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Post by DataNinja on Jan 19, 2017 3:31:15 GMT
Thoron
"Alright, thank you. There should be an unoccupied room just down the hall." He leads you down to a room, and pushes the table within to the side with surprising ease.
"Now tell me, does Aegis look at all similar to one of the creatures you saw?" he asks as he stands away from the center of the room, grabbing a Pokéball off of his belt and releasing the creature within. In front of you, landing surprisingly lightly, and taking up much of the free space in the room, is a blue metallic disk, with four legs, and an 'X' on its face. If not for the material it seems to be made of, and the colour, it could almost be the same thing. At least, based on your battlefield observations.
Soleil
"We all die eventually, Soleil," Rose says, "and I don't want to end up like every single damn one of my family members. I came from the first level down from the Over, where the almost-haves jockey for position, and whatever status they can. Do you know how much I heard about people's great-this, or step-half-twice-removed-that? The people there will do anything for status. I have no doubt that right now my position as a Technician is being used as leverage for something," she says that last part bitterly.
"You aren't getting this through your head," she says, raising her voice a little bit, "You would need to change. Show some respect, accept responsibility for your actions, and actually think about how you're affecting other people. Even in your casual conversation you're just flinging condescension around. Unless you actually listen, then I think we're just going to be going in circles. And if that's the case, I'm done."
Silas
"Well, best of luck with that," Emily says. "Now, was there anything else you wanted, or did you just come for the idle chitchat?"
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Post by Major on Jan 19, 2017 3:55:16 GMT
"Ok...Fine, I'm listening." Soleil said with a pause as she shifted uncomfortably from the raised voice. "What's wrong with me? I'm trying to be the best technician and very useful. I'm trying to do the missions as best I can. But people keep still saying I'm doing wrong and I don't get it. I'm fighting bad guys, so that means I'm good. But people still saying bad. But if I was bad why would I fight the bad guys?" She stressed.
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Sept 23, 2023 4:13:40 GMT
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Post by Moriya on Jan 19, 2017 4:17:21 GMT
Silas's mood brightens as Emily changes the subject. "Ah, yes. May as well start now. I actually came here for some training of my own. Not the fighting kind, obviously, but I've realized that I'm a bit slow when it comes to mid-melee medicine." Silas smiles at his self-deprecating wordplay, then continues. "I was hoping I could find people training or sparring and treat a fake injury, keeping the treatment fast and preserving mobility. You could consider it practice for fighting while injured or something. Interested?"
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Post by ThRevanchist on Jan 19, 2017 4:40:49 GMT
Recalling the previous Pokemon as best he could beforehand, Thoron notes, "Ignoring that the one we encountered was gelatinous and of distinct crimson color, they bear a strong resemblance. Even down to the massive ornament in front of its head. Their body shape in particular appears identical... I have no doubt 'Aegis' would prove similarly durable, but you would be in a better position to assess that."
While he would be reluctant to trust the minimal evidence he had committed to memory, that they were this similar was enough. "Yes, sir, I believe Requiem's last defense was modeled after this species." A pause, and he asked, "...I imagine this sort of Pokemon is quite rare?"
Yet another pause, and Thoron adds hastily, "Ah, apologies, sir, but I nearly forgot. During our meeting with Technician Terrence, at the Warehouse, he compared the creature that broke through with Aegis, as well. Albeit a smaller, less formidable one."
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 19, 2017 22:02:14 GMT
Soleil
"What's wrong with you is you never think through the consequences of your actions, or how they affect others," Rose says. "You think you can do no wrong." She shakes her head. "Also, the world isn't in black and white. Just because you're against people who've done wrongs doesn't mean you're in the right. The ends do not always justify the means. So... just try listening to others. Not just me."
Silas
"I suppose I could try it," Emily grudgingly admits. "Never know when it could save someone's life."
Thoron
"Thank you for the confirmation," Cain says, nodding, before recalling the massive beast. "It's worrying, but useful, information. As, indeed, these are rare. So far we've only encountered wild ones in their initial form."
"And I did see the Warehouse footage, that one was based off of this one's prior form." He nods. "Is there anything else, or is that all for now?"
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Post by Major on Jan 19, 2017 22:31:56 GMT
"And then I'll be good and valuable?" Soleil asked.
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Post by ThRevanchist on Jan 19, 2017 22:32:54 GMT
Taking a few moments to properly study Aegis, especially important now that he was confirmed to be a rare specimen, Thoron then gave a moment's thought, and informed his Captain that he had nothing further to discuss. While he was halfway-tempted to inquire about the inter-group politics Cain had navigated on his rise to his position, that could have been seen as too personal a question. Or, without concealing the truth, given recent events, to seek outside help would be admitting that the situation had progressed out of their control entirely. And doing so to Cain, all but directly. ...if the professional relationships of his team and their counterpart could not be salvaged in the near future, perhaps he would consider a superior's advice, but until that time the option was unappealing. Surely they could reach a compromise for the sake of safeguarding Arcadia, though. Confident that the rivalry between their team would cease to be an issue soon enough, Thoron dismissed himself. In what may be a violation of the fluff-based nature of the Inter-missions, Chronicling Aegis.
While I'm here, its worth noting that I am ready for the event to be concluded.
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 20, 2017 5:08:34 GMT
Soleil
"There's no 'magic thing' that will make you, uh, good and valuable, Soleil," Rose says. "It all comes down to effort, and actually considering other people. If you can actually trying that, and admitting when you've screwed up, then that's one step to being a better person. Do the best job you can, but think through your actions first, and make sure to consult with others. That's the best advice I can give you. Will you at least try taking it?"
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Post by Major on Jan 20, 2017 5:13:51 GMT
"I don't know? What if they're wrong?" Soleil asked after thinking for a moment, "Or if they are right and they take all the credit and I look useless and nobody wants me? If we're not useful we might get thrown away. I don't want to be unwanted."
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 20, 2017 5:29:53 GMT
Soleil
"People are wrong, but it's something that you'll have to live with," Rose continues. "And, it doesn't matter about the credit. I understand that you want to be famous, but as long as the job gets done, that's all that matters. You'll know in your heart what you did... and, also," she deadpans, "you'll have your team's P*DA keeping track of everything."
"The important thing is that you at least try. If you fail, as long as you made an attempt, you won't be thrown away. That's why you have a team. To catch you when you fall. And you will. No one is perfect."
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Post by Major on Jan 20, 2017 11:04:21 GMT
Soleil quickly shook her head and the smile returned. Rose had to be wrong here. "No...No attempting isn't enough." Soleil said quickly. "If you aren't what people want it doesn't matter if you try they'll hurt you and throw you away. Technicians want a good technician who does what told no matter what. They tell me shoot something I'll chase and shoot no matter what. I don't want to be thrown away." She said. "It's not about famous. I only know how to shoot things and fight so that's what they want me for. So I will do it and show I can do it no matter what. If we had spent a lot of time talking what if goo lady had got away? I'd have failed to shoot and if I can't shoot why keep me? What else am I good for?" She said with a smile...which really didn't fit here.
"So I mean I'll try and listen but the objective has to be achieved."
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 21, 2017 0:12:22 GMT
"This is going nowhere," Rose says, sighing, "So, I'll leave you to your thoughts, and take my leave now. Goodbye, Soleil. I'll see you around, I'm sure." With that, she sweeps of into the hustle and bustle of the Arcadian crowd, and soon disappears from sight.
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Post by Gear Skitty on Jan 22, 2017 10:48:50 GMT
After the.... riveting conversation and training with Emily the day prior, Silas is notified, via a note taped to his door, that his presence is requested. The location?
Leslie's quarters.... Dare he comply?
Silas pulls the note of off his door with a quizzical expression. What could Leslie want from him?
Silas folds the note and puts it in his pocket. He places the equipment he used at the gym just inside his door, then heads right back out. There's an hour left until dinner, which should be plenty of time for whatever she wants to talk about.
Silas arrives at Leslie's door and gives it three quick knocks. Hopefully, she keeps sane hours and isn't still asleep at this time of day.
Leslie: "Com'innn."
Silas opens the door and walks in.
Silas: "Hi Leslie, how're you doing?"
Silas is blocked. Or rather, this place is packed to the ceiling with boxes. The lights are low, and a screen glow can be seen seeping around a cardboard wall, leaking from the opposite back corner. The volume of an action scene full of gunfire is turned low.
Silas falters slightly on seeing the clutter. How did she even get this stuff in here?
It looks like she designed this place to her proportions. Silas should be able to worm his way to her.
Silas starts to make his way through the disaster area. As he does so, he bumps into several boxes.
Leslie doesn't respond to his bumps. Maybe she understands this is like an adult trying to fit in a kids chair.... or maybe she doesn't notice.
The sounds of bullets on the TV stop, a dark chuckle replacing them. "Criminals have been put on notice. The -Lone Shadow- is always watching scum like you!".... A creepy and muted ending theme begins to play, filled with whooshing sounds and soft trumpets.
Silas finally squirms his way to his host, and it almost looks like he should of brought his med tools.
Leslie looks like shit. Even paler and haggard than normal.
However his training and moreover, his experience, tells him she just isn't wearing any make-up. Which is concerning in and of itself, if it takes make-up to look as bad as she normally does.
Silas looks at Leslie, rather concerned.
Silas: "...Have you slept?"
Leslie: "Yee, till lunch, why?"
Maybe it's just the low light, and her back being to the flickering screen as it scrolls credits. Maybe it's just his imagination that she looks like death walking. Or maybe it really is Maybelline....
Silas looks around for a light switch and a place to sit.
Silas: "Because I've seen drug addicts that looked like they've slept better."
Silas realize he may have been a bit too blunt.
Silas: "Granted, most of them were on sleeping pills."
Leslie: "Haa~!"
Silas sees a shorter stack of boxes situated near to Leslie, or her disheveled bed covered in cute printed sheets and unless it's a trick of the light, a mostly naked girl covering a body pillow.
Silas awkwardly slides the body pillow out of the way, then takes a seat on the edge of the bed.
Silas gestures at the TV.
Silas: "A vigilante drama? Seems like we get plenty of that when we're on the clock."
Leslie: "M-ye, but I've been meaning to get through it. It's old as balls, but I got all five the the different series' box sets on the cheap. Even the morning kids show where he solved all problems with parental approved raps."
Leslie giggles normally... for her, so it's just ever so much awkward.
Leslie: "Anyway, thanks for coming." "I figured you would have the most knowledge on what I want to figure out. You also proooobably won't go directly to Cain or someone else about this."
Silas's expression cools a little. There's one obvious thing that fits those criteria.
Silas: "Oh?"
Leslie: "A worrying trend with only two major data points is normally brushed aside, but when the problem is this big and far reaching it moves from troublesome to disturbing.” "Ms Requiem has... appeared twice, in less than a week. Both times utilizing the creatures we don't know nearly enough about in ways we didn't know was possible." "At a circus or on a daytime show it would be nice, but when she targets us or the city there is a level of danger that I do not enjoy." "You're the only person.... that I know of at least, with defenses or pre-existing knowledge of how she operates." "I would like to know how... and or why... and or what." ".... please."
Silas nods. He's not planning on hiding much from his team, since the higher-ups probably know more than he does. Still, it feels best to tread carefully.
Silas: "Before I get into the important parts, let's clarify one thing first" "The culprit for the second mission was not Requiem. It was a Pokemon using some sort of illusion. I have no idea why it took her form, but it wasn't human. After all, it never even talked."
Leslie shakes her head correcting him.
Leslie: "That -was- Ms Requiem. I heard her, and I assume the other two heard her as well, considering reactions." "She was ranting and maybe a little off, but those ravings could of only sourced from her." "And by raving, I mean the kind of speeches you'd hear from some genocidal villain from a kids cartoon." "I probably won't get them right word for word, but here's what I remember. Uhhhh~..."
Leslie does her best to recall and repeat what Smear-quiem pontificated at her.
Silas looks increasingly troubled as Leslie speaks. This goes much deeper than he expected. He's in over his head and looking for answers could put him in an early grave.
Silas leans closer to Leslie and lowers his voice.
Silas: "That's not good. This is the kind of information that gets people killed. And if this doesn't, proof of the implications would."
Silas sits back and puts a bit of energy back into is voice.
Silas: "Or we get promoted a few grades and it all works out. Anyway, about my experience with Psychics." "I know they're dangerous." "I know they're manipulative." "And I know that humans should not have that kind of power." "As for my defenses... you've seen the what in action. Having fought Requiem, the why should be obvious too.The how is a bit more tricky. I don't know what was in that vial, but it might have been similar to that drug."
Leslie's eyes squint.
Leslie: "... huh-what-a-what now?"
Silas tilts his head in confusion, then nods, realizing why Leslie was confused.
Silas: "I made a drug to give myself psychic defenses. The key ingredient was... something. No idea how or why I got it."
Leslie: "... you realize that's the backstory for like, half of the villainous mad scientists in fiction, right?" "You didn't sprout a tail, or a third eye that shoots lasers, did you?"
Leslie is joking. This is her comedic potential.
Leslie: "Hella crazy chemical concoctions aside, I've seen enough stories where missions like these two are just the lip of the hole." "And a plunge like this won't be fun, I would think." "Too much work."
Silas looks slightly pensive at the mad scientist comment.
Silas: "Well I did have a nosebleed, pass out, and wake up seeing new colors everywhere."
Leslie: "Trippy. I approve."
Silas: "Some of those may have been from the other ingredients though." "I agree that this is just the beginning. We're hitting messes above our pay grade, and I can't trust either side."
Leslie: "Well, you can trust either side to not be trustworthy." "With all that said, it's nice to know I'm not the only one seeing all this crap. If more psychic rants happen I'll try to tell ya'."
Silas: "Yeah, all we can do is try to be ready. Speaking of which, do you mind if I borrow your Pokemon for research at some point? Nothing invasive, I just want to look at Psychic phenomena in a more... controlled setting."
Leslie blinks.
Leslie: "Su~rrre, why not."
Leslie staaaaares. The meeting is over, and Silas is tasked with conversationally maneuvering his exit.
Silas sees that Leslie's attention has faded and stands up.
Silas: "Well if that's everything, I should get going. If you want to talk again, just let me know."
Silas makes his way through the mess of boxes to the door, narrowly avoiding knocking over one of the stacks.
Leslie turns back to the screen, remote control in hand to navigate the menu screen that had been looping as they conversed.
Leslie: "Nnn~m, bye."
Leslie A moment passes after Silas leaves before Leslie remembers...
Leslie: "Oh, and thanks for the quick heal the other day. 'ppreciate it."
Timpani drums, trumpets, and more whooshing effects pick up as the show's theme song crescendos both in volume and Leslie's attention.
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