuffled to the front. She wasn't a fan of the uniform coat, but trying not to wear it would of been too bothersome. Either way, her hands slipped up into the sleeves whenever her arms were straight. Must of been too hard to hire a proper tailor, that or they just didn't like her. Not that she could blame them for that.
Giving Cpt. Cain a stare as she received the containment device, Les' returned to her seat and sagged in it, waiting for him to be done.
"... inform you of your first missions?"
Leslie fumbled a little. She had been paying attention, it's hard not to when being forced to sit up, but the ball made a click sound as she worked it over in her hands. A digital wooshing followed as a scruffy greyish-purple floof appeared in her lap.
The Espurr blinked. Leslie blinked. And then all blinking stopped forever never to return as the two locked stares on each other.
"Oh."
She understood why she was given this specimen now. This was her Pokemon equivalent if there ever was one. Maybe it shot laser beams from its eyes, that would be nice. It probably just did nothing most of the time though, going on her personal history. The feline's mouth opened a smidge and Les' leaned in close, some of her unkempt and excessive hair falling in front of her face. Which, as she found out, is the favorite snack or treat for this little deathmachine.
Blem-blem-blem-blem-blem-blem....
It started gumming her locks and with a light yank and a scurried tiny paws, the scruffy floof hurriedly scaled up into her hair. Where it's staying until someone says otherwise because you try and snag a cat-thing out of a tangle. Leslie obviously is worried, but most people likely won't notice because that's one of her natural looks. She's worried, not frightened. Unless Cain paid close attention to her when her ball opened, it's possible she hasn't made a scene, the Espurr is standing on her shoulders nomming in her hair. Lesl' stares forward at Captain Cain.
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Post by Major on May 16, 2016 11:09:50 GMT
When the time came for the meeting, Soleil had skipped in with a smile on her face and taken a seat off to the side, legs crossed. The girl was the youngest technician, barely old enough to even be one though she didn't let that bother her. It just meant she had to work harder and keep all the old people excitable. Her green hair was parted in two-twin tails and underneath her technician coat was a green and red mid-riff baring outfit and a mini-skirt. A loose green tie hung from her neck, clearly being worn more as a fashion accessory than to look professional.
The Captain's size and severe look made her uncomfortable, though she did her best to hide it. She looked over at Emily when the man addressed her before looking back up to the front. As the man talked Soleil glanced around the room before doing her best to try and slip her camera out of her bag as subtly as possible. Waiting until he was handing out Pokemon and hoping it would distract him, Soleil snapped a picture while the man was talking to Emily about her pokemon. She then quickly hid her camera between her crossed legs and tried to act as casual as possible.
As everyone was called, Soleil fidgeted a bit while she waited until finally her name was called. She quickly hopped up to her feet and took the containment device. She looked at the interesting appearance of her pokemon which looked more like a stubby set of legs with a giant mouth attached. Were they trying to say she ate a lot?! She attached the ball to her belt and then sat back down, again crossing her legs, oblivious to how it might look to outsiders. When asked about any questions she shook her head, "Nope!" She said with an upbeat tone. She looked over at all the people present. Hopefully she wouldn't get any of the scary creepy looking people.
She didn't release her pokemon yet. It seemed to have a big mouth and if that meant big appetite she didn't want to risk it trying to eat a chair or something. She had gotten in trouble for bringing actual snacks to classes and crunching on them while the instructor was trying to give a lesson, so she was pretty sure it would be even worse if the crunching was a chair.
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Post by DataNinja on May 16, 2016 15:31:28 GMT
"Don't worry about the Focus," Cain says, nodding, "It's pretty hardy. As long as you aren't deliberately trying to destroy it, it should be fine. We've come a long way from the original Foci..."
"Yes, you'll be able to requisition information once you're finished being assigned your missions. In fact, it would probably be a good thing for you to try, see how well you can do with the technology involved. And, outside of missions? Just... please avoid destroying things or interacting with people with them. We neither want to cause a panic by having people see Pokémon out, nor do we want them to become complacent with being around Pokémon."
"Now, Technician Kincaid," Cain sighs, "normally I'd ask that you wait until you divide into your teams before looking at your 'Mon... but, frankly I'm just impressed that you're the first to do anything. I'd ask that the rest of you wait until you meet with your teams, though. Which we can do now assuming that there are no other questions."
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Post by ThRevanchist on May 17, 2016 0:50:38 GMT
After his question was answered, Thoron took some time to study his fellow Technicians, and, of course, the Captain. He didn't want to get too lost in thought, though, so for now he kept his observations brief... Miss Solomon, obviously, and Mr. Kempton both warranted some extra scrutiny. He would have been content with that, but hearing that Miss Kincaid was the first to start exploring her Pokemon drew his attention (and, if he was being honest, some irritation...). Spending an AP each to Profile: Emily Solomon, Skylar Kempton, Leslie Kincaid and Captain Vincent Cain. Assuming there's time for all four, of course... He couldn't think of anything else that needed clarification, and he was pretty excited to see who else would form his team, so he only said, " No more questions, sir."
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Post by Moriya on May 17, 2016 3:40:20 GMT
Silas is somewhat surprised by the freedom they have with Pokemon. Keeping them out of the public eye and the unspoken command to keep them intact are both pretty manageable. If Silas read Cain's tone properly, the low standards were a result of past incidents. Not giving harsh restrictions on treatment of the creatures is also understandable. They wouldn't give the most valuable specimens to fresh recruits, after all.
When Leslie releases her Espurr, Silas forcibly keeps himself from any reaction beyond looking over. Cain had mentioned that it was a Psychic, but that hadn't prepared him for seeing the real thing. The beast's dead stare seems to contain something more sinister than its trainer's usual apathy. With an exhale, Silas attempts to place the rational part of his mind in charge again. An uncontrolled manipulator of thoughts would not be handed to untested Trainers, and something that lacks human intent and malice is not terribly threatening.
When Cain makes his last call for questions, Silas remains silent. Getting his team, acquiring an information packet, and preparing for his first mission would be far more informative than any question he could ask.
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Post by Gear Skitty on May 17, 2016 3:42:04 GMT
"Seeee? I'm a bag full of surprises." Leslie gave a smile to hide the pain of the creature scurrying and yanking her hair. Coming from her, it's likely rather off putting and altogether awkward. "Nooo-pe, nothing I need to ask."
The Espurr continued it's gumming of her hair FROM INSIDE THE TANGLES. Blem-blem-blem-nommmrmrmrmrr....
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Post by Major on May 17, 2016 6:07:54 GMT
Soleil had already said she didn't have any questions so the young girl just watched the Espurr. She giggled as the adorable thing chewed away at the weird girls hair.
She looked back at the Captain a moment later and waited. She had to admit she was surprised that they apparently had a mission before they could get the information on their pokemon, but she wasn't too concerned since it most likely meant seeing a nice place!
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Post by DataNinja on May 17, 2016 8:59:11 GMT
"Alright," Cain says, nodding. "Since there are no more questions, Solomon, Bartoli, Valadin... Kempton." He seems to almost sigh at this last name. "Please go left out the hallway to where Lieutenant Foster is waiting to meet you. She'll handle your briefing. I'll be doing the same with the rest of you here."
After the other four file out, with reactions ranging from the obvious jubilation of Skylar, to the acceptance of Austin, cain relaxes a little. "Why don't you all follow Kincaid's example an take a minute to observe what you're going to be working with for the foreseeable future." He gives you all several minutes with which to do this, simply watching you, before continuing.
"Congratulations on becoming full Technicians. It's always a good feeling when you see what people have been able to make of themselves, and being here means that you've been a success." He smiles and nods. "Now, I'm going to jump into this. You're also lucky in that you're going to be the first generation of Technicians to be equipped with experimental field technology from the get-go. We've been trying it with experienced teams to...mixed results. We're hoping that getting you used to it early will lead to better coordination and tactical response." He pulls out from a box near him, what looks almost like an ordinary datapad, except curved to be able to be mounted on the arm. It could possibly be called a databracer? Useful for keeping both hands free.
"Anyways, it can be a bit confusing, but-" "I'm sorry, I object to being called confusing. I am very user friendly. You just don't know how to appreciate someone of my caliber." At this, the pad lights up, and what looks like a small... creature... made of pink and blue blocks, about four inches long, appears, and floats about a foot in the air. Cain simply sighs. "Anyways, this is the Porygon Digital Assitant, which we usually shorten to P*DA, system, which the High Council recently approved. It'll - in theory - constantly have a connection to our Servers, so you can requisition information on the fly. Of course, it has to deem said information relevant and of proper clearance..." "I am not an it, I am a he. You seem to have no problem referring to Alaina as a she." "That's because she's an Artificial Intelligence," Cain snaps, "while you seem to be an Artificial Sentience. Now stop interrupting me! I'm almost done!" The "Porygon" falls silent at that. "Thank you." Cain turns back to you all. "I don't know what the High Council was thinking in making these. But hopefully you can manage to find use in it, despite being of no use in actual combat. So, if you guys have any questions... address them to... him." Cain places the databracer on a table, where the four of you are able to have access, before backing away again to watch, much as he did with you releasing your Pokémon.
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Post by Major on May 17, 2016 13:41:51 GMT
When instructed to let out her Pokemon, Soleil hesitated. She did want to see it, but she was still worried it would try to eat the room or something. Or her hair like the weird girl's pokemon had. However, she didn't want to disobey the tall man so she lifted her pokeball and poked the release button. When she released the Pokemon she was surprised at the small size as even she towered over the short little guy. "Oh my god! He is so cute!" Soleil said excitedly scooping up and hugging the Pokemon like some kind of plushie. The excitement at how small and adorable the Pokemon was distracted her from any concern of it eating things or the boss getting mad. When the instructor asked about questions and directing them at the weird digital thing, Soleil ran up to the front eagerly. "Oh! First!" She said as she got up and poked the bracer unsure if it had a button or something. "What can he do?" She asked pointing at her 'plushie'.
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Post by ThRevanchist on May 17, 2016 13:53:24 GMT
As instructed, Thoron releases his Pokemon, the Luxio. It looked... a little too small to be properly intimidating, actually. Size aside, it did have a determined look in it's predatory eyes. As far as Pokemon went, it would probably serve well. He'd hold off on a proper analysis for the time being, though; it wasn't like they wouldn't have time to get acquainted later. For now, he says, "I'm Thoron. Your name will be Lowe.", and returns him to the Pokeball.
Although he was very pleased by the Captain's compliment, Thoron did his best to not react - it wouldn't have been very professional... Much like the "program" in their PDAs. If that was how it treated the Captain, he wasn't sure how much help it would be to a group of recruits. Testing it, he asks, "PDA, can you function as a map? Assume I wanted the quickest route to ArcadiCorp headquarters, would you know the route?"
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Post by Gear Skitty on May 17, 2016 20:58:03 GMT
Ooooooo, new tech new tech new tech. And it talks. Oooh ho ho hooooo, is she gonna have fun with this. As Thoron queried the device, Leslie got up from her seat and ambled to the showcasing table. She then did what any non-self-respecting person would do and splayed her upper body across the surface, intently studying the databracer. The quick fall and sudden stop jostled the hair-kitten, who popped out of her mess of hair.
As Lesl' cocked her head, resting it on the table and waiting on the computer's response, Espurr looked around, settling its gaze on Thoron. It still has hair in its mouth.
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Post by Moriya on May 17, 2016 22:20:58 GMT
Silas takes stock of his team. They wouldn't have been his first choice, but they weren't last either. At Cain's prompting, Silas takes out the ball and releases his Parasect. As soon as he does so, a sweet smell starts to fill the room. It glances at Silas with its clouded eyes, then clicks a claw in disappointment and looks around the room. The bug shows no reaction to Thoron, Cain, or the Porygon, but it does pause on turning to Leslie and her ever-nomming Espurr. If Silas is reading the Parasect's actions properly, he gives an appreciative nod, then focuses on Soleil holding her Trapinch. As the mushroom releases a small cloud of spores, the sweet scent multiplies, causing Silas to cough a little. When the Parasect begins to saunter over, Silas pulls out the Pokeball and returns his amorous insect. Despite the Pokemon vanishing, the aroma lingers and Silas suspects that it will remain for some time.
After this whole affair, Silas gives anyone watching a small smile and tries to pretend that nothing happened. When it's time for him to ask the P*DA a question, Silas's business facade has mostly returned. He'd like to know more about these Pokemon and how he's been evaluated by the higher ups. As such, he phrases his question rather inclusively. "Can we get a basic profile of each member of the team? Human and otherwise."
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Post by DataNinja on May 17, 2016 22:55:37 GMT
"Oh, boy. A question worthy of my intellect..." That almost sounds like sarcasm. "Let's see. Trapinch? He can eat things. So please don't stick anything that you want to remain intact, such as my databracer, into there. Also, Trapinches love digging pits and laying in the bottom of them with their mouths open, waiting for food to fall in. So if you are unaware of where it has gotten off to... watch your step."
"'P*DA'? Do you want me to just refer to you as 'Technician'?" The voice has become slightly peeved. "My vocation is being a P*DA, not my designation. But, to answer your question, Technician, I could provide you a map there. I don't know why I would, seeing as how you have no purpose in going there right now, nor any foreseeable need. But, yes, I would be able to provide a map on the databracer."
"Just a warning, Technician Kincaid, that you probably don't want to do your customary poking around in that databracer. I am to cause it to self-destruct if it seems that either me or it are going to be tampered with or compromised." After a short pause. "But... don't let that dissuade any of you from wearing it. There is a greater than 99.99% chance that it will not detonate during casual use."
"Basic profiles? Of course I can do that. Give me a moment." There's another pause, more one of thinking this time. "Trapinch: Big mouth, don't stick anything in there. Espurr: Big eyes, don't look under the ears. Parasect: Big mushroom, don't inhale too many spores. Luxio: Big voltage, don't touch the claws." Another pause. "Soleil Jensen: Good shot, carefree attitude. Leslie Kincaid: Good with technology, needs motivation. Silas Floros: Dependable, inquisitive. Thoron Kakomyalo: Haughty, could do with a healthy dose of respect. I don't think I can get much more basic."
"Any other questions?"
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Post by ThRevanchist on May 17, 2016 23:08:16 GMT
Peeved, himself, that the assistant was making fun of him, Thoron replies, "It seems you haven't provided us a proper name, unless we are to address you as 'Porygon Digital Assistant every time we want your attention?"
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Post by Gear Skitty on May 17, 2016 23:31:45 GMT
"Peeeeter. We're naming him Peter. Peh-Dee-Aye. Peee-Dah. Peter." She sounds so very smug and pleased. Her eyes remain transfixed on the databracer. Speaking of eyes, the Espurr's are still locked on Thoron.
"Peter, what's your optical input like? Can you see through this bracer?"
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Post by Moriya on May 18, 2016 1:19:41 GMT
Silas thinks for a moment. The "profiles" he received were thoroughly unhelpful, and likely not due to some sort of 'literal interpretation' facet of the program. It's reminiscent of some of the more troublesome children that he has taught. The source of such behavior was usually being sent there by a parent against the child's wishes. It should be obvious that such a person would not respond well to dispassionate, strictly-business approach.
With a softer expression and tone, Silas addresses the Porygon one more time. "Just one question right now. What would you rather be doing?"
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Post by ThRevanchist on May 18, 2016 1:29:02 GMT
Hearing his fellow Technician's suggestion, Thoron grows a grin of his own, and says, "I think it suits him. Good work, Kincaid, you found a name for Pet-", stopping mid-sentence when he notices a very placid set of eyes boring into him.
Thoron was surprised at how quickly the Espurr was learning to take after it's master. Beyond that... he wasn't sure what to say to it. And he definitely wasn't going to challenge the Pokemon to a staring contest. After a lengthy pause, he knelt down and settled for asking it, "I don't suppose you want some of mine, too? I'm afraid I can't part with it quite so readily as your master, though..."
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