fauxtographs | 1 � [VIDEO/ACTION FOR THE GOLDENROD ROCKET BASE/ROUTE 34]

1 � [VIDEO/ACTION FOR THE GOLDENROD ROCKET BASE/ROUTE 34]

[ACTION]

[It's a quietish, average day in the Goldenrod Rocket base, although that silence is soon broken rather aggressively by the sound of a shout-]

I'll show you what I think of your "uniform violation"!

[Suddenly, there's another shout, and if you're lucky enough to be standing near the doorway where first one came from, you'll be treated to the sight of a Random Grunt being hurled out of it.

That...yep, he's definitely airborne, and doesn't seem too pleased about it. At least his flight is short, as he soon lands in a heap amongst a nearby group of metal bins with a deafening crash. He seems uninjured, if...extremely dazed, and it isn't long before his assailant comes exploding out of the door.

...all five, furious feet of her.]

There! Right in the rubbish, where bullies like you belong!

[The source of the argument quickly becomes apparent now that the young woman is in view; she's wearing the typical female grunt uniform, but only the hat, shirt and skirt. Instead of the regulation boots, she's wearing a pair of knee-high green boots, and a pair of white tights underneath her skirt.

Apparently, someone hadn't agreed with her alterations. To add insult to injury, a Lillipup immediately runs up and starts furiously barking at the Grunt (as tiny dogs are want to do), although her trainer doesn't seem interested in doing anything to call her off.]

Hmph!

[Gripping the brim of her cap, the woman straightens it angrily, muttering darkly to herself as she looks up and down the hall. Her anger is quickly abating in favour of confusion, and perhaps a little bit of despair.]

And I still don't know where the exit is...this place is more of a maze than Misthallery!

~~

[VIDEO]

[Some time later, Emmy has finally managed to puzzle her way out of the Rocket Base and into the heart of Goldenrod City (ensuring, of course, that she changed out of the uniform before she left). While a few subtle things are slightly different, on the whole...it feels like she never left.

It's enough to make her want to just...sit down for a bit - so she does, after walking briskly to the outskirts of the city and collapsing on the grass with a sigh. Her two Pokemon, Lillipup and Scraggy, having been in dutiful pursuit since she left the base, similarly crash down to the ground nearby and look at her expectantly.

All in all, they make a rather amusing picture. It's now that she's using the Gear - still lying in the grass, with it held up in her outstretched arm.

Her chosen camera angle is about more than just a lack of desire to stand up, however - the last time she was brought to Johto, she arrived in New Bark Town. Of course, the last time she was in Johto, she hadn't been automatically enlisted in Team Rocket, and the whole fiasco has made her rather suspicious. If there is a chance that Goldenrod City arrivals and Team Rocket are linked...she can't afford to broadcast her current location to the entire network. Best to be safe, and solve the puzzle later. This way, with only her upper body and the grass in view, she could be anywhere. Hopefully, people will assume she's somewhere between New Bark Town and...oh, what was it called...Cherrygrove! Yes!]

Ah, hello there! My name is Emmy!

[With a slightly awkward, yet friendly wave, Emmy chases any negative thoughts out of her head and focuses on smiling for the camera. It's been so long since she's done this - the whole experience feels rather surreal, yet there's a strong feeling of deja vu.]

I was just wondering...well, if any of you happened to recognize me! You see, I've actually been here in Johto before, and it looks like it wants me back for Round 2!

[To her credit, she looks and sounds completely sincere. Continuing to smile, Emmy shifts slightly on the grass and adjusts her grip on the Gear.]

I don't really expect any of my old friends to still be here, but I thought I'd ask anyway! Other than that...well! Do any of you have any good battling Pokemon to recommend?

[Laughing softly, Emmy beckons to something off-screen; soon, her Lillipup trots into the frame and rolls onto her back so she can look at the camera too, tail wagging furiously.]

At the moment I've only got this cutie, so I'm going to need some suggestions! I'm no beginner, so hit me with whatever you've got!

Thanks for listening, and have a good day!

[And with that, the feed is cut.]

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[...hmm. You're a bit of a jerk, but you're offering to show her the exit. Potential...gentleman? Maybe? Regardless, some of that anger might evaporate a little.]

Oh, no - I only just arrived. This is my first time out of my bedroom, really-

[Ooh, wait, hang on! A question about Pokemon? She can answer that!]

Ah, well, you see, Pokemon have all sorts of wonderful abilities! Some are actually incredibly powerful, with the right training. That's why Team Rocket is working to steal so many of them. Frankly, it's horrid!

[...

...that might have been Too Much Information, but she can roll with it.]

[Well that's interesting, and not just her apparent disdain for the organization she ended up working for. Rideaux raises an eyebrow at her, gently placing a hand against his hip.]

You sure know a lot for this being your first time out of your bedroom.

[Without missing a beat, Emmy shakes her head.]

First time out of my bedroom, yes, but you're not the first person I've spoken to. I've been chatting with a few of the other grunts, here and there. Enough to know that I'd much rather get out of here, anyway. He-

[-and she'll nod at Bin Grunt-]

-was supposed to tell me where the exit was, but instead he seemed more concerned with my outfit.

[It's a believable excuse; she's still not sure if it's...wise to spread the fact that this isn't her first time in Johto. It sounds like the sort of thing that could be used against her.

...perhaps it's best to plead ignorance, if this fellow has any more questions. Hmm.]

You're not even wearing this silly thing! Not that I can blame you.

[That response doesn't give him any reason to cast doubt on her. It was sincere, and her tone never faltered through it. He gives a satisfied nod when she's done explaining.]

I don't see a need to unless I'm actually on business. Frankly, the uniforms are hideous.

[That should be confirmation enough that he doesn't intend to ditch this place for the time being.]

But from the sound of things, you didn't choose to be here either. Don't you wonder why they've gone through the trouble of bringing us here? They must really want our services. I imagine they'd be very disappointed if their new recruits were to immediately up and desert them.

...that's what I'm confused about, too.

[To put it mildly.]

Judging by the information I've gathered, this...really isn't the sort of place I want to work. I mean, I'll do it if I have to-

[-maybe-]

-but I don't think I'd make a very good thief.

[Looking over at poor stupid Bin Grunt, Emmy frowns, shifting her gaze down to her hands.]

Maybe it's...because I know how to fight? But it's not like I could take on a properly trained Pokemon...

[...there's another, niggling reason for why they would have recruited her, but she pushes it away. That can't be it, surely!]

What about yourself...?

[It hits her at that moment that she's having a happy discussion with what could be a horribly evil maniac, since...you know, Team Rocket wanted him.

...she needs to get out of here ASAP.]

[Probably for the best, Emmy. You really have no idea.

Rideaux flexes his fingers at the mention of fighting.]

I'm not quite sure myself. If it's my superior healing or fighting abilities they're after, they did a wonderful job limiting them by taking away my Spyrix.

[He looks annoyed by that, whatever a Spyrix is. Really, what's the point of dampening his power if they want strong members in their ranks?]

They even confiscated my weapons and gave me...these, [He extends his hands to motion at his Zangoose on one side and his Houndour on the other. They both look up at him with mild discontent.] in exchange. Are they really that much more powerful than us that they can be substituted for real weapons?

From what I've heard from the others, it depends on how they're trained. At the moment, ours are very weak. If we train them well enough, though, they can be quite terrifying.

[Lily the Lillipup looks to have a lot of potential, after all! Even if she is...kind of really tiny.

...she'll probably get bigger! Hopefully, anyway...]

I mean, if it makes you feel better, that one looks like it could do some damage with those claws!

[It's also kind of...mean looking, so she's hoping that...doesn't say something about you...

...maybe she should make a polite excuse to leave the conversation soon...]

[He looks down at his Zangoose, eying his claws in specific.]

I'll admit that he does make some nice, deep cuts with them. But as you said, he needs work. He's severely lacking in precision- something he's going to need if he intends to actually replace my scalpels.

[If his Pokemon continue to be terrible at their jobs he's going to just attack the opponent himself, so help him--]

It's just strange change of pace, really. Monsters are rarely taken in as allies in battle where I'm from. We spend a great deal of time hunting them for their resources, though. Was your world similar?

[The whole different worlds thing was one of the more fascinating things he discovered in his first few days on the job. Would Spyrix even function in this world if he had them with...?]

[...what...exactly have you been cutting up, strange yet admittedly well-dressed man...]

Monsters? Oh goodness, no! Not at all, there are no monsters back in England! Well, there are animals, but they're not quite the same thing. The only creature I can think of that was anywhere close to a 'monster' was really quite friendly.

[And she's pretty sure Loosha wasn't a Pokemon, so. Although...what if she was, and the Golden Garden has something to do with Johto? A link, maybe? Could the Azran have known about this place...?

...best to file that away for later. It could be a piece of the puzzle!]

So I suppose you're going to have to learn how to get along with your two! I'm no expert, but it makes sense to co-operate with them. Don't you think?

[He's a doctor, it's patients mostly...! For actually life-saving procedures.

Or so we want to believe.]

Then it seems whoever brought us here has been picking from diverse worlds. I couldn't imagine a world without monsters.

[Or Spyrix and spirits, but he digresses.]

But yes, you do have a point. I'm sure I'll find plenty of other opportunities to use my own abilities, besides. You certainly didn't have trouble with that yourself.

[He's looking down at Bin Grunt himself now, smirking all the while.]

[OR SO WE HOPE AND PRAY...]

Well, I hope the 'monsters' here are a little easier for you to deal with!

[At least, she's hoping you won't try to fight them yourself...

...she's tried that and it really doesn't work...

...and as for that silly Bin Grunt (who still doesn't know wtf is going on here with you crazy people)-]

And, well, you simply have to leap on opportunity when it presents itself! Although I don't intend to make a habit of doing that sort of thing. I was just...not in a very good mood.

[To put...it mildly...

But at least she's feeling a bit perkier now!]

What is it that you do, anyway? You said you had healing abilities...?

[...he totally wasn't gonna do that, perish the thought...!

Someone's probably gonna have to stop him.]

At least I now know that uniform discussion with you is off-limits.

[He's joking for the most part. But if something that trifling is enough to set her off under the right circumstances, he wonders what else could. Hmmm.]

That's right. I'm a medical doctor. I'm sure you can guess what sort of work that entails.

[A hand moves toward the inside of his jacket, but he frowns when he remembers his scalpels are missing. Ugh, how he wants to just twirl one in his fingers right now...]

Simply put, I save lives.

[And yet he's in Team Rocket, so...that's definitely strange, isn't it?]

Just don't go telling me to remove my tights, and I won't have a problem with you.

[But a clearly gentlemanly doctor person like you would never do such a thing!

...so let's avoid the ominous twirling of medical tools, okay...]

Ah, so you are a doctor! That's incredibly impressive!

[And...really quite bizarre, what with the whole Team Rocket thing you've now got going on. Either you're secretly a nightmarish sort of evil doctor, or you've mistakenly ended up here, like her.

But which one is it...?]

It also sounds like the sort of skill we could use around here, judging by what the other grunts have told me. A lot of these 'missions' sound rather unpleasant.

Although I suppose we'll find out about all that during training.

[Which she's not looking forward to...]

Ah, you flatter me.

[He'll even give a little bow to show his appreciation! He's well aware of how impressive he is, but it's still nice to hear it from others!]

Mm, I've already heard a bit about them myself. But I find them more...intriguing, than unpleasant. And who knows? There's always the possibility of us being on a mission together.

[He makes it sound like that's supposed to help ease the unpleasantness, but...it doesn't at all, really.

...]

If you don't ditch us so quickly, anyway.

[At least you're not the creepiest Team Rocket member she's ever met, if that helps...]

Well, if I had to be on a team with anyone, a doctor sounds like a wise choice! Maybe I could be convinced to stay around a little longer.

[jks she's gunna be out of here the second their instructor says they're done with training, but you know. She's got badges to get!

But in all honesty, you don't seem like a bad guy. Not that she's had too much experience with legitimately evil people, but you're probably not one! Definitely!]

Or at least, I can take care of anyone harassing you during training! I pack a rather mean kick, after all!

[Did...did she just offer to defend him...

She did.

...

This is where Rideaux just laughs. Not because he doesn't believe her, since he's seen plenty of proof that she's completely serious. He's just incredibly amused because no one's ever offered that before. Everyone back home knew he is perfectly capable of taking care of himself, so this is...interesting. And amusing, of course.

This woman certainly is something.]

Aha, pardon me.

[He regains his composure very quickly, as if nothing is wrong. But he does shift to twirl a lock of his hair to keep that composure.]

I'd really love to see that, honestly. They would certainly think twice about harassing a doctor after that, wouldn't they?

[Hell yeah he's gonna roll with this, it's hilarious.

...]

You know, I believe this is a good time for introductions. [He'll give another little bow.] My name is Rideaux. To whom do I owe the pleasure of being my future knight in shining armor?

...you know, I can give you another demonstration if you think it's so funny.

[Hmph! But fortunately, she's not really all that annoyed. There's something rather useful about being underestimated, after all! Besides, at least you're being courteous. Practically gentlemanly, really!

Hmm...]

It's a pleasure to meet you, Dr Rideaux - or do you prefer just Rideaux? Well, anyway, my name is Emmy. It's a pleasure to meet you and...be your co-worker, I suppose! That's how things work around here, I'm assuming!

Oh, don't mind me. I just wasn't expecting that offer.

[The underestimation factor is something he's intent on taking advantage of as well, so he's got no problem taking Emmy up on it.]

Just Rideaux will do, and the pleasure is all mine, Emmy. We'll likely be seeing quite a lot of each other in the coming weeks. Let's blow the training sessions out of the water, mmm?

[Or maybe kick them in Emmy's case. Either way!]

With all that said and done, I really should show you that exit at some point, shouldn't I?

[He shifts to face the direction he was headed when this whole debacle went down.]

I was actually on my way there. Are you all finished here?

Ah, that would be wonderful! It's so stifling down here, and I'm a bit desperate to get out of this stupid uniform!

[Even if she's not wearing the whole thing, it's still very silly! Honestly, who makes a mini-skirt part of a field agent's uniform? A big creep, that's who!

But at least she knows how to deal with creeps, so. Bye bye, Bin Grunt! Starting to walk, Emmy turns to face Rideaux as they head down the hallway, happily chatting away.]

Have you been out into the city yet? From what the other Grunts have told me, it's supposed to be massive! I can't wait to take some pictures!

[Bin Grunt is going to have quite a story to tell to his Grunt buddies today, isn't he.

Rideaux makes sure his Pokemon are following in an orderly line behind him and Emmy before facing forward, listening to Emmy's comments all the while.]

Yes I have, and you'll find that their claims aren't completely unfounded. It's definitely a big city, but I've been in bigger.

[And lived in. Goldenrod's pretty small compared to Trigleph.

He tilts his head in Emmy's direction, smirking.]

You'll want to take care not to get yourself lost. It's not going to be as easy to work your way around as it is in the base.

[Well, while your Pokemon are being very well-behaved, Emmy's Lillipup is excitedly running ahead and her Scraggy is...trying to run ahead, but he keeps tripping over his 'pants'.

...they'll get there.]

Hah! Have a little faith in me, Rideaux! I'm sure it won't take me too long to puzzle out!

[...because she's lived in it for two years previously, but you don't have to know that...]

Besides, at least in the city I'll be able to use landmarks to work out where I am; I can't stand being down here. It's so...cold, and sterile, it's like a prison...

...but then again, I suppose Team Rocket isn't supposed to be warm and welcoming.

[They could at least use a few more colours in the decor...]

What have you seen so far? In Goldenrod, I mean.

Well, you're not wrong with that description. It's a far cry from the accommodations Spirius offers, that's for sure. [A...really, really far cry.] Ah, that was my former place of employment, for context. I spend most of my time outside the base for that reason.

[Not that he ever had to actually live in Spirius' headquarters building, but at least it felt a lot warmer...

He taps at his hip as they make the last turn toward the exit. Said exit is...an elevator, unsurprisingly.]

Not a whole lot yet. I've ventured to the outskirts on the north and south ends, where routes connect to other cities. There is also a center for healing our monsters, and a very large department store that carries anything you could imagine for humans and monsters alike.

[He presses the Up button on the elevator once they make it there.]

What sort of things interest you? Who knows, maybe I've seen a shop or restaurant that's up your alley.

Well, that all sounds rather useful! Especially the healing centre and store, anyway.

[As the elevator arrives, Emmy pauses momentarily, resisting the urge to grab Rideaux's arm and stop him.]

A-Ah, before we go any further...this doesn't open up onto the street, does it...?

[...she's, um...still wearing the uniform with the big red 'R' on it, that's all...]

[He turns to face her, smirking.]

I was waiting for you to remember your attire. How embarrassing that would be if you forgot.

[It wouldn't be his fault!]

No, it's not a direct exit. There is still another hallway and protected door before we reach the street. You should probably change into something more civilian before you leave, though.

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1 � [VIDEO/ACTION FOR THE GOLDENROD ROCKET BASE/ROUTE 34]

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