route_1065 | (no subject)

Entry tags:

(no subject)

Who: Frank Archer (

determinator) and Reaver (

istheindustry)
Where: Olivine City
When: Forward dated to 1/26
Summary: After learning a bit more about Reaver, Archer attempts to convince Reaver to assist with his goals.
Rating: PG-13, subject to change because Reaver
Log: [Archer has always liked Olivine. He has fond memories of this place; but that isn't why he's here now. In fact, he's here on business, though said business involves finding a pirate and attempting to get said pirate interested in their plans.

...Needless to say, he's not quite as pleased about being in the city this time around.

Archer certainly likes to think he's good at diplomacy. "Diplomacy" meaning "convincing people to do what he wants," and to be perfectly honest, he's really not all that good at it without blackmailing people. Some part of him is aware of that on some level at least because he is a bit nervous.

But that's not something he's going to dwell on. He has more important things to do.

Archer arrives at the harbor, surprisingly without any of his Pokémon in tow. He remembers what Reaver looks like, and it doesn't take him long to find the man - he stands out from the crowd with that ridiculous get-up of his, after all.]

Mister Reaver. I do hope I'm not interrupting anything terribly important.

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[The air rolling in off the ocean has been cold lately, winter's chill having not left the area; the heavy fabric and leather of the outfit that he arrived here in is at least somewhat warmer than any of the other things that have caught his attention here. He's never been fond of the snow and the cold; he's also never been fond of boredom, and if he's going to be honest, that's what brings him here today.

He's leaning idly up against the railing lining one of the piers, legs crossed casually at the ankle, looking down at the water; he has his Jolteon near him, also looking rather intently at the soft waves below. It's a bit difficult to tell exactly what they're studying down there, though Reaver is smirking and the Jolteon is looking very, very focused; once in a while, however, a light Thundershock is sent down into the water, and...

...yeah, they're harassing the hell out of the fish. Bonus points if he hits a Corsola; they're mostly sniping the Magikarp because...well, because Magikarp, honestly.

However, the Jolteon seems to notice the newcomer before Reaver does; he startles suddenly and whips around, bristling, though Reaver doesn't seem too concerned.]

Avery, do relax a bit; it's fine.

[He glances up toward Archer then, though he doesn't move to stop leaning against that railing; if he recognizes him, it isn't obvious.]

Not at all, my dear; seeking me out, or is this just some sort of happy accident?

[Reaver, that is not how you train. You're not going to get any experience points from the Magikarp.

The pet name strikes him as odd, but Archer doesn't bother drawing attention to it.]

I've heard quite a few fascinating things about you. I figured I would see if they're true.

[He doesn't elaborate on that, though. Instead, he presses a hand to his chest and introduces himself.]

I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting before. I am Colonel Frank Archer, of the Amestrian military. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. My associate has told me all sorts of interesting things about you.

[Something about this feels familiar somehow, but Archer ignores it.]

[It's not about the experience, it's about ~~sending a message~~ really disliking Magikarp, honestly.

However, he seems rather pleased at Archer's assertion, that smirk deepening a bit as he stands up properly, seemingly having decided that yes, perhaps this one is worth his time.]

Is that so? Well, I certainly can't say that your associate has bad taste, if he's telling you about me in the first place; good of you to act on it.

[He places a hand lightly over his heart, mindful of that painfully elaborate cravat he has going on, and bows a bit; the gesture isn't very deep and he's quick to straighten up, and it isn't the most respectful thing either, given that he maintains eye contact the entire time - however, it's the thought that counts, clearly.]

I've heard a fair amount about your military, Colonel, current and former members alike; quite a lot of you here, aren't there? Not many seem familiar with Albion, however - and so I must ask exactly what it is you've heard from this associate of yours.

[Well, at least you tried...]

My associate is friends with one of your countrymen, your king, I believe. From what I've heard, you have quite the impressive background; you were a pirate, you maintain all the industry within your country, and you're the best shot in Albion. I've heard that you're a Hero, which sounds like a rather impressive title with equally impressive abilities.

[He sees no reason not to stroke the man's ego. Flattery is always an effective tactic!]

[...yes good

He's well aware that this is a lot of information, however, for one to have obtained casually rather than collecting it intentionally; he keeps that thought in his head where it belongs for the time being, however, and outwardly, there's absolutely no sign that any thoughts just flickered through his pretty little head.]

All of that utterly true, actually - and with a reputation like that, you can't blame me for being unsurprised that it precedes me. Some of my exploits are more widely publicized than others; it's more than enough to see me rather well-known and well-off, however.

But with all that in mind - what is it that you want with me, exactly? Surely you didn't come all this way just for the sake of verifying all that.

I would like you to work with me, Mister Reaver.

[With, not for. But of course that's what it will really be; he's not going to reveal that just yet.]

However, this isn't the place to talk about such things. Perhaps we can discuss this in private...?

[There aren't very many people around, but Archer would rather play it safe.]

[...that gets a bit of a light, breathy sound out of him - not quite a laugh, but something that would have been one were it not for a brief moment of self-control.]

How very forward of you. But fine, fine - I'll hear you out, for the time being; I've never been one to complain about forwardness, after all~

[THAT IS NOT WHAT HE MEANT AT ALL, REAVER

But thankfully, Kimblee warned him about Reaver's... flirtatiousness. Archer merely smirks in response and motions for Reaver to follow him.

The room in the inn is purposefully out of the way, and in the middle of the day like this, there's no one around to overhear them anyway. Still, Archer insists on shutting the door behind them (not locking it, he doesn't want Reaver to get ideas). He finally turns to Reaver, smirk still in place.]

I know you're a member of Team Rocket. I am a Beta-ranking member of the organization myself, and with all the great things I've heard about you, I believe you could be very useful to our plans in the future. Of course you would be compensated for your efforts - money is of no issue and I can provide you with nearly any Pokémon you desire.

Your work would be simple, attack any ships entering or leaving Olivine's port. I want the entire place closed off. How you do that is entirely up to you. Should you require assistance, it can be arranged, but for the most part this job would be yours. You would not have anyone standing over you and demanding you work and for the time being, you would not have a deadline. I want to see what you can do.

[Reaver actually appreciates that the door wasn't locked; he's relatively unable to defend himself here. There are things in the room that can be used as weapons, yes, but given that Archer has been here for so long, he's definitely much higher-leveled than Reaver is, as far as these creatures go. He's also fairly sure the "associate" he's talking about is Kimblee - whom, according to that tournament's results, is the second-best battler in the region. He isn't going to get on this person's bad side right now; he isn't intimidated at all - he's never been properly intimidated, not since rediscovering himself all those years ago - but he knows when to pick his battles in cases like this.

That doesn't mean he's going to be submissive at all, however.]

Oh, don't worry - I know who you are, my dear. It was recommended early on that I get in contact with you eventually; you and your associate tend to seek out field agents, don't you?

I have no qualms about playing along for now, particularly if you're going to cater to my strengths; I defended Bloodstone's port in much the same way. However, I do have to question what you're getting out of this.

That's easy. I gain a valuable ally.

[That's all he's going to say about that, however. He has no interest in revealing any more information than is absolutely necessary.]

Yes, my associate and I do search for talented field agents. You sound as though you could be the most impressive agent, which is why I'm so keen on seeing your work.

Mm, no, I rather understand that part - and I'm not going to argue with you regarding my talents. Again, what you've said is utterly true.

What I'm questioning is why the port. Most don't assign things like this for no reason; even tests have their merits to those assigning them. Or am I wrong?

Let's just say I have some plans for the port in the future if this attack goes well. For the time being, cutting Olivine off from Vermillion will prove to be an adequate test of your skills.

You've set the bar quite high for a first assignment, my dear; how long would you want this little embargo of yours to last?

As long as you can handle it. Ideally we would cut Olivine off for a week, but that might be impossible on your own.

[As if he knows what's reasonable? Yeah right.]

Are you up to the challenge, then?

[The most

derisive

little noise

Archer]

Yes, yes, you can consider it done - I managed to hold Bloodstone's harbor for years; don't underestimate me, hm?

Of course not, Mister Reaver. When will you be able to start?

And here I thought you said "no deadlines."

I would like to have a time frame in mind at the very least.

Allow me to assess what I'll be working with, and I'll contact you with what I think is feasible. Understood?

Excellent. Do you have any questions for me while we're here?

We've verified that I'm not doing this for free - exactly how am I being compensated for this...? Your esteemed company notwithstanding.

As much of a reward as that is, no, you'll be compensated however you wish: money, influence within the organization, Pokémon... name your price.

What can you offer in terms of influence? Money is easily earned here, Pokémon easily obtained. That second option is a bit more difficult to come by. You understand, surely.

Of course I do. It's easy enough to convince the superior officers to provide promotions to those who have worked extensively with us. My associate has earned promotions for some of his closest allies. If promotions don't interest you, there are plenty of contacts within the organization who can provide you with plenty of other tasks as well, should you wish to remain busy.

We'll see. For now, since you seem interested in adding me to your...circle of friends, so to speak, might I ask how many allies you have for the time being?

Edited 2013-01-23 19:01 (UTC)

We're unfortunately pretty small at the moment; several of our allies have been returned to their homes recently. At the moment there are five of us, though we're working with several others in the hopes that they will assist us.

[...well, uh.]

...upon my arrival here, I was told that there were three people that I should likely talk to. One was yourself, as I've already stated - the other two were Solf J Kimblee and Cobra Commander. I'm well aware that you work with the former; are you likewise allied with the latter?

[Kimblee tries! ...Archer certainly doesn't.]

Yes, we are. Cobra tends to work mostly on his own, but we have collaborated together on projects in the past.

[Don't worry, he's seen how hard Kimblee tries.]

In which case, I'm honestly curious as to how your hearing is still intact.

Sometimes I wonder the same thing...

[Eyeroll.]

Cobra actually can be calm, surprisingly enough. He's a valuable ally, however, and if that means putting up with his histrionics, then so be it.

If you say so, my dear.

[The most dismissive gesture for your effort, Archer, because Reaver seriously don't give a fuck.]

So is there anything specific that you're gathering this band of merry men to do? I would think that ordering about people in the organization would be satisfactory enough, if this was just about power.

[Kimblee, this man is not dense at all, what were you talking about.]

I'm afraid I can't tell you that just yet. Prove yourself - and your loyalty - and we'll discuss it.

[~~oh my godddddddddd Archer shut up he was dumb when they met that one time he swears he was!!!~~]

Oh, my dear.

[Reaver's expression hasn't shifted very far, but the look in his eyes has - it's decidedly colder, almost hard.]

I'm afraid that isn't quite how it works - I'll assist you this once, certainly, with no further demands for information, simply because I'm bored and it suits me to do so. However, I'm no one's lackey, nor will I follow you blindly - bad past experiences with people willing to engage in that sort of idiocy, you see, and while I normally don't care what others do with themselves, they insisted on dragging me into it.

If I'm going to go along with whatever you're proposing, I would like to know what, exactly, you're planning on doing with me, well before it happens. No springing surprise missions on me, no dramatic reveals of ulterior motives. Perfect transparency both ways beyond this point, or you aren't getting any further support. Is that clear?

[Archer is silent for a moment, never breaking eye contact (or what passes for eye contact, in his case).]

There will not be any surprise missions and you will have advanced warning on everything we plan on doing. I cannot tell you exactly what we have planned at the moment, but I can say that it will involve acting alone rather than for the organization. The rewards and benefits will be even greater should you choose to assist us.

[You say that as though Reaver actually makes eye contact himself, and isn't constantly acting like someone with a serious case of the jitters.

However, he's quick to relax at that; he laughs lightly, actually, simply because what on earth are you people.]

Well, aren't you the lot of clever ones? I can't say I know what you're trying to accomplish here against our resident criminal monolith, but perhaps I'll stay around just to see where you go.

I can assure you, it will be interesting, to say the very least.

[And there's that smirk again!]

I look forward to seeing just what you can do, Mister Reaver.

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