backdated for a+ temper management

[preparetrouble]

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.

Comments

[preparetrouble]

"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?"

[determinator]

"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."

[preparetrouble]

"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.

[determinator]

"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.

[preparetrouble]

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.

[determinator]

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."

[preparetrouble]

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.