016. [Anonymous Text + Images]

[explosivecombat]

[And tonight, with no fanfare, a text hits the network. Completely anonymous, as always; those who have done their homework would recognize the 'Gear number as the one ascribed to the device that's been showing off several other attacks that have been broadcast to the network.]

Good evening, Johto.

The last few times we've spoken have been a bit unbalanced, wouldn't you agree?

[Ah, there are the pictures. Still images from the attack on the square in front of the Goldenrod Department Store, along with a few other images - the attack on the Kimono Girls and against a few random civilians, the Goldenrod Pokémon Center being destroyed. Little unpleasantries like that. Scroll past them and the text will pick back up, don't worry.]

You've told me so much about yourselves, during those attacks. I've gotten to know several of you quite well, actually.

For the time being, I would like to even the playing field a little. It will keep things interesting, I think.

From the time that you contact me onward, you have an hour to ask me anything you like. I can't guarantee you'll like or be satisfied with the answers, but it'll be better than nothing, I imagine; anything is up for discussion, short of my current location.

And don't worry - I'll introduce myself, just to spare you some time.

[There's one more image after the text ends; it's the sort of picture that usually closes out these transmissions to the network - a shot of the Rocket agent in question from the chest down to about the waist. The room behind him is dark, though it appears to be a meeting room of some sort, if you squint; the Rocket insignia emblazoned across his shirt is clearly visible above his hands, which are obscured by the pale gloves that come with the uniform. Instead of the usual Pokéballs clasped in his hands, however, there's a white card with a few words written on it in thick, blocky writing, as though someone had written the letters and gone over them repeatedly, rendering them unidentifiable through handwriting alone. The words are highly visible, standing out against the stark, glaring white of the card in the flash of the camera:

MY NAME IS SETH.

PLEASED TO MAKE YOUR ACQUAINTANCE.]

Comments

[glaciates]

From the sound of it, you can't prove any of this.

[............he has no idea, okay......]

[explosivecombat]

Isaac McDougal. Alchemist. Former major in the Amestrian military turned vigilante. Brought here after a bit of an...incident, I understand?

Often in the company of one of our field agents - your current domestic partner, if I'm not mistaken. You're also rather close with Emmy Altava - a woman from London, England, and a member of our opposition. A charming young lady, I've spoken to her several times myself.

Does that satisfy you?

[glaciates]

[There's no way he could know all that. Isaac hasn't mentioned his relationship with Kimblee to anyone but Emmy, and likewise he hasn't mentioned his friendship with Emmy to anyone but Kimblee. He can only think of one person who would know all that - Archer.]

Where did you get all this information?

[explosivecombat]

Unfortunately, I can't say.

[glaciates]

Well that confirms my suspicions. I have a pretty damn good idea who you are, Seth.

[AND IF ARCHER IS PLAYING WITH THE 'GEAR WHEN HE RETURNS TO THE MANOR HE IS GOING TO END HIM]

[explosivecombat]

Do you? Because I can take a guess at what conclusion you've come to, and if I'm right, I can tell you with utmost certainty that you are not.

[glaciates]

And can you prove that?

[explosivecombat]

Again, what proof would you find acceptable?

[glaciates]

I don't know. It sounds like you don't have any proof.

[explosivecombat]

You said that last time, and it seems I've already convinced you.

[glaciates]

You don't have any way to prove you're not him, short of outing yourself as someone else. You wouldn't be trying to persuade me that you're not him if you were anyone else, however, so I'd say it's a fair assumption.

[explosivecombat]

[ISAAC.........]

What the hell kind of logic is that?

[glaciates]

I already explained it. It's not my fault if you're not following.

[THIS MAKES PERFECT SENSE WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT]

[explosivecombat]

Actually, no, I'm fairly sure that is your fault, as it's indicative of a really bad explanation.

[glaciates]

I'm not explaining it again.

[explosivecombat]

What I'm not following is the latter half of it. Why in the world wouldn't I try to convince you that I'm not him, were I, in fact, not him? Do you really not see how little sense that makes?

[glaciates]

Because you could pin the blame on someone else. You've taken credit for your attacks within the organization; do you really want everyone outside the organization coming after you? You're willing to give us a false name anyway, why not take it one step further?

[explosivecombat]

[.........do you even go here]

Do you believe us all to have no code of honor whatsoever? I'm not the sort to bring down infamy on someone else's head, considering what I've done.

Or if you find that too difficult to wrap your mind around, I like taking credit for my work in all facets of presentation. Is that sufficiently self-serving for you?

[glaciates]

[.....he just has a lot of feelings....

That said, he's also done dealing with this. As far as he's concerned this is Archer, just doing that usual thing he does where he bitches relentlessly and keeps coming up with shit to say long after you've stopped engaging him. He's relentless and dealing with him is exhausting.]

[explosivecombat]

[...you are going to confuse Archer so badly when you confront him with this, you know, given that Kimblee never told him that this was going to happen...

...do call him "Seth" to his face just to see what he does with it, though, shit'll be hilarious.]