ortion | 10 ❀ text + video on the Rocket frequency/action for the Goldenrod base [backdated to 5/16]

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10 ❀ text + video on the Rocket frequency/action for the Goldenrod base [backdated to 5/16]

[On the evening of 5/15, an interesting text appears on the Rocket filter.]

You are all invited to a very special presentation of Dist the Rose's latest and greatest creation! Stop by the labs in the Goldenrod base at noon tomorrow and feast your eyes upon something you have never seen before.

For those interested but are unable to make it to the presentation in person, fear not. I will also post a recording for your viewing pleasure.

Believe me when I say this is something you do not want to miss. Especially if you'd like to play with my creations yourself.

I look forward to seeing you there!

[As promised, a little after noon on 5/16, a video is posted to all Rockets. For those who chose to attend, this will all go down in real time.]

The video takes place in a darkened lab room in the Goldenrod base. The only major light source is a single overhead light, which is illuminating a makeshift stand on which stands a sharply-dressed Dist along with a menacing-looking Beedrill floating beside him. When Dist is given the signal by whatever is holding his 'Gear, he gives a small bow to his audiences, in person and over the network.]

Thank you all for taking the time out of your busy schedules to be here for this momentous occasion. I'd like to remind you that you've chosen wisely by making yourself present for this, because you are about to see something truly fascinating.

[He produces an item from his pocket and holds it up for the audience to see. It's a metal cylinder that those who have been in the Pokeworld for a while should recognize.]

This is a Metal Coat. It is used to evolve certain Pokemon into highly resilient Steel-type Pokemon. The only documented Pokemon that react to this item are Onix, which evolves into Steelix, and Scyther, which evolves into Scizor.

[As he says "Scizor", he motions beside the stage where the very Pokemon has suddenly appeared. Her arms are crossed as she sternly gazes at the audience.]

As an owner of both, I can say that they are very dependable Pokemon and have served me well these last two years.

With that in mind, I asked myself: what if I could evolve more than just these two Pokemon with a Metal Coat? Certainly many Pokemon could benefit from a reinforced defense. Some could benefit from a resistance from types that normally give them trouble. For example, this Beedrill here...

[He motions to the large deathbee beside him, which is still obediently hovering in place.]

...has a major weakness to Flying type attacks. But if it had a steel reinforcement, that weakness would be reduced. In addition, Rock and Poison attacks would be less of a problem. It becomes more versatile that way. This hypothesis can be applied to any other Pokemon that has weaknesses that a steel reinforcement could negate.

Alas, it seems that not many Pokemon are programmed to evolve with this special item. In fact, the gene that reacts to a Metal Coat is only found in Onix and Scizor. So how can a Metal Coat be applied to a Pokemon that does not possess the gene? That is what I set out to discover several months ago.

Some of you may remember my post about an evolution recording machine. That was the first step in figuring out a process to transfer the Metal Coat-evolving gene into other Pokemon. With the machine, I was able to record what gene triggered the evolution. I then removed that gene from either an Onix or Scyther, and transferred it to another Pokemon to see what would happen. With enough tweaking, I finally found some Pokemon that reacted positively to this process.

Observe.

[Dist turns to face the Beedrill and steadily holds up the Metal Coat. After gently pressing it against the Beedrill's body, the Pokemon is suddenly engulfed in a bright light. Dist narrates as this goes down.]

You may recognize this process; it is no different than presenting an evolutionary stone to a compatible Pokemon. Normally, evolving a Pokemon with a Metal Coat requires trading the Pokemon as well, but I was able to modify the gene somewhat so that annoying extra step has been removed. Behold!

[The light fades, and while the Beedrill's shape has not changed like a normal evolution would cause, the Metal Coat has definitely done its job. The Pokemon is now completely coated in a steel shell. Its ability to see and fly does not appear to be hindered at all by this small evolution, and neither does its mobility, judging by the sudden jabbing at the air it performs with its now steel needle arms.]

As you can see, this mutation is not quite the same as a normal evolution, but I assure you that the all the advantages of a Steel type Pokemon are present in this one here. [Out of nowhere, he suddenly calls out an attack.] Gale, use Aerial Ace on that Beedrill!

[The Scizor, now known to the crowd as Gale, does as she's told. She slowly uncrosses her arms and in a flash, makes a sweeping slash at the Beedrill with her giant claws. The metal-coated bee doesn't make any effort to dodge the attack and simply takes the full brunt of it. Gale's attack leaves a huge scrape in the steel armor, but the Beedrill doesn't seem to be going down immediately like it should with a 4x Flying weakness. In fact, the attack only seemed to knock it back for a moment or two before recovering.

Dist can't help but grin at what he's created here.]

Normally a Beedrill would succumb to this move very quickly, but with my modifications it can now withstand it! Imagine how useful this is going to be when applied to all sorts of different Pokemon!

Fortunately for you all, I've already done just that. And I have a special treat. A reward to those of you who bothered to view my magnificent presentation! [He extends out one of his hands, displaying five fingers.] I currently have five different steel-coated Pokemon, including this Beedrill, for five lucky individuals to take ownership of for a limited amount of time. The catch is that you must record everything you do with it. I want you to test these Pokemon out to assist me in maximizing their potential. And work out any kinks, of course.

That said, step forward or contact me, for those of you watching, if you would like to temporarily own a special, never before seen and potentially devastatingly resilient Pokemon! I will present to you the Pokemon in question and give you the full details if I deem you worthy of testing it for me. I will also answer any questions you may have about this process.

I do hope you enjoyed this little presentation. After all, how often do you get to see the bending of DNA? You should feel honored!

[With that, he and the Pokemon on stage give a closing bow before ending the presentation.]

[[OOC: Pokemon claims reserved for the winners of this OOC lottery. Dist will be standing by to take requests! If you attended/watched the presentation and are a winner of the OOC lottery, feel free to step up and ask for a Pokemon or contact Dist by replying to the post! He'll show off the Pokemon listed in the OOC post and your character can claim whichever one they won.]]

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[Well, Schuldig came down to watch the show, of course — not just because of the invitation, but because he's still sort of perpetually on the lookout for who the bigwigs of this organization are, and if this isn't a good way of figuring it out, he doesn't know what is. Either this Dist the Rose guy is one of them himself, or they'll show up to see the production; either way, there are worse ways of spending an afternoon.

Not to mention, that bit about getting to play with one of the "creations" has him intrigued. That sounds like mad science, and fuck if he doesn't love a little mad science in the morning.

So, once the presentation's over with, he surreptitiously finds his way up near the stage for a round of grade-A quality asskissing.]

Now that was a show if I've ever seen one. I've met a couple guys doing genetic research before, but none of them have gotten results this good.

[Schmooze, schmooze.]

[Said asskissing is super effective to be honest, because Dist smugly runs a hand through his hair and smirks in the man's direction.]

Why thank you. I do put a lot of effort into my work, and compliments like that are what I love to hear when it pays off.

Are you interested in testing a Pokemon?

[He'll be equally pleased if this dude just wanted to compliment his work though, totally.]

[Works every time. Mad scientists are like that, and what kind of scientist would be working for a place like this save for a mad one?]

If you've got one you want tested, I'm pretty confident that I could handle it.

[The Team Rocket science department: for all your mad science needs!

Dist smirks...again because it's just a good day to smirk apparently.]

Good to hear. I appreciate those who take initiative.

Although, I don't believe I've ever seen you around before. Are you a new recruit? And do you already have some experience working with Pokemon?

Edited 2014-05-21 03:09 (UTC)

New enough. I've got a couple that I caught in the wild, but the little bastards are taking a while to get up to scratch.

[Because someone needs to teach Schuldig that "train until they die, then make them get up and keep training" is not a valid method of skill cultivation.]

Wouldn't be the first time I've worked with this kind of thing, either. I spent some time facilitating for scientists back home.

Ahh, you have my sympathy. We have all been through the early days of training with a weak team.

[The next part causes Dist to pause. That wording sounds familiar...

Well if his hunch is correct, what a coincidence.]

Forgive me if this question seems strange but, have we spoken before? I recently chatted with someone who said they had done the very same thing.

[He pauses a few beats, thinking back.]

Could be. Are you the guy who thinks the local professors are ilk?

[Ah, so he was right!]

That would be me, yes. [Though that's an interesting way to use that word. Does it have another meaning he's not aware of...?] What luck that you happen to be in Team Rocket! You'll certainly be seeing much of my work now.

Let's call it mutually fortunate. Now maybe I can put my skills to your good use.

[SCHMOOZE SCHMOOZE SCHMOOZE]

[Jeez you really want one of these things don't you? Dist can't help but chuckle a little.]

I did say I would take you up on your offer, didn't I? Here, let me show you the experiments.

[He steps off the stage and over to his desk near the back of the room to retrieve for more Pokeballs. When he returns he tosses all four into the air to release the Pokemon inside.

As promised, all Pokemon are metallic, but the species vary. There's a Jigglypuff, Metapod, Cryogonal, and Ditto now presented in front of Schuldig. The newly mutated Beedrill comes over to join them.]

Some have more potential than others, but that's how things usually are. Do any of them catch your eye?

[Hmmm. None are obviously Psychic-types, which of course would be Schuldig's go-to subject of interest. The crescent-moon banana thing is right out, that's for damn sure. So is the round little steel-armored puff pastry. The others, though...

Damn if the snowflake isn't tempting, just from the expression on its metal-covered face, but it's the blob of liquid that ultimately catches his eye. Curious, he extends a hand toward it, like he's expecting it to rise up and bite him.]

That one looks like fun. What did it used to be?

[As Schuldig gets close to the Ditto, it tenses up into a small ball of pointed spikes. They're not big enough to reach Schuldig's hand but it definitely makes a point. "No touching!"

Dist watches this with an amused look on his face. He's never seen it do that before. Man this thing is cool.]

It's a Ditto. Normally they are able to manipulate their DNA to turn themselves into a perfect copy of another Pokemon. Gaining Steel properties erased that ability, but as you can see it has found other ways to make itself useful. I believe this one has the most potential overall.

[Believe it or not, he actually starts laughing at the sight of the little spikeball, utterly pleased by such an aggressive reaction in retaliation.]

What a little hellion. I like it already.

Good, good. Just from this initial interaction, what sort of plans do you see for it?

[Just testing the waters here...he wants to make sure this Ditto is going into the right hands.]

Well, now. Let's see if I can't get the little beast to...

[He stretches out his hand, and this time he accompanies it with a mental reach as well, touching the Ditto's admittedly frantic (and simple) mind and rummaging around a bit until he finds the "chill the fuck out" part of the brain.

A few judicious taps later, he sticks his hand right up against the Ditto and makes a fist, nudging it with a mental prompt to coat his hand in steel like a glove.]

...behave.

[Whatever Schuldig did, it works well on this Ditto. Not only does it retract the spikes, but it complies with Schuldig's wishes and wraps its body around his hand.

Dist watches on with amazement. Well that was certainly impressive.]

What did you do just now?

Call me ambitious, but I'm pretty sure I just justified you letting me take the thing for a spin.

[He turns his hand, regarding the steel glove with undisguised pleasure. There's a smile on his face, but it's not a particularly nice one.]

And if you've got any other problem pests around, I might be able to give you a hand with those, too.

[He's still gawking. Just...wow, he really wants to know what Schuldig did to make the Ditto comply with him so easily. Not that he was having any problems himself, but this man didn't even speak any commands!]

No, I wouldn't call that ambitious at all. You've definitely proven yourself.

[...Schuldig did you just use a pun too. Wow.]

I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Now, since we're going to be working together for the time being we should properly introduce ourselves. Though I hardly need an introduction at this rate...still, I am Dist.

[He extends a hand for a handshake. And no, you had better not use the Ditto-coated one for this.]

It is a pleasure.

[Unfortunately, it's his right hand wrapped in the Ditto, so he'll have to go for the awkward lefty-shake if Dist doesn't want a palm full of steel hydrarglebargle.

Not that it's really a problem, but you know.]

Dietrich Jaeger. Though you'll hear a few guys around the base calling me "Fritz"; it doesn't make a difference to me.

[Still such a smooth and elegant lie, really.]

[...Fiiiine, he'll take the Ditto handshake. At least he has gloves on.]

I believe I'll stay with Mr. Jaeger. It has such a nice ring to it.

Well Mr. Jaeger, consider this a formal welcome to Team Rocket. I do hope you've been enjoying your time with us thus far.

_{[--Okay, he only ended up understanding bits and pieces of that, but that whole little proposal? Even he had to admit it sounded pretty sweet (even if he had to write reports). Science mumbo jumbo never was his strong point, but that's what the Q&A session was for, right?

Right.]}

Soooooo, how long would we have with 'em?

[Dist is more than happy to answer! After all, he knows everythiiing.]

Until the end of the month, so just over two weeks. I am willing to extend the duration if any testers have extra things they want to report on.

_{[On one hand, reports.

On the other hand, really cool Pokemon.

Reports, pokemon, reports, pokemon, reports...]}

Whadd'ya think would happen if they evolved?

[He was wondering if anyone would suggest that, and he's prepared with an answer.]

Unfortunately, they seem to have lost their ability to evolve since I've technically used an evolutionary item on them. Despite that setback, the unevolved ones are still useful with the steel coating.

Really? Dang.

_{[That's a bummer, but hey! Even a Magikarp can be pretty awesome on its own!]}

What about things y'want tested in particular? Just normal everyday things or crazy things?

[>Magikarp can be pretty awesome

Demyx what planet are you even from...]

A little bit of both! Whatever you would like to test. The basics would be damage sustained from various types, attacking ability, any other hidden abilities that are enhanced or downgraded by the steel coating, et cetera.

[...Oh my god. For once, he's actually glad to have obeyed somebody's summons; usually they're horribly boring affairs, but this is fascinating, good lord.]

Well, I must say that I'm terribly impressed, and that isn't something that happens often. Well done.

[Okay, Dist definitely can't help but grin a little at Alfred's reaction. It's the first time he's seen the guy actually not grumpy as hell, and it's especially pleasing to see that reaction toward his project. It makes him feel pretty damn good.]

I did tell you to have faith in me, did I not?

Are you interested in testing one of these Pokemon out?

[...HE IS ACTUALLY QUITE THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF "GRUMPY AS HELL" RIGHT NOW, GOOD LORD.]

You mean I can...?

[jesus christ he is a child on christmas right now, what have you done]

I would rather appreciate the opportunity, actually - for how long would you allow it?

[Wow, Dist would've never expected Alfred to have a side like this. In all honesty, he's glad to see more people getting excited over mad science. It reassures him that Alfred belongs here.

He nods.]

Of course. I have planned for initial testing to last until the end of this month. Is that long enough for you?

I would let you know otherwise - what are you offering, in terms of species?

Ah, hold on one moment. I have them with me.

[He wanders over to retrieve a couple Pokeballs, and releases the Pokemon inside once he's back by the stage. At this point it's down to three Pokemon including the Beedrill (we'll just say Alfred was third in line). The other two are a Jigglypuff and a Cryogonal.]

These are the ones I have left. Do any of them call out to you specifically?

[...Is that a Jigglypuff? You...You Metal Coated a Jigglypuff.

...God, the poor motherfucker that gets strapped with that...]

Oh, the Beedrill is an option? I wasn't entirely certain if it was just for the demonstration, or one you're planning on using personally...

[He is eyeballing it so hard.]

Insects have personal significance to me, you see. So if you wouldn't mind...?

[Look, he had a limited amount of test subjects and these were the ones the Metal Coat actually worked on for the time being...

It's intimidating okay.]

Yes, yes! I want all of my creations to get out there and do great things.

["Insects have personal significance to me." That's not...strange or anything. But he won't judge because after all, this is the science department.

He smirks instead, not passing up on an opportunity to give Alfred a little jab.]

As long as you don't set it loose in the base, by all means.

[He motions for the Beedrill to come over, which it does. It's now floating in front of Alfred for him to examine to his heart's content to make sure he really wants this one.]

[He might be new to this organization, but that is most certainly a very interested, very satisfied sort of smile on Ocelot's face right now which means that absolutely nothing good is going to come of this.]

Research like this is pretty rare where I'm from.

Genetics is still fairly unknown, even in humans, so to see someone be able to manipulate genes so thoroughly... well. I'm absolutely impressed.

I've only ever spoken to engineers before. There was a weapon being worked on before I was brought here called the Shagohod. It was a modified tank of sorts that was capable of launching missiles.

Unfortunately, it was destroyed but the technology could probably be replicated in a fashion. It might even help out with your research into Steel typing.

Of course a tank would definitely make us stick out and I don't have the blueprints with me, but I'm sure I could tell you what I know about it and it would be enough to jump start more research.

[Dist wasn't expecting talk about military weapons (coincidentally also one of his fields...) being spawned over this presentation, but he's not complaining by any means. He finds this really interesting!]

You have me interested, sir! Discussion about weapons not involving Pokemon is rare in this world. Are you not satisfied with their abilities?

[He's not against weapons by any means, he's just curious to hear this man's reasoning.]

[He smiles politely.]

Oh, I don't mean any offense. What you've done is fantastic work, and Pokemon are quite powerful. What I meant is that with enough research, you might be able to further augment what you have.

[He gestures vaguely.]

Your demonstration reminded me of my own experiences is all. Pokemon are incredibly powerful creatures when trained right, that much is clear. But imagine, for instance, being able to train a Pokemon to hit a target that it normally can't see.

Edited 2014-05-22 02:49 (UTC)

Don't you worry, you haven't offended me at all. I've created Pokemon-less weapons in the past, just not in this world. It has a habit of inserting Pokemon into everything, you see.

[That last bit has him especially interested now.]

Oho, is that what this Shagohod of yours did?

[He looks interested.]

Does it now? That might have advantages, I suppose. Plenty of disadvantages, too. But as you've demonstrated, we can work that to our advantage, too.

[At that, Ocelot nods.]

It was capable of shooting a long-range missile. In theory, it would have been capable of shooting anywhere from three thousand to five thousand kilometers away, but it was destroyed before a demonstration like that could have been accomplished.

A complete shame, and something like that would be too easily noticeable here, but I'm sure something more practical could be built.

You're right about that. While Pokemon do not completely replace the resources of my world, I have been able to manipulate them to perform at least somewhat similarly. This project is the first of many to continue enhancing their potential.

[He mulls this Shagohod thing over. It definitely sounds useful...]

You know, my partner would absolutely love to hear about this as well. His specialty is destructive weapons, and I believe he could think of a few ways to properly replicate your weapon while making it more practical at the same time.

I'm certainly not opposed to adding Pokemon into the mix though! They can be just as destructive as any bombs or missiles when used properly.

In that case, I certainly look forward to seeing what you can reproduce.

[There were also the plans for this "metal gear" that Granin had been working on, but Ocelot hadn't done much more than quickly glance through the files.]

I'm no engineer so I wouldn't be able to replicate the exact specifications, but I should be able to come fairly close and then you and your partner will be able to do the rest, I'm sure.

This region won't know what hit it.

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10 ❀ text + video on the Rocket frequency/action for the Goldenrod base [backdated to 5/16]

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