021. [Anonymous Text + Images/Locked Audio - Rocket Frequency]

[explosivecombat]

[ANONYMOUS TEXT + IMAGES]

[Kimblee hasn't been back in Goldenrod City for very long; he's well aware of the attack on the Tower, however - his contacts here have made him very aware of that.

He's well aware that he shouldn't do anything rash; however, his pride does have quite the tendency to get involved in decisions where it really has no goddamn business being, and as such, an anonymous text goes out over the network.

Seth's clearly making a reappearance tonight.]

It seems some of you have been enjoying yourselves lately.

[There's no clarification regarding exactly what he's talking about; however, there are, as usual, pictures accompanying the text.

The first is par for the course, as Seth goes; a set of six Pokéballs held in gloved hands, on chest-level with the person holding them - his face isn't visible, but the red R insignia on his uniform clearly is, even in the dim light of the room.

The next three photographs are decidedly more straightforward, in terms of what he's trying to get across; each image contains two Pokémon in heavy, reinforced cages set up in front of a black backdrop of some sort - birds, all of them. They seem alive, though "unharmed" is a bit of a stretch; they seem to have been roughed up quite a bit.

More text, clearly continuing on from the first line.]

So have I.

[One more image follows, similar to the first - though instead of Pokéballs clasped in his hands, he has a white card pinned between his index and middle fingers, the words written on it scrawled out in thick, blocky lettering as though someone had gone over the words repeatedly, obscuring any sort of distinctive handwriting for the sake of making them far less identifiable.

TELL FALKNER THAT SETH SAYS HELLO.]


[AUDIO / PRIVATE - TEAM ROCKET FREQUENCY]

[And a few hours later, once Kimblee has decided he's done instigating for the day, the Rockets will be granted something decidedly more sane and far less...uh, directly ominous.]

A good evening to all of you; I hope that it finds you well.

[Again, the voice over the locked Rocket frequency tonight is calm and possibly surprisingly pleasant, especially given what one usually encounters around the base in Goldenrod; the person speaking is clearly a bit soft-spoken and his voice is gentle in a bit of a high-pitched sort of way, but there's firmness behind his words. Authority. A bit of arrogance, perhaps, but it's just as easily taken for confidence.]

My name is Solf J Kimblee; I hold the rank of Beta in this organization. It's been quite some time since I've been in our beloved hometown; regrettably, business has kept me away, but it won't be that way for much longer.

To those new to the organization - I welcome you to Johto, and I would like to take the time to get to know you personally. I can offer you work and opportunities, should you require direction; should you just want someone to speak to regarding your sudden arrival in this world, I would like to help you - I can't promise you answers, but I can offer my assistance in any way I can. For those who have arrived recently, but haven't met with me personally yet, I would like to invite you to do so as well.

And those of you who have been here for a while - I'll expect some sort of proper report from at least one of you, regarding the incident that occurred last week. Many of you know exactly how well I adhere to Equivalent Exchange; offer me valid information and I'll gladly reward you.

I look forward to speaking with all of you; I would prefer meeting in person, simply know where you are and I'll gladly meet you.

Until then~

Comments

[video]

[preparetrouble]

[ Far be it from the Demon Sisters to ever ask for assistance. They're more than adequately equipped to handle whatever the world tosses their way, no matter what world they find themselves in!

But when a professed higher-up in their organization explicitly requests to make their acquaintance, well. It wouldn't do for other recruits to mistakenly leave a better impression upon their superior.

Kimblee will be greeted with the sight of two young women standing at attention against a wall, identical Houndours at their sides (sitting, but with perfect posture). The symmetry here is kind of ridiculous, really. ]

Excuse us! You requested an audience, sir?

[video]

[explosivecombat]

[Wh...

Ladies, normally this would be creepy; fortunately, Kimblee is former military and he rather liked his job, so at least this is looking more like discipline than something that he should be side-eyeing. Congratulations, you are receiving video in return.

The room he's in is nondescript, one of the offices somewhere in the base. He's no longer in uniform, having put "Seth" away for the time being; that immaculate white suit is back.]

So I did. And whom am I addressing?

[VIDEO - LOCKED]

[decrees]

[The timing of the messages doesn't sit well with Logan. The timing of Kimblee's return doesn't sit well either. It seems too obvious but... What if Kimblee really is Seth? It's not something he's going to pursue now though, there are other things to focus on.]

I would offer to meet with you, but unfortunately I'm not in Goldenrod at the moment.

[He also has no idea what you're talking about regarding the "incident." So why is he calling?]

It's been quite some time since we last spoke. I trust you're doing well?

[...Just to chat, clearly.]

[VIDEO - LOCKED]

[explosivecombat]

[...Logan, why do you do these things.

Well, at the very least Kimblee is no longer in uniform when he turns the video feed on - he'd changed into it for the sake of a few of the images - and that pristine white suit is back; it is admittedly rather nice to have someone with whom he can just be casual, however, and he seems reasonably relaxed when he replies.]

Ah, King Logan - a pleasure, as always. As for how I'm faring, I find that I can't complain; still in Olivine, or have you moved on?

[Private Audio]

[cobraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

Incident? What incident?

[Due to being way over there in Vermilion and not speaking to any Rockets lately, Cobra has no idea what's going on.]

[Private Audio]

[explosivecombat]

[...well, hello to you, too.]

Someone seems to have set fire to the building, or something along those lines; whatever it was, there was a fair amount of smoke involved. I doubt it was something accidental; most of those in the labs are more competent than that, though I admit I haven't met all of them. I'll offer you details as I receive them; for now, I don't exactly trust it, though if we have any luck whatsoever it won't be anything of too much concern.

[dead philosophers private channel]

[doitrockapella]

One of your friends is making a spectacle of himself on the network.

[gdammit Locke]

[explosivecombat]

This organization is prone to that; I'd think that would be obvious by now, unless you've somehow missed all the previous grandstanding.

[text]

[soggypastry]

[...that explains what happened to those birds, at least. Why can't this guy have fallen off a ledge already? Or onto somebody's fist...darn she wishes she'd been able to clock him back then.]

You really do like setting people off, don't you.

[Hardly a needed question, considering this behavior matches that of Seth's previous network actions, but still. How many well-meaning reckless people is she going to have to talk down this time?]

[Anonymous Text]

[explosivecombat]

There wouldn't be much sense in doing this, if I didn't derive some satisfaction from it. But I'm guessing that you really aren't interested in literal answers.

It's been a few months since the last; you would know.

[audio/private]

[ortion]

Good evening, Mr. Kimblee. It is good to hear from you again.

[With that out of the way, he probably should explain last week's fiasco...]

There was an attack on the radio tower. Whoever it was did not reach the labs, but they did try to smoke out the entire building. Most of the damage has been cleaned up, but several of our grunts were injured from the event.

[He pauses for a moment.] I'm not quite sure what they were after, but they certainly didn't make out with much. What I want to know is how they found us out in the first place.

[audio/private]

[explosivecombat]

Dist; a pleasure, really.

[Although once formalities are out of the way, Kimblee's demeanor does shift quite a bit; his voice is decidedly harder when he replies, though he doesn't seem angry - excuse him while he gets incredibly businesslike on you all of a sudden, because this is actual good information.]

Do you have any information at all regarding whomever carried this out, and what they managed to obtain? Even vague details would be appreciated.

text; this will end up terrible somehow i just know it will

[razputin]

[Raz took a while to get to this. Not because he didn't see it straight away, but because he didn't know exactly what was going on.
And he still doesn't.

But what he does know, after a Team Conference?
These birds are related to Falkner, they're kidnapped and hurt, and it's Team Rocket behind it - most of that he picked up from this. His hands are shaking a bit - were there other attacks he missed? Could he have helped stop them?

...There'll be time for that later. For now, a text.]
You'll regret this.
[Raz no this doesn't seem that threatening.]

Anonymous Text forever; the best things often do

[explosivecombat]

[Oh, well! That was nice and original.

Because really? He's been at this for almost a year now. And he's not showing any signs of stopping.]

Is that so?

Really, if threats like that were currency, I'd be a rich man by now.

[private audio]

[artfuldestruction]

[[Kato is busy doing absolutely nothing when the transmission comes over the feed; what perfect timing! He was just daydreaming about explosions, too. Hmm. Perhaps it's time for another masterpiece.

Idly flicking on his audio feed, he responds, the smirk in his voice rather evident.]]

I was beginning to think you didn't like us any more.

[private audio]

[explosivecombat]

[Finally, someone he's legitimately pleased to hear from.]

Quite to the contrary, actually; there are a few things I've been planning that I believe you may find to your liking.

Assuming, that is, that you aren't terribly busy.

[Video- Locked]

[rocketralph]

_{[Oh, Ralph's got some questions alright! He doesn't know how to audio-only so enjoy a video of his big angry face.]}

What kind of a game is this? I need to get back to the station pronto!

[Video- Locked]

[explosivecombat]

[O-Oh. Oh dear. Um.

...DID YOU GUYS CAPTURE SOMEONE IN HIS ABSENCE, BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE HE MAY HAVE ESCAPED...]

I'm afraid I don't know what "station" you're talking about, but I can assure you that this isn't any sort of game.

[text]

[botspeaksalot]

It is spectacles like this that often lead to the downfall of someone who is committing a crime, even if they are operating under a false identity, which I assume you are.

You are a member of the organization Team Rocket I have heard about, correct?

[Anonymous Text]

[explosivecombat]

I am.

And I've been carrying out "spectacles like this" for the better part of a year now; my "anniversary" of sorts falls in March. Somehow, I foresee being able to meet that mark comfortably.

[text]

[itsjustdust]

[He totally realizes not everyone might be thrilled with the angle of his questions.]

So why would you do that?

[Anonymous Text forever]

[explosivecombat]

There are many answers for that, really. All are valid, though some are more honest than most, and some are more acceptable than most.

I do have to wonder why you want to know.

video | private

[saxsongs]

[Ah, the raid. Ren still remembers the smoke stinging in his eyes. Oh the pain. Though that's probably not the information Kimblee would be looking for nor would be the things he'll say.]

Unfortunately, even if I had a work shift at the Tower at the time, I can't remember much. The smoke made it impossible to see anything and I was knocked out pretty fast. [Not the complete truth, but hey close enough.] I did notice some figures that definitely weren't team members, but never got a closer look at them.

Also, someone managed to break into the news room in floor xx, at least. The door was pretty much kicked in.

video | private

[explosivecombat]

{...not...exactly, no, he appreciates those details being left out. However, what you have told him...hm.]

Multiple people, then, and definitely a direct attack. I suppose it's good to know that this wasn't due to general incompetence, but that isn't promising otherwise - do you have any information regarding what was taken from the news room, if anything?

audio - private

[blacklynx]

[He really has not reason to turn down the offer to talk so.]

I'm a new recruit. I've been around for half a week or so.

audio - private

[explosivecombat]

[As good a reason as any to respond, actually.]

Is that so? Might I ask your name, then?

[Video forever]

[whateveryoueatliveitspart]

[It takes a moment for Apollo to register what the text reader is saying, since the pictures instantly draw his attention. He doesn't recognize where the birds have come from since he doesn't pay much attention to the news, but that's not the issue here. Last month it was Bowser putting Pokémon in cages and now it's this guy who can't seem to use the camera well enough to get his face in the shot? This had better not be a trend that's starting.

Have an angry 13-year-old on video, "Seth", since he doesn't know how to use any other mode.]

What are you doing to those Pokémon you bastard!? Let them out of those cages!

[Anonymous Text forever!]

[explosivecombat]

What happens to them is out of my hands at this point; however, releasing them is out of the question.

Believe me, if I bowed to every demand you people made along those lines, I would be unable to straighten my spine enough to walk properly.

[video]

[enjoymyatelier]

[OH IT'S YOU AGAIN... let's see if he can get any clues out of this...]

You're being terribly unsubtle as always, I see. What is this particular venture supposed to accomplish? The usual, I assume?

[Anonymous Text forever]

[explosivecombat]

Something along those lines.

I suppose I'm flattered that you're still interested in our little challenge, mage. At least, I'm assuming that's the reason you're contacting me.

[Video: Rocket Filter]

[dressofheaven]

[Well, she's certainly not going to ignore a message from one of the people who was kind enough to help her orient herself on her first day. Dressed in her uniform, she fiddles with her gear until she sees the message that says it's recording, then gives a charming smile.]

Good evening, Mister Kimblee. It's good to hear from you again.

[Her Duskull hovers down next to her, and she absently pets him on the head.]

I know we just had a talk, but I saw your message there and I thought it would only be polite to respond.

[Video: Rocket Filter]

[explosivecombat]

[His gaze flickers to that Duskull; he's raised one before, but that doesn't make him any less fond of the damn thing. At least it's over there...]

Ah, Miss Ilya - quite the pleasure, as always. I trust you're settling in well?

[audio/private]

[faketime]

[Now this is someone Dimitri hasn't heard of before. The Beta thing is new too. He knew they were around but he never actually met one. Clearly this is a good opportunity to search for new information about this world. Maybe not the most pressing questions since no one appears to have answers to those, but perhaps something he hasn't heard many times already.

At least he doesn't have to bother with video this time...]

This is Dimitri Allen. I work in the laboratories at this base. I arrived in early November, so I suppose you could say I am fairly new to this organization.

[audio/private]

[explosivecombat]

[...goodness, there are quite a lot of people with that particular accent running about, aren't there?]

It's a pleasure, Mr Allen; my apologies for not having spoken to you before. But as you've been here for some time, I assume you've acquainted yourself with the place somewhat...? Has it been to your liking?

[audio]

[sunpendant]

[Raven has a more violent reaction to those pictures than even she would have expected.]

What kind of soulless person are you? Let them go.

[Anonymous Text forever]

[explosivecombat]

Forgive me for not immediately ceding to your demands and clearly superior wit with regards to insults; what happens to them now is out of my hands.

[video]

[darkenedgales]

Figured that was your work.

[Surprised? Not in the slightest; if anything, maybe a bit amazed it took him this long to own up to it. But he's not exactly happy that his suspicions were confirmed, either. In fact, Crow appears just as displeased as every other time he gets to deal with Seth, if not more so.]

Guess you can't be expected to even keep your promise, huh?

[Anonymous Text forever]

[explosivecombat]

Orders are what they are, I'm afraid; this wasn't something I could afford to have compromised by outside influences.

[anonymous text]

[spotted]

Aren't we overdramatic?

[And she thought it was going to be boring here. Even if Johto - or Kanto, as it were - wasn't her cup of tea, she can certainly appreciate a little show of force. Especially with Lukius unaccounted for.]

[anonymous text forever]

[explosivecombat]

[...oh, what's this.

He's not terribly thrilled at the anonymous confrontation, but really? Turnabout is fair play. So fine, he'll humor you for now, whomever you are.]

If it gets the point across, I see no reason to shy away from open displays.

[Private Video]

[honourablevillain]

[When the video comes on, the light catches serpentine eyes that almost seem like they're glowing just a little. He doesn't speak right away, simply reaching to scratch his Meowth behind the ears gently and earning a purr that can barely be heard on the feed. Noo she was trying to read~]

Chase Young. I find myself a fairly new arrival to Team Rocket, so I hope previous qualifications will suffice to assure you of my capability as an agent.

Of course, I intend to put my best efforts forward as well.

[Private Video]

[explosivecombat]

[...Well, that certainly is an interesting trait there. And people think the yellow eyes on him are mildly unsettling...

However, if he's bothered by it, it isn't obvious; he's seen some odd things in his time, after all.]

A pleasure, Mr. Young, and I don't doubt that; as for your inquiry, previous qualifications are perfectly acceptable - at least, they have potential to be, depending on what they are.

Do tell.

audio;

[ex_cashcow493]

I suppose bartering for their release is out of the question as well.

[ Saber's learned by now that using video isn't the most efficient way to get her tone across. No one can take her seriously when she looks like a child. So she'll try this angle. ]

[Anonymous Text forever]

[explosivecombat]

[Well, that certainly is more effective than it might have been, though not for the reason she's assuming - he's done battle with Nero, after all, and he knows better than to underestimate, but her appearance definitely would have caused some double-taking, yes.]

You suppose correctly. What happens to them now is the organization's concern, meaning it's ceased to be any of mine.

[tendered]

[ She notes the first but realizes that he's wishing to be kept anonymous and that there's no way to reach them. Momo may not be the most experienced person when it comes to secrecy, but she can tell when someone won't budge on their identity. What a truly evil fiend! She'll make note to turn them in later! Or talk to the authorities! Or something that will probably not be very helpful at all.

But then the much nicer and more candid Kimblee comes on the screen. Momo is very impressed by just how cordial the man is. ]

Oh! Hello, Mr. Kimblee! I'm kinda new here. Well, I've been here for four months but haven't really done anything super good to the rocket organization yet, besides washing laundry. [ She nervously laughs. ] I guess I'm the lowest rank - whatever you want to call it! I'm also in room 29J if you wat to come on down! [ she's not sure what she's really doing here but he wants to talk face to face and that can't be so bad... can it? ]

[Private Video]

[explosivecombat]

[...ah...you tried, Momo, you tried.

At the very least, he doesn't seem bothered by what looks like a really obvious lack of experience; he's seen worse, honestly.]

I would like that, actually. May I ask your name, before we begin?

PRIVATE ROCKET FEED

[licentious]

Ah, it's a shame I just left Goldenrod a couple of days ago. Had I known you were still going to be there, I would have invited you out to lunch. [ VIllainous talks always happen over lunch... ]

I'm afraid I haven't a clue about what you're talking about, unless you're referring to a particular radio tower... [ Under which she would probably be under heavy scrutiny for ): That's what happens when you play both sides because it was stupid to you Lustie... ]

PRIVATE ROCKET FEED

[explosivecombat]

[...one day he is going to drag you out on a proper date, Lust - just because you need to go on one and the thought sort of amuses him.]

Well, I'm more than willing to take a rain check on it - but for now, I did hear something regarding the Tower, yes. I don't suppose you know anything?