3 ❀ video
[Okay, the chaos at the base has finally settled down and the network is back to normal. Time to make a post he's been meaning to make...
The video begins with a shot of the evereye-searing flashy Dist from across a table in some nondescript location. Those seem to be pretty common, don't they? On that table rests various evolutionary items: a Razor Claw, Dubious Disc, Dusk Stone, and a Metal Coat which Dist is rolling in his free hand.]
Network, let's talk about evolutionary items. Not how they work, because I am sure that has been speculated to death. I'd like to ask why. Specifically, why do they only work on certain Pokemon? Some make sense, such as the Magmarizer which is obviously geared toward a Magmar. And of course, a Thunderstone would only apply to an Electric type Pokemon.
But what about the Razor Claw? [He sets the Metal Coat down and picks up the claw, examining it in front of the 'Gear's camera.] There are plenty of clawed Pokemon this could apply to, and yet apparently only Sneasel actually make use of it. I'm sure you saw my Metal Coat just now; that is another intriguing one. Currently, only two noted Pokemon have adapted and taken on a metal coating to achieve extra defense.
[Now that he's given enough examples, he sets the Razor Claw down and leans back a bit, propping his chin up with his hand.]
Do you ever wonder if there may be more Pokemon out there ready to use these items to their advantage? Perhaps some Pokemon already have the capability but have yet to be introduced to these items. [A small smile spreads across his lips.] Wouldn't it be absolutely thrilling to be the first to discover a brand new evolution unknown to the masses?
[After letting those words sink in, he ends the video.]
[private video to fellow Rocket scientists]
Speaking of evolution, is anyone in the Goldenrod base available at the moment? [He reaches for that Metal Coat again.] I am about to begin the initial testing for my current project, and a second person is necessary for it.
[Insincerely,] Many thanks.
The video begins with a shot of the ever
Network, let's talk about evolutionary items. Not how they work, because I am sure that has been speculated to death. I'd like to ask why. Specifically, why do they only work on certain Pokemon? Some make sense, such as the Magmarizer which is obviously geared toward a Magmar. And of course, a Thunderstone would only apply to an Electric type Pokemon.
But what about the Razor Claw? [He sets the Metal Coat down and picks up the claw, examining it in front of the 'Gear's camera.] There are plenty of clawed Pokemon this could apply to, and yet apparently only Sneasel actually make use of it. I'm sure you saw my Metal Coat just now; that is another intriguing one. Currently, only two noted Pokemon have adapted and taken on a metal coating to achieve extra defense.
[Now that he's given enough examples, he sets the Razor Claw down and leans back a bit, propping his chin up with his hand.]
Do you ever wonder if there may be more Pokemon out there ready to use these items to their advantage? Perhaps some Pokemon already have the capability but have yet to be introduced to these items. [A small smile spreads across his lips.] Wouldn't it be absolutely thrilling to be the first to discover a brand new evolution unknown to the masses?
[After letting those words sink in, he ends the video.]
[private video to fellow Rocket scientists]
Speaking of evolution, is anyone in the Goldenrod base available at the moment? [He reaches for that Metal Coat again.] I am about to begin the initial testing for my current project, and a second person is necessary for it.
[Insincerely,] Many thanks.

[AUDIO - LOCKED]
Anyway, Archer will reply a short while later, locking the audio feed down immediately. He's still a little out of it due to the whole "being here for a year and having a breakdown over it" thing, but that's no big deal! This sounds fascinating.]
Let me guess; you're going to try to force evolutions on Pokemon?
[From the sound of it, he approves!]
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you're Dist, one of the Team Rocket scientists?
[You can practically hear the smirk. As for where he got this information? Let's just say he's
attached at several vital organs togood friends with Kimblee. You know, that one guy who was trolling you.][AUDIO - LOCKED]
Well, he certainly caught on at least...]
"Force" is such a strong word. But I would like to guide them in the right direction.
[In other words, yep you got it Archer.
That second bit actually catches him off guard somewhat. On one hand, it's great that he has some kind of reputation already, but on the other hand he doesn't like that tone one bit.]
Why yes, I am. Have you seen my previous network posts, or has someone spoken to you about me?
[AUDIO - LOCKED]
A bit of both, actually. I am Team Rocket Beta Frank Archer, it's a pleasure to finally speak with you, Dist.
[That totally explains everything. Because a high ranking means stalking the network is okay!!! Or something, don't question him.]
I've wondered the same thing about evolution. Some of the items make marginally more sense - such as the Up-Grade for Porygon - but others make no sense at all. What is the difference between the Sun Stone and the Leaf Stone? Why do some Pokemon evolve by stone and others by level? There are plenty of questions we don't have answers for.
The Metal Coat is possibly the most useful item to start with. Steel-types tend to be incredibly resilient, in my experience. They can be used to evolve a Pokemon at any level - I waited for quite some time before evolving my Scyther to test this theory. If you can guide an evolution, I'd certainly like to see the results. Do you have a Pokemon selected for the experiment?
[AUDIO - LOCKED]
see the irony there?]The pleasure is mine, Mr. Archer.
[Though really, there is a bit of surprise in Dist's voice. He's heard of Archer, of course. He's heard of all of the higher-ranking members. And so he makes note to at least try to act polite, although he really isn't intimidated by ranks.]
Indeed, the ability to evolve a Pokemon early on is helpful, especially if their base form is rather weak. [Although that doesn't apply to his Scyther, it's still a point.] You will be pleased to know that I am going to start with the Metal Coat. My own Scyther shall be the first test subject, simply so I can see how the process works and how she actually uses the item for her evolution. From there, I will work with other Pokemon I believe could benefit from a boost in defense.
[AUDIO - LOCKED]
That sounds excellent. The evolution process doesn't seem to be any different from what I could tell, but perhaps you'll find something else there.
[AUDIO - LOCKED]
There must be some sort of difference if Scyther cannot evolve without help from this item. I'd like to see if I can figure out what it is.