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."

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"Thank me if this goes well, Emmy. Not before." It's said with such a straight face that Lightning may as well be talking about the weather, not a meeting that may determine the fate of a lot of people should things go south in a hurry. That was why she hadn't protested Leon coming here before here, and why she drew no attention to him sitting in the back of the cafe as she sipped at her cup of coffee, the very picture of calm as she looked up at Emmy a moment later.

"What, exactly, did you tell him? What details do you think he knows?"

Seating herself, Emmy leaned forward on the table, linking her fingers and resting her head on them as she pondered the question.

"About us? More than I thought he would. He was already aware of you, the PCG, and the fact that you run the PCG. It's common knowledge in Team Rocket, apparently. Not to mention the both of us appearing on a list of targets, you as a very high priority."

Her frown deepening, Emmy looked up at Lightning, concern in her eyes.

"Who knows what else they could know about us?

Who knows what else? Who indeed. How they got the information they already have is troubling, but...well. The gears in Lightning's head are turning. Maybe they can use this to their advantage somehow? It would be worth trying, at least.

"Hard to say, but I intend to find out. In the meantime, we don't have to give him actual information, you know." A pause while she takes a deep breath, apparently steeling herself, before she looks directly at Emmy, eyes cold.

"I'm going to give him false information. The wrong name for the Corps, for starters, and see what happens. If someone starts targeting that group, we'll know who leaked the information and I'll deal with him myself. It's why I need to know if he's mentioned us by name or told you he knows what we're called."

"I'm fairly sure he doesn't know what our group is actually called; I never mentioned the name."

Emmy knows she should be glad that Lightning is being so cautious, so why does she feel nervous? Will Kimblee press her for more information? Will he want to check the details are correct?

Who is she supposed to be loyal to?

"I think that's an excellent idea, Lightning. We should definitely check to ensure he's trustworthy."

No, she...she has to be loyal to the PGC. And besides, it's not like Lightning is out to hurt Kimblee! This is just a test, that's all!

However, her replies still sound robotic.

"What are you going to tell him? Just so I don't accidently slip up during the story. I'm not a bad actor, I just need the script!"

There's another pause as Lightning thinks that over. A script, huh? She can do that, but hopefully Emmy's replies gain some life or this is going to get them nowhere but trouble.

"I'll tell him the group is called PSICom. They're a military group from my world, but the name doesn't stand for anything, so he probably won't think anything of it. We have around fifty people in the group right now, but we may be getting more people to join up soon. Think you can convince him of that?"

Because Lightning's going to try, but her distrust of Kimblee will be evident and he's as likely to buy it coming from her as she'd be likely to buy his not really working with Team Rocket spiel. That is to say, not likely at all; this really does hinge on Emmy's acting skills.

"PSICom, fifty members, more joining soon. I can do it, Lightning!"

And her face does brighten up at that; that's fairly simple!

"Shall I go and get him, then? He's just waiting outside."

It's almost too simple, really, but Lightning nods and sips at her coffee again, gloves hiding her white-knuckled grip on the mug. You can do this, Farron. It's just a talk.

"Go ahead. Might as well get this over with."

Emmy nods, before standing up and moving towards the door, hands shaking slightly. PCISom. No, no PSICom!! Fifty members, fifty members...

Popping her head out the door, she gives a small wave.

"She's ready to see you, Mr Kimblee."

Kimblee had, admittedly, been lost in thought, though exactly what he'd been thinking about was anyone's guess; it didn't seem to be stressing him out too badly at first glance, given the incredibly casual manner in which he was leaning against a railing outside, bent over it with his forearms braced against the top bar. The atmosphere of this place is so different; it's almost a shame that he can't explore it properly.

But he has to return to Goldenrod as soon as this is over; it had taken some incredibly fast talking to be able to stay out so long when they were so close to a large mission in the first place. Archer isn't exactly happy with him, either; Kimblee has been gone for a few days now, and it's been obvious from their conversations on the 'Gear that Archer is a mess.

He'd have to ensure that the man got sleep when he returned, as well as talk to him about this entire debacle with Descole; he isn't looking forward to that conversation, but they need to work out a course of action before this mission - if Archer tells him to leave it be for now, he will, but Descole has signed on to leave the region altogether. If something needs to be done about him...

He startles a bit at the sound of Emmy's voice, his eyes widening for a moment before he seems to realize; he relaxes immediately, his tone easy.

"Thank you, Miss Altava; again, I can't express how much I appreciate it."

The café itself isn't a bad little affair; Kimblee pauses for a moment upon entering, taking in a quick account of the other patrons inside, committing them to memory. If their behavior became odd, or if there was a sudden change in arrangement, he'd notice.

He's always noticed these things, really.

After a fleeting, questioning glance in Emmy's direction - he has no idea what Lightning looks like, after all - he follows her to the table; so this is the leader of this...anti-Rocket group, then. She's young-looking, but that doesn't faze him any; there are those who have been in the Amestrian military, on the front line, since they were teenagers. The pink hair is...unusual, but something Kimblee is willing to brush off as 'something young people do.'

"Ah...Miss Farron?" He's smiling a bit, but it's clearly more for politeness' sake than anything else; his gaze is wary. "Solf J Kimblee; it's a pleasure."

To be fair, both Lightning and Kimblee are at a disadvantage; neither has seen the either and if this first meeting goes wrong...well. Lightning has taken preparations for that, but for now, she'll simply look up as Kimblee speaks, nodding a greeting in return as she gives him a good look over. He doesn't seem to be a combatant in any sense of the word, but she knows better to assume anything at this point in time. So she stands, shaking his hand with a firm grip that lets none of her nerves show.

"Lightning." No pleasantries, but she's never been the type for them anyway, and it probably shows since she reclaims her seat a moment after letting go of his hand, careful to keep Kimblee in her line of sight at all times. He is the unknown here, and she won't show him her back. Straight to business now.

"Emmy tells me you may have information for us? What sort of information are we talking about?"

Quietly taking a seat, Emmy watches Kimblee and Lightning interact. The tension in the air is palpable, and it makes her nervous. She quickly orders tea for two when the waitress comes around; no sense in letting this look like any more than a few friends meeting up for a friendly chat.

"Just tell her what you told me, Mr Kimblee."

Lightning isn't the only one keeping their gaze fixed on the unknown element; he nods briefly at Emmy's words, but for the time being, his attention is on Lightning. He hadn't expected pleasantries from her; he never offers them himself when it comes to matters this grave. And judging by her demeanor, he imagines she does consider this quite the grave matter indeed.

"I was recruited into Team Rocket reasonably recently, by a pre-existing member. He's one that I've been...close to, I suppose, since my arrival in Johto. A friend, though I didn't know of these activities of his when the friendship began.

He's from Amestris, as I am; circumstances there have rendered him incredibly unstable, and this organization's encouragement of troubling behavior hasn't helped the situation any. I allowed him to recruit me in because I believed that it would be the best way for me to keep an eye on him, and ensure that he wouldn't manage to destroy himself or others. It was naive of me, and I understand that; at the same time, I believed that to be the best course of action."

He pauses for a moment, folding his arms before he continues. "Obviously, I was wrong; I imagine Miss Altava told you about that list circulating. That wasn't the first indication that this is well beyond my control, but it certainly was the most jarring, and the one that drove me to seek Miss Altava's assistance.

I'm not a miracle worker; my current status within the organization isn't a high one. I can't tell you everything, simply because there's a good amount that I'm not in any sort of position to know. But I'm willing to tell you what I know, in return for your organization's assistance in destroying the one I'm currently a part of. You're welcome to ask me anything you like; I'll answer what I can."

Lightning doesn't speak for a moment, arms crossed over her chest so that her elbows rest in her palms, and she just listens. It's a lot to take in, but in a way, she understands. Anything for a friend, right? If he's telling the truth and not lying through his teeth, anyway. But if he's telling the truth, then this is a graver matter than she first assumed.

Especially with that list out. If his superiors were to find out he's at least acting like he's helping them and they think he actually is? This is going to come down on his head. She can respect that he's taking a very big risk by being here today, and so her tone is just a touch less icy when she speaks now. Questions? Oh, she's got plenty of those.

"How much does Team Rocket know about us, to your knowledge? Emmy mentioned a list of targets, but besides the two of us, I don't know who's on it."

How many people is she going to have to warn? She's getting the feeling it's going to be a lot of them.

The tea arrives fairly promptly, and Emmy busies herself with pouring it for her and Kimblee. They've had tea enough times for her to be very familiar with how he likes it, and since she's not actively involved in the conversation at this point, it's nice to have something to do.

Behind her, she can sense her Alakazam; invisible, as always. She's started having her out of her pokeball, lately. She's a comforting presence.

Especially in this sort of situation.

She wants to add to the conversation but decides to stay silent for now; after all, she can't exactly answer that question, can she?

Kimblee pauses for a moment; his attention darts down to where Emmy is preparing the tea, focusing his gaze on her hands while he considers. When he replies, however, his attention is focused back on Lightning.

"I can't tell you how many from your organization are on that list without knowing who's in the organization to begin with. I can assure you, Miss Farron, that your name was the only one mentioned in connection with any sort of organization. Miss Altava's was not; her involvement came up in the conversation we had in which I told her about all of this.

Of the list, there's one that I know for sure that isn't in the organization. There's another that I strongly believe is not, because he's highly suspicious of any organized group that he didn't personally organize. Both are from Amestris; I believe that their names are on that list for the same reason Miss Altava's name ended up there - the friend I joined Team Rocket for has a reason to hold strong personal grudges against both. The former is...someone rather close to me, who hasn't done anything against the organization; the latter is more of a personal nuisance than anything.

While I won't ask you to simply hand over the names of members of your organization, Miss Farron, the remaining names were those of Athrun Zala, Shinn Asuka, Minnie Mouse and Crow Hogan. Again, none of their names were mentioned in connection to any organization. Just yours."

Edited 2012-05-13 02:46 (UTC)

At the mention of those names, Lightning's grip on her elbows tightens slightly. Athrun is a member of the Corps, but Minnie...if they're targeting Minnie of all people...fal'cie dammit someone's going to pay for this. At least they seem to think she's the bigger threat; being noticed can be a good thing sometimes.

"And what, exactly, do you think they intend to do with the people on this list? Because there haven't been any threats made against me, and no combatant worth his or her salt would leave a major threat in the open for this long."

If they just blowing hot air, then she'll drop her concern. As it is, she's too close to putting out a warning to the entire Corps to let it go yet. She needs more information and if Kimblee is going to give it to her, she won't turn this opportunity down.

"....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."

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