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

[snapandscoot]

We'd get into a frightfully stupid argument about how deluded you are; seems a bit of a waste of time if you're on a tight schedule.

[explosivecombat]

So don't waste mine.

[snapandscoot]

I'm still waiting for an answer to my question! You're horribly rude!

[explosivecombat]

That question doesn't deserve an answer. Especially not coming from you.

[snapandscoot]

And what's that supposed to mean?

[explosivecombat]

If anyone stops me, it certainly won't be you.

I assume your injuries have healed by now?

[snapandscoot]

You don't know that.

Don't worry; I'm ready and waiting for Round 2, 'Seth'.

[explosivecombat]

I'm rather certain of it, actually. And really, even if you stop me, you won't have stopped the organization by a long shot. And there are many of them who won't take well to my defeat.

So I'll win either way, really.

[snapandscoot]

Stopping you is enough! If the best you can do to intimidate me now is by using vague allusions to your Rocket friends, you need to step up your game!

I'm not afraid of you any more. I just think you're horribly creepy, and I can deal with that.

[explosivecombat]

Are you expecting me to be displeased with that? I haven't the vaguest idea why you think you're at all special; good for you...?

[snapandscoot]

You're breaking my heart with your callous words, you know. Next thing you'll say is that our relationship never meant anything.

I do have one more question for you, however, if you can bring yourself to humour me.

[explosivecombat]

Anything you like.

[snapandscoot]

Am I actually going to get an answer this time?

[explosivecombat]

As long as the question isn't centered around baseless overconfidence and attempting to stroke your own ego for something you haven't even come close to managing, yes.

[snapandscoot]

Well, sorry you were offended! Regardless, my question is this; what is Team Rocket's ultimate goal? What purpose does all this destruction serve? I've been trying to puzzle it out and I wouldn't mind a hint.

I'm doing my best to keep my ego out of it, but it's a struggle.

[explosivecombat]

You're still making yourself out to be far more important to me than you are; I'm no more offended by you than I would be offended by a dog that's prone to particularly high-pitched, frequent barking. That's an annoyance, not offensive; do learn the difference.

As for your question, unfortunately, I'm not the highest-ranking individual in the organization. As such, I'm not authorized to speak on its behalf. I understand that you likely won't find this answer satisfactory, but I imagine it's better than lying to you and leading you in the wrong direction entirely; my apologies for that much, at least.

[snapandscoot]

No, you're the one who can't seem to stop stating how much I'm trying to sound 'important' to you; are you projecting, or just completely off-target? I'm praying for the latter.

I suppose I should thank you for your honesty. You're under direct orders to make these attacks, then? If you don't mind another one of my annoying questions.

[explosivecombat]

Some of the attacks are the result of direct orders from higher up, yes. Sometimes we're given a general idea of what they want accomplished and we're told to be as creative as we like, as long as the job gets done. And sometimes the attacks are carried out simply because I felt like it that day, without any orders at all.

[snapandscoot]

I see. What sort of establishments or people draw your attention for your random attacks? Helpless ones? Those that will put up a fight?

[explosivecombat]

It depends on the circumstances; I admit that usually I've been aiming for spectacle. Targets that will make an impact. The Kimono Girls were well-known and well-liked, for example; the attack on the city square in Goldenrod was something that would be seen by many. Things along those lines.

That isn't always the case, however; obviously, there have been deviations from that pattern.

[snapandscoot]

No, that makes a lot of sense. Too much sense, really.

Those are all the answers I need for now. I'd offer you the chance to ask me any, but I don't want you to accuse me of being self-important again.

[explosivecombat]

Would I receive honest answers?

[snapandscoot]

It wouldn't be ladylike to do otherwise.

[explosivecombat]

Having no personal experience with being a lady myself, I'll have to take your word for it, then.

I'm curious as to why you're doing this in the first place. I've explained my motives to you, though you didn't seem too thrilled about them; do you simply desire to see all who do what you deem "evil things" to be punished/brought to justice, or is there a more personal reason?

[snapandscoot]

I'm not sure if I'd be concerned or intrigued if you did, but I digress.

I'm doing this for a few reasons; I want to solve the puzzle of you and Team Rocket, and I also want to avoid people getting hurt. I work for the greatest gentleman in the world, and he definitely wouldn't approve of what you're doing.

That, and I enjoy taking down criminals. I've helped the police in the past, and it's quite the rush! I'm not used to being defeated but our first battle was full of major mistakes on my part; I like to think that next time we meet, I'll do better.

And maybe you'll see me as a little more than just an annoyance; you never know.