001 | video / action for goldenrod rocket base

[hitsitoff]

[By the time Eliot finally starts roaming the halls of the Rocket Base, he's had some time already to gather intel. It wasn't nearly enough and most of it was downright insane, but beggars can't be choosers. Hell, so far this was a step up from the other times he'd found himself in an unknown location with no idea how he got there. At least here there hadn't been anyone pointing a gun in his face.

Still, he's not just casually walking around the base. Hell no. Eliot's a lurker. So that's what he's doing right now. Lurking.

Meaning he's mostly keeping to himself, standing in corners and basically anywhere that he won't be as noticeable. He'd like to get a good idea of all the people in this organization before he decided what to do, thank you very much. He needs to know what he's gotten himself into.

...Of course, one of his companions is not as subtle. So you may find yourself being approached by a very curious Houndour. She'll just walk right up to you and start sniffing, much to Eliot's frustration. Have fun with that.]

----

[A little later, Eliot finally decides to give his Gear a try. So there he is on the video feed, nothing all that distinctive visible in the background. Except, uh... the brown, curly tail that's barely poking into the frame.]

So I'm gonna make a wild guess here and say this isn't just a very lucid dream, right? [Under normal circumstances, Eliot's voice would sound rather grumpy. But he's playing it safe, so he's keeping his tone calm, unassuming and friendly. And it certainly isn't his grifting voice, ha ha what.] ...Yeah, probably not.

Anyway, figured I might as well get acquainted with some people. Maybe some of you can offer me some tips? Anything would be helpful. You know, for someone who just got here and all-

[While he's speaking, the source of that tail moves closer to the Gear and peeks up at it, revealing it to be a Mankey. Quietly, it reaches out to teach the Gear, his paw getting awfully close to it when-]

Stop that.

[Ah. There's Eliot's regular growling voice. Who knew a southern drawl could sound that intimidating? He doesn't actually look at his Mankey and he's trying to keep up his poker face, but there's some frustrated twitching going on.]

It's not a toy.

[There's a beat.

And then the Mankey makes a grab for the Gear anyway, resulting in the feed going all over the place. There's a slamming noise, which may or may not have been Eliot slamming the table in frustration.]

Damn it! What did I just say-

[And there goes the feed. Probably not the best introduction of all time.]

Comments

video; | private

[nostabbing]

[It's been the better part of a year since Parker last heard the voice on the Gear.

She remembers exactly where she last heard it, too: laughing, elated, high with exhiliration from the pure and simple fact that the five of them together, against all odds, had managed to outmaneuver Damien Moreau once and for all. Damien Moreau will never leave San Lorenzo. And the little island nation with the mighty heart had a new president now, the goofy schoolteacher who just wanted an honest campaign and to do what was right for his country and his citizens, who was so hopelessly pathetic when it came to popular opinion that Moreau hadn't even bothered to try to smear him out of the race...

And she remembers waking up from that dream, as the memories of Hardison's violin and Eliot's guitar had faded away into the tinny background music of Goldenrod City, as once again she'd slipped away from one family and ended up back here amongst the other.

And now, if the irritable growl on the network is any indication, she's not the only one who's slipped away into this world.

It's a good thing she's long since learned how to make a video private by now; with fast but precise movements, she does so, and only after she gets the thing on does it occur to her that she probably should've figured out what she even intends to say (or maybe just where to begin with everything she needs to say) first.

...But hey, she's never been the grifter of the team.]

Eliot...?

[There's a tiny, almost imperceptible waver in her voice at the question, and she's not entirely sure why.]

Psst. Eliot. Look at your phone video. It's me, Alice.

[He's better at this than she is, she rationalizes; he'll notice she's not using her real name and run with it without questioning why.

...Hopefully.]

video; | private

[hitsitoff]

[He almost lets out a surprised "Parker?" when he hears the voice from his whatever-the-hell-it's-even-called, but stops himself. Hearing her is both a relief and really worrying. So he hadn't ended up here alone. And Parker was using an alias. Well, of course she was, because that was the smart thing to do. Parker might not be good at social situations, but she knew how to survive.

He grabs his PokéGear, retrieved from his starter without much difficulty, giving her a pretty clear view of him.]

...Alice. Right.

[Yeah, okay. He can run with that one. He wants to ask if the line is secure, but if it isn't then that's a pretty big red flag to anyone listening, isn't it?]

Where- [There's a brief pause, not longer than a second or so. He's still wondering if that question is any safer right now, but screw it, he has to know right now.] Where are you?

video; | private

[nostabbing]

I can figure it out if you can get outside. You hear music, right?

[She lightly taps her ear for emphasis that isn't really needed.]

Um. Okay. Yeah, just...try to get outside, if you aren't already, and if other people talk to you on this thing, let them tell you stuff. When new people get here they always ask a lot of questions. So you can just...let them tell you stuff, and once I hear your music I can figure out where you are.

video; | private

[hitsitoff]

Oh, I hear it alright.

[Yeah, he's not a fan.]

Anyway, right, I can do that. Shouldn't take long to get outside.

[And then he pretty unceremoniously cuts the feed while he does just that, because he's not going to keep it on the entire time he's walking. It turns back on real quick, though. When it does, the music is pretty clearly from Goldenrod.]

That tell you anything?

[action]

[whitehairedprettyboy]

What the -

[ Valmont isn't usually one to hang around the base, but today he'd been called in by his superiors. He's not in trouble, exactly, but they'd like him to be a little more cheerful when handing out Game Corner flyers. Apparently all that grumping and glowering turns off potential marks customers. So he's not in the world's best mood, and the dog that's suddenly accosted him certainly isn't making it any better. ]

Is this thing yours? [ He turns accusingly to Eliot; the man is standing a ways off, but he also happens to be the only other person in the hallway, so the conclusion's not unreasonable. ] Get this beast off me!

[ For all the world as though the Houndour were viciously sinking her teeth into him instead of merely sniffing his pant leg. ]

[action]

[hitsitoff]

[Eliot barely even acknowledges Valmont. He glances at him for a moment, but then just goes back to staring at a wall because clearly that's much more interesting.]

Yeah. She is. [Notice that there's a distinct lack of calling her off.] You got a problem with dogs?

[action]

[whitehairedprettyboy]

[ He has a problem with a lot of things. People finding other things more interesting than him is pretty high up there. ]

Yes! I do, as it happens, when the damn things aren't properly trained! I demand you keep this mongrel either on a leash or inside its ball device, immediately!

[ They're called Pokéballs, V. You've been here for months, come on. ]

[action]

[hitsitoff]

[The most unimpressed of eyerolls.]

Or what?

[Meanwhile Eliot's canine friend is kind of oblivious that there's even a problem. She just stares at the weird stranger with her puppydog eyes.]

[action]

[explosivecombat]

[Kimblee doesn't spend as much time here as he used to.

It hasn't been very long since his last excursion to the base this time, at least, but it's been long enough, and while he's made a point of touching base with those he knows (those that are important, those that need to be aware that he's in town again rather than those who would just like to hear it) he's more than aware that there are several who don't know whom he is, and honestly, that is perfectly fine with him.

That said, he's entirely aware of one of the newcomers, as socially invisible though he's managing to be; he's doing a good job at being inconspicuous, of being present without being noticeable, and were his memory not as good as it is Kimblee would have been content to overlook him - places like this tend to breed an odd sort, and this person wouldn't be the first that he's seen behaving like this. At the same time, that isn't anyone he knows, and he's more than aware of it; either way, he doesn't let his gaze linger on him - he sees him but he doesn't acknowledge, not visually, though he's far from ignoring him. Aware without being openly wary; willing to let the guy have his space for now.

However, it isn't long before there's the matter of the dog to contend with, if by "contend" we mean "be vaguely entertained by"; at the very least, he doesn't seem to mind dogs, leaning down and making a soft clicking sound behind his teeth to get her attention before extending a hand toward her, offering her the back of it - it's gloved, but it's likely more interesting than his pants legs, at least.]

Charming girl.

[It's a bit hard to tell who that's aimed at; it's either the dog, the man or himself, really. He's fine either way; let's see where this goes.]

[action]

[hitsitoff]

[Eliot briefly looks up when the man enters his field of vision, but only briefly. He knows better than to start staring at people. Staring gets you noticed too much. Not that lurking won't do that if someone's observant enough, but at least that's not an outright challenge like staring can be for certain people. Still, that doesn't mean his attention isn't on him.

The dog, meanwhile? Oh, she's delighted and doesn't really seem to care apart from person giving me attention, yes, yes. :D

She's not quite as excitable as some dogs, though it's still pretty clear she's enjoying this. Time for all of the sniffing.]

...Yes, she is.

[Wow, a whole sentence. Someone sure is chatty.]

[explosivecombat]

[Good girl, good girl. Pettings are forthcoming if you keep it up, albeit vaguely distant ones; he's not really one for playing with animals, but it's somewhere to focus his attention for all intents and purposes.]

Have you only just arrived?

[An obvious question, maybe, but he's dealt with worse than one-sentence answers from people; his voice remains even, at least.]

[hitsitoff]

[She's okay with distant pets, because hey. Pets are pets. Look at that tiny, stumpy tail wag, wow.]

That obvious?

[He wonders if this guy is just observant or if there's some sort of tell. Well, he'll figure that out eventually, he's sure.]

Just got here a few hours ago. Crazy place.

[It's said in a very much deliberately neutral tone. He's playing this all very cautiously for the moment.]

[Video]

[theotherother]

Best tip I can give you is get used to stuff like what your Pokemon's doing happening.

[He's just sort of stating it matter of factly because that's really his number one trainer tip.]

Because it's going to happen a lot.

[Video]

[hitsitoff]

[Eliot just had to wrestle a freaking phone away from a monkey. He is so done with this place already.]

Well, that's great. Today's just full of good news, isn't it?

[Video]

[theotherother]

[That's basically how Kaine's been since he got here months ago. Just completely done with about 99.9% of what goes on here.]

It could always be worse, but yeah, this world can be pretty damn stupid when it wants to be. And it usually wants to.

[Video]

[hitsitoff]

Yeah, that's about the impression I got from it. Seems every time I think this place can't get weirder, it decides to prove me wrong.

If I wasn't so sure it's not the case, I'd suspect I was drugged.

[That's not to say he's sure drugs weren't involved at some point, just. Not with him.]

[action]

[fauxtographs]

[Having still not quite come to terms with her status as a Team Rocket member, Emmy has worked herself into a bit of a routine; finish whatever mundane task her direct superior gives her, and then use whatever spare time she has available to go and exhaust herself with training. It's not the most exciting lifestyle, but for now, it's tolerable enough. At least raising her Pokemon gives her a bit of direction, and her Lucario makes for an excellent sparring partner.

Today is a day like any other; her work is done, and she's trotting towards the training grounds of the base, lost in thought. Tomorrow she might go into the city and train out in the open...it would be nice to get some fresh air, being down in this place can feel so claust-

...]

Lily?

[It takes her a moment to realize that her Stoutland, usually right by her side, has paused, and appears to be watching the progress of a Houndour wandering towards her trainer.]

Oh! You've found a friend!

[...Lily is a bit more interested in the man skulking near the Houndour, but you know what-]

And yes, don't panic. I see him.

[Crouching down, Emmy gives the Houndour a little wave, but her comment is rather obviously aimed at her trainer.]

Your Houndour is rather cute!

[action]

[hitsitoff]

[Yeah, that Houndour? Is going to happily walk over to Emmy's Stoutland now, her stumpy little tail wagging all the way. Because other dog! Hello other dog, how are you today! She's going to cautiously sniff you, other dog.

Eliot's keeping an eye on his dog without moving too much, but he does look up when Emmy speaks.]

...Thank you. I'm pretty fond of her.

[Certainly more than his other Pokémon, because he and that Mankey or not on speaking terms right now.

He nods at her Stoutland.]

That's some dog you've got there yourself.

[action]

[fauxtographs]

[Well, now that she's ascertained that this pair isn't a threat, Lily will be happy to return that sniffing! It's nice to meet other Dog Pokemon, anyway. Plus, the compliment is rather appreciated. Let her puff herself up a bit!

...much to her trainer's amusement.]

Thanks! She used to be a lot smaller, but with training, she grew into this form! Now she's rather formidable - especially if you have treats, haha!

[Running her hand over her Stoutland's head, Emmy straightens up and faces Eliot properly. He's unfamiliar, which either means she just hasn't met him before, or he's new.

Hmm. Well, it shouldn't be too hard to find out which it is!]

Are you new around these parts? I don't think I've seen you before.

[video]

[scoutingangel]

[She's only been here for about a month, and being from 850 makes it worse, but you know what, getting acquainted is always a good thing to do! And she really needs more to do with this gear thing, so...]

Don't expect things to make much sense here. Time can make weird things like people you know from home coming here from your future or past, all pokemon are not animals and they're all born from eggs to name a few examples.

[...and is that a pony on fire walking to her right now? Yeah, it's literally a pony in flames, looking completely harmless and innocent.]

[video]

[hitsitoff]

Yeah, I've been getting the feeling there's not a lot of sense to be found here. Had an... experience with the time thing myself, already. Friend of mine has apparently been here for years.

[And then he just stares because miss why is your horse on fire.]

And that's... You've got a... That's a burning horse. [A beat.] Because of course it is. Right.

[He hates this place.]

[video]

[scoutingangel]

Just when you think it makes sense, it makes no sense with something again. Oh, you too? I had an experience of it myself too, though he hasn't been here for years, but he's also somewhere from my future.

[and Bert probably is too, considering his reaction to seeing Petra here, but she's really not sure and hasn't talked with him after that... Or even asked from Levi, who'd probably know.

Anyway, she's petting that Ponyta. Hello tiny pony, who's trying to train some more walking around.]

She's a ponyta, but yeah, of course it is on fire with how logic works here. [It's still a weird logic to her too, don't worry.] Might make a little more sense than living trash bags or literally flying keys though.

[aka welcome to goldenrod, not that she knows you're in the same city as she is.]

[Action]

[garbagechild]

<sub>[Eliot's in much the same position as Wrath had been, back when he first arrived about a month ago.]

[Sneaking around and being eternally horrified by how his starter paraded down the halls like she WANTED to get caught. What up with THAT?]

[But by now, these halls have become more or less home, so the wild-haired hobo child in his faded hand-me-down uniform is striding down them himself, carrying a Zubat on his head and an armful of those weird yogurt drinks you could get from the vending machines by the cafeteria.]</sub>

These'll make Baby feel better, I bet-- ... oh!

_{[He's spotted the Houndour. A-- what were those ones called. ... DOGS! Yes, that is a dog. Hello, dog!]}

[Action]

[hitsitoff]

[...Well, that sure is a little kid, isn't it? So Parker already told him that sometimes Team Rocket decided to recruit kids, but knowing it is one thing. Actually seeing a freaking kid in the halls is another.

...The fact that said kid is carrying a purple bat on his head does not help. Seriously, what. He'll keep watching out of the corner of his eye, even though the urge to stare is very strong.

Eliot's Houndour is not nearly as weirded out, though, so she'll just wag her stumpy tail and walk over carefully. She'll definitely go over to Wrath to try and smell him. HELLO HUMAN CHILD HOW ARE YOU TODAY SNIFF SNIFF.]

[Action]

[garbagechild]

<sub>[IT SURE IS.]

[Outside of what few experiences he's had so far with the Pokemon, Wrath doesn't really know how to interact with animals. He has no idea you should always offer your hand to a dog to sniff before petting it, so when the Houndour approaches he just cheerfully shifts his cargo to one arm and reaches out to pat her awkwardly between the ears.]</sub>

Hi, dog!

_{[The Zubat chirps out its own greeting. Hello!]}