route_1065 | backdated for a+ temper management

backdated for a+ temper management

Who: Scanty & OPEN to Goldenrod Rockets!
Where: Team Rocket base, Goldenrod City
When: January 7, right after this thread with Chase
Summary: Scanty’s first encounter with a coworker has NOT GONE AS PLANNED. Neither does her next one.
Rating: PG-13 for profanity
Log:

Scanty didn’t let up steam even after turning a corner away from that ridiculous boy. If anything, her pace increased the closer she got to the training arena, teeth gnashing with every step. Head bowed and shoulders tense, her fists clenched and swinging at her sides, she muttered furiously under her breath.

“The nerve,” she seethed, in time to the sound of her own heels clicking against the floor. “How dare he......throwing my charity back in my face and just walking away, with no regard for the sanctity of personal space.....I’ll make him mop the floor I’ve walked on with his mousy little rat-tail, I’ll shove that smirk back into his mouth so hard he suffocates!”

To accent her point, she whipped a PokéBall out of her belt and hurled it down the hall; ricocheting off the floor, it burst open and released a Woobat - which continued along the Poké Ball’s original trajectory, bouncing off the walls and floor until finally careening directly towards a passer-by rounding the corner at exactly the wrong time.

Scanty lifted her own head just in time to witness the likely collision and croaked out a tiny, breathless squeak of disbelief. Oh. That was....less than ideal.

Well, whatever the outcome, she could always blame Chase.

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[At the sight of the incoming bat, Bowser gnashes his teeth and, rather than do the smart thing and duck, he brings one his fists straight into the Woobat's face with the intent to send it cruising right back where it came from.

The gigantic Salamence by his side beams and watches the bat with his tongue hanging lopsidedly out of his mouth. Snarling under his breath, Bowser stomps around the corner and tugs up his sleeves. Whoever sent that stupid thing flying his way is about to get an earful from one grouchy Koopa king!

...oh, and that dragon's following him. Still grinning, at that.]

Okay! Just who is the moron training that puny fluffball?

[ Scanty's so busy staring that she does indeed catch a faceful of bat; it smacks into her forehead and bounces off, fluttering feebly to one side and leaving a heart-shaped mark right in the middle of her face.

--oh, it's you. King of the Thugs and his not so little friend. (You let that thing roam free indoors?! Wait, besides the point...)

She snaps to attention out of habit. ]

Ah- yes! Er, no, I wouldn't exactly say "training", at present, nor would I say "moron".....

Maybe not right now, but if you're so serious about rules, then don't ya think you oughta teach that thing not to go flying into my ferocious face? You're lucky I didn't have Rex Crunch it!

[Crunch? Cruuuunch? Rex's eyes widen, and his head sways from side to side, tail thumping on the floor. He likes Crunching! Yes, yes!

Bowser just snickers at his Pokémon's behavior.]

[ And you remember her, how thoughtful. And you're a member of Team Rocket. Better and better.

Scanty heaves an impatient sigh and tries to ~~not be intimidated~~ calm down. She can't believe what she has to put up with as coworkers here, seriously. Now calm. Think. Defuse. ]

I assure you, that was a simple coincidence. A faulty mechanism in one of these capsules.....

[ She scoops up the Poké Ball and returns the Woobat, glancing at him with half a smirk. ]

Surely someone so powerful isn't bothered by this petty an incident?

[His shoulders shake, and his fists clench. Darn it! Is she trying to make him look bad? Grrgh...

Fine, whatever. Deep breaths.]

Coincidence or not, you oughta keep that thing in line, especially when dealing with someone superior.

[Gwa ha ha ha! There, that helps.]

After all, I've got one heck of a resume after my previous stunts, and one heck of an army to back me.

[ Yes, she's. Seen that army. Scanty replaces the PokéBall and fixes Bowser with a completely apologetic, disarming smile.

At least, that's what she thinks it looks like. ]

There's no need to threaten! That makes you sound worried it might happen again, which can't be the case.

[ Still, he is her elder in the organization. Outright disrespect won't do. The smile fades and is replaced by professionalism. ]

Regardless, allow me to assuage your nonexistent concerns. The creature shall be disciplined, and it won't happen again.

Is that satisfactory, sir?

[ The world shall pay for putting her in a position where she had to call you "sir". ]

Hey, there's no way I'd worry about a scrawny puff-ball. I'm just making it real clear that I'm not letting that sorta thing slide again.

[But, on the upside, he visibly relaxes, folding his arms over his chest. His Salamence lets out a low moan, head drooping. Seems he's dismayed at the lack of 'playmate'.]

But, fine. I guess that's good enough for now.

I assure you, sir, it's clear. As crystal.

[ Don't worry, Salamence. Other chances will come, most likely. ]

If that'll be all, then I bid you adieu...

[ And she attempts to swagger on past you with her dignity at least somewhat intact. Since she's not looking where she's going, she hopefully avoids various Salamence body parts... ]

The Goldenrod base was just as dull as usual. Honestly, Archer couldn't stand spending time in the base here when he could be back home, dealing with Kimblee and their menagerie of Pokémon. At least there was always something interesting happening back home (even if that something was "Kimblee's giant spider attempting to get coffee"). The base was hardly somewhere Archer enjoyed visiting, but he had obligations, and they were not ones he could put aside for any longer.

He had only just finished squaring things away within the base when he rounded a corner and a sudden projectile was launched at his head. Fortunately for him (and unfortunately for that poor Woobat), Alekhine was with Archer. The Alakazam raised a Protect attack to block the Woobat from crashing into Archer's face ~~can't have that damaged any more than it already is~~ and Archer watched as the bat bounced off the barrier. He only looked mildly displeased, at least.

"I suggest you watch where you let your Pokémon roam." The remark was calm and Archer turned to face Scanty. He certainly didn't recognize her, which meant that she was most likely a newer recruit. Granted, Archer didn't spend much time in the base at all, so she could have been here for several months, but if he didn't recognize her, she probably didn't recognize him.

"It wouldn't do to harm your superior." That little remark earned a smirk and Archer pressed a hand to his chest. "I am Team Rocket Beta Frank Archer. I suppose you're one of our newer recruits."

Su....pe....ri....or?

The word processed slowly through Scanty's brain, finally registering and snapping her first to attention, then into a deep bow, of its own accord.

"Sir!" she replied, grabbing the Woobat from where it wobbled along behind her and holding it behind her back - out of sight, out of mind. "That's correct! Grunt Scanty, at your service, sir! Please, do excuse the - That was -"

Her eyes darted to the side, brain whirring in search of an explanation but hitting only on the fact that this could be, in fact, her chance. Whose fault was it but that little cretin Young's that she had been placed into this embarrassing situation? And what else had they argued about if not the proper way to advance in an organization? And what had Scanty advocated but deference to superior officers, automatic respect based on rank?

Turn disadvantage into opportunity! That was, after all, her rule!

"I do hope you weren't injured, sir," Scanty continued, not daring to raise her eyes to check (at least, not very far). "It seemed your most capable companion successfully deflected this unfortunate accident....."

She squeezed the bat behind her back until it squeaked and fluttered its wings. Scanty pretended not to notice. Yes, this was how it was done! Bow and scrape until one's rightful day arrived. And then they'd see who had the last laugh!

Assuming her appeal to this man's ego, you know. Actually worked.

Someone who respected his authority? Archer's smirk widened. Perfect. It was about time he started getting the respect his position deserved! He had worked very hard to make it through the ranks, after all.

If by "working hard" he meant "loving this shit", but that wasn't the point.

"Alekhine is an excellent bodyguard." Well, when he wasn't trolling Archer mercilessly. The Alakazam nodded in approval. "It's quite alright miss..." He paused as the name sunk in, and Archer quirked an eyebrow before continuing, "Scanty. It is a pleasure to meet you. How long have you been with us?"

"I'm a - fledgling recruit, sir," Scanty replied, declining to offer the technical answer ("a day or so" didn't quite lend her words the level of commitment she wished to convey). "Yet I'm already dedicated - the handbook is most informative - and the training regime quite rigorous! I look forward to being of service!"

Yes, this was the only reliable method of advancement. And she'd worried the entire organization would be made of misguided riffraff! This gentleman seemed to understand the finer points of proper etiquette. Scanty raised her head slightly without rising from her bow. "Is there.....anything you require at present?"

"Excellent. You'll find that the organization rewards those who are loyal."

Scanty's question seemed to amuse Archer; it wasn't often he was asked if there was anything he needed, at least, not from anyone other than Kimblee. "Not at the moment, no. You don't need to keep bowing." Not that he minded, of course. "I do have a question for you, however. In your homeworld, were you part of an organization like this? Your manners are impeccable and you seem to have adapted to your situation here quickly."

"Ah, yes!" Straightening, Scanty quickly flipped a stray piece of hair over her shoulder and resisted the urge to preen. At last! At last, someone could tell! Her resumé wouldn't go ignored!

She would have to promote her own accomplishments subtly, however. Tact was everything during interviews.

"You're too gracious, sir....yet as suspected, I've some experience. Spearheading a gradual takeover of enemy territory, my sister and I attained through performance and dedication the status of 'High-Class Commander', and ascended the ranks to the chief enforcers of our superior...

"Provided, of course," she quickly added, "this doesn't sound like bragging." This gentleman found her manners 'impeccable', after all. She couldn't go disappointing him now.

"Fascinating. I'm certain you'll enjoy your time here within the organization then. There are plenty of opportunities to prove yourself.

"However, the quickest way to catch this organization's interest is through your superiors. The Executives are scarcely around."

Archer folded his hands behind his back, falling silent for a moment. Kimblee always made this look so easy, but Kimblee also tended to spoil his little subordinates to ensure they would adore him. The more direct approach suited Archer better.

"How would you like to work for me, Miss Scanty? I can guarantee that you will receive benefits that most other new recruits are not privy to."

Well, not unless he decided to pursue them, but that wasn't the point.

Scanty's expression brightened immediately. When she spoke, it took all her self-control not to sound positively giddy.

"Yes! Ah, yes sir, I'd be honored! However you wish! Though...."

Her mind raced, still trying to grasp what had just happened. She wasn't surprised this had gone well, of course not! She had played her cards according to the immutable rules of the universe, and been rewarded accordingly. (A principle that little rat she'd dealt with earlier would soon have to learn. Preferably by having this subsequent victory shoved in his face.)

So it almost embarrassed her to push her luck again so soon, but there remained one point upon which she refused to waver. Scanty did her best to look humble, unassuming, and half-ashamed of her presumptuousness.

"If it's not too much trouble, sir...one tiny, miniscule point remains.....you see, as mentioned previously, I have a little sister...."

She couldn't dare finish the thought! She wouldn't! That would be entirely too cheeky! This gentleman - Mister Archer (Lord Archer? She would have to discover his preferred form of address) - would certainly grasp her subtle hint.

Archer tipped his head slightly, still smirking lightly. He understood exactly what Scanty was saying; he had worked very hard to remain paired up with Kimblee here in Johto, and even before that he had worked hard to ensure Kimbley would be promoted within the military - though that had been an entirely different scenario. Still, he understood exactly why Scanty didn't want to be separated from her sister.

"I'll have to see your sister, but if she's as pleasant as you, I doubt there will be any issues."

Scanty tried not to look too relieved; that wouldn't be proper. Still, there was a breath she'd been holding she needed to let out at the first opportunity.

"You're really too kind, to accommodate us," she deferred, quick to reassure him he wasn't making an error. "And I'm certain her performance will exceed your expectations....A meeting can be arranged at your earliest convenience!"

Miss Kneesocks was ever so good at her job, after all. A man of good judgment such as Archer couldn't possibly help but be impressed.

In this case, that unfortunate passerby happened to be one fabulous scientist who also unfortunately happened to be carrying a lot of parts and paperwork from one lab to another. The timing of that Woobat connecting with his face could not have been any worse, in other words.

"Aaaaah!"

Suddenly, parts and paper were sent flying all over the hallway as the man instinctively threw his arms up to react to whatever was in his face. The parts crashed to the ground, some breaking into several pieces. As things started to settle, a lone piece of paper floated down onto the head of the scientist who was now on the ground, trembling with rage as he aggressively gripped the Woobat that caused this disaster.

Oh dear, Scanty. What have you done?

Scanty? Scanty hasn't done anything! How dare you round the corner like that, not looking where you're going, you....you....

....oh, dear.

"Ah, pardon me!" Scanty chirped, her own voice sounding tinny in her ears; she stepped gingerly around some of the mess. "Could you....return that, please....? The clasp on his capsule suddenly burst!

"You must be an intern, to be carrying all this yourself." Scanty glanced around and began gathering papers up. It stung her pride to assist with such lowly tasks, but she had to start somewhere on her own road to the top. Another mark against that execrable recruit who'd worked her up earlier into such a state! He would pay for the indignity she currently suffered. "Allow me to assist you, and we'll explain to your mentor...."

Oh. Oh no. That was not the type of reaction Dist wanted to receive from the one who caused this fiasco. Not only did her stupid Pokemon destroy some of his valuable parts, but she seriously just called him an intern. Ohhh, she was going to get an earful now. Being a new recruit was not going to save her from her ignorance.

Gritting his teeth, he tossed the Woobat to the floor and ripped the paper from his head. His face was tinged with red from utter rage as he glared daggers at the newbie.

"Instead, why don't you explain to me why you thought it was a brilliant idea to throw Poke Balls in the halls of a busy building!" He snarled, yanking those papers away from her. "Because guess what? You are speaking to one of the top scientists in the base!" Okay, he may have been exaggerating a bit on the "top" part, but it's not like she would know. He motioned to the parts on the floor. "Your idiocy just set me back several days!!"

"Do excuse me, then," Scanty replied, assuming the most apologetic tone she could muster (which, given the treatment she'd just received, was shaky). "Expecting such lofty individuals to have assistants for more menial tasks, I misinterpreted the situation. It shan't happen again!"

She wasn't doing herself any favors, she knew, but some stubborn part of her frankly didn't much care. This gentleman wasn't the only one in a bad mood here - couldn't he tell? How inconsiderate!

And he'd left her poor little Top Batter in such a state, too. The Woobat wobbled over, one wing slightly rumpled from his adventures bouncing off the walls; she gathered him up and petted him once before sticking him in the crook of one arm. They'd work on deportment later.

"I gather from your roughhandling you do not, in fact, require assistance. Is this correct?" she inquired. Manners were wasted on anyone who'd get worked up over such a small mishap, but it wouldn't be proper to make exceptions. Besides, the last thing Scanty needed was a superior - no matter how disorganized - spreading misconceptions about her around the base. This gentleman therefore had her fullest sympathies.

She supposed.

Dist had already begun angrily placing files into a pile when he replied, "I prefer not to trust the grunts to carry around important documents and materials for me. Consider it a precaution of sorts." As he finished sorting the files into a neat stack, he finally looked up at Scanty with a sneer. "But apparently my beloved research cannot be safe even then, with bumbling newbies gallivanting around."

Next came the parts, which he was the most reluctant to check up on. The crunching noises they made on impact did not sound good, and he wasn't sure he was ready to survey the damage. But he did anyway.

"Ohhh... Forget days, this is going to cost me a week of progress at least." He moaned as he woefully scooped up the broken parts. "No, I do believe you've done more than enough here." How melodramatic.

....could she actually have inconvenienced this gentleman?

Perish the thought: it had been his fault for not looking where he was going! The circumstance's fault, for requiring her to vent her already-mounted irritation on her Pokémon! Why, if they wanted to root back for the true source of the issue, they could even attempt to pinpoint exactly who'd summoned her here to begin with....unless, of course, it'd been the head of this organization, in which case the situation had simply developed in a manner that no one could predict.

Yes, this man had no right to label her as "bumbling"! Higher-ranking or not, though that did demand some level of decorum on her part....The more he examined the broken pieces on the ground, the bigger the lump grew in Scanty's throat. She swallowed it and attempted to slink against the wall.

"In that case, I'll be on my way," she replied in an attempt to excuse herself, petting her Woobat again with half a cursory bow. "Carrying less at a time might also prove helpful in the future...."

She offered advice with the best of intentions, of course! And with the clearest of consciences.

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backdated for a+ temper management

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Sorry for the late reply!

Not a problem! <3