ITT: We are all Pokémon Trainers

Titan's Lab, last night

-Crow sighs-

Crow: "Understood..."

"I won't bring it up again."

PEFE HQ

-Those on Maggie's team that are currently here might also like to attend said party, assuming they got invitations-

edited 2nd Nov '13 5:47:43 AM by crowlover

Titan's Lab

-Crewe has not moved from last night, still curled up in the hallway with her back against the wall and her head on her knees-

Pyrite Center

- DS is writing in the notebook -

Titan's Lab - Last night

-Titan nods at Crow.-

Titan: Good. You are dismissed, then.

Pyrite Town - Last night

-A certain ex-Galactic Grunt turned Cipher Peon is milling impatiently around town, waiting for his date to arrive. After a period of waiting, he is rewarded when Aelia finally arrives, still dressed in her Halloween costume. Deimos cocks an eyebrow.-

Deimos: ...What the hell are you supposed to be? Alice in fucking Wonderland or something?

Aelia: Nope. Bonesaw. But you probably wouldn't have heard of her, so you can call it whatever you like. And don't swear.

Deimos: I'll swear as much as I fucking want to. Since when did you care?

Aelia: I don't. It's just an in-character thing. So, did you end up going as anything for Halloween?

Deimos: Of course not. I'm not nine anymore.

-Aelia gives him a curious look.-

Aelia: Bad day at work?

Deimos: Haven't had work today. But yeah, these last few days have been pretty shit. Titan's been on my case about everything for some reason. Calling me lazy, getting mad when I decide to teach the animals he's got running around the lab some damned disipline... I swear the old bugger's going soft. Or senile. One of the two.

Aelia: Somehow I doubt that it's the latter. How old is he, again? Around fifty-something?

Deimos: Probably. Looks older, though. It looks like someone's been drawing stress lines on in fucking biro since he started working in Resources.

-He gives a lazy shrug.-

Deimos: Whatever. He's pissed at me, that's all that matters. Not that I care. Maybe I'll find a job with another department or something, like you did. There's more chance to get promoted if I get out from under Titan's thumb. 'Nuff about work, anyway. You want to go catch a movie or something?

Aelia: Sure.

-The two head off for the movie theater.-

Titan's Lab - Today

-Deimos has returned to his place of work, and Titan is sitting dutifully in his office as always, fiddling with his chemistry set again.-

Pyrite Town - Also today

-Herbert, still unable to get his mind off of things, is currently practicing acting like a Shadow whilst at the same time maintaining his illusion of a Shadow Aura, Bishop supervising.-

Bishop: <No, not quite. Remember, Shadow Pokemon are not feral. They are fully capable of intelligent reasoning. They simply respond to threats in the same manner as a feral Pokemon would.>

Herbert: Okay, got it... urgh, acting and messing with Aura at the same time is exhausting...

-He slumps down onto the ground.-

Bishop: <...Are you sure you want to go ahead with this plan?>

Herbert: Yes, I'm sure. After all, it's the only plan we have...

edited 2nd Nov '13 6:53:59 AM by Herbert40k

Titan's Office, last night

Crow: "Er... Actually, could I ask a question first? It doesn't have to do with purification."

Titan's Lab - Last night

-Titan starts going through the reports on his desk again.-

Titan: Go ahead.

Titan's Office, last night

Crow: "Well, not sure why I waited until now, but besides me and Crewe, I think you have another of the Phone People under your employ. I only saw her once and only remember seeing her once before when we were in Kanjoh, but I think her name's Psyche?"

Titan's Lab - Last night

-Titan still doesn't look up.-

Titan: ...That is her preferred pseudonym, yes.

Titan's Office, last night

Crow: "Well, apparently she's been working for you longer than I have, based on how she greeted me."

"Could you tell me a bit about her?"

On a ferry, Orre bound

Deep within the bowels of the boat lies a stowaway. An Arcanine who leads a life violence and suffering. When he was just a little pup he was abused and mistreated. A live punching bag used by those who wanted to become stronger. Luckily he and his friend were rescued by a man in black.

At first the little pup didn't trust the man. But after upholding the virtues of justice and honour alongside him, the pair grew close. And so the pup grew into an adult, though he was still a child at heart. He followed this man to the ends of the earth. He fought against adversity and madness.

Then the man was killed. He had made a mistake that had cost him dearly. For you see the man vowed to never take a life. Everyone deserved the right of a fair trial in his mind. This was the ideal that took his own life away.

Friendless, the Arcanine took his comrade's mantle and put it upon his own shoulders.

To honour his memory he would do the things that he himself only knew throughout life.

Kick ass, take names, and be adorable.

And he was all out of adorable.

Titan's Lab - Last night

-Titan pulls out one dossier in particular and starts looking over it.-

Titan: I would personally describe her as rebellious. She has made no secret of her disdain for Cipher and authority figures in general - myself in particular - but beneath that there lies a streak of nihilism which I believe can be relied upon to guarantee her loyalty. Not to mention that her performance has been largely exemplary, short of minor disciplinary infractions. Oh, and she is also a capable psychic and telepath. Is that sufficient information? If not, then I would recommend you talk to her yourself in order to gain some estimation of her.

Pyrite Center, Sandy's Quarters

-Sandy, now awake, begins absentmindedly brushing her hair.-

Sandy: Why do I have so much of this as a girl? I mean really.

Hildr: <I think it looks nice.>

Big Dom: <prime, i have also cleaned your costume while you were asleep, in case you wish to wear it again.>

Sandy: Oh, uh, thanks, Dom.

Titan's Lab, last night

Crow: "That... paints a bit of a bleaker picture of her than I got at first."

"Then again, I've learned I'm not the best judge of character at times..."

"I might see about talking to her after this, though."

Titan's Lab - Last night

-Titan glances up for a moment.-

Titan: Feel free. In any case, if this conversation is concluded, the door is right behind you.

edited 2nd Nov '13 7:31:29 AM by Herbert40k

Titan's Lab, last night

Crow: "Right."

"Good night, Titan."

-He heads off-

Titan's Lab - Last night

Titan: ...Goodnight, Crow.

-He continues sifting through reports for a while before retiring to his own quarters.-

edited 2nd Nov '13 7:40:50 AM by Herbert40k

Titan's Lab

-yup, Crewe's still here. She hasn't moved-

Titan's Lab

-After a while, a familiar figure notices Crewe curled up through the security feed, and steps out of his office towards her.-

Titan: ...Is something the matter?

Titan's Lab

-Crewe looks up, recognizes Titan, and drops her eyes back to the floor-

Oh, hi, Titan... Nothing... nothing I didn't already know. Talking to Herbert just... just made me think about it and I only just really realize what a terrible, pointless existence I have now. And the only regret they have for doing this to me is that it made me stronger so I can hurt them.

Titan's Lab

-Titan is silent for several moments, closing his eyes. When he does address Crewe, it is in a far less certain tone of voice than normal.-

Titan: ...I am aware that the promise must sound rather hollow by this point, and I will admit that I am in no position to make guarantees, but things will get better eventually. One way or the other.

Titan's Lab

How? I'm gonna kill them, because I have to, but what about when that's over? When they're all gone, what do I do?

Titan's Lab

Titan: ...That would be your decision, would it not? I see no reason why Cipher should continue to choose your dictate of action once this whole unfortunate affair has come to its conclusion. Regardless of what misfortunes life sees fit to burden you with, you must continue. Find a purpose for yourself and pursue it, no matter what may befall you along the path.

-He gives another sigh.-

Titan: That is a lesson I myself have had to learn.

edited 2nd Nov '13 8:28:33 AM by Herbert40k

Pyrite Center

Martin held a notebook in his hand. He seemed bothered by something. He sat down in one of the lobby chairs. He needed a place to gather his thoughts.

Titan's Lab

... Okay. I can do that. Thanks, Titan.

-she pauses-

But... I don't think I want to leave Cipher... then I'd be all alone...

Titan's Lab

-Titan raises an eyebrow.-

Titan: And you would rather spend your time in the company of individuals such as Tokarev, Odin and Verax?