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

[explosivecombat]

You're right about that much; I've never been to London, personally. Not that it narrows it down for you very much, given how many there are from different worlds here, and how many different worlds there seem to be, period.

Humans in general are an odd sort, however; the way they behave and the patterns they fall into are often predictable. Understand where one comes from and you can usually work out how they'll respond to certain stimuli; they'll continue to respond in the same way nine times out of ten, usually until something - either internal or external - forces them to respond differently. Many people are surprisingly easy to control.

At the same time, that one time makes them worth observing, I think.

[snapandscoot]

The way you talk about humanity makes it sound like you don't consider yourself amongst us. Like you're observing from some sort of platform, rather than from within. It's rather disconcerting.

Does your 'nine out of ten' rule apply to you as well?

[explosivecombat]

I've never considered myself superior to most of humanity, nor do I consider myself inferior; there are the obvious exceptions where such feelings are warranted, as there are with all people, I think - but as a whole? No, I don't consider myself to be superior, as your 'platform' simile implies, though I apologize if I'm misunderstanding your comparison. I will admit that I've never truly seemed to be one with the rest of you, however. Different enough to warrant the separation, if you will.

But at the same time, I'm not going to claim I'm above that particular rule, as I am human myself. At least, in the most literal sense possible; I've done something horrible enough in the world I come from to have my claim to being a member of the species permanently revoked, I'm fairly sure. That's not bragging, nor is it exaggeration for the sake of trying to scare you; it's just the way things are back home.

[snapandscoot]

So it's like you're standing on the fringes. That can't be too comfortable. Well, I'm sure people would be more than happy to consider you part of the species if you weren't trying to cause so much grief, you know. People don't tend to appreciate that sort of thing very much.

But I'm sure you've heard it all before, so I won't press that particular topic. I just want to know if you're preparing another attack any time soon.

[explosivecombat]

I don't recall saying I'm uncomfortable with it. I've made my decisions, and I regret none of them; I have consequences to take for my actions whenever I return from Johto, and I'm more than willing to do that. I've accepted every part of what I've become; I'm not looking for anyone to reach out to me.

As for the next attack, I've told you already that I can't speak for the organization; it's possible they'll move before I do. While I do have some plans, they aren't anything that will come to pass within, say, the next week, don't worry.

[snapandscoot]

Whatever makes you happy, and all that. It would just be nice if you didn't have to rob others of their happiness in order to gain your own.

But that's all the more motivation to put a stop to you, I suppose! Thank you for answering my questions; this has been very educational for me.

[explosivecombat]

I wouldn't say that it's robbing them of their happiness - it's more that I'm making them earn it, really.

And that was the purpose of this little session; good to know that it was successful, at least in that regard.

[snapandscoot]

The fact that you seem to think you're entitled to controlling whether or not people are happy is rather gross. I hope you get over yourself by the time we meet next.

Regardless, do have a nice day.

[explosivecombat]

Think what you like; I'm not going to dictate your decisions for you.

Consider that returned, however. It's been a pleasure.