pain peko
Banshee Base
-Shaun fiddles with his wrists a bit and squeezes his right fist.-
Shaun: "I wanna go after Banshee."
Vulpecula: "Then AA and I'll take care of the Pokefutures assholes."
Foxverse
-Tsunami squeezes a few more rounds down the hallway as the turrets come on before turning tail and rushing to regroup.-
"Dang that sure is totally poggers my good bitch"
Banshee's Island, Past
Murphy: Trust me when I say this, boss, the Taipan and her trusted partner are better off bringing Banshee to heel.
Taipan: I suppose so. Then again, securing a Pokefutures facility is part of the mandate of PEFE employees.
Murphy: Precisely. The Taipan does not work for PEFE.
In a hushed voice, Murphy sends Priscilla a very personal message.
Murphy: Look, we both know we feel strongly about what those sickos have done. I've seen how you've reacted during staff orientation. I know its in our mandate to stop them, but we need to ensure that we won't go overboard. We capture the guy they appear to be working for and they'll likely be easy to capture and be more cooperative when we interrogate them. Then, we can report this to HQ and we can put this facility on lockdown and maybe shut down a few more that are still out there.
She sighs.
Murphy: Don't shoot the messenger; you told me to tell you this just in case your resolve to not harm anyone falters.
Taipan: Thanks.
Murphy: Let's proceed while we're ahead. Even I'm having a hard time talking myself out of this.
Edited by MasterJayAM on Feb 10th 2019 at 3:41:29 AM
Not A Lawyer
Celadon Pokemon Center
-Sometime in the mid-afternoon, Lucius - having finally woken up - wanders downstairs and notices Halis.-
Lucius: Oh, hey kid. Having fun with your new toy?
-He doesn't seem to note or care that talking to a random Sandshrew in the middle of a Pokemon Center might look a little odd.-
Banshee Base, Elevator - Past
-Gaia nods at Rogue.-
Gaia: I am glad you share my principles on the matter. Lethal force should be a matter of absolute last resort. I will join you in hunting for Banshee, if that proves agreeable.
-She looks over at the Taipan.-
Gaia: You are welcome to join us. Hopefully together we can avoid any situation that might force you to violate your principles.
Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.
Misunderstood Mimiga
Halis jumps back a bit, startled by Lucius's sudden appearance.
Halis: <EEP!>
They calm down quickly, though.
Halis: <Lucius... I forget if I told you, but please don't sneak up on me like that, but yes, this is fun. I like new perspectives, even if they are confusing.>
Halis doesn't seem to notice a random human-mon conversation being unusual by this point.
Banshee Base
Taipan: I would be honored to lend you and our fellows assistance.
She follows Gaia and the others. Meanwhile, she also surreptitiously lets loose an armored seviper, which eventually turns on a cloaking device that makes it seem unarmored.
Taipan: If you need backup, Craig here can lend a metaphorical hand to those of you raiding that infernal facility.
Flying Colors
From: Kai
Hey
Sorry I didn't really get in touch after the attack on PEFE
Things have been really stressful recently
Hope the two of you are doing okay
I'm sorry things happened the way they did
The elvator kicked into motion, "Splitting up sounds good. Fox, you follow the others to grab Banshee. Others come with me to burn the Pokefutures labs and deal with whatever twisted thing they have stored."
Fox tilted her head, "I get splitting up but why are you going after the Pokefutures stuff?"
"If this was a Delta raid he'd be mine, but it's not. Instead I'm going ahead to deal with something that does affect me," Jackal explained popping the battery out of his laser rifle, picking up one with a yellow bolt on it, his voice became low and menacing, "They have my DNA, they are making something with it, I will clear out and burn everything," he said loading the battery in and pulling the charging bolt.
Hacks had to admit, this was a surprising bit of emotion for him, ~So what's the play? Stealth? Full frontal assault?"
"Hotline. We go in, we make the push, we don't stop and we don't give any room. Banshee is likely to be in the server room watching over everything and trying to find our virus. Go in, grab them, and pull every bit of data off the servers. As much as I'd rather burn everything, they might hold info that'd help us find other poachers."
Fox admitted it made sense, "Ready Amber? Oliver?"
<I was born ready, I am ready to burn.>
<I guess, this is pretty intense.>
The elevator stopped, and with a soft ding, the door opened, a grunt and pokefutures scientist stood there, the Grunt turned around to see the elevator open, only to suddenly get booted in the chest by Jackal and sent flying, he'd live, the scientist panicked went running.
Jackal had only one command, "Go."
As everyone ferried into the dropship, it shuddered and sped off, flying out of the hangar as the Charizard and two Front Troops followed it.
Silas turned to the soldiers they had rescued and gave them a incredulous look, one was a swampert and the other a Aipom, "The hell just happened? Who was that?"
"That was Alzo... Ceitar's cybernetic enforcer. Much like the rest of the Front he just... came out of nowhere."
Silas just gave them a look, "Still... we're headed to the Zero system through this?"
"Yes, the gateway is operational, just fly your cruiser through it."
Silas sighed and stepped up to the cockpit, speaking to Stellar Doom, "Can't believe we're working together."
Logan's voice came over, "I can. We're mercenaries, nothing personal, just business. Though in this case our business is personal. You because you are moral individuals, me because Dexter deserves to fry."
Silas nodded, "I'm... sorry about what happened to your parents."
There was a pause, "Don't be. Wasn't your damn fault and the Emboar responsible for it will fry. No point in apologizing for something you weren't there for and wasn't your own fault. Be sorry for the people you may yet fail to save."
Silas's stomach twisted in a knot.
Not A Lawyer
Banshee Base, B6 - Past
-Gaia frowns at Jackal beneath her helmet.-
Gaia: Do try to limit the amount of damage you inflict. Any surviving data may help Interpol locate other Pokefutures facilities, and any bodies are going to be very difficult to explain.
-She takes off down the corridor at a run, following the map in her HUD and heading towards the server room.-
Celadon Pokemon Center - Today
-Lucius sheepishly rubs the back of his neck.-
Lucius: Ah, sorry about that. Still, glad to see you're enjoying yourself. It helps to see the world from a different angle sometimes.
Textspace - Today
From: Lillianna
There is no need to apologise. I was the one who specifically requested asylum at the PEFE, aware of the risks that such an arrangement would entail. I take full responsibility for everything that happened.
Liam and I are fine. Though we were a little shaken up by the attack, physically we are no worse for wear. Others suffered worse than we did.
Furthermore, the onus was on me to contact you. The IDPD's attack led to a number of successive events that I ought to inform you of or otherwise speak to you about.
Fwomph
Foxverse
-/Duck/ drifted out of the security console and headed back to the frame and ship-
/Rabbit/: A Darth Vader out of nowhere. Huh... Oh.
Banshee Base
-The cosplayer nods and silently heads off to the 'deal with the thing that has the DNA' group-
It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.
Flying Colors
Rogue: Right. Let's go, then.
-They rush off after the rest of the group-
From: Kai
Right
Sorry
Glad to hear you're handling yourself
What did you need to talk about?
Arkngthamz, Watcher's Tower
-The duo continue to climb the tower. Well, metaphorically. Essentially every movement upwards is perpetrated by an elevator of some sort.-
Deziree: Why couldn't they just make one elevator to go all the way to the top from the bottom?
Ludmilla: Probably because the top of the tower is the place the person who made the tower wants people to get to the least.
-Deziree thinks on it before giving a shrug. The pair come to a floor that's dominated by an open room that could pass for either a ballroom or a barracks, depending on your perspective. Decorative Metagross armor lined the walls, and a massive chandelier hangs from the ceiling. However, like everywhere else in the ruins, it is still and quiet except for the perpetual sound of rainfall outside.-
Ludmilla: ... If there's going to be any ghosts here, they're going to be in this room.
-There's a tense moment as mother and daughter step forwards...-
-...-
-...-
-Nothing happens. The armor stands still, and the chandelier continues to glow a soft purple from it's candlecrystals.-
Ludmilla: Wow. A place where not even ghosts remain. That's...
Deziree: Really really weird.
Ludmilla: And creepy. We should ask someone like Umbra if they know what the deal is up with that.
-The two continue on, skirting around where the chandelier would fall if it's chain were cut. The room remains as still as they found it, as they take the next elevator up the longest shaft they've found thus far.-
Not A Lawyer
Textspace - Today
From: Lillianna
Two things, mainly.
Firstly, I did some introspection around New Year's and came to the conclusion that I am non-binary. I would prefer to go by "they/them" pronouns for the time being. I have considered going by "Li" rather than "Lillianna", but I have yet to commit to that decision.
Secondly, I was forthright with your friend Diane about both aspects of my identity that I typically keep obscured.
Some Rando
Banshee Base
Amaterasu follows the group headed for the lab, before pausing and muttering a quick "I'm sorry, 2B," loud enough for Pent to hear before turning back and going with the group headed after Banshee.
Foxverse
Don't even make light of that, Colton thought. We're going to win this, and avoid as many civilian casualties as we can.
Add a little violence, Talbain goaded. Ain't no party like a warfront party 'cause a warfront party got bloodshed.
[Insert Unoriginal Stinger Here]
Flying Colors
From: Kai
Oh!
I'm happy to hear that!
I mean about the nonbinary thing
If you do decide on a name change let me know
Anyway, uh, good to know, about the other identity stuff
I, uh, assume she pretty much figured it out already anyway?
Not A Lawyer
Textspace - Today
From: Lillianna
Indeed.
Or at least, I presume as much.
Due to her trustworthiness and her technical expertise, I felt it was safe to entrust her with such knowledge.
And I promise, if I do decide to change my name, you will be one of the first to know.
-The typing notification appears and disappears for a few minutes before their next message comes through.-
From: Lillianna
I appreciate the declaration of support. It means a lot to me.
Flying Colors
From: Kai
Of course! I don't imagine you have a lot of people to fall back on considering your whole situation, and I'm glad to support you any way I can. And I'm glad you're finding other people you can trust as well.
Anyway, since you mentioned her technical expertise, I'm assuming you're planning on getting back in the Avenger business again?
Not A Lawyer
Textspace - Today
From: Lillianna
That is my intention, though I have not yet decided whether I will continue to use the same identity.
I doubt the IDPD will continue to hunt for me given how calamitous the raid proved for both parties, but even so, reinventing myself would minimise the risk to both myself and others.
Flying Colors
-The next few texts take a while to get past the "typing bubble" stage.-
From: Kai
That's understandable. I think that's a wise decision, considering everything. It's far easier to promote the safety of others when you yourself aren't in so much impending danger.
That said...
The Avenger is somewhat of an icon. The first of their kind, really, and considering the fate of the original Avenger, I think retiring it completely may spark unnecessary worry.
Perhaps it's wise to let someone else take up the mantle, after you've finished your work with it? I'm a busy individual, but I'm sure I can find a purpose for it.
Edited by BittersweetNSour on Feb 9th 2019 at 10:18:29 AM
Not A Lawyer
Textspace - Today
-On Lillianna's end, there is also another few erratic appearances and disappearances of the typing bubble before their message goes through.-
From: Lillianna
I see. I can understand where your concerns are coming from, but I cannot ask another individual to put themselves at risk on my behalf. Not again.
However, the fact remains that I did not invent the mantle, nor do I have exclusive rights to it.
If another individual sought to take that upon themselves, I would feel obliged to warn them against such a decision, but I would not - and indeed, could not - stop them.
After all, I followed the same urge myself.
To ensure that a name otherwise tarnished could at least regain some measure of dignity, and do some good in a world sorely in need of it.
The decision to either stop or encourage someone from following through on my hypocrisy is out of my hands.
Flying Colors
From: Kai
Of course. I don't intend to perpetuate the Avenger's legacy without some serious thought put into it. As of right now, I don't think I'm in a place where I can anyway. It'll take time and planning.
But until then, I wish you the best of luck. And Liam as well.
Not A Lawyer
Textspace - Today
From: Lillianna
Thank you. We wish you the very same.
-Again, that popping up and retreating of the typing bubble before a single message finally sends.-
From: Lillianna
And I could not have wished for a better guardian in any world.
Edited by Herbert40k on Feb 9th 2019 at 3:47:12 PM
Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.
pain peko
Banshee Base
-Shaun nods, darting away with Rogue and Co.-
-Jessica finishes loading concussive rounds into her right gunlet and cocks it, visor flashing red.-
Vulpecula: "Aye-aye."
"Dang that sure is totally poggers my good bitch"
Flying Colors
-Kai manages to do a decent job of not portraying the emotional short-circuit they just experienced-
From: Kai
I'm glad to support you however I can.
-There's a moment of pause. No typing bubble or anything, until:-
From: Kai
By the way — and I don't want to pry too hard about it if it's best that I don't, but — are you familiar with anyone named Lex?
Not A Lawyer
Textspace - Today
-This time, Lillianna's response comes within moments.-
From: Lillianna
Not before the IDPD raid, no.
From what I have been able to piece together, he originates from the same continuity as myself, and because we share a surname they assumed we must be partners in our violation of temporal boundaries - or time crime, if you will.
That is the limit of my knowledge.
Edited by Herbert40k on Feb 9th 2019 at 4:17:17 PM
Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.
Banshee's island
Taipan: Translate these instructions for Scrounger. I want her scouting for every possible exit point. The sooner we cut those routes off, the better.
Murphy: Will do, skipper.
Taipan: I loath to even consider ending others' lives. I probably would if it meant jeopardizing innocent civilian lives otherwise, but I'd rather not let it get come to that if I had my way. I've never resorted to lethal violence in this job, and I pray I would never need to.