ROCKET PLOT? IN -MY- GAME? IT'S MORE LIKELY THAN YOU THINK.
It’s early in Mahogany.
The sun is only just creeping over the evergreens that surround the little town at the base of the mountains-it hasn’t even yet started to dispel the wispy fog that drifts between the buildings.
Not, of course, that any of the Rocket grunts can see that from their rooms deep underground.
Most of them have had it pretty good the last couple of weeks. Nice rooms, nicer food, and how about that hot spring, guys? They’ve even been allowed to sleep in as long as they want. …. Well, until today.
Somewhere in the hallway, a loudspeaker crackles on… This time, the announcement isn’t made in Ariana’s voice-it’s Archer’s.
“Grunts. Proceed immediately to the conference room in Hallway 2B for a meeting. It will begin in ten minutes.”
It’s loud, although some of the deeper sleepers might have missed it-fortunately for them, a few minutes later, one of the big burly fellows who shepherded them into the hideout to begin with is coming around and banging on the doors just to make sure everybody drags themselves out of bed. How considerate.
The meeting room, when the tired Grunts trickle in and are lined up against the back wall, is fairly sizable, and Archer awaits them, arms folded behind his back. Fortunately, he doesn’t seem to have any guns or crazy dictator facial tics, so he’s probably not gonna shoot them up or something.
After the call-back Grunts are settled, the newest recruits are shuffled in-the ones who just showed up in Mahogany over the last couple of weeks. Lined up against a separate wall, they are told just to watch and listen, for this will be an educational experience on what is expected of them. Slightly ominous…
When the hubbub settles, Archer clears his throat.
“Good morning, Grunts. We’re sorry for the wait.” … Well, no, not really, but whatever. “There were a few snags along the way, but now that we’ve got you all in one place, playtime is over. Today… we will be getting down to business.”
He snaps his fingers, and the door opens. A haggard and mostly-asleep looking Petrel comes hurrying in, arms full of papers and what looks like rolled-up blueprints. Reaching the table, he dumps them down, making a few of the rolled-up sheets go rolling off in different directions before he scoops them all back into a pile again and straightens up, flashing Archer a hopeful smile. When all he gets in return is a dull stare, he wilts and scurries to the back of the room again.
Turning back to the group, the executive gives them all a hard stare before clearing his throat again and picking up a sheet of paper.
“If you’re in here, congratulations. You are among the loyal. We here in Team Rocket value loyalty.” A smirk crawls across his face like a caterpillar trying to impress a pillbug. Go back and read that sentence again. It doesn’t make much sense, but if you can visualize it, that’s what Archer’s face is doing. It’s almost like he’s trying to look like an evil admin. “However, loyalty alone… is not enough.”
Indicating the papers in front of him with a broad gesture, he rises from his seat.
“We’ve been keeping tabs on you all while you were out in this fine, fine country of ours. Some of you have done… fine, fine work. Very fine. Those of you who operated on your own despite silence on our part in particular are to be commended for your dedication. Those of you who didn’t… well, we like to consider ourselves reasonable leaders. You are excused for the time being for your inactivity, but next time, we will not be so understanding. We fully expect even the lowliest of grunts to continue the great work of Team Rocket no matter what, even when there is continued silence from your leaders.”
He pauses there for a moment, seemingly to collect himself, before adding, solemnly, “Just like we ourselves have done for the past four years.”
There’s a brief silence, broken only by a visibly-moved Petrel blowing his nose loudly in the back of the room.
“In any case,” Archer speaks up again sharply, and snaps his fingers. “These are your evaluations. Petrel, pass them out.” He turns briefly to the new recruits and adds “You lot haven’t been evaluated yet. But you will be eventually, so don’t think we’ll be going lax on you.”
The evaluations are passed out on short notecards, each with the recipient’s name-or at least the name that shows up on their PokeGear ID-typed neatly at the top.
Carona
You hunger for knowledge about our grand organization is refreshing to see, and we heartily encourage you to continue to learn about our great legacy. In particular, we recommend The Life and Times of Giovanni, the official biography of the great and powerful leader who started it all. It is in the bookshelf in the lounge.
Cobra Commander
Despite your frequent doubting of our competence (yes, we know about that), the fact that you not only performed on your own and showed an admirable will to take charge in the absence of direct orders, which shows the very attitude we prize here in Team Rocket, but still showed up here when called has proven beyond doubt that you are both a responsible subordinate and a capable leader. With this in mind, congratulations, you have been promoted to Rocket Private-one of the first of your foreigner status to attain such a position within our ranks. You will be given further details on what this title entails.
Daisuke Niwa
Two words: shape up. You have been a guest in our glorious Headquarters well long enough for the inevitable shock and awe to have worn off, and yet all you have done is mope. We expect a proactive, go-getter attitude from all our members and you have failed spectacularly.
You are expected to pick up a more eager mindset for the upcoming mission.
We can and will come up with something to motivate you if you do not do it yourself.
Don Paolo
Although your activity is not as impressive as some, we still appreciate your efforts. Should you keep them up, you will be rewarded for them. In addition, we are also impressed with your improvements to our machinery. As such, we are promoting you to an engineer position. We look forward to your continued contributions to our prestigious organization.
Easel
We understand that you have only been here a short amount of time and as such have not yet had the time to commit any of the impressive atrocities we would normally expect from one of our own. As such your lack of activity has been excused. However, more will be expected of you soon, so be prepared.
Grell
We are not entirely pleased with your inactivity during our period of silence, but because you have performed such admirable work on other occasions, most notably in your capture of one of the deserters, we have chosen to overlook it. Please continue with the good work. You are to work as an assistant in command under Privates Kneesocks and Cobra Commander during the upcoming mission.
Jango
Quite frankly, you are a rather disturbing individual and we are not entirely certain we like you. We would like to request that you refrain from co-opting any of the public HQ areas for dancing, as it misrepresents us as an organization and at least one native Grunt has reported that their Pokemon have been dancing continuously ever since having an encounter with you.
However, your hypnotic skills are of value to us and therefore you have a role to play in the upcoming mission.
More details will be given to you once we arrive on location.
Kasanoda
We’re watching you. Another attempt to leak information and you will regret it.
On the upcoming mission, you are to ask to be given a 9:00-5:00 job cleaning toilets.
We will know if you don’t and the consequences will be … unpleasant.
Do not disobey us again.
Kneesocks
We are very pleased with your work. Your obedience and loyalty has been exceptional, and in particular your capture of the deserter Vanitas was particularly impressive. We hope you continue to perform such quality work with us from your new position. Congratulations, you have been promoted to Rocket Private-one of the first of your foreigner status to attain such a position within our ranks. You will be given further details on what this title entails.
Niou
You seem to have no trouble getting into the spirit of things, and as an organization committed to nurturing each member’s inner criminal, we find it very heartwarming to observe your escapades with your fellow Grunts. However, please keep in mind that Team Rocket is an organization devoted to greatness, and in the future a great deal more will be expected of you than petty pickpocketing.
Shinji
Although all of us participate in juvenile goading of pathetic law-abiding individuals over the network from time to time, we would like to remind you that as a member of the great Team Rocket, a great deal more will be expected of you than simple antagonization.
Tarantulas
Yes, we know it’s you. We’re not sure what is up with the disguise, but we will play along and refrain from outing you to the police (obviously) and your compatriots. However, keep in mind that attempting to deceive US about your identity is a foolish move. We completely support your methods of disguising your presence in Johto to the police and your fellow foreigners, however. Very clever.
You have done work above and beyond the call of what Team Rocket normally participates in. However, there is no question that we could use a man of such skill and knowledge as yourself. With this in mind, you have been granted permission to full use of our facilities and laboratory equipment. Obviously we would prefer that you primarily use it for work-related reasons, but we will not begrudge you their use if you should happen to acquire any more… subjects you may wish to experiment on, so long as such activities do not interfere with your duties for the organization. Additionally, should you find out anything important or useful to our organization during any of this ‘personal research’, you are obligated to report it immediately.
For the time being, however, we would like you to accompany your fellow Rockets on the mission and stand by in the event that your … information-extraction skills are required.
As the papers are passed around and each of the returning Grunts is given a chance to look over them, Archer waits impatiently for a couple of minutes before clearing his throat once again. Does this guy have a cough or what?
“But enough of that. The time has come at last to reveal our work.”
Moving aside slightly, he gestures to an easel covered in a blanket. And then, with a dramatic flourish, he yanks it away, revealing a large photograph of…
The Goldenrod City Radio Tower..
“This, ladies and gentlemen, is our target. The objective is simple. Observe. Infiltrate. Take over.”
He pauses for dramatic effect, and then adds, hastily-
“Well, obviously there’s going to be more to it than that, but you will be given more specific orders upon arrival. The helicopters will be leaving in intervals over the next few days to transport you all there. Lodgings will be provided in Goldenrod City for those who cannot afford it themselves. Time is of the essence, so you all should get ready.”
By this he means ‘kiss that hot spring goodbye because there sure won’t be one in the ice-covered city YOU’RE going to’.
But as the grunts are milling towards the door, he holds up a hand.
“I have one last announcement. …. You have all been loyal. Coming here of your own free will. However… if any of you are having second thoughts, or are thinking of possibly deserting…”
He turns to the wall and pushes a depressed panel-causing the entire wall to slide away. What’s revealed?
Why, a glass window looking down on some prison cells containing the kidnapped deserters, of course!
When Archer speaks up again, his voice is chilly.
“Consider this a friendly warning as to what awaits you should your loyalty falter at any point. Now carry on.”
[OOC: Sorry for the long wait, guys!
Here are some notes:
1)For the ‘Rocket Privates’, privileges include the absolute right to boss around all other ‘otherworlder’ Grunts, as well as important commanding roles in the upcoming missions.
In addition, Cobra Commander and Kneesocks will be presented with a gift in honor of their promotion: a pair of TMs, both containing the move Hyper Beam. They are told to choose the Pokemon they teach it to wisely because they won’t be getting any more of those.
2) If your character is a Rocket grunt who was called back to base (aka, was a member of Team Rocket before the call-back announcement was made), and you did not receive an Evaluation, please comment here with their dastardly achievements (or lack thereof), and we will edit this post to comply. <3
3) For the imprisoned characters, there will be another OOC announcement made sometime over the next few days concerning their fate. We’d like everyone concerned to give us some input on what’s to happen to them, as there’s a variety of different outcomes possible!
AS ALWAYS, consider this to be an open log post for your characters to mingle and discuss this new information should they choose, and if anyone has any questions, please post them in the QUESTIONS thread!]
The sun is only just creeping over the evergreens that surround the little town at the base of the mountains-it hasn’t even yet started to dispel the wispy fog that drifts between the buildings.
Not, of course, that any of the Rocket grunts can see that from their rooms deep underground.
Most of them have had it pretty good the last couple of weeks. Nice rooms, nicer food, and how about that hot spring, guys? They’ve even been allowed to sleep in as long as they want. …. Well, until today.
Somewhere in the hallway, a loudspeaker crackles on… This time, the announcement isn’t made in Ariana’s voice-it’s Archer’s.
“Grunts. Proceed immediately to the conference room in Hallway 2B for a meeting. It will begin in ten minutes.”
It’s loud, although some of the deeper sleepers might have missed it-fortunately for them, a few minutes later, one of the big burly fellows who shepherded them into the hideout to begin with is coming around and banging on the doors just to make sure everybody drags themselves out of bed. How considerate.
The meeting room, when the tired Grunts trickle in and are lined up against the back wall, is fairly sizable, and Archer awaits them, arms folded behind his back. Fortunately, he doesn’t seem to have any guns or crazy dictator facial tics, so he’s probably not gonna shoot them up or something.
After the call-back Grunts are settled, the newest recruits are shuffled in-the ones who just showed up in Mahogany over the last couple of weeks. Lined up against a separate wall, they are told just to watch and listen, for this will be an educational experience on what is expected of them. Slightly ominous…
When the hubbub settles, Archer clears his throat.
“Good morning, Grunts. We’re sorry for the wait.” … Well, no, not really, but whatever. “There were a few snags along the way, but now that we’ve got you all in one place, playtime is over. Today… we will be getting down to business.”
He snaps his fingers, and the door opens. A haggard and mostly-asleep looking Petrel comes hurrying in, arms full of papers and what looks like rolled-up blueprints. Reaching the table, he dumps them down, making a few of the rolled-up sheets go rolling off in different directions before he scoops them all back into a pile again and straightens up, flashing Archer a hopeful smile. When all he gets in return is a dull stare, he wilts and scurries to the back of the room again.
Turning back to the group, the executive gives them all a hard stare before clearing his throat again and picking up a sheet of paper.
“If you’re in here, congratulations. You are among the loyal. We here in Team Rocket value loyalty.” A smirk crawls across his face like a caterpillar trying to impress a pillbug. Go back and read that sentence again. It doesn’t make much sense, but if you can visualize it, that’s what Archer’s face is doing. It’s almost like he’s trying to look like an evil admin. “However, loyalty alone… is not enough.”
Indicating the papers in front of him with a broad gesture, he rises from his seat.
“We’ve been keeping tabs on you all while you were out in this fine, fine country of ours. Some of you have done… fine, fine work. Very fine. Those of you who operated on your own despite silence on our part in particular are to be commended for your dedication. Those of you who didn’t… well, we like to consider ourselves reasonable leaders. You are excused for the time being for your inactivity, but next time, we will not be so understanding. We fully expect even the lowliest of grunts to continue the great work of Team Rocket no matter what, even when there is continued silence from your leaders.”
He pauses there for a moment, seemingly to collect himself, before adding, solemnly, “Just like we ourselves have done for the past four years.”
There’s a brief silence, broken only by a visibly-moved Petrel blowing his nose loudly in the back of the room.
“In any case,” Archer speaks up again sharply, and snaps his fingers. “These are your evaluations. Petrel, pass them out.” He turns briefly to the new recruits and adds “You lot haven’t been evaluated yet. But you will be eventually, so don’t think we’ll be going lax on you.”
The evaluations are passed out on short notecards, each with the recipient’s name-or at least the name that shows up on their PokeGear ID-typed neatly at the top.
Carona
You hunger for knowledge about our grand organization is refreshing to see, and we heartily encourage you to continue to learn about our great legacy. In particular, we recommend The Life and Times of Giovanni, the official biography of the great and powerful leader who started it all. It is in the bookshelf in the lounge.
Cobra Commander
Despite your frequent doubting of our competence (yes, we know about that), the fact that you not only performed on your own and showed an admirable will to take charge in the absence of direct orders, which shows the very attitude we prize here in Team Rocket, but still showed up here when called has proven beyond doubt that you are both a responsible subordinate and a capable leader. With this in mind, congratulations, you have been promoted to Rocket Private-one of the first of your foreigner status to attain such a position within our ranks. You will be given further details on what this title entails.
Daisuke Niwa
Two words: shape up. You have been a guest in our glorious Headquarters well long enough for the inevitable shock and awe to have worn off, and yet all you have done is mope. We expect a proactive, go-getter attitude from all our members and you have failed spectacularly.
You are expected to pick up a more eager mindset for the upcoming mission.
We can and will come up with something to motivate you if you do not do it yourself.
Don Paolo
Although your activity is not as impressive as some, we still appreciate your efforts. Should you keep them up, you will be rewarded for them. In addition, we are also impressed with your improvements to our machinery. As such, we are promoting you to an engineer position. We look forward to your continued contributions to our prestigious organization.
Easel
We understand that you have only been here a short amount of time and as such have not yet had the time to commit any of the impressive atrocities we would normally expect from one of our own. As such your lack of activity has been excused. However, more will be expected of you soon, so be prepared.
Grell
We are not entirely pleased with your inactivity during our period of silence, but because you have performed such admirable work on other occasions, most notably in your capture of one of the deserters, we have chosen to overlook it. Please continue with the good work. You are to work as an assistant in command under Privates Kneesocks and Cobra Commander during the upcoming mission.
Jango
Quite frankly, you are a rather disturbing individual and we are not entirely certain we like you. We would like to request that you refrain from co-opting any of the public HQ areas for dancing, as it misrepresents us as an organization and at least one native Grunt has reported that their Pokemon have been dancing continuously ever since having an encounter with you.
However, your hypnotic skills are of value to us and therefore you have a role to play in the upcoming mission.
More details will be given to you once we arrive on location.
Kasanoda
We’re watching you. Another attempt to leak information and you will regret it.
On the upcoming mission, you are to ask to be given a 9:00-5:00 job cleaning toilets.
We will know if you don’t and the consequences will be … unpleasant.
Do not disobey us again.
Kneesocks
We are very pleased with your work. Your obedience and loyalty has been exceptional, and in particular your capture of the deserter Vanitas was particularly impressive. We hope you continue to perform such quality work with us from your new position. Congratulations, you have been promoted to Rocket Private-one of the first of your foreigner status to attain such a position within our ranks. You will be given further details on what this title entails.
Niou
You seem to have no trouble getting into the spirit of things, and as an organization committed to nurturing each member’s inner criminal, we find it very heartwarming to observe your escapades with your fellow Grunts. However, please keep in mind that Team Rocket is an organization devoted to greatness, and in the future a great deal more will be expected of you than petty pickpocketing.
Shinji
Although all of us participate in juvenile goading of pathetic law-abiding individuals over the network from time to time, we would like to remind you that as a member of the great Team Rocket, a great deal more will be expected of you than simple antagonization.
Tarantulas
Yes, we know it’s you. We’re not sure what is up with the disguise, but we will play along and refrain from outing you to the police (obviously) and your compatriots. However, keep in mind that attempting to deceive US about your identity is a foolish move. We completely support your methods of disguising your presence in Johto to the police and your fellow foreigners, however. Very clever.
You have done work above and beyond the call of what Team Rocket normally participates in. However, there is no question that we could use a man of such skill and knowledge as yourself. With this in mind, you have been granted permission to full use of our facilities and laboratory equipment. Obviously we would prefer that you primarily use it for work-related reasons, but we will not begrudge you their use if you should happen to acquire any more… subjects you may wish to experiment on, so long as such activities do not interfere with your duties for the organization. Additionally, should you find out anything important or useful to our organization during any of this ‘personal research’, you are obligated to report it immediately.
For the time being, however, we would like you to accompany your fellow Rockets on the mission and stand by in the event that your … information-extraction skills are required.
As the papers are passed around and each of the returning Grunts is given a chance to look over them, Archer waits impatiently for a couple of minutes before clearing his throat once again. Does this guy have a cough or what?
“But enough of that. The time has come at last to reveal our work.”
Moving aside slightly, he gestures to an easel covered in a blanket. And then, with a dramatic flourish, he yanks it away, revealing a large photograph of…
The Goldenrod City Radio Tower..
“This, ladies and gentlemen, is our target. The objective is simple. Observe. Infiltrate. Take over.”
He pauses for dramatic effect, and then adds, hastily-
“Well, obviously there’s going to be more to it than that, but you will be given more specific orders upon arrival. The helicopters will be leaving in intervals over the next few days to transport you all there. Lodgings will be provided in Goldenrod City for those who cannot afford it themselves. Time is of the essence, so you all should get ready.”
By this he means ‘kiss that hot spring goodbye because there sure won’t be one in the ice-covered city YOU’RE going to’.
But as the grunts are milling towards the door, he holds up a hand.
“I have one last announcement. …. You have all been loyal. Coming here of your own free will. However… if any of you are having second thoughts, or are thinking of possibly deserting…”
He turns to the wall and pushes a depressed panel-causing the entire wall to slide away. What’s revealed?
Why, a glass window looking down on some prison cells containing the kidnapped deserters, of course!
When Archer speaks up again, his voice is chilly.
“Consider this a friendly warning as to what awaits you should your loyalty falter at any point. Now carry on.”
[OOC: Sorry for the long wait, guys!
Here are some notes:
1)For the ‘Rocket Privates’, privileges include the absolute right to boss around all other ‘otherworlder’ Grunts, as well as important commanding roles in the upcoming missions.
In addition, Cobra Commander and Kneesocks will be presented with a gift in honor of their promotion: a pair of TMs, both containing the move Hyper Beam. They are told to choose the Pokemon they teach it to wisely because they won’t be getting any more of those.
2) If your character is a Rocket grunt who was called back to base (aka, was a member of Team Rocket before the call-back announcement was made), and you did not receive an Evaluation, please comment here with their dastardly achievements (or lack thereof), and we will edit this post to comply. <3
3) For the imprisoned characters, there will be another OOC announcement made sometime over the next few days concerning their fate. We’d like everyone concerned to give us some input on what’s to happen to them, as there’s a variety of different outcomes possible!
AS ALWAYS, consider this to be an open log post for your characters to mingle and discuss this new information should they choose, and if anyone has any questions, please post them in the QUESTIONS thread!]