determinator | ♕ TWELFTH COMMAND | VIDEO / ACTION [MAHOGANY TOWN, TEAM ROCKET BASE]

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♕ TWELFTH COMMAND | VIDEO / ACTION [MAHOGANY TOWN, TEAM ROCKET BASE]

[ VIDEO ]

[The video feed opens to Archer playing with a Venipede. Said Venipede is glaring at the camera - how dare it take his trainer's attention away!]

I've been in Johto for one year.

[Yes, this is a very important announcement. Archer doesn't look up at the camera, instead continuing to toy with Kann's anntenae.]

To those of you who have been here for quite some time, have you decided that you want to stay here? Why or why not?

[To those of you familiar with Archer, he seems quite a bit distant today. The fact that he's not looking at the camera is one sure sign, but he's also looking a little... down, for lack of a better word. He's not even trying to be threatening. This must be a first!]

I'd appreciate any opinions, even from those of you who haven't been here for very long.

[He gestures airily and the Alakazam running the 'Gear turns it off.]

[ ACTION - MAHOGANY TOWN, TEAM ROCKET BASE ]

[Should you find yourself in Mahogany Town today and you decide to explore the Team Rocket Base (which really shouldn't be all that difficult to find if you know what you're looking for), you'll find that the place is rigged with Voltorbs that will explode as soon as they enter a battle. They're not the only threat, however! There are five Psychic-types just waiting beyond there, all with orders to attack any intruders. They're also high leveled, but don't worry! They'll at least let their trainer know before attacking you!

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to enter the base and either defeat the Psychic-types or persuade them to keep from attacking! Show them you mean no harm and they won't hurt you! After all, there might be something valuable or useful inside that base ~~probably not~~...

Archer is holed up in a room inside the base (Kimblee's old room, to be specific), still amusing himself by playing with Kann, the ridiculously powerful Venipede. Feel free to come bother him!]

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[Archer tenses for a moment, but the tension dies immediately when Kimblee returns to playing with his hair.]

No, no we can't.

[He falls silent after that and for a long moment it seems as though he's not going to say anything else.]

...I think I promised him I wouldn't give up. That must be it.

[It's some sort of explanation as to where that statement came from, at least.]

During that three-day period, I assume?

[Those blank spots still bother him; it's obvious from his tone. He'd discussed some of his thoughts on it with Mustang, before the latter's disappearance...and it's that disappearance that makes him incredibly reluctant to bring it up with Archer.

Either he's got some sort of bizarre kiss of death, or he's on to something; everyone he discusses this with vanishes. ~~And come on, either that really is the case or correlation doesn't equal causation. And that makes entirely too much sense.~~

Yes, of course.

[He understands; Kimblee remembers everything. Not remembering something must be driving him insane. ...Well, more insane.]

What is it?

[Of course he can tell that something is on Kimblee's mind, and it seems like a perfect distraction from dealing with his own problems!]

[Archer...I mean, come on, he's even gotten someone else in Johto to agree that he isn't insane - as long as he isn't hallucinating or talking to the toaster like it's going to answer him, he's fine!!!

...anyway. He seems to snap back into the present with almost disturbing speed; it's something he'd gotten rather proficient at in prison, and it seems that particular skill hasn't left him quite yet - he's back to smirking as soon as that second question is asked, like nothing just happened.]

Mm? Nothing, Archer - at least, nothing to be concerned about for the time being. Those blank spots were a subject of fascination for both Hughes and Mustang, before they left Johto; Mustang and I shared a few thoughts, during that last discussion we had, regarding how we think this world works.

I don't know how valid any of it was, of course; they were just theories, in the end.

And you're going to keep that from me?

[He'll never get used to that bizarre snapping back to reality thing Kimblee does. It's nearly enough to give him whiplash of some sort. He really doesn't want to know how Kimblee does it. He suspects he wouldn't like the answer anyway.

But on the subject of those three day periods, of course Archer's curious about them. If there's some way to prolong them, he wants to find out.]

What all did you discuss?

Many things. But let's start here, shall we: have you ever considered exactly how this world brings us here? Not where we arrive, or why it chooses us, or how the different points in time exist simultaneously - I'm referring to the physical process, that brings us to Johto from Amestris, or London, or Alternia or Fuyuki City or the dozens of other places that others here have gone on about. Have you ever wondered about it?

Of course I have. I just assumed someone was behind it, not how they were doing it...

[That is a very good question though. How could they possibly be doing it though? If alchemy and magic and special abilities don't work in this world, then...]

Could a Pokemon be behind it? We went against Suicune and that was far more powerful than any Pokemon we've ever faced. It was a legend - isn't it possible that there are other "legends" capable of controlling space, or even time? Team Rocket had Suicune captured for some time, perhaps the Elite Four or someone else has a Pokemon capable of bringing us here...?

[...Are we on the same train of thought or is he on a different train entirely here...?]

Edited 2012-09-21 05:05 (UTC)

It's possible, though that implies that all legends here are actually true, and not simply ways of explaining various natural occurrences. The creatures here are powerful, certainly, but they aren't gods, Archer.

[...because that would imply that you could catch God in a Pokéball. And goodness, then where would we be?]

However, the same concept holds true for individuals - we would know if any given person here held such power; they wouldn't be able to keep it a secret for very long. Either that or, again, we're dealing with literal gods, which I don't believe to be the case. Yet I do think there is a very simple way to explain it - that being technology. It's so obvious that one might not consider all facets of it; we're shown instances of technology taking living things from one area and putting them somewhere they aren't supposed to be on a daily basis, after all - the boxes in the PC, when you make a new capture while you have a full set of six on you.

It defies physics, logic, and all common sense, but it's also entirely possible that it explains our situation.

That's--!

[Brilliant is what it is. The Pokeballs are a perfect example. Just imagine if that machine was on a much larger scale - it could take people from one place and simply deposit them in Johto. It's on such a scale Archer can't even imagine it.]

I hadn't considered that. It makes perfect sense. So what causes those three day periods, then?

Ah, that's the interesting part.

Take into consideration, for a moment, all the tasks this machine must be capable of carrying out. It can take individuals from one place and bring them here, obviously, but bear in mind that no one's abilities work here. Furthermore, all non-human creatures that are brought here are rendered into a human themselves. Our hypothetical machine now has to be able to analyze everyone that it brings here, remove all of their superhuman qualities, and change the form of all sentient creatures it selects into that of a human being. This seems to be an unspeakably complex process, given how everyone's abilities and power tends to be different between worlds; it also seems unnecessary to transform those that aren't human into a different form entirely.

However, assume for a moment that it doesn't remove these powers - it just suppresses them. The Pokémon seem to have different biological functions than humans; assume that the machine is programmed to suppress certain qualities of human physiology. This would require the alteration of non-humans into something that the machine can understand, followed by the suppression of power that's applied to all humans.

[He pauses for a moment, smirking; clearly, he's pleased with himself.]

Incidentally, Archer, have you ever seen what happens when the 'Gear malfunctions? We had a good example of it during the storms - they do all sorts of things that you don't want them to.

Now, try to imagine what would happen if something like that machine we've been discussing were to be damaged, or otherwise break somehow. I imagine something on that scale would also take a while to fix.

...Three days. It takes three days to fix the machine.

[It's perfect. Archer grasps Kimblee's arm tightly, eyes wide and expression bordering on wild. It's the first time he's looked this excited through his entire stay in Johto.]

That's it then! All we have to do is find the machine! With that, we can not only control Johto, but we can control who stays and leaves! We can get rid of our opposition and we can bring in those who would support us! And if they don't support us, it's easy to send them home! This is perfect, Kimblee! You're brilliant!

[LETO

TAKE

THE ENTIRE FUCKING GARAGE]

Ah...thank you?

[oh my god you may actually be making him kind of nervous here]

Bear in mind that this is just a theory, and we have no idea who actually controls the machine...

Oh of course not, but we have an idea!

[And with that, he's up off the bed, knocking poor Kann off as he moves. He doesn't notice. The roach squeaks and scrambles back up on the bed, glaring first at his trainer, then at Kimblee, then back at his trainer-- which one of you woke him up, assholes!?

Archer spreads his arms, laughing. He sounds far too pleased when he continues speaking, turning to face Kimblee after a moment.]

Who else? The Elite Four! They've been hiding from us for some reason; they won't accept any challengers despite the fact that we're supposed to challenge them after we've obtained the eight Gym Badges from any region. It's obvious they're hiding something; this must be what it is! We just need to find their headquarters and storm it! We'll take the machine by force if we have to! Just imagine how many people in Johto would back up an operation like this! There are so many people who wish to return home, right? They'd willingly fight with us to get to this machine, then we can send them home and operate it ourselves! Johto will be ours, Kimblee!

[...and now he's back to cackling. Maybe he's been listening to Cobra too much or something. Either way, Archer is ridiculously pleased.]

[WHAT HAS EVEN HAPPENED HERE]

...ah. Yes, I...suppose that's one possible outcome...

[KANN DON'T YOU EVEN LOOK AT HIM LIKE THAT

HE HAS NO IDEA WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE, HE JUST KNOWS THAT ARCHER HAS LOST HIS MIND]

This is also assuming that we can even operate the machine to begin with, and that we're capable of defeating everyone else in Johto on our own to keep them from taking control of -

[............wait

wait wait wait]

...you know, that...other plan we were discussing a few days ago might provide us with the power to do that, without relying on the others not turning on us as soon as we get the thing under our possession. To say nothing of the fact that we'll have a fair amount of scientists from advanced worlds under our command...I'm sure they could work it out, couldn't they?

[Hey man, everything is your fault as far as that roach is concerned. You broke his trainer. Not cool, bro. >:|

Archer seems to calm down a bit at that, nodding.]

Yes, that will work perfectly! It'll be easier with more people on our side. We can obtain complete control over Johto this way!

[A pause. Archer folds his hands behind his back and starts pacing. At least he's no longer shriekingly happy?]

The only problem will be those from this world. I don't imagine the Elite Four will give us much trouble even if they do have powerful Pokemon - we'll have plenty of people with us. I'm more concerned about what will happen if they get the Gym Leaders to help them - and what about Team Rocket? They'll want to get their hands on this machine as well if they find out about it. We'll have to find some way to defeat them all. Either that, or send them elsewhere, if the machine will allow us to do that. I don't see why it wouldn't but...

[And then he's grinning again!]

We're so close, Kimblee! If we can figure out a way to control this machine, we'll control Johto!

[Has he mentioned he's excited? Because he's just a little bit excited.]

[...Archer...]

We'll see. Again, we don't even know that this machine exists; however, believe me - if it does, I'll do whatever you command in order to attain control over it.

What else could it be? A machine makes the most sense.

[But at least that seems to have calmed him down. Archer returns to the bed, absently petting Kann to calm the roach down.]

Thank you. I'll need your help to conquer Johto. And don't think you'll get off easy once we've conquered it - there's going to be plenty of work for you to do even afterwards.

[He has no intention of dropping Kimblee completely, even if he can bring Kimbley here.]

Will there be?

[It isn't a pointed question, but it is something he's been wondering about; he doesn't hesitate any before continuing, his expression casual, though there's a bit of tightness behind his words that indicate...not displeasure, it's not severe enough for that, but he's certainly not sure what he thinks of where this is going.]

I imagine you intend to bring this other version of me here; as such, I wouldn't expect you to keep me in your service - at least not nearly as closely as I have been. He was your subordinate back home, after all, as well as your friend, and I know how you are about friendship.

I intend to honor whatever your decision may happen to be; however, I don't expect it to be in my favor, nor do I blame you for it.

I'm not going to leave you to your own devices, Kimblee.

[He doesn't need to elaborate on that, so he doesn't. They both know that Kimblee has difficulty with decisions and needs orders to follow. Archer has no problem assisting him with both of those issues.]

I don't mind keeping you both around. You're both my friends. Just because I happen to prefer him - and that's only because he's... well, he's from my world and he's... you know why I like him more.

[Sh-shut up. It's not like he's going to say he likes him, baka!!!]

Anyway, just because I like him more doesn't mean I won't continue to work with you. I don't want to lose you if he comes here. I shouldn't have to choose. You both should be perfectly fine dealing with one another. And if you two don't get along, then yes, I'll have to split my time between the two of you. But that will be fine - you have Isaac to amuse you, after all.

[Assuming that doesn't go to shit...]

I'm not going to dismiss you, Kimblee.

[He's positive about that much.]

[Kimblee has never really been aware of what his face is doing, when it comes to certain reactions; it's fairly obvious that he's not aware of what he's doing now, despite the long period of silence that follows that statements. It's rather plain that he's caught completely off-guard by what Archer has said; he spends several seconds rather openly confused before he seems to settle into what amounts to general uncertainty.]

Archer...

[He legitimately has no idea what to say to any of that.]

Consider it appreciated, then.

[Well, he wasn't expecting it to shut you up that easily...]

Good. You really should know better than to question me. I never wanted to replace him - what makes you think I'd want to replace you?

[It's a relatively simple question, but it's one he's been dealing with since he arrived. Replacement is something Archer has feared since the beginning; replacing Kimbley with Kimblee, or being replaced by someone else... either way, he didn't want it to happen. So why would Kimblee assume he was going to replace him?]

There are many reasons; there often are, for this sort of thing. Let's start with one that you should be aware of, at least to some degree: as a human assisting the Homunculi, surely you must have known what they would do to you in the end? Your loyalty would get you nowhere, in the end; however, you assisted them, and they assisted you in ways, because it was what was most beneficial at the time. Once that working arrangement was no longer convenient or beneficial, you would be of no further use to them.

All of my working arrangements have been like that - with the Homunculi, with the chimeras, with the other members of the military. It isn't a matter of replacement so much as it is expendability.

You're not expendable.

[Archer usually shouts when he gets angry. He usually goes into shrieking fits and won't hesitate to say far more than he needs to. But that's the only thing he says for a moment, expression dark and voice almost too quiet. Kann shivers next to Archer and jumps off the bed, cowering under it. Archer doesn't notice.]

Perhaps I thought you were in the beginning, but you aren't now. Don't you ever assume something like that again. I don't consider you expendable.

...yes, sir.

[The response is immediate, strangely lacking in fight; for a moment, he doesn't quite understand exactly why that seems to have upset Archer quite this much. The anger Kimblee is reading off of him is intense, however, though once he considers it, he supposes he can see at least one reason why he might be reacting that way - after all, his best friend died a year ago today. He's likely not going to take an implication that any version of that man was expendable very well today, is he?]

Of course.

♕ TWELFTH COMMAND | VIDEO / ACTION [MAHOGANY TOWN, TEAM ROCKET BASE]

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