determinator | IC CONTACT

[7/31/2012: 5:37 PM]

Archer.

I continue to stand by what I said; this isn't a peace offering, nor am I willing to negotiate our situation. However, I have something you've been seeking for quite some time; regardless of what's happened recently, I believe you deserve to know, and to have it given to you should you still want it.

I think I know of a way for you to leave Johto.

[Archer is a bit startled by the sudden text - no one tries to get in contact with him out of the blue like this - and it takes all of his self-restraint to actually read through the text instead of throwing the 'Gear off the dock and into the ocean. That really wouldn't help much; he gets the feeling the nurse wouldn't be too pleased with handing him another 'Gear today.]

[Kimblee's message makes him freeze. He doesn't want to go home, does he? But admitting that to Kimblee now? He finally responds.]

Indeed? Where did you get this information? How do I return home?

I admit the evidence is entirely circumstantial, but it's the only logical conclusion I can draw for the time being -

Do you remember that notebook I was discussing with you, in the Pokemon Center in Olivine City? I suspected it of containing valid information in the notes Hughes added to it, given that Hughes disappeared after that second three-day blank period, which is what most of our speculation centered around.

I gave Mustang a copy of those notes, and briefed him on the discussions Hughes and I had had prior to the lieutenant colonel's disappearance; he said he would work on decoding them, and I hadn't heard from him since.

And now Mustang is no longer in Johto.

What? He's gone?

[Haaaang on, let's not get distracted here.]

Well, I can certainly see where you would draw that conclusion from. This notebook was where you kept all your observations and thoughts about Johto and how it could have brought us here, correct? Have you studied it yet?

Not beyond what I told you before - I've read it, but haven't analyzed it properly.

Aren't you going to study it? It is your notebook, after all.

As I said, it's been something you've been seeking for quite some time. I was under the impression that you would want me to tell you, and grant you the chance to use this information for yourself.

Was I mistaken, then?

Of course not. I still want to return home.

[TSUN.]

I wanted to make sure you've already studied it in case you don't receive it back. It would be a shame to lose it.

I've already planned for that; surely you don't think I'm that self-sacrificing?

Come now, you know me better than that.

[...is...that teasing, holy shit I think it's teasing]

No, of course not. You always come first, after all.

[Can you practically sense the eye rolling here?]

I appreciate it, Kimblee.

[He can.]

Of course, Archer.

Shall I have it sent to you, then?

[There's a pause before the next text; it's not very long, but you know him better than anyone else here. Pausing is never a good sign.]

Of course. I've spent more than enough time here, after all.

[He knows it isn't. At the same time, he isn't going to address it; addressing it will only complicate things.]

Consider it done, then.

[There's a brief pause, followed by a second text.]

It's been a pleasure, Archer.

Thank you.

[Is this really it? Are they seriously ending it like this? He doesn't want to go home, as childish as that might sound. Even if he's never on good terms with Kimblee again, he has so much more going for him here. He's one of the highest ranking member of Team Rocket, he's got a powerful army that will obey his commands without question, he can see Kimbley again (admittedly very rarely, but that's not the point), and he's actually happy here. What the hell could he possibly gain by going home?]

I really have enjoyed working with you. I won't forget you.

I would be disappointed if you did.

Remember what I've told you before, Archer. Keep looking forward. Never forget, but always look forward.

[How is he supposed to look forward? What does he have to look forward to? He's going to be demoted, if not outright dismissed from the military for this mistake. Then what? What the hell will he do with himself afterwards? The military is his life. He can't imagine doing anything else. It's easy enough to say he'll always look forward and move on, but actually doing it?]

Of course, Kimblee. You know I don't shirk my responsibilities.

[He kind of hates himself for even considering staying here and avoiding the consequences of his actions back home.]

Good man.

Now, then. Is that all?

Edited 2012-07-31 23:52 (UTC)

[Is that all? Isn't there something else he can say? They're actually discussing this civilly; isn't there some way to keep this conversation going?]

[...No, there isn't. There isn't anything he can do to fix things this time. He's already apologized and Kimblee's decided it's for the best if they separate. That's it then.]

[Archer's not sure what he hates more: the fact that he can't do anything or the fact that he's giving up so easily.]

Yes, that's all. Thank you again, Kimblee.

[The urge to throw the 'Gear into the ocean is back, but this time it's not because of Kimblee.]

[Kimblee doesn't usually feel much; now isn't any sort of exception to that. He isn't disappointed or angry at the answer, and if anything, he had expected it; he isn't upset with Archer's reaction at all.

At the same time, there's a brief, odd reaction that he can't exactly place - the pause between Archer's text and his next is a long one while he tries to work out exactly what's going on in his head.

He pauses before he sends it. Adds on a line to the end.]

Of course, Archer.

Should you need anything before your time here ends, I'm available.

[There's a long pause while Archer tries to figure out what to say.]

I appreciate it. If it's not too much trouble, I wouldlike to meet with you one last time.

[That's it. That will be the deciding factor. From there he'll figure out how to proceed.]

[That odd reaction is back; it's irritating him greatly, but he pushes it aside for now.

Again, it takes him a moment to reply; he hates himself somewhat for the answer he ends up giving, but he doesn't regret it any.]

I would like that.

[It would be a bit of an understatement to say that Archer is pleased with that answer.]

Name the time and place.

...And thank you.

Of course, Archer. Don't mention it.

...as for the time and place, I suppose it would be most convenient for me to simply bring the notes to you in person - where are you located?

Olivine. I'll wait for you here, then.

I'll contact you once I'm there.

[And that, quite simply, is all. End feed!]

IC CONTACT

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