A short text requesting assistance went out to each of the team's members; those who responded would be borrowed from the city at the appointed time.
When each team member was summoned, they appeared in a wide, nondescript hallway. The hallway ended in a pair of double doors, in front of which stood Faustite, and what could only be Headache posing as Cybele. Faustite's sourness was tempered by his injury, which left him more tired than irritable. Still, he found enough energy to pace, and to gesticulate with the hand that wasn't trapped in a sling.
"Asked some of you here because I need your help." He glanced back at the double doors before he continued. "Need to talk with a youma kept by one of the medical personnel. Person in question is a Lieutenant, and a Captain facilitates his…" Faustite shrugged with one shoulder. "Experiments.
"The Lieutenant, Rockatanskite, will object to this. Unknown if the Captain will, too, but I doubt it. Need you to make sure I'm not bothered while I work. Can pull rank, but he doesn't recognize half-youma as officers — will use his treatment role with me to try to invalidate it. Complicates my investigation to deter him while talking with a youma.
"Two of you to guard the door. The rest — certain you'll find something to do. Questions?" He asked as he slowly drew to a stop.
Quote:
This RP is for Alkmene's stabilization ritual & part of my prework for an event heart
Some things to know:
Anyone in the team is invited, and you can handwave them accepting the invitation! Since it's optional, there's no pressure to participate or bring all your team characters! (That said, please feel free to participate!) There will be no posting order — first come, first serve — to ensure the RP finishes! I will try to post and move the story along every 48 hours or so!
Some background: Rockatanskite has been, historically, rude to Faustite. Some team members feel Very Strongly that Rockatanskite needs a stern talking to. He's a nonessential NPC, so whatever happens, happens…
The team may have found out about Rockatanskite via Albite.
If you have any questions, ping me heart Next post will be 04/24, and I will quote the people who have posted!
Mizuki was down with this. She dropped a message to Prehnite, letting him know she was going to help Fausty with a problem, and responded with a murderous emoji and a cheer. It wasn't like she was really doing anything else today, and boredom was nothing if not hazardous for those around her. It wasn't her fault that she'd set the library curtains on fire, alright! She was just... bored. And the fire was pretty... She blinked as she popped into existence, seeing one of her dads in a sling.
"Who did this too you Fausty!? Who do I need to murder?" she said, following his pacing with concern. He prattled on about a Lieutenant who didn't like half youma officers, but she was entirely focused on the fact he was in a sling. She'd murder whoever did it. Yes she would. Slowly.
Her attention snapped back to the task at hand when he said that Rockatanskite didn't treat him well. "Can I make him relive his worst regrets?" It wasn't exactly clear who she was talking about though.
Strickenized
a-disgruntled-dragon
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Meighei
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Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2022 5:13 pm
The tablet pen he’d been using religiously the past month received a ping. He had almost been too lost in his annotations to notice. The manual needed more information on Mauvians and how they worked and Tama would be remiss if he did not add to that much lacking knowledge.
Still, the cat saw the ping was from Faustite. The general sure did send out quite a bit of messages. He wondered if he had a secretary.
Part of him wanted to be obstinate, deny the man any power over him. But another part of him was curious.
And the curious part always won out in the end.
“You? Need help?” He said sarcastically as he ran a thin hand through his long silver-white hair. “I thought you’d never ask.”
His violet eyes fell to the man’s injured arm.
“Who has beaten you up now? Certainly looks worse than what I could do.”
Albite popped into the hall with Cryolite in tow, like he'd been waiting for it. Like the text to 'go' couldn't have come quickly enough for his liking. He'd hardly bothered to read before he was all brash response and bouncing dreads.
"OH! Oh, me! Pick me! I'm, like, second to none at being a door. Hell, I can't even spell 'ajar'," Albite wanted to be inside and see it done and -- andd --- he knew his strengths though, knew that playing around at being detective was not his go to ability. Not that he couldn't have aptitude for hunting around, but? Hell, the rank he sported had to be good for something, n if that something was blocking doors n ******** about with tying whoever the heck got nosy down? Then sure, why not volunteer himself for the job!
"N also - alsooo - can she, Firebrand? Pretty please? I just, Idunno, zuzu, lovely; take a picture of whatever damage you do to that rockiemountains-face, yeh? After y'all get the things of course.." twitch of heels and a grin three miles wide. Albite was happy as the others appeared, asked questions, took turns wondering after all the ailments his boy sported today. There were only so many beatings Faustite could hide, weren't there? So many bruises that energy n time could melt away into yellow-black swatches on his skin.
It was about damn time they got to do something about it! N this one didn't need a manhunt and a team ten wide; wasn't some vicious Knight hiding out on a distant planet. Easier prey, far closer at hand..
Cryolite thought Tama was looking pretty today. Reminded himself swiftly that, 'cat', yes, a cat, that one was a cat. Any bit of whiplash he felt on the backend of that was promptly derailed by Albites loudness, and the slow taking in of their Generals need. He wasn't sure exactly what he was meant to do for all of this, what use he'd be?
But Albite'd dragged him along, and the topic was enough to peak his interest. What with the curious injuries, and...
"What kind of 'experiments', exactly?" narrowed bicolored eyes that cast about the room, his fingers caught-up with tugging ice-tipped blond lengths into a more manageable pony-tail. He wondered if the Negaverse offered hazard pay? If Faustite was considered a caustic material? Ahwell, so long as they didn't end up blown into the sky for being *nosy*.
The request for assistance from Faustite received a "whenever you need." There would never be an ounce of hesitation answering his General's call, and so, when summoned, he appeared, one hand on his hip and a hint of a frown on his face.
Seeing Faustite's arm in a sling made him wince, and he hoped that it wasn't a new injury on top of the splinted wrist he'd seen a few weeks back. Though, even if it wasn't, that represented a pretty nasty degradation of the situation. He took a moment, as pause, to rest a hand on Faustite's opposite shoulder and squeeze; others had asked questions aloud, but Alkmene was queter about it, just a flash of steel in silvery eyes.
There were certainly plenty of people present; that was reassuring. Whatever they were going into, it wasn't alone.
The report made his eyes narrow. Rockatanskite. He remembered the name; remembered that apparently, that piece of garbage had played some games with Faustite's health after the battle on the hill.
Oh, he was going to enjoy the opportunity to take out the trash.
"I'm happy to run whatever distraction you need," he said. "Or just provide some inconvenience." 'If my magic shows the ******** up to work,' he thought but didn't say.
Strickenized
a-disgruntled-dragon
Meighei
Shiningamisgirl
Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2022 7:52 pm
Of course Jadarite showed up. For one thing, it had been thrilling to become a Captain, but she found herself thirsting for more, and that meant having a long list of missions checked off on her resume when she presented it to the General-Sovereigns. For another thing, she found herself curious about what Faustite was getting into.
There was professional interest, yes, but also, Albite's whole life was wrapped around this half-youma, and as she heard more and more about their relationship, she wanted to see why.
Once her feet hit the floor and she had a moment to take in her surroundings, she raised an eyebrow at her General's sling but didn't ask. The question had already been voiced. She didn't want to be redundant.
"I'll take the door," she said, and stepped into position. "If he's a Lieutenant, I could try pulling rank before we go straight to murder. Not saying he doesn't deserve it," although there was clearly some story that she was missing, "But it's my role to look out for reputation, and as such I say It'd be best to prove that he's insubordinate before we go that route."
It wasn't as if Valjean had a surfeit of things to do, to keep him from answering Faustite's call. A simple "at your call, sir" was his answer, and when he arrived, he surveyed the others present--this, he supposed, was his alleged team. Faustite's other subordinates. A fascinating group, a bit motley, but certainly all willing to respond to a request to come and offer assistance.
There was a pang of guilt, seeing Faustite in a sling--apparently he had done that, while resisting corruption, which felt like a pointless endeavor. he was here anyway, and Faustite was less combat-effective. Idiocy, on the part of the person he used to be. A person he could no longer remember, so he couldn't even begin to trace his thought process.
Hopefully, an explanation would soothe some of the hostilities directed at the nebulous party that had done the damage, but Valjean kept his mouth shut for the moment. Let Faustite explain what he wanted to.
Strickenized
a-disgruntled-dragon
Meighei
Shiningamisgirl
stari-maga
Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2022 12:33 pm
The summons came and Helio responded in haste. The hallway, while wide, was beginning to feel small with the presence of other team members who had also responded to their General’s call. It was still a marvel to be a part of such a large and responsive team. It warmed places in the senshi’s chest.
What didn’t give him warm fuzzy feelings was the sight of Faustite’s new injury. He frowned but said nothing. Injuries were nothing new and Faustite had certainly braved worst. Plus, now wasn’t the time.
The debrief was quick and concise. The name Rockatanskite tickled a small memory…Right. Albite mentioned in very briefly. A right ol’ a*****e to Faustite. Reason enough to not like the name but someone who couldn’t understand rank and looked sourly upon half-youma were also major ticks against his personage.
“It sounds like this guy already has shown insubordination before. I doubt we will need to do much to find evidence against him.” He said referring to Jadarite’s comment. “The pure fact alone that we were called in to help with this should be saying enough, but I agree, maybe not jumping straight to killing is best.” He paused, crossing his arms glancing to Albite and Mizuki” Unless he puts up any sort of resistance of course. Then he deserves whatever he gets in my opinion.”
Kolina
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 9:30 am
Mizuki was first to arrive. Punctual thing, always ready for vengeance. Ready for prevenge, too. Her and Tama's questions surprised him; he expected both would be focused on the matter at hand. Tama still came prepared with a barb, for which the fiery General scoffed.
"No one to murder," he answered. "Already dead, in a way. Offender's an ally now. Better you don't punish him for something he's forgotten, Mizuki. You were in his position, once." Faustite hadn't tried to spread that one around; it was difficult enough on its own, acclimating an amnesiac to the Negaverse. Bringing in behaviors unremembered seemed antithetical to the task.
Jadarite and Albite each offered themselves for doorman positions, to which he answered, "Done.
"Jada and Heliodor are correct — don't need to murder anyone." His attention grew half-lidded at the lot of them. He suspected they were as well-behaved as he was self-controlled. Couldn't deny his appreciation for it — the Negaverse could use so much loyalty, so much fierceness.
"Whatever you do, you do beyond my immediate supervision. Won't be there to stop you."
To Alkmene, he nodded. He welcomed the brief touch, and resumed pacing afterward.
That left Cryolite's question. "His experiments are youma torture, rebranded as 'endurance tests'.
"Come."
With the questions satisfied, Faustite pushed one of the double doors open with his free hand. Inside was the infirmary as all would remember it — various beds blocked off by privacy curtains, attendants moving urgently through the hallways, individuated rooms for longer stays, non-patient-facing work in the differentiated rooms at the back. Most officers working the area had paid them no heed in passing; only a few spared them a look, and, sensing it wasn't any of their business, kept to their tasks.
He cut through to the front-facing desks, where he spotted the Captain that worked tangentially with their troublemaker. "Captain," he hailed as he stopped before her desk. "On an investigation. Point us to Rockatanskite's office."
She looked up at the sound of her rank, of course — this one rose, bumped her thighs on the table, and recovered enough of her grace to stand at attention. She pointed to an office behind her: second from the far left.
"Is he in?"
She shook her head.
Faustite nodded to her, then started toward the door.
He was halfway to it when the Captain found her voice. "I-it's key. I mean, it's locked. You need a key." And she scrambled around in the top drawer of her desk, her hands a mess, before she produced one on an Eevee keychain. She offered it to Albite.
"Oh, and one more thing!" The Captain almost shouted, then dropped her voice to a mediocre mumble. "He'll be back soon, with a Lieutenant and some Basics. Like, really soon."
She glanced past Tama and Cryolite, then added, "Like right-now-soon."
a-scowling-dragon
Mizu-bb!
Meighei
Hot Tama-le!
shiningamisgirl
Cry-a-lot and I'll-bite!
noir songbird
Leggies and Bootyshorts!
stari_maga
owner of the coveted braincell!
kolina
CEO of the coveted braincell!
Quote:
Feel free to distribute wherever heart The front end is like a cross between a secretary's desk area and a nursing station, which is where the Captain is sitting!
There are several offices, but not all of them are locked. The doors on the ends lead to unlocked maintenance areas with lots of pipes and generators, in addition to crystals. There's also a hallway further back with a DO NOT ENTER sign where the operating rooms are.
Of course, there's also the area back where they came, which is like a waiting area!
In the next post, there will be some potential adversaries entering the scene, including the Lieutenant. I'll post in either 48 hours, or after everyone gets their posts in, whichever's sooner! heart
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 9:47 am
Tama was happy to get a scoff from the general. But Faustite’s words intrigued him more. ‘The offender is an ally now.’
Did that mean what he thought it did? Corruption was a thing Tama was just beginning to understand, the taking of another a means for him to understand what had happened to himself.
“Well, I’m at your command, my general.” He replied to Faustite with feigned reverence. Was he worried about the youma torture and what that could mean for himself? “I’d hardly let anyone harm you again.”
Tama watched the scene in front of him. He had once been to the infirmary. Still, the thought of ‘experiments’ make him twitch.
Helio shot Faustite a cocky grin. “I am sure we won’t get into too much trouble without being babysat.” It honestly felt good to be on a mission again. Got the adrenaline pumping.
Teeth ground at the mention of youma torture. While he didn’t have much love for the creatures consider their distaste for senshi as a whole, he certainly had an interest in the health and well being of their dear General. If torturing youma was ok in anyone’s book then it wouldn’t be a far jump to extend such nonsense thinking to those sharing gifts with the them.
The Captain that greeted them at the desk as they barged their way into the infirmary was gracious enough to assist. Whether it was their General alone or the large entourage flanking him that prompted such a response was questionable, but he appreciated how swiftly she moved. If a bit jittery.
As Faustite moved to his goal, Helio let his eyes rove the infirmary, landing on what appeared to be more offices. Might as well see what else was going on around here, right? Plus with the insurance that Rockatanskite would return momentarily, he wanted to make sure there were no other surprises floating around. Best to check perimeter’s, right?
The offices he breezed passed with cursory glances, his attention caught by another hallway further back. Rounding on it he caught sight of the DO NOT ENTER sign. Curiosity peeked, he moved towards the doors.
Strickenized
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 2:09 pm
Ohmygod, what a cute keychain!
Albite didn't Pokemon often, or well, but he sure as heck did know basics. Eevee, Pikachu, he could give the nervous Captain at the desk a soft smile for foisting over the entry fee of 'key'. Wondered what it'd cost her for that - wondered what the others would pull out inside. The details were theirs to parse out, though, without his heavy hands clumsy feet getting in the way. Especially since he felt such little need to be decent or delicate with the whole of what was going on --- it was so much easier to make bodies, just, appear.
But! It was important to Faustite to get the s**t that he needed, quietly, carefully. Badass spy business n espionage all the way. N he felt so special being keyholder and door guard extraordinaire! Paired up with Jada? Even better, meant he didn't have to make rational decisions in his recession filled economy of 'thoughts'; better to pass her the lions share of 'choice' cells n make himself useful in all those other ways.
"Thank you for the Key-vee!"
A soft nod n grin to the Jada as he passed, and a gentle shove at Sy's stiff, narrow-eyed form. All fulla questions for later, probably. All ignored as he motioned for him to 'get moving'.
"Give 'em hell, have fun, don't die!" miracle of miracles that he managed any sort of whisper towards the others while he posted himself outside of Roksuckitsites door, just behind where the secretary had pointed, n dangled the cute key just before Jada. "Y'all say wen, kay J'bird?"
He couldn't growl about how they didn't have more time before ******** arrived, he just hoped it'd be enough between all of them to get what they needed done.
"Experi-hey!" a hiss for the tug on his sash, and a hasty smoothing before he was on his way; skirting the desk and casting his gaze along the lining of doors. He'd wanted details, damnit, the idea of something untoward going on?
The himboy so laissez faire on the surface of it all. Intriguing.
He made like he knew what he was doing, less he garnered any more attention than his outfit warranted. Eeney meeney miny moed himself one of the opposite maintenance doors. "Tama, if you would?" Couldn't hurt to pretend he and a cat were doing -- things? Places? ******** with crystals or kicking pipes --- The Senshi of Sublimation carefully hedged a door open to peer inside.
stari_maga
Roses are Red
kolina
Violets are Blue
a-scowling-dragon
Zuzu's a voilence!
Meighei
and Tama is Too!
noir songbird
The team got new assets,
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Cause their boss has boy-flu.
Shiningamisgirl
Ruthless Consumer
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Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2022 8:49 am
Tama resisted another snide comment gone Faustite’s way at Heliodor’s comment about not needing to be babysat. Still, the senshi was going towards the door with the clear signage that indicated that he shouldn’t. Part of the Mauvian wanted to tell him not to. The other part wanted to see what would happen.
Also, who thought giving Albite the key was a good idea?
Perhaps the team did need watching after.
“As you will.” He replied playfully to Cryolite’s offer. If the general wasn’t going to tell him what to do, he’d take it from the senshi.
Youma torture. The thoguht made Alkmene feel cold. He had little love for actual, full youma, and they didn't exactly like him, either, but they were still sapient beings. Capable of feeling pain. Capable of suffering.
And if Rockatanskite looked down on half-youma and didn't recognize them as ranked officers....
Alkmene's eyes went frost and steel, and his back straightened. Yes, this was sometihng that needed to be taken care of. Before Rockatanskite squirmed his way up the ladder. Before he got cleverer ambitions. Before he turned from full youma to half youma subjects.
Before he could do harm to Faustite again.
The guarantee that he would be putting in a personal appearance made Alkmene smile, razor edged.
"Oooh, company. I like it when things get interesting," he said.
His eyes roved over the area, and he moved to Heliodor, stepping next to him to look at the "DO NOT ENTER" sign.
"Y'know," Alkmene said, "I'm sure there's perfectly legitimate things back here. But I really do think we should check it out. Just to be a hundred percent certain, you know?"
Kolina
Faustite didn't elect to sell him out. Valjean supposed he should be grateful for that. It was also interesting to see Negaverse hierarchy in action; to watch a Captain bend to a General. Someday, he hoped he might inspire that sort of deference in others.
Though he supposed he had to figure out who he was, and who he was going to be, before he did that.
But there might be more knowledge together. better to go in as forearmed as possible. So he moved over to the secretary's desk, leaned against it, made himself smaller. Tilted his head just so, so that his new, longer hair fell in a way that might soften his features. Valjean was handsome, he knew; intimidating, certainly, but also handsome, and if he was lucky and she wasn't exclusively into women--maybe that would make him some headway here.
"Captain," he said, "as you can imagine, we'd like to have as little trouble carrying out our mission as possible. Is there anything you can tell us about Rockatanskite and his allies that might mean this doesn't have to get messy?"
Albite was also going to be guarding the door, because of course he was. Jadarite did not exactly mind. For one thing, she knew the tall man the best out of everyone here, and she was coming to quite enjoy her time with him. For another, his rank would carry more rank than his in whatever negotiations were about to happen.
Hopefully.
The word murder had already been tossed around a few times, and from what she'd observed so far, it seemed the corrupt did not have much more impulse control than the average three year old.
"Now, preferably," she said, eyeing the eevee that held the keys to all the commotion. It was cute enough. It was a shame the Captain didn't have any backbone to go along with her good taste.
Let the rest of the gaggle in before anyone tried to stop them. It was easier to ask forgiveness than permission and all.
"Anyway, let's see what these people want before we jump to any conclusions about how to deal with them."
