02X - Reintro. [Text/Locked Audio to the Rocket Frequency]

[explosivecombat]

[TEXT]

[Well! Those of you on the network today will be greeted by a bit of audio late this morning, from a device ID that's been bouncing back all attempts at contact for the last several weeks.]

...Oh, that's cute.

[...well, if that wasn't the most triumphant return ever, I don't know what is.

At the very least, however, he seems to get over whatever he's almost audibly linefacing at long enough to realize that the device is recording something; he promptly switches the thing over to text - he's never really liked talking at the machine when he's addressing all of Johto.]

My, it seems this place does still have its sense of humor, doesn't it? And here I thought that perhaps I'd only lost three days at worst - it was a bit of a surprise to find out otherwise.

Ah, but that's neither here nor there, is it?

[Kimblee, hon.]

There's not much to report from home, unfortunately; however, it'll be a pleasure getting in contact with all of you again - hopefully you've all been at least reasonably well.

[Oh, well. At least he doesn't seem too off-put by the whole disappearing-for-a-month-and-a-half thing?]


[PRIVATE AUDIO - TEAM ROCKET FREQUENCY]

[...At least, not until the audio message that goes out over the private Rocket network a few minutes later; Kimblee's voice is cold and clipped, and the amiable "tone" from the text earlier is completely absent.

He has no idea if he still holds his rank or not; he suspects he doesn't. Like hell if he won't throw it around anyway. He's a bit displeased at his life basically being a .gif from Community, and he's going to figure out what in the good hell is going on if it kills him.]

This is Team Rocket Beta Solf J Kimblee, reporting back in for duty; to my superiors, I admit that I don't know what happened, but I assure you that it won't happen again.

To the rest of you - check in with me immediately, particularly if you're one of my subordinates. I'm receiving a lot of "ID Not Found" nonsense, and I need to know who's still present; given that and various things that I've had to hear about secondhand, I expect a full report regarding what happened here from someone, I'm not feeling particularly choosy right now.

New members to the organization - welcome to it, and you have my personal apologies for the disarray. For now, you're welcome to introduce yourselves; it'll serve you well to know that I'm good to those who are good to me. Again, prove yourself useful and you'll be rewarded.

None of this is a request. Allow me to make that much clear.

[...oh dear. Well. At least he's not in much position to actually do anything at the moment - this is Team Rocket we're talking about, and if somebody's on the network very vocally overstating their importance and/or competence, that means it's pretty much a day ending in Y.]

Comments

[explosivecombat]

Oh, come now, you're being endearing - but I'll try not to get too much of an ego, if you insist.

Now, what party are you referring to...?

[darkenedgales]

honest is more like it

the one organized by the crazy dragon bitch

I mean Clair

she invited everyone to elite 4's place and we had a party for two days. it was pretty cool if you ask me

[explosivecombat]

The Elite Four...?

[Well, now you've gotten his attention.]

Did you meet them? Find out who they are?

[darkenedgales]

[You mean he didn't before? 8(]

like hell

they didn't show up and they wouldn't even let us near their rooms

most if not all gym leaders were around though

[explosivecombat]

[Well, yes, but you had a sudden bout of usefulness.]

How disappointing.

I suppose you enjoyed yourself regardless? Where was this party, anyway - location-wise, I mean, what city?

[darkenedgales]

[... You're a true nakama, Kimblee.]

sure did

[There was free booze, Pokémon battles and awkward dancing with girls -- what is there not to enjoy?]

in a fancy as fuck villa in a place called tohjo falls

I guess it's some kinda holiday resort for gym leaders and the elite 4

[explosivecombat]

[Oh, come now, he likes bonds! ...with useful people.]

Well. I'll see what I can do about being here for the next one, then.

Have you been well, otherwise?

[darkenedgales]

[That's kind of terrible tbh.]

you'd better! it's more fun with more familiar faces around

[As for the question, however... It's hard to say; the past few months haven't been bad per say, but they haven't been excessively good, either.]

you know, the usual

aside from the party, you didn't miss anything too exciting

[explosivecombat]

[He's kind of terrible, tbh.]

Well, hopefully things haven't gotten boring around here for you. As soon as things start going too well, there's usually some upstart that comes around very loudly trying to "fix" the monotony, I've noticed.

[darkenedgales]

[... is that a threat]

nah thanks. if I had to choose between "quiet but boring" and "wrecking shit" I think I'd stick to the former

[explosivecombat]

[More of an obvious statement, but hey.]

As it is with most people, I believe. I can't really say one way or another, as the latter seems to be par for the course back home; it's not exactly welcome, but it's vaguely familiar.

[darkenedgales]

wish it wasn't familiar

I think you've mentioned your world does that a lot before

[explosivecombat]

At any rate, I don't see much point in complaining about it, I suppose. Adapt and overcome.

[darkenedgales]

ain't that a a given over here?

[Obviously not just here, but the "adapt" part may be especially relevant.]

I like to think I have it down to a t by now

[explosivecombat]

Good to know, really.

What are you planning on doing with yourself now, through curiosity?

[darkenedgales]

you've asked me something similar way back, I think

[... Did he dodge the question yet?]

[explosivecombat]

[Crow.]

...It is something people ask one another from time to time; the answer tends to change a bit.

[darkenedgales]

[He'll take that as a no.]

oh yeah I guess

[Might as well be honest...]

well I don't really know

yet