tickleironysjudgment | Scene Two: Act Three [Video- Locked to Rocket Frequency]

[Greetings from the desk of Agnus, fellow Rockets! Agnus is seated at his desk, the camera angled to the whiteboard behind him, and some stacks of papers are at the side.]

Hello, everyone. I would like to remind all of the kind souls who have volunteered their pokemon to the Goldenrod labs that research trials will begin as of this announcement. Anyone who has agreed to allow their pokemon for testing may contact me at leisure to coordinate days and times for best convenience.

[He reaches over to shuffle through his papers for a few moments, then nods thoughtfully.]

Thank you, the experiment is nearing fruition.

[Private Message to Dist]

Fantastic news, Ser Rose. We have come very close to isolating a baseline psychic wavelength. Once we-

[A pause, he moves his arm in mid-sentence and knocks a small stack of papers over in excitment.]

Oh, b-b-blast.

[Then picks them back up to shuffle them together and set them aside.]

Come find me when you have a moment and we can discuss the next phase of the experiment, once we have the frequency we can design a machine to produce it.
[End Message Feed]

[Message for Dist and Gorthan]

...By the way, gentlemen. There's a stay pup in our confinement center. His name is Nero and, if you don't mind, I need him to be kept in his cage for the time being.

[Have a delightfully malevolent grin, then he cuts the feed.]
[End Message]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Not too long after Agnus sends his message, one (1) Dist the Rose appears in his office to check in on the project's progress. Two steps in and he feels like he's practically drowning in papers.

He shoots a judging gaze in his colleague's direction. He got the feeling that Agnus was an avid note-taker from their first in-person encounter, but good god.]

Agnus... [He motions to the papers everywhere,] Have you ever considered using something electronic to store your logs? This is utterly ridiculous.

Oh, Ser Rose, good...

[He catches the gaze and looks around, Gorthan isn't around to help him keep up to date on filing his notes. If he were around, the place would be spotless....still.]

Electronic? Ah...I always found it a bit simpler to just write out my notes and keep them around in case something else comes up. Still...

[He looks around again, then gives a visible beat.]

Perhaps I should invest in something. I'm not a member of the order, so I suppose I do have the means to splurge a bit more...

[And back to Dist.]

Well, while we're speaking about the project...would you mind suggesting a few things to me? Give me a moment to sort through today's findings and I'll give you the specifics.

Agnus, that is no excuse when there are handheld electronic notepads and the like at your disposal. [He (dramatically) sighs and shakes his head.] I will have to show you one when we're done here. I really do think you'll enjoy it.

[Dist, wanting to be helpful because he's that judgmental, ladies and gentlemen.]

But yes, I would be happy to take a look at what you have thus far.

Notepads? Really...

[Shows how much attention he pays, really, he figured he was going to be recommended a little data assistant thing or something.]

Currently, we've narrowed down a series of bio-frequencies produced by psychics. I have...

[He produces a few papers, each with a collection of data on the different findings on examining pokemon neuro-biology. Several wavelengths have been discovered, it seems, but there is something else. Something beneath them. A baseline. Hints of it, then stronger signs that a single wavelength is there that could react to psychic discharges.

Notes about it, and a theoretical range that needs to be examined. Gorthan has added his judgements that it's within the range of REM sleep frequencies. His additions to the notes narrow it down much further, giving two or three hyper-REM wavelengths to be tested.]

Here we go. We're very close, Ser Rose. It's quite a thrill to be this close to a breakthrough, isn't it? Ah, but yes...I would probably need a scanner, too...

[After trudging through the papers, Dist leans in to take a closer look at those charts and notes. The further he gets through it, the more intrigued he looks.]

You are quite close, aren't you? I'm impressed by how quickly this is coming along. I'll have to input this data into the computer system for easy access.

Yes, it's been a rather thrilling month. I should say in my defense, though, that I had not nearly been so...occupied before this project began. In fact, to explain all that I've been doing for these notes; I've been looking through everything from mythology to gemology, metals to pokemon database entries, and beyond.

[For a moment, Agnus actually laughs at his own lengthy investigations. The pride of a researcher showing his work, one might suppose. He has been devoting all his efforts to this, that much is extremely clear. But...for what? Getting the spotlight is one thing, sure, but this much effort?

No, there has to be an ulterior motive. And there is. While Dist might just see him as madly obsessed, or guess that something else is going on; this is a step along the path of Agnus' life's work. The alteration of his research findings into a compatible study into the nature of pokemon, demons, and man. The very thing he sold his own soul to find, just with a few extra steps now thrown in.]

I believe I may have explained before, but my previous line of work followed a similar path. I was somewhat better equipped, but the Order had a very specific aim in mind.

Edited Date: 2012-07-17 12:13 pm (UTC)

Ah yes, you were studying gemstones when I first met you. Interesting to see how far you've come since then.

[And Dist can understand the amount of research that goes into these things. Sometimes one can be completely off-course at one point, then making leaps and bounds in progress at another.]

Actually, I've heard very little of this "Order." An organization you belonged to, I assume?

[He pauses at the inquiry and sets aside a stack of papers he had gathered to file away later. The question is simple enough, but how much he feels would be productive to explain is another matter. Dist isn't asking for his life's story after all.]

The Order of the Sword. It was a religious organization, I suppose you could say? A collective of people united under a shared faith, myself being the Chief Alchemist. My duties were many, and among them my life's work. Summoning, but not as I come to understand a summoning of spirits or sprites. No...Demons. I summoned demons.

[He grins a bit, and looks over to Dist with interest.]

I was charged with summoning demons, then conquering their souls for the Order's own use.

[At first Dist was with Agnus, almost relating to him somewhat because he also worked for a religious organization...

But then he got to the demons and Dist just raises an eyebrow at him. Wat.]

Well, that's, ah...interesting. And what exactly did you do with their souls?

[Now was the point of action, the junction by which something of Agnus was laid bare for his would-be conversation partner. While he spoke his eyes trailed off and became distant, his features solemn yet bitter.]

I forged them. My task was to create, to fuse and synthesize to forge from those demonic souls weapons of great power. Living armor, forged from demonic power to enforce the will of the Order. Great, living weapons for the Order soldiers. But, by far, the most shining of our achievements came from none other than His Holiness.

A ritual that fused demonic power with the human spirit, forged a being greater than either could ever be alone. The ascension ceremony, the highest honor of the Order of the Sword.

[It was all spoken of in a very distant, dreamy voice. A fond recollection of his proudest achievements. The highest of alchemical undertakings, all conquered by his own hand...

But, that begs the questions of why. Not 'why do this?', as is obvious, but 'why, Agnus, are you wearing such a bitter, furious scowl under those distant, reverent eyes?' Because in the course of that past bit his expression had soured over and become something terribly dark. His fists were slightly clenched, as well, a rather curious non-sequitur considering the tone of that explanation would have been rather pleasant.]

Edited Date: 2012-07-20 09:38 am (UTC)

[Well. This is unlike anything Dist has ever heard of. Other worlds certainly are fascinating.

But he does note that bitterness, so he decides to continue where Agnus stopped.]

... But all did not go according to plan?

[If he's right, hey, it happens. It's certainly happened to Dist more than once. And to his own Order as well.]

The Order fell, I presume. One of our own betrayed the cause. A youth named after the hedonist emperor, Nero. It was discovered that he possessed Demonic power, so the Order sought to capture and study him.

[A scoff.]

And then a demon became directly involved. The hero of the story. Dante. Pitiable, I had hoped to see the aim of our fair order fulfilled. A truly noble goal, or so I should like to think.

[Again, that wording...]

Noble goals have a way of dashed, or so I have learned from experience.

...Indeed. Perhaps, if even the slightest detail had unfolded differently I could have seen the Order's aim come to fruition.

[The next part is muttered a bit, and spoken in a rather maudlin and wistful tone.]

I could have watched that impure, ignoble world burn. And then, seen humans suffer for their fickle, ignorant ways.

Edited Date: 2012-08-03 08:34 am (UTC)

[... Wow, Agnus. So these are your true feelings.

Dist crosses his arms, keeping a close eye on Agnus.]

After hearing that, I must ask: what are your goals here? You have a second chance, and your personal project is quickly coming along. Soon, it will be finished. Obviously it is for Team Rocket's use, but what do you really plan to do with it?

[Usually he doesn't pry about these things or care because scientists have their own reasoning behind what they do, but he likes to know the people he's working with, producing things for. Especially since Agnus basically just said he wanted to destroy his world. He's sounding eerily similar to someone Dist worked for previously.]

[Agnus takes a moment to consider the question, the choices and opportunities involved in his new ventures. Certainly, this world was different than his own. Team Rocket was an interesting organization and he was enjoying the opportunity to put his skills to the test on a new medium. But, was it really so different? Were people not still callous, fickle, ignorant, and wanton in all their ways?

Pokemon, though. These creatures changed the equation. Invited new perspectives. The symbiosis was an intriguing thing to consider. Perhaps this world was different enough. Humans seemed to live more simply in some ways, more in tune with the way of nature, less abrasively to the environment and the planet; even more reverent in some ways.]

I do not know what the future will hold. Ser Rose, I detest humans. I loath how callous, fickle, ignorant, and destructive they are. How little they revere the world, revere the glory of creation. Respect and fear the architect, even.

However...this world seems different. Humans live in ways less abrasive, less offensive. They revere and praise, not disregard and abuse. For now I do not feel the same hatred as I had before. I am willing to continue my work, if for no other reason than to assist Team Rocket in providing the fear of 'God' to enforce in the hearts of foolish humans.

[He nods to himself, but glances at Dist and meets his eyes.]

My aims are different now. I will not invite the fires of perdition upon this world, but I will observe. I will judge for myself if this world is indeed a fitting place for a man of my cloth.

[Gorthan is very much a happy customer right now. Happy, and endowed with psychic powers.

... Now, usually, he likes his room very dark when he does Video feeds. This time... well, all the lights are on in his room and the window is open. That may strike Agnus as a little different. Insert relevant Iron Maiden song here.]

I love seeing you work, my dear lamb. As for your new pet, I would love to see him. May I? Or are you jealous of him as well?

Not the best of jests, my friend. I...do admit I am a little jealous. But, you are rather well in charge of the labs here and I am still a meager researcher. It is not my place to feel such things, and it is childish of me to...

[A pause, then he turns to the camera and stares.]

How?

...No. Gorthan! That is entirely unfair!

[Have a stare and a frown.]

Pray, what is unfair, lamb?

As for your obedience and respect of hierarchy, it is duly noted. You seem to be one of the few here to have any notion of it.

...How did you? I...Was I being that obvious?

[His facial expression is priceless right now, I swear.]

Edited Date: 2012-07-12 07:57 am (UTC)

[There is a sigh as Gorthan relaxes.]

It was a mere guess, prompted by the fact that you seem to be very possessive of everything you come to refer to as "yours".

But I fear you will have to brief me on your pet's state and abilities, as well as provide an account of his capture and suggest how we may best use him. If I joined you in your room in a few moments, would you be there?

Y-yes. Give me a few minutes, I'll see you in my office.

[Congratulations he is BEET red right now and just...cuts the feed because embarrassment.]

[Shortly after that, Gorthan is in Agnus' room. With no mischievous Pokémon this time. He sighs upon finding the usual mess. It never changes...]

... More tidying up to do. How fast can you create a mess like this?

[He hasn't even said hello and he's already trying to collect all of the papers into neat piles. As much as he enjoys doing this, that won't stop him from grumbling a little Latin.]

Errare humanum est, perseverare autem diabolicum, et tertia non datur...

There is a third option. "And to forgive, divine." I was compiling the data from the initial experiments to compare results.

[Agnus, with his own stack of papers, had been attempting to organize things in a corner of his own. Certainly, he welcomed Gorthan's presence as ever but...there was a definite sort of awkwardness to the air today.]

Nero is the child I was talking to you about some time back. The human who gained demonic power. I...managed to have him taken down and brought to the facility this morning on his way to Saffron. He was going to take the Diglett Cave, but...well.

[Agnus pauses to look over the Gorthan, that malevolent grin back over his features.]

Seems he took a wrong turn and wound up here. In pain.

Edited Date: 2012-07-12 08:44 am (UTC)

[Even as he keeps filing Agnus' documents and notes, Gorthan relaxes and smiles sincerely. The flattery, the obedience, the talk of pain... he feels at home. Except that it's a home where his odd sentences in Earth's languages are understood and replied to in kind.]

Do I strike you as divine, Agnus?

[He nods at his report.]

Well done, Agnus. Did he have any Pokémon with him? Were they confiscated, and are they in our custody right now?

Absolutely not, which is precisely why you and I seem to make a perfect pair.

[Agnus cracks a wider grin, then points over to a small drawer under his desk.]

I have them set aside currently. I was planning on using them for live subjects later on, but for not it just...

[Oh, come now, Agnus. If there's anyone that could understand the sentiment who else but Gorthan?]

I rather like having them around, just so I can gloat over the sight of them. I imagine you can understand and appreciate the sentiment, so I'll be perfectly honest there.

[Agnus shrugs, then continues organizing this and that.]

A full set of six, I haven't opened to check them just yet, though. They should all be unconscious from the attack. There...should be a report somewhere about them from the field agents that brought him in. I...think you're close to where I set it aside. Truthfully, I was so overjoyed that he was in a cage that I left the room to go and see him almost instantly. The sheer joy of cold, sweet revenge is glorious.

[He commits the words about them being a... perfect pair to mind. He never thought he'd hear something like this in his life, and he will be wondering what to make of that.

He nods. He isn't too convinced, but he plans to respect Agnus' decision.]

Fair enough. Just remember to report on the content of those Poké Balls as soon as you open them, and to forward them to the laboratory once you've grown bored with them.

[He quickly finds the report among the strewn papers and looks through it, before finding a more dignified place for it in Agnus' room.]

Not bad. But tell me...

[Gorthan walks closer to Agnus, unafraid to meet his gaze.]

Once you are done gloating over your quarries, my good hunter, what use do you have in mind for them?

Darkness.

[Agnus begins with a wistful expression, he looks to Gorthan again and examines the marks on his head once more while he speaks.]

The power of Darkness, the more I read, the more I am reminded of demonic power. The more I feel the pull of desire, curiosity, the thirst to know...

[And then he meets Gorthan's eyes, his own alight with a hungry, passionate madness. A vile, twisted grin slowly grows on his lips and nearly splits him ear to ear. A wicked Cheshire cat ready to pounce on his wounded prey.]

Nero has been injected with a sample of the Dark-type infusion. Not a strong one, mind you, I'm no fool such as to give my prey a weapon to facilitate his own escape. Just weak enough, barely a projected level one. No. What I want to see is if it surfaces. I want to know if the difference exists, and exactly how far apart it is. Once the transformations begin, I'll have my answers. My life's work, Gorthan, and the chance to see it continue right in my grasp...

[He pauses, then grows somber and softens his expression.]

The pokemon will be used in our experiments. If you wish to see him, he's being kept at Celadon's facility. A meager six-hours on the Magnet Line. I was planning to head straight there for a few days to watch the transformation begin and take some of my work with me. I will leave tomorrow morning.

[While Gorthan doesn't share Agnus' sadistic excitement, he still smirks, evidently pleased.]

I see you were quick to familiarize yourself with the tools of my trade. Well done.

[He pauses in thought for a moment. That manic gaze in Agnus' eyes... as much as he dislikes it, Gorthan wonders exactly what gears are turning in his friend's brain and rousing the monster within.]

Normally, I would say "I shall be waiting for the results", and be done with it... But everything you tell me about your Nero intrigues me to no end. Not to mention that I am certain that your... enthusiasm is very well justified. And so, why wait? I shall go with you, my dear Agnus. Our first outing together... I expect great things. You won't disappoint me, will you?

"My lord, there is no such stuff in my thoughts."

[Agnus tilts his head and grins a little while longer at his colleague and superior. Savoring the moment and pondering the consequences of letting Gorthan see the little fragments that remain of his previous life.]

It would be my pleasure to have you come with me. I should definitely enjoy the company, and it should be interesting to observe a low-level transformation to see what comes of it even from a technical standpoint.

[A nod and a smile. Ah, out of the two of them, Agnus is quickly becoming the one who spams Shakespeare quotes the most... Gorthan will be thinking of ways to remedy that.]

It shall be fun for both of us.

Well, then. I suppose I should go make the necessary preparations for our trip, since I'm leaving on such short notice. I will see you tomorrow, Agnus.

[Harley's still not entirely sure about this whole thing, so when she pokes her head into Agnus' section of the labs, she's looking a lot more cautious than usual. Her Swoobat has no such reservations and floats right in, looking around curiously.]

So, uh, hi. Y'said t'just stop in whenever I could, right?

[Agnus for his own part is quite happily seated at his desk, the marvelously large stacks of papers he had around him currently being scanned in some very brand-new looking equipment and set in a 'to file' bin for later. He seemed to be enjoying the convenience for the most part, and as Harley peeked in he turned to glance over at her, nodding at her question.]

Of course. Welcome to my little corner of the facility, Dame Harlequin. Good to have you, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? Will you be taking up on my request?

[She has to snicker just a little bit again, because seriously.]

[Dame Harlequin.]

Yeah. I mean, Sweety don't seem t'be worried about it or nothing, and it'll help the team...

Fantastic. I should very much like to have you get started now, then.

[He motions over to an open area on the opposite side of the lab. Near the spot are several devices that look like...gyroscopes? Gyroscopes with seven rings each and what appear to be faceted crystals in the center. Each one of the rings seems to shimmer a bit in the light, as though the metal itself is inlaid with bits of crystalline substance.]

Now, if you would please produce a the pokemon you will be volunteering to my research we can begin. All I require at the current time is for the pokemon to use various psychic moves and skills so I can measure the reactions to the materials in those devices. A very simple process, all you need to do is conduct the pokemon to act in the way I require.

[He pulls out a small electronic device, a notepad for recording observations and activates it to begin writing down what he notes while the woman and her pokemon begin working. After this, he sets about moving over to the devices and picking out a few of them to set them on some small portable tables and place them around the area he has set out for the woman to occupy.]

It's very straightforward, really. You see, each of these devices is constructed with materials that will react to psychic energy. What I'm testing for today is merely what materials produce the strongest reactions. So, then, Miss...

[He pauses, then looks over to the woman curiously.]

Actually, I don't think I ever got your name. Did I?

Edited Date: 2012-07-27 08:59 pm (UTC)

Oh, that'll be Sweety.

[The Swoobat, hearing her name, comes over to perch on Harley's shoulder. Or sort of float just above it, anyway. Sweety's sort of a big girl for that, now.]

Just try not t'destroy anything, okay? ...Less he asks you to.

[Turning back to Angus, definitely more relaxed now.]

Oh, I'm Harley Quinn, Doc.

[See that expression? That's the expression of someone who knows they've just made a pretty bad pun and is VERY proud of it.]