route_1065 | who the hell is even betraying who any more

Entry tags:

who the hell is even betraying who any more

Who: Emmy Altava (

snapandscoot), Lightning Farron (

soggypastry) and Solf. J. Kimblee (

explosivecombat)
Where: Olivine City
When: Back before the Spring Cleaning plot! Ideally, right after this.
Summary: Emmy convinces Lightning to meet with a certain Rocket member.
Rating: PG at most, I'd say.
Log:

Sighing, Emmy made her way into the little cafe that was serving as her rendezvous with Lightning. As much as the ride on Kimblee's Steelix had thrilled her, she'd come crashing back to earth very quickly once they actually made it to Olivine.

They had decided that she would enter alone first, in order for Lightning to brief her, and her to return the favour. So, after requesting that Kimblee wait for her signal to come in, she pushed open the door and scanned the tables, searching for the enigmatic leader of the PGC.

With any luck, things would go well. Oh, how she hoped they would go well!

Emmy spotted her quickly; it was rather hard to miss that pink hair, after all. Briefly, she wondered if it was natural. But that wasn't what she should be concerned with, right now! Honestly, this entire affair was doing her head in.

Making her way over to the table, Emmy stood in front of it rather than seating herself, greeting Lightning with a small smile.

"Thank you for agreeing to this."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"....Crow Hogan?!"

At the mention of his name Emmy almost drops her teacup. Crow, what have you gotten yourself into now?

"I...I have to warn him, he's a friend of mine...."

...this isn't the time. Forcing herself to relax, Emmy flicks out her Pokegear and makes a note to call Crow as soon as this meeting is over. That boy...!!

"Ah, I'm sorry....please continue, Mr Kimblee."

"...likewise, Miss Altava; we've spoken quite a few times. I'm fond. However, I believe whether he's given warning of this is ultimately Miss Farron's call; I understand your concern, but I also understand any desire to not incite any sort of panic until we're all aware of exactly what's being dealt with."

While his tone is straightforward, a sort of firm edge that isn't usually present in his dealings with Emmy beneath his words, he's far from being cruel about it; just a statement of facts, nothing else. He toys with his teacup for a moment, tracing his fingertips along the rim for a moment.

"From what I understand about this list, it's a request for information, first and foremost. We've been told to 'eliminate' those who prove a substantial threat, after the initial investigation of the individuals at hand; for the most part, however, it's a call to be aware of these people rather than something that's marked them for instant death. It's placing a target on their heads, yes, though whether that target is being aimed at with bullets or paint depends on how things progress.

I realize this isn't comforting, given that I've asked to speak to you so suddenly; it's up to you whether you believe me or not, but I've claimed one of those from Amestris for personal reasons - he's someone that I need to protect at all costs, and blocking anyone else from taking interest in him as a target was my first priority."

"They'll all have to be warned, Emmy. But we don't know enough to do it now. Just wait." It's worth noting that almost none of the ice is gone from her tone as Lightning speaks to Emmy; she's not sparing anyone in this, not when it's her people on the line. At least they have a chance to warn them, so they can still turn this around.

But it is two ways, and Kimblee has his reasons. Lightning can understand that, and try to meet him halfway. Someone he needs to protect at all costs, huh? She can understand that, too.

"So that's why you came to us. If we take out Team Rocket, your friends will be safer, and we're the biggest threat they have to deal with." She pauses for a moment, taking a sip of her coffee before she looks directly at Kimblee, one brow raised higher than the other.

"But this isn't just a warning or a request, is it? You want something more than our help getting your friends out of trouble."

"...alright then."

She snaps her Pokegear closed with far more force than is necessary, a sharp pulse of anger crossing her face as her knuckles turn white against the metal of the device. But the rage is buried, sharply, as soon as it appears. She can't afford to lose her cool now. Not when they're actually managing to get somewhere.

Placating herself with the knowledge that she can have a hell of a sparring match with her Machamp once this is over, Emmy forces the smile back to her face, taking a sip of her tea.

"I'm sure we can come to some sort of understanding, whatever it is!"

Kimblee doesn't seem bothered by Lightning's assessment, taking a sip of that tea before he responds. Of course he would want something; no one is that selfless.

"I'm a former military officer, Miss Farron; my experience with engaging the enemy has always been on the front lines. Allowing others to fight my battles for me is something that I've always found to be personally humiliating; this would be why I attempted to assist my friend alone in the first place. I understand that pride has no place in this, but I believe that I can be an asset to you; I'm more than willing to serve as an informant for your organization.

At the same time, I'm sure you understand the risk that I'm undertaking in my willingness to do this. I don't require compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for information; I simply ask for your organization's protection, should it come to that, and a few details regarding exactly whom I'm working with. I can better assist you if I know whom I'm assisting and what they're doing in order to make strikes against Team Rocket; at the same time, I'm neither a fool nor an idiot. I don't expect full disclosure at any time, much less immediately. I simply ask for a chance to gain your trust over time."

A chance, huh? They can do that, sure, but it's not going to be as simple as he makes it sound. She doesn't trust him, not with so little information on what he really wants, so her eyes remain cold even if she nods.

"Then how about this: you give us information on attacks Team Rocket is planning. In return, we'll let you know what we plan to do about the attacks ahead of time, so you have a chance to get the people you're trying to protect out of the line of fire. You don't get any names until I'm sure you can be trusted to not rat us out to the people in charge, but you do get the name of our organization so you know who to contact. Sound fair?"

It's a lot more than she's used to giving, but negotiations happen because both parties can walk away just a little unhappy. It's going to have to do.

This is actually going a lot better than Emmy expected. There hasn't even been a fight!

"I think that sounds very reasonable. What do you think, Mr Kimblee?"

...Emmy, you make it sound as though you thought he was going to show up here and either he or Lightning would be immediately punching the other in the face...

However, Kimblee also must admit that this is going much better than he had expected; he seems to relax quite a bit at Lightning's terms.

"I think it's perfectly fair, Miss Farron, thank you."

The idea of punching this guy for being a Rocket had been tempting, not that Lightning would admit it here and now. No, even she knows better that, and they need this. They need this information to ever stand a chance of taking them down with minimal casualties, so no matter how much she dislikes this, she'll play nice. To a point.

"Don't thank me yet. If the information you get us ends up being false, or made to lure us into a trap, I'll know who to come after. I'm sure you understand me."

But the point is there wasn't a fight! It's rather excellent!

"Lightning, we should probably give him some contact details. He can go through me for most of it, but...can we tell him the name of our group, at least?"

Alright Emmy, it's time to get your actress on! She takes a sip of tea to calm her nerves. As much as she cares about Mr Kimblee, she owes it to Lightning to go through this properly. Besides, it's not even that big a deal! He can get the real information once he's proven he's trustworthy.

Which he is, of course!

Kimblee nods a bit at Emmy's words, though his attention is fixed more on Lightning.

"Interesting that you say I shouldn't thank you yet, Miss Farron, as you've given me no reason to not appreciate your generosity. I understand you perfectly; just the same, my gratitude is warranted for the time being, I think, if for no better reason than you're being incredibly fair about this.

Now, this information you mentioned?"

Fair is fair, they've made a deal for better or worse. Time to see it through. So Lightning nods, posture relaxing slightly in her seat.

"PSICom. That's the name of the group."

Whether it actually stands for something or not, she doesn't say. It obviously means something to her to have chosen that name instead of giving him the real one, but her face betrays no sign that this is a lie. The only way he'll find out is if Emmy slips up, which Lightning sincerely hopes she doesn't.

"We've about 50 members-ah, sorry...."

Emmy looks at Lightning, apologetic...and hoping that she's doing a good enough job of pulling this off.

"But I'm really proud of the work PSICom does, and I just know you'll be an asset, Mr Kimblee! I should thank the two of you for agreeing to meet here today."

"Of course, Miss Altava."

PSICom, is it...

"That's a rather unusual name, I must admit; might I ask you what it stands for?"

He's actually not pressing due to anything seeming amiss, but more through sheer curiosity; it is a bit of a strange name, really.

Lightning makes no sign that Emmy is either acting well or badly, but she does give the other woman a look that could be for the slip or something else entirely before she looks back at Kimblee, canting her head to the side.

"You can, but I'd prefer to keep that under wraps for the moment. Maybe I'll tell you next time."

Or rather, when she actually comes up with a name that fits this world and not Cocoon. She had no time to think on it before and just grabbed the first thing that came to mind.

And Emmy looks appropriately bashful once Lightning gives her that look, silently praying she's doing a good job.

"Well, I think that's mainly covered everything!"

Clapping her hands together, Emmy widens her smile and looks at her two dining partners.

"Unless either of you two want to add anything more?"

Well, Lightning was doing well until then - giving him a name by which to reach your organization, making it very plain as to what your organization does...and then refusing to show how the two are connected? Surely, she doesn't think he's that stupid.

Kimblee doesn't comment directly, however, but the look in his eyes is suddenly rather sharp, intense in contrast to the vague wariness that's been there through this entire discussion.

"No, I think that's all, Miss Altava; I'm afraid that I really must be going, anyway. If I'm away too long...you know how he gets."

Despite his words, however, Kimblee still isn't looking at her; as he stands up, his gaze is focused directly on Lightning.

"It's been a pleasure, Miss Farron, and again, I would like to thank you for your generosity, and for taking such a risk in meeting me here today.

I just ask that you keep in mind that I'm not the only one who needs to earn trust here. If you expect me to give you valid information, I would like to ask that you not disrespect me by refusing me the same courtesy.

In future, of course."

That polite expression hasn't left his features; however, neither has that look in his eyes. He'll take his leave, however.

To her credit, Lightning doesn't back down at that sudden sharpness. She keeps her eyes locked on Kimblee's, peering through her bangs as she now has to look up at him and stomp on the instinct that is yelling at her to stand up and glare him down. She can't play all her cards in one hand just yet.

"Trust has to be earned, Mr. Kimblee. Considering the risk we're both already taking, can you blame me for not wanting to add to it? You know it isn't just my safety at stake here. Besides," She pauses, reaching for her mug and taking another sip of her coffee. "PSICom is less of a mouthful than what it actually stands for. I'd have thought you'd appreciate it being easier to say."

Because it will be a mouthful when she's done with it, that's to be sure.

"Mr..."

Emmy watches, dumbfounded, as Kimblee storms out of the cafe. She hadn't missed that look in his eyes; he's furious.

"Lightning, thank you so much for coming-I'll take care of him, I think something's rubbed him the wrong way. Call me if you need me!!"

She's outside in seconds, running, praying that she manages to catch him before he flies away.

"Mr Kimblee!!"

Catch him she does, though that's less because he hasn't the urge to just leave entirely and more because he knows better than to try to deal with Taylor when he's angry.

"What is it, Miss Altava? As I've said, I don't have time."

"Mr Kimblee, you're obviously angry; I want to help!"

Emmy is panting slightly, but it's more from stress than any real sort of fatigue. Looking up at him, she frowns sadly.

"I...thought the meeting was going quite well. What did she say that upset you so?"

"Do both of you think that I'm some sort of idiot?"

He takes Taylor's Pokéball out, toying with it between his hands; he isn't looking at her when he speaks, but rather off to the side, somewhere down the street.

"I didn't come here to give you confidential information and then get stabbed in the back for my effort. If you're going to feed me lies, they'll have to be better-constructed than that; as it stands, I'm not going to allow both of you to give me false information on how to contact a group that I'm supposed to trust to protect me.

You've stabbed me in the back, both of you; your hypocrisy in this situation disgusts me. Do you understand?"

"....what?"

Emmy is genuinely shocked at his response; stabbed him in the back?! How....?

"Mr Kimblee, I....Lightning had no intention of trying to betray you or play games with you, she was just..."

The situation dawns immediately on her at that point. Oh, she had an inkling, but now she's very sure.

"...I understand. This is about the name."

"Tell me, Miss Altava. If that's all I have to get in contact with this group of yours and something here goes wrong before the next time I can speak to Miss Farron, how, exactly, am I supposed to notify any of you? And that's on both ends - not just for my own security, but might I ask how in hell she's expecting me to give her any information if I can't contact her?

I've given you information; you've chosen to completely disrespect me by lecturing me about how I can't be trusted and then betraying me. That's absolutely hideous."

"...when did I lecture you about how you can't be trusted?! I'm trying to work for the benefit of both of you!"

Deep down, Emmy knows Kimblee probably didn't mean her specifically, but it still hurt.

"Lightning got me to lie about the name because she wanted to see if you were trustworthy. I admit, in hindsight it wasn't the best idea and if I'd thought it through properly I would have said something to her, but I need her to trust me too, Mr Kimblee! Neither of us will have any access to the group if I'm not considered trustworthy enough to be a part of it!"

She pauses, there, looking down at the ground, catching her breath. Gathering her thoughts. It's a puzzle, Emmy. You have to calm Kimblee down while still maintaining your stance. 50 picarats. No hint coins.

"In all honesty, I just...thought you'd go through me, with your information. Contacting me has never been a problem before, really, so that's...the reason why I didn't think Lightning's test would cause a problem. I was wrong."

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