Executive Geneticist

{Archer is very particular about the sorts of things he would allow on or in his body. For years, he was stoutly against the idea of marking his perfect skin with something as basic as ink. It earned him no small amount of ridicule in his earliest Rocket days as markings symbolizing loyalty to and membership in the organization were considered something of a right of passage. It isn’t often he cow-tails to the insipid opinions of his fellow man, but after researching something appropriately self-serving, he was willing to sit through the procedure for his own sake.

{In the end, he chose a Lyre-- Apollo’s signature instrument-- fashioned into a bow and arrow because nothing says egomaniac like branding your skin with your own name ‘cleverly’ symbolized. The tattoo is located on the inside of his right forearm between wrist and elbow, roughly four inches in length.}

“ … Here to help? Here to help? “ Ari frowned, thinking for a second, “ Ari… here to help. Here serve. “It was her job. It had always been her job. From the beginning of her training. Perhaps they weren’t so different after all. Idly, she scratched behind Yeth’s horn.

“ You… would let Shaytan stay here? With Ari? “ She gasped. Golden eyes quickly darted up to him as the slight smile on her face grew wider and wider. He couldn’t be serious… Could he? Quickly, Ari looked at Shaytan. Would the pokemon want to be her friend too? Or was she… forcing them to spend time with her now? Delicately, Ari let her own clawed finger - careful to not hurt Shaytan in the process - brush along the bulb in response.

“ Thank you. So kind. Ari really… appreciate friend. “ It would help her to not feel so alone when he needed to leave the room. To not feel so entirely… separate from her comfort.

-He smiled softly at her affirmation and gave her a slow nod. Yeth turned his head to nudge into Ari’s palm, encouraging her affection with a gentle headbutt, his wet nose drawing along her knee.-

Hopefully that means we can work together more to find the answers we both seek. You to discover your purpose in landing here, me to discover how best to help you utilize those powers in such a foreign place. If we’re lucky, we won’t be trapped in this lab forever and we can traverse the rest of the region together some time in the future.

I’m sure Shaytan here would enjoy that. -The Pokemon trilled with a meandering spin of his body, eyes rotating with the bulbous body so that they never left Ari’s as he spun. Archer grinned and ran a finger along an arm of the familiar Pokemon who shivered with excitement.-

“Well I would hope so… I’ve been at this for a good amount of time.” Sure he wasn’t really one to take interest in a leadership role. Especially now that he had a kid to keep an eye on. But he didn’t mind holding down the fort every now and then if it was to give the true leader a break.

“I think you and all of the executives have their own strengths that make them an asset to the team. While it might not be Leadership for some, it is for others.” He motions his head to Archer to make his point.

The expression on his face shifting a bit as the Rival team was brought up into the conversation. The word was enough to make his stomach twist, enough so that he needed a moment to collect himself before answering.

“I am not certain if all of the parties involved are linked back to them. I Do however know that some of them were.” 

I have to agree. Each of us is suited to our roles and if that means the mantle of leadership falls onto mine and Ariana’s shoulders, so be it. It’s the best chance we have to succeed where HE failed and I’m glad to have them on my side. It means there are aspects of the organization I don’t need to micromanage and it takes a certain amount of weight off my chest. Let it not be said I’m not grateful for them, even if I have to give them a hard time to keep them on task now and again.

-The elevator stopped with a lurch, causing Archer to have to tighten his leg muscles to maintain his place in the car until the doors slid open. He held a hand out to stop the doors from closing again as the trio and their accompanying Houndoom stepped off. A slow sigh escaped from the Executive’s nostrils at the confirmation of Sleight activity and he carded a hand back through his hair.-

“Well you know what they say, Great minds think alike.” He chuckles at his own joke. “but I can say the same for you. It’s nice to travel with someone you can count on to watch your back. Miyuki’s a good employee, but she’s still learning after all.” 

That matched smirk only makes his grin grow wider. “Ohh I agree. That sort of power could no doubt put us in a strong position. If it catches your interest then I’ll make sure to pack accordingly.”

And what two greater minds are there in the whole of Rocket, hm?~

I’m sure Miss Miyuki will do fine. She seems eager to please and perform to expectations, which is more than I can say for a number of other people at her rank. As long as she keeps close and stays out of trouble, we’ll be fine-- which I doubt will be difficult for her.

Silver could’ve beamed at Archer’s acceptance, having to bite his lip as he grinned to suppress his laugh of pure joy when the commander told him he might just be as good as his dad. That was new. Especially given that Archer had pretty much thought him stupid at the beginning of this. 

“Right,” he snickered, “Some day.” The younger man’s eyes flicked out towards the city, before back to Archer. Shit. Was he supposed to do that back? He wasn’t entirely sure.

And then came looking the part. Silver became almost visibly uncomfortable as Archer mentioned his attire, “Uh- well- about that.” He scratched the back of his neck, “…No, I don’t.” he finally admitted, before continuing, “I haven’t worn a suit since I was like… eight.” 

A rather formative age for Silver, if Archer remembers.

“Seriously, though?” Silver seemed a bit surprised, shock mixing with his previously sheepish expression, “You’ll… get me something…” he looked down at his more punkish clothing, “…nicer?” 

-Archer heaved an unrestrained sigh and shook his head. He ought to have assumed this, of course, given the boy’s history, but he still couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed. Giovanni had always been smooth, much as Archer was loathe to admit it, and had a sense of style and taste that came naturally to him. It suited the man and lent to his air as a natural leader. He had hoped something of that had passed down to Silver, but, well... beggars can’t be choosers, he supposed.-

Well, then, let’s see what we can do to fix that, shall we?

-Leading the way back into the city to their left, Archer strode through the streets with the younger redhead at his back-- or perhaps at his side-- toward a high-end boutique situated somewhere west of the Pokemon Center. It wasn’t a large or grand structure, but the clothing on display was made skillfully and was where Archer himself came to supply his wardrobe. As they stepped inside, the tailor looked up and smiled broadly at the familiar face.-

Mr. Apollo! How nice of you to visit! To what do I owe the pleasure?

-Archer shook the man’s hand as he approached and turned to gesture toward his charge.-

This is Silver, a dear friend of mine. We’re in need of something to help him look the part of the refined gentleman... instead of the street-rat punk. What would you suggest?

-The tailor parted from the former Executive and approached Silver to get a better look at him. He nodded solemnly and matched gazes with Archer for a second before tugging at the young man’s arms by his sleeves.-

Even from his demeanor alone, she can tell this man has quite the distinction that separates him from the vast majority of clientele within the diner. He’s suave, appears well-mannered, and (at least from what she’s heard) is quite the generous tipper; it’s no wonder the head chef is as accommodating as he’s been. Not only that, but his resume seems very impressive.

“I work here during the off-season, usually” Jasmine sighs, placing a palm to her cheek. “The journey to Olivine is rather challenging for lots of Gym Challengers, as you can imagine: we can go from seein’ two a week, to sometimes going months between opponents… kinda unpredictable, these days at least.” She offers a small, knowing smile, before an embarrassed hue turns her face a soft pink, having gone on too long about herself in front of a client.

“S-So, you’re the man behind the Game Corner, hm? I got to stop by last time I visited the city, all the sparkling lights and machines, the music…” Her eyes take on their typically dreamy glaze, fondly remembering her last outing to Goldenrod. “I hear it’s stayed very popular since opening, too! Takes a lot to get people excited nowadays, it seems.~”

-He nodded slowly in acknowledgement as she spoke, taking in every piece of relevant information she was willing to share. He was a little surprised to hear how rarely she got challengers, but he supposed he was accustomed to the hustle and bustle of Goldenrod that the state of the quieter Olivine didn’t really come into consideration. He couldn’t help but wonder if Whitney had something to do with barring further challengers from reaching Jasmine; she had something of a reputation for being an unexpectedly brutal obstacle when it came to the circuit.-

So few opponents... Is it the trek here from the rest of the region which makes it troublesome or simply that your Gym is on the latter end of the circuit, making it more likely that those who give up don’t reach you? I’d think everyone would want to come out here and witness the first and only woman Steel-type specialist.

-A grin spread across his mouth at her observation and he gave a short bow of his head in appreciation.-

     Pokemon battles happen to surface the VIGOR and PASSION within Green. It’s like a switch that flipped the minute he’s prepared to engage in battle – his eyes became alight with the emotions he’d wear on his sleeve, and Green’s stance gave off the SIGNATURE cockiness that’d make one agitated and all that determined to defeat him.       “Ha! You must be doped up in the brain if you think chumps like you are the big boys. You wouldn’t even last against the Elite Four; what makes you think you have the balls to face against the former champ?!”      Arcanine roared in a way that could shake the room, Green commanding him to dodge then hit the Houndoom with Flare Blitz. A CUMBERSOME move indeed, but the flames should be enough to have his Pokemon gain some distance along with being hidden to attempt AN AMBUSH. The other two would have no choice but defend themselves when Apollo had shifted his attention upon them, but it seemed FUTILE when they are suddenly in a tight situation with how forward Apollo was to take the initiative.       “Extreme speed!” Green cried out the moment the flames and smoke would disperse, Arcanine using the momentum to launch right at their opponent’s Houndoom, snarling all the while.

-The Purrugly trainer stumbles back a step as the ground shakes with every heavy stomp of Telkhines’ massive feet. Dagon simply floats through the air as if it were water and he surges forward after the Mightyena, a mad gleam in his eyes. The Mightyena tries to snap at Dagon’s long, curled tail, and manages to sink his teeth in, red blood-- sharply contrasted against the dark blue of Dagon’s flesh-- hotly dripping down to dot along the floor. The Mightyena’s trainer raises a fist in triumph as though this has done him some good, but Dagon simply turns and flicks his tail with unforeseen strength, dislodging the Mightyena’s jaws and smacking him in the face with the blood-leaking extension.

-Mightyena howls in surprise and slides back a pace, but stares harshly at the Kingdra before almost immediately regretting it. Dagon lunges towards him, that thousand-yard stare revealing nothing in the way of pain or even acknowledgement that he is wounded. The Mightyena trembles as Dagon opens its dread maw, revealing shark-like teeth as it gives chase to return the favor. A yelp can be heard echoing along the walls of the warehouse as Dagon viciously attacks his opponent, twisting with its mouth firmly clamped on the other Pokemon until something gives and it tears away a bloody chunk. Archer grins as the Mightyena’s trainer looks lost, unsure what to do or how to help his Pokemon, before, at last, calling it back to its Pokeball and tripping over himself to run from the fight entirely.-

"Hey there. I made you a gift." Vexis grins.

Truth Asks 5/10

That's a very good question. At the moment? I wonder that myself, but I also don't think this decision will come back to bite us down the road. He's hot-headed, he's sarcastic, he's nothing like his father. But then again, his father failed and we failed when we tried to continue on like his father, so, perhaps, he's exactly what we need to move forward with even the slightest chance at success.

Truth Asks 4/10

Change? About myself? Why, what on earth would ever make you think I'd want to change anything? Am I not perfect as is? I like to think so.

Truth Asks 3/10

I wonder about some of them, if I must be completely honest. I wonder what on earth makes them think they're suited to the life of a criminal. I wonder how we ever managed to recruit some of them when they're so soft or have all of the emotional maturity of a spoon. My Executives are top-notch, but that's to be expected when they were hand-picked out of the Elite. Those that have risen in the ranks since our departure to Johto make me wonder what my co-leader was thinking when she promoted them.

Don't misunderstand me-- we need them. Each and every last one of them. And I consider them under my charge. I would do anything in my power to protect them to the best of my ability-- with the exception of laying down my life for them, but it's a rare Rocket that would lay his life down for someone else-- because they are family and they are loyal. But that doesn't mean I'm not constantly surprised by the ilk we draw to our ranks.

Truth Asks 2/10

You know, I find myself wondering this exact thing at times. What would my life look like if I'd stayed in Unova and indebted myself to the government to pay for my schooling instead of flying across the world to attend school elsewhere.

I must say, I don't know if my life could have ever followed a non-criminal path if only due to my... unfortunate desires, but if I were to live somewhere well-policed with no outlet for those things without great risk to myself, I'm sure I could have followed something of the straight and narrow. It would be a dull existence, but it would be honest-- or as honest as I can get.

Looking at the possibility, would I choose to go back and change everything? Would I choose the straight and narrow over the struggle I face right now?

Truth Asks 1/10

I suppose, if I had to choose, it would be Team Plasma. I fear that's a little biased given my Unovan roots, but based on what I know of their goals-- parting trainers with their Pokemon for, ultimately, the sake of taking over the region unopposed-- we'd fit in rather well together. Ghetsis is a very charismatic man, one I could see myself getting along with, and his ruthlessness matches that of my former employer, meaning I would have nothing to fear from my... ah, proclivities.