027. [Text/Audio - Locked Rocket Frequency]

[explosivecombat]

[TEXT]

[Well, the network is getting a somewhat saner post from Kimblee this time around; he seems to have settled quite a bit since the bout of whatever-that-was involving the rain and the Anoriths and the...crazy, let's not lie to ourselves.

So there's text again tonight, and not a whole lot of prelude or explanation with it.]

In the interest of equivalent exchange...what would be the largest sacrifice you would be willing to make, in order to receive whatever it is that you desire most? For the sake of argument, you would receive exactly what it is you want, without any hideous Monkey's-Paw, literal-genie side effects. Adhering to the spirit of the law as well as the letter. I don't care what it is in particular, and you don’t have to specify. Just whatever it is you want most. What would you be willing to sacrifice for it?

Ah, and assume that offering your own life isn't an option, because that renders the question an entirely moot point; however, I’m not saying lives in general are off-limits - if you'd kill a room full of strangers, then you would, and you won't offend my delicate sensibilities any by saying so. On the other hand, if you don't consider anything to be worth it, then I'll question your powers of imagination but so be it.

Answer anonymously, if you're more comfortable doing it that way; after all, I'm not looking to measure how depraved my acquaintances are - your name is of less concern to me than your answer.



[AUDIO - ROCKET FREQUENCY]

[Oh, look, apparently it's time for another one of these. This'll hit shortly after the text post, anyway.]

Well, it seems as though we've been rejoined by at least one of our fairly prolific former members in recent times, and our ranks are showing signs of increasing in numbers again – hopefully this time it'll stay that way, hm?

At any rate, it's good to see that the most recent round of assignments seems to have gone well, with the exceptions of a few small…setbacks. That was very cute, by the way, all three of you in Goldenrod – I trust you're all still in one piece? I'd like to hear from at least one of you, if you don't mind; it seems we have much to discuss.

Ah, but it's not all bad, if any of it truly is at all; I'd like to hear from all of you, if you don't mind. For those who aren't familiar with me, my name is Solf J Kimblee – I've been promoted several times within this organization, and I like to get to know our members personally.

[Technically true. He never said they were concurrent promotions.]

And for those who are familiar, I'd like to hear about what you've been doing with yourselves. Consider it a matter of curiosity - it's a good night for that.

Comments

locked audio forever

[blacklynx]

[Well, at least some people had a good mission.]

I was part of the Goldenrod mission and I do apologize for the disaster we performed, Mr Kimblee. Congratulations on your promotion.

sure thing!

[explosivecombat]

Consider the apology accepted, though I do have to question what prompted it - was all of that planned, or were you improvising?

[blacklynx]

Most of it was improvised. We weren't able to figure out how many people would be inside the center at the time, so things started going wrong because of that.

[Text]

[itsjustdust]

And... why would someone's life be off limits. I mean, I get why you would say it, but what if that is someone's desire? It's not mine! But. I can see why some people might think it would be better in their particular situation.

[Text]

[explosivecombat]

Then the question really doesn't apply, does it? After all, if they're going to be so weak-willed as to consider that their only option, then they're more than welcome to act on it, as far as I'm concerned. Giving up on one's life has never been an option with me, but if they want so badly to die then they might as well go ahead and assist in decreasing the surplus population.

[Text]

[itsjustdust]

But you didn't say DIE. You said give up their life. They're not the same thing. You can give up your life without being dead. You could have everyone you know forget you. You see what I'm saying?

[audio/private]

[ortion]

[Dist's reply comes several days later, because he's been far too busy attempting to fix this mess than to use the network. He almost didn't reply at all, because damnit thanks for rubbing it in, Kimblee!

He sounds completely exhausted and angry as hell, and that's because he is. He just spent several days trying to repair the revival machine to no avail, and he's not open for criticism.]

I have nothing to say about that mission.

[same settings forever]

[explosivecombat]

[Hey, you're going to get what you deserve, as far as Kimblee is concerned, and you screwed up. It could have been worse; he could have named you all specifically.]

Well, it's fortunate that one of your teammates did, otherwise I might have cause to worry about you.

[...this condescending little shit tho.]

I trust you've been attempting to rectify the situation.

[sounds good!]

[ortion]

[Dist almost lashes out, but he holds his tongue because in the end, Kimblee still has a higher rank than him. God is he so bitter about that too. Over a year in this organization, making amazing things in the labs, and not an ounce of recognition.

Through gritted teeth,]

I have done all I can to repair the damage on the machine for the time being. Who handles the long-term repair is up to the executives now.

DEAD PHILOSOPHERS PRIVATE CHANNEL FOREVER

[doitrockapella]

I'd trade a year of being on my best behavior for an hour to walk on the moon.

But that's neither what I desire most nor the most I'd pay to get it.

[explosivecombat]

Then as legitimately interesting as that is, you're not really answering the question, are you?

[text]

[usedfeatherdance]

The stipulation that offering our own life renders the question moot places a rather undue weight on being able to receive what we desire, don't you think? It disregards those who would wish that something should come to pass, rather than an event occurring specifically for them.

[text]

[explosivecombat]

Not at all, actually; for one thing, I'd think it's something of a given that if you want something to come to pass that badly, you'll die for it, should it come to that. We all have that thing we'll die for; however, most of us can't deny that we would like to see the thing we'd die for come to pass, in some selfish way. No one is purely altruistic, no matter what they may claim to the contrary.

Locked Voice

[strongestoftheturks]

Rude reporting in, sir.

Sent in 25 Fossil Pokemon and assisted with the infiltration at Pewter.

[Yes, he dealt with losing his partner through a super Pokemon catching spree.]

Locked Voice

[explosivecombat]

Excellent, so you -

[...wait.]

Ah...twenty-five?

[did you really

you just

...yep]

Well, that's certainly impressive - I'm not going to complain, of course, I'm just curious about whether there was a particular reason. Feeling particularly ambitious?

Text | do I have to say Madoka spoilers? Madoka ending spoilers for anyone not familiar with it. :P

[herwish]

[This question actually reminds her of someone else! ...Except Kyuubey wouldn't call any off-limits, considering how excited he was every time, whenever someone triggered Madoka's magical potential into a better direction with their actions. But, there really was no point in really dying, unless they could be saved from it somehow. And as much as magical girls back home liked keeping things as a secret, Madoka has no problem being open about stuff. Not when she's from a point where everything is clear to her and she knows what she desires the most. And you, sir, asked, so here goes~]

Changing myself into something or someone, who can save all the other girls of my world from a horrible fate in the past, future and present. I'm pretty sure I would have to erase my whole existence from the Earth to make it come true, but I would have no regrets. Some people might call it worse than dying, but I'd rather do that than let my friends and others suffer. I wouldn't be dead though! I'd see it all come true and watch over everyone forever from wherever I'd be after making that wish come true. So I guess it doesn't count as off-limits here, since I'd be alive. I just wouldn't be anywhere for anyone to reach me.

Text

[explosivecombat]

Taking a third option, then; I can't say that I disapprove of your methods, though most wouldn't think in terms so distant from reality. As far as where I'm from is concerned, you would have effectively just made yourself some sort of deity.

[YOU HAVE NO IDEA, KIMBLEE...]

Although, if I may - why are you specifying that you would save the girls in particular? Admittedly, I don't know you or your context, but it seems strange to me to want to rescue one gender or another and not leave it at "everyone."

[text]

[darkenedgales]

not gonna lie, I kinda missed your random cryptic bullshit question polls while you were gone!

[... That... was probably supposed to be a compliment of some sort, um.]

not sure how to answer that one though. I'd have to figure out what is it that I want so badly that I'd do any crazy stuff for since I'm guessing we're not talking about "wish somebody paid my bills for me" kinda deal

buuuuut I'm pretty sure my imagination's just fine!

[text]

[explosivecombat]

...I'm not sure whether I'm flattered or not, but I'm just going to assume that I should be, if you don't mind.

As for your response - take it as you will, really; it doesn't necessarily have to be a particularly deep answer. We all want something, I'll insist on that much, but some of us are far more content with simple things than others.

[AUDIO - LOCKED]

[diamondo]

[Oh man, it's this guy again. Well, Mondo figures he should probably contact him again since he is a superior officer and all that...]

I was one of the guys helping with the raid in Pewter. We got away with a lot of shit, so I'd say that was a success.

[AUDIO - LOCKED]

[explosivecombat]

Ah, so you were a part of that group, were you? Your contributions were definitely noticed and appreciated, the lot of you.

[Kimblee, you don't know that. But there's nothing quite like attempting to maintain some semblance of control, and if he's not directly pulling rank, then he can't really get a talking-to, now, can he?]

How's your...ah, friend, I suppose he is - the one who ended up tranquilized for his efforts?

[text]

[exeggutorhead]

I'd give up living in Amestris and leave to a new world for revenge.

[It's also an easy answer, as he's already made that sacrifice in his timeline.]

[text]

[explosivecombat]

I've found a surprising amount of us would give up living in Amestris, if given the choice, though not necessarily for the purpose of revenge.

What, exactly, would you be seeking vengeance for?

[AUDIO - LOCKED] THE LATEST SORRY

[sadisticwarfare]

[Archer's response comes quite some time after Kimblee's initial transmission; he's been busy.]

Do tell me you've found at least some useful recruits. I'm beginning to wonder if we're the only competent Rockets.

[Someone may or may not still be buttfurious over the promotions.]

[explosivecombat]

[Ah, look, Archer has been both busy and anally devastated! In other breaking news, water is wet and Amestris is a crapsack.]

Well, I wouldn't say that there aren't any competent ones, as there definitely are; whether or not we'll find them useful for our purposes is another matter.