tickleironysjudgment | Scene Three: Act One [Audio/Video]

[A video broadcast feed opens in the late evening, the familiar scene of the Goldenrod R&D labs that all this trainer IDs broadcasts have come from previously. This time, however, there is a most unusual and curious happening that greets the viewer. On a desk at the center of the feed is a device that looks like an sound oscillation machine.]

Proceed.

[Agnus' Metagros and Gallade enter the feed, each equipped with a more simple design of the previously noted 'bracelets' from his last feed with Gorthan and Dist. The new designs are merely bands of a silvery metalic alloy with a few of the artificial crystals lining the bands. The Metagros has one around its right front arm, the Gallade around his neck. Both stand in place and begin to generate a psychic aura, which is immediately amplified. The sickeningly ominous auras flare up and expand to fill the feed, each perfectly visible as it snakes around the other like two furious storms banding together before crashing upon land.]

125% amplification of all psychic energies at top specs. 125%. Can you see it? Look at these marvelous creatures, this fantastic light! See how brightly it shines, how ferocious it howls out. It cries for destruction! Behold! The final product of this research project, the Psycho-reactive Energy Field Amplifier! It. Is. Complete!

[Audio Broadcast- Public]

A great author once wrote of Utopia, a seemingly perfect country- entirely devoid of the issues that face any other society. Lately I have come to wonder, are we not in such a world? Is this not a Utopia? Perhaps not nearly so quaint as Sir More wrote of, but indeed; one might see many of the same qualities here in this world. Here, there are no true 'wars', no great battles pitting vast armies against each other for glory or conquest...One might come upon currency here with such ease, and goods are readily available to all anywhere you might visit. The people seem to live in perfect symbiosis with the land, with the creatures of this world...and yet, one might find that even this world is plagued by troubles. Criminal syndicates, wild beasts attacking at random, outbreaks of strange viruses, all manner of strange phenomena.

Even in a 'perfect' world, there is strife. And indeed, such strife is key to this world's very existence. These beasts, these creatures and the ones who step forward to capture and train them, they fight. Perhaps I was wrong earlier, perhaps there are wars. Great and terrible wars, every single day. Trainers, commanders of entire battalions, fierce troops composed of these strange creatures waging wars against the wild herds, their own fellows, and the leaders of would-be Gymnasiums hosted by 'masters' of a certain type. It is the quintessence of living here, the natural state of this world. A battlefield, however civil, is still a battlefield...and how tenuous our hold over that battlefield may well be...Assuming, of course, the race of humans in this world even possesses a hold at all.

...I seem to have gone off on a terrible tangent, haven't I?

[The speaker sighs in frustration and, to careful ears, a slightly apparent exhaustion.]

No, I seem to have started off on a terrible tangent. My original purpose for this windy, entirely over-analytical broadcast was to pose a simple series of questions to the population and any knowledgeable laymen.

Perhaps this will be of no surprise, but I am a researcher. Until very recently, I have been spending a great deal of time and effort to research a specific type of pokemon. However, my research kept me in one place...now, I would like to continue my research out in the wild. I wonder if anyone would happen to know of any legends, myths, or stories of places in this world connected to the ghost or dark types? I am quite aware of Lavender Town and Mahogany, and do plan to visit those places in due time. But...My curiosity bids me to want to seek these places out, you see. To learn, to know all that can be known about these creatures, their strange powers, their habitats and habits. Places where many ghosts or dark types gather, places with legends or stories connecting them to these types. It is said that a journey of one-thousand miles begins with but a single step, and this is certainly true for any kind of research.

Thus, I pose my inquiry to any who would give me an ear. If you might know of such places, or know such stories, I ask only that you might share them with me. So that we may all benefit from the knowledge they may contain.

[Broadcast Feed Terminated]

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[Speaking of journeys of a thousand miles, not too long after Agnus has sent his Video feed onto the network, a particularly sporty Gorthan, clad in a turquoise tracksuit, will be appearing in the laboratory, carrying a backpack, his Chandelure at his side. Yes, he's packed, and he's a bit impatient to leave, too.]

How many times do I have to tell you? It won't be complete until it reaches 150%. But you're on the right track, with the minerals. Very well done, my friend.

And here you are, Director, my dear friend. Like clockwork, as ever...

[Agnus leans against a counter-top in his office, a distinct unease and weariness to his general appearance. The project, the hours he put into everything, and the rush to complete his work have left him tired indeed. A change of scenery would be good for them both, perhaps, but the researcher currently wears his haggard self well apparent.]

I trust you have obtained approval for our adventures? I could only manage to pass along the finished data to the admins...Unfortunately, I was unable to approach them for my part of this research. I would hope very well not to cause a stir if we both were to vanish...

[Agnus grins at Gorthan, amused by his never ending sense drive to keep moving along until a project is truly perfect.]

I'm afraid we've come to a head, Director. The current cost of development exceeds projections, and we lack sufficient technological advancement to further the effects. We've come up with something brilliant, but this is the peak of our efforts for now.

Edited Date: 2012-10-10 06:57 pm (UTC)

That's only until we try hard enough to surpass what we now see as a limit. Remember that, Agnus.

[His tone is very serious, even solemn as he says that. But after that, he soon switches to something much less formal.]

And about our outings. Surely we don't need approval for a bit of extended field research. Have you decided on a destination yet?

[His excitement is obvious, as evidenced by the fact that he's about ready to leave right now.]

Bell Tower seems like it could be a good place to begin, very strong Ghost presence there. Of course, Lavender Town is also a good place to examine. We could begin with Mahogany and make our way from there if you approve, Director.

[He grins, if tiredly.]

[He smiles in turn.]

I suppose I needn't ask what motivates your apparently sudden interest in the Ghost type, do I...

Let's start with Ecruteak, the capital of the past. The Kimono Girls should have recovered fully by now, and from what I understand being in this area and not witnessing them perform is quite a shame. Their dance theater itself is a sight to behold, too. Although it was vandalized not too long ago, it should have been restored to its original state.

Indeed? Ecruteak isn't far, especially considering you and I both possess pokemon capable of transport. Unless you possess something capable of flight, our options are to take whatever means could be quickest.

[He shrugs, honestly fine with the idea of making himself comfortable atop his Metagross for a few days on and off. However, considering that this would be a much longer trip than he normally made...]

...Gorthan? I don't suppose you have a riding saddle, do you? I might want to borrow a spare...or, go to the department store and purchase one for Angelo. Perhaps I should either way, it would make the journey much more comfortable in general.

[Also, he needed to pack. Which would involve buying some travel supplies. The more he considered it, the more a trip to the stores sounded like the most logical conclusion.]

Thinking about it, I really should... If you'd care to join me, I'll only be an hour or so gathering everything together for the trip. I imagine we intend to start off and make way from Ecruteak?

A sound plan. Unfortunately, the only saddle I own is for my own use. I believe you know what that means.

[Gorthan steps closer to Agnus and does something that likely no upper caste Evronian has ever done before - he offers him his hand in a gesture of sincere friendship.]

Which reminds me that I have yet to see you in action within commercial environments. Aside from the saddle, what is it that you need?

You are far too kind, my friend. I couldn't impose upon you. The journey would be very difficult if only one of us possessed a means to travel long distances with relative ease and comfort.

[Agnus smiles wider, taking the hand and patting it a few times before letting it go. The journey would be most pleasant with company such as him, doubtlessly more-so by the grand things he expected they would be able to find.]

I'm fairly Spartan when it comes to my purchases, but in this case I might be wiser to buy in mild surplus. Travel gear, cases for equipment and clothing, perhaps a few new outfits for rotation, stocks to care for my roster...I surmise you have already prepared for yourself? Would you recommend any specific kinds of rations or gear?

Four Revives for emergencies, assuming you have enough savings. Four Great Balls in case something interesting should come our way. Four Full Heals. Four Potions. Four Super Potions. A small assortment of Berries. Carrying these at all times should be more than enough for the Pokémon without taking up more room than necessary in your backpack.

And then, a few changes of clothes, products for personal hygiene, a single Escape Rope. And of course, books - what are you reading at the moment, my friend?

[It's always about the books with this guy.]

Four? That...is quite a few many fours, Gorthan. Why only four of these things?

[Really, his savings would permit quite a bit more. The man hardly spends any money, except for what he used to buy the office stuff...and that was filed under the lab's expense tab.]

I was considering purchasing some Autumn wear, along with lighter clothes in case of exploration. As for all the other things, a few travel kits should suffice the necessities. Also, More's Utopia. If you couldn't tell by that secondary broadcast.

[Agnus grins a bit wider, then reaches up to adjust his monocle.]

I'll just go now. Would meeting you at the edge of town suffice, or would you prefer to meet me outside the department store?

No real reason. It can be any number between 3 - too few - and 7 - too many -, actually.

Why, I am hurt, my dear Agnus. You see me as having such poor fashion sense, you outright refuse to go shopping with me?

[He may not be dressing his best right now, but he's usually quite neat and orderly in the way he dresses, and the Evronian robe he often wears is a rather striking piece, at the same time elegant and aseptic.]

Well, certainly either is fine. I'm not much for fashion, form and function are what matter most to me. But, yes. If you think you would be able to pick out some things that might make fitting in on plainclothes operations easier, I would very much welcome the company.

[Agnus chuckles, then bows slightly while gesturing toward the door.]

Shall we, then? We can make preparations to leave on the way, or come back if you haven't finished. Either way, I await your orders, Director.

I'll do much more than that, my friend. I'll help you choose outfits that will reveal every single bit of your refinement and culture.

[Always assuming he can find something suitable in Agnus' size, which, Gorthan recognizes, is probably no easy feat. Gorthan moves towards the door.]

After all, I fully intend to take you to see the Kimono Girls' dances. As you can imagine, a performance of that level requires being dressed for the occasion.

Hm... Were you here last Halloween? We had ghost-type troubles all over the region that day...

...Truly? How very curious... Do you suppose there might be a repeat of this incident this year?

Goodness, I hope not! It was awful! They possessed people, and made them believe they actually were their costumes... I was one of them.

...How very-

[Marvelous, incredible, brilliant, curious, magnificent.]

-terrifying. I can only imagine how shocking it must have all been. You have my sympathies.

There was an even worse time before that. The year before that, the ghosts took the form of our worst fears, and gave us all hallucinations! It was dreadful!

[Minnie.

Minnie what are you doing.

Minnie stop making him utterly fascinated by how terrifying and powerful Ghosts can be. Agnus is nearly salivating at how brilliant the whole thing sounds and how much he wants to research their uses.]

I...I cannot imagine how utterly horrible that must have been.

[He is trying so hard right now to sound genuinely sympathetic about this, despite his joy over the prospect of it all.]

[she's befriended like five guys in team rocket so her judgement is a tad askew]

It really makes me worry for this year's Halloween... I don't know why those ghosts felt such an urge to pick on us, when I know they can be so sweet. I have a Gengar who is the nicest Pokemon around, so I don't understand why the others are so mean.

Who can say? Perhaps it is similar to the origin of that holiday. All Hallows Eve, the celebration of that night where the border between the realm of the spirits and the living wanes and the two worlds come into direct contact. It follows logically that such swarms and such strange paranormal phenomena could be resulting from this spiritual surge, yes?

I suppose so... But Halloween is supposed to be fun for everyone. Even Jack Skellington thinks so, and he's from Halloween Town, the very spirit of Halloween itself.

[she says like this is a completely normal thing.]

It makes me worry for Halloween this year, it's only a few weeks away... I just hope it's not too bad.

[Now that doesn't sound too promising. Maybe he should inform his contacts about this.

Though there's no signs of worry as he talks. Pro acting skills.]

You're saying that any psychic Pokémon who uses that will get a power up?

Oh yes, any psychic pokémon would be capable of boosting its power using this device. Imagine, a single pokémon able to scan an entire building and identify people, other pokémon, any information required of a scouting agent. A sole psychic able to level an entire trainer's host in a short period of time. Beautiful, isn't it?

[As he lists each example, his expression twists more malevolently with each word. A devious, devilish, cold grin splitting from ear to ear at the thoughts of what he has brought into this world.]

[... definitely a reason to worry.]

That does sound beautiful, fascinating and beneficial for the team. [He smiles, because that's what all good rockets do when there's a promise for chaos, right?] You might be in for a promotion, for making something like that.

Wouldn't that be wonderful? Ah, but I have so many more things planned for the team. Consider it, if you will. I have been able to thoroughly analyze and weaponize the power of a single type...what prevents us from carrying out this same line of research for the others?

[He gestures outward, grand and dramatic as ever.]

Darkness, Ghosts, Fire, Water, Ground, Dragons... Machines, genetic alteration, artificial evolution of the species. There are so many untapped possibilities to be explored! So very many venues for research and development...

And I promise you, my friend, this is only the beginning.

[Team Rocket really had all sorts of personalities in their ranks. It was actually rather interesting, if not even amusing. Though the thought of the team actually powering all of the types... is a bit frightening.]

This place does provide a lot to search and experiment on. I'm sure it's possible for your accomplishment to go even further than it has now.

It will be interesting to see how far it will lead.

Oh, it most certainly will. I can hardly wait to begin my next research project... But, alas, preparations must be made before I can make my way out of Goldenrod...

[He sighs, a little irritated at having to wait for arrangements with his Director and sponsor.]

Tell me, might you any sites or places with a strong connection to Ghosts or Dark types?

[He certainly... doesn't understand why that would be a problem. He doesn't really like traveling and Goldenrod works for him.]

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to travel too far from Goldenrod City, so I have no idea.

Hmm...No matter, my next project will involve some travel for study. First to Ecruteak, then to other towns with certain strong connections to those types.

[Agnus shrugs, completely unaware that giving his location might prove rather problematic later on.]

The Director should be here in a few minutes, after which I'll be leaving town with him to preform an extended study.

[Ah, talkative people. They're so easy to get information out of. And he really isn't even trying.]

I wish you best of luck.

Most impressive Agnus. Most impressive indeed. Congratulations on your successsss!

[He might be overdoing it, but Cobra Commander is always happy to see something succeed that can cause trouble for the rest of the world.]

Commander! Thank you very much! I deeply appreciate your kind words, but this is a success we may all share. Though the project ended up costing more than I had expected, production of these beautiful devices can now begin! Our field agents and operatives on the higher up teams can utilize these glorious machines to devastating effect.

Oh, excellent. I was going to ask what your plans were regarding mass production and deployment, but it ssseems you've already thought that out.

I ssssuspect that you'll hear little complaints about the cost. For something like thisss money should be no object.

[If he were running things, he'd pretty much be throwing money at Agnus at this point.]

There have been a few, but the executives were pleased with the end result aside from that. Of course, I hadn't expected it would be too widely available from the start. It would be a terrible risk if they just handed them out to every grunt, you know?

Oh, of course. Not unless you're willing to take the time to idiot proof the devices.

[Wait, he should probably clarify that.]

Which isn't to sssay that our Grunts are idiots. Just that such a destructive device doesn't belong in the hands of people who haven't been trained to use it. I'm sssure you can agree with that sentiment.

[Archer has this set to audio simply because he's certain his face is doing something terrifying. He's ridiculously pleased with Agnus' display.]

Well done, Agnus.

[He sounds far more excited than he usually does.]

Will the power remain as long as the Pokemon wear those devices? I'd be interested in enhancing my own Pokemon, if that's the case.

[Oh, don't worry Colonel. If Agnus grins any wider right now his face might actually split open.]

Colonel, my deepest thanks. Finally, all the labors have come together to forge this beautiful machine.

We were able to fashion a matrix that can hold full amplification for a total of ten minutes, at roughly half-spec it can be sustained for nearer within the 15-20 minute range. The issue was that psychic energy at that magnitude simple causes too much of a feedback surge. The cool-down time is roughly 30 minutes, but it can be prepped for use immediately after this.

Still...Ten minutes with 1.5 times amplification. Given the power of a pokémon sans the devices, it could be child's play to lay waste to a full army in this time.

Fascinating. I'll need to test this out at some point.

[And he has several perfect targets in mind~ Not that he'll share that information right now.]

How many Psychic-types do you have?

Woefully, only the two you so graciously offered me, sir. However, my colleagues and several volunteers were ever so kind enough as to provide me with a wealth of other psychics to keep a large pool of subjects.

The first batch of devices should be in production shortly, I assume you would be able to easily requisition one. The cost of production unfortunately exceeded what I had hoped, ergo I imagine access will be restricted to certain ranks...A rather annoying but necessary evil I suppose.

I have quite a few eggs I'll be selling in the future; perhaps you could get your hands on another Psychic-type then.

[Ah, but nothing's off limits when you're Beta rank!! ...Maybe.]

I see. I'll certainly have to see what the Executives have to say about that.

I should very much appreciate that, Colonel. Would you be so kind as to give me a list of the psychics you'll be offering?

...Beta rank? Well, I doubt you'll have any issue then.

Of course. I'm offering Abra, Beldum, Natu, Sigilyph, Ralts, Drowzee, and Munna. The majority of them come with egg moves.

[Even Dist is grinning pretty wide at Agnus's big reveal, and he hasn't found much reason to grin like that lately.]

Congratulations, Agnus. This project has come such a long way in the past few months. Have you shown it to the higher-ups yet?

Oh, it's brilliant isn't it? And Ser Rose, you are to thank for nearly the whole thing as well! Why, our combined research and design have brought these marvelous devices into existence. I couldn't have done it all so quickly without your aid, especially streamlining the configuration for the crystal matrix inside the devices. Good show on that, Ser Rose!

[Oh, he likes this ego-stroking.]

It was my pleasure to assist you, and a wonderful learning experience. This world operates quite differently from my own, and honestly, I'm pleasantly surprised how much we could execute with the resources provided. It will be exciting to see Rockets using it out in the field in the future.