shakespearealien | VII. Video + Action for Ecruteak City + two more things.

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VII. Video + Action for Ecruteak City + two more things.

Video/Action:

[It's the dead of night, and Gorthan is in a room at the Ecruteak City inn. If the scientist doesn't look happy in the least, it's because he is not. He is, in fact, very, very angry. Angry about what happened to the Kimono Girls and their theatre. Angry at the people who did it, whoever they are.

And most of all? He's angry at himself, for being part of something that allows and even encourages this level of horrible cruelty.

The video is a close-up of Gorthan's face, the focus being on his narrowed eyes and furrowed brow, his usual circular markings very visible.]

"O, be thou damned, inexecrable dog!
And for thy life let justice be accused.
Thou almost mak’st me waver in my faith,
To hold opinion with Pythagoras
That souls of animals infuse themselves
Into the trunks of men. Thy currish spirit
Governed a wolf who, hanged for human slaughter,
Even from the gallows did his fell soul fleet,
And, whilst thou layest in thy unhallowed dam,
Infused itself in thee; for thy desires
Are wolfish, bloody, starved and ravenous."

[As he recites the quotation, his voice is loud, deep and scary, almost a growl in some parts. At times his hands tremble with rage, making the camera shift a little. When that happens, one may catch a glimpse of Gorthan's Elgyem in a corner of the screen. And while it's hard to tell an Elgyem's emotions, it's pretty easy to tell that this one is seriously intimidated right now. It recoils away from its trainer, its eyes open wide and its colorful lights blinking wildly.

At the end of the quotation, however, Gorthan appears to regain a certain degree of composure. He sighs, throwing his head back a little for a moment, takes a few deep breaths and picks up his Elgyem, pulling the smaller alien into his lap. When he speaks again, it's clear that he has successfully managed to calm down.]

I have arrived in Ecruteak City. I believe I do not need to inform you about what has occurred here. All of you know by now, I am sure.

To the rescuers of the Kimono Girls - thank you sincerely. I intend to help out as well, now that I am here. If any of you are watching this, I ask that you contact me.

Private text to Minnie:

I must ask that you reach me here in Ecruteak. Even though the original plan was to visit you, I will be here a while. Something horrible happened, as I am sure you know, and my help is needed.

Private text to Descole:

Report.

[That is totally how it's done. On Evron, that is.]

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...that would be my point, Gorthan.

[The words are incredibly sarcastic, but there isn't a horribly cruel edge to them. Just very, very dry.]

Should I apologize for voicing what you wouldn't? I think not.

But is there more to your opinion of these facts?

I didn't voice it because it was obvious and didn't need to be voiced. Not everything needs to be stated to be understood, you know.

[Not that he...expects you to know that, really. You're a little socially bizarre, bro.]

As for my opinion, perhaps there is; regardless, I don't hear you voicing your own opinions outside of "blind rage." Is there a reason this is agitating you so badly?

There are several reasons, but I do not suppose you have the time, or interest, to listen to them.

No, Gorthan, I asked precisely because I'm disinterested.

[Sarcasm again! It's running thick today.]

Alright. While I know you hail from England, I have never told you where I come from, have I?

You haven't, no.

[WILL THIS EXPLAIN WHY YOU'RE SO WEIRD, THOUGH...]

I come from planet Evron.

We Evronians feed on emotions, absorbing them from our victims, of which only brainless shells remain once the process is complete. Under many aspects, we can be described as a parasitic race. We are constantly at war, searching for planets to conquer and thoroughly deplete. A rigid caste system and a social organization that, to put it in familiar terms for you, resembles that of bees, make us an unstoppable force, in which internal rebellion is minimal. Rebellion, when it comes, can also come in the form of emotions. For the sake of our efficiency as one colossal permanent army, we are not allowed to feel. Art is nonexistent.

[...YEP THAT EXPLAINS IT ALL RIGHT]

I...see. I'm assuming that you're one who's rebelled, then?

[Because that was kind of a lot of emoting earlier, man.]

It did not quite depend on my will, but yes, that is, essentially, what happened. Such is the power that Earth's culture has had on me.

I was Evron's most well-known, respected and powerful scientist. On occasion, I have led military campaigns as well. Not too long ago, I was completely careless of how many lives were ended or ruined forever as a result of my actions. So I suppose I actually have no right to most of my current ire. My hands are soiled with far more horrible crimes than the one we've seen.

But I have changed since those times. As a result of exposure to Earth's culture, I have developed... a conscience. Which, by Evronian standards, is a disease akin to the plague. This conscience of mine is what now inspires my opinion of these facts.

As for what said opinion is, I believe that a line of respect and decency was crossed for no purpose at all. I believe my story is a testament to the power of Earth's culture and art. Women who have devoted their lives to them should be as sacred.

[...oh, so you're crazy. For the love of god, man, why didn't you just say so?]

Well, that's a bit much, I think, but it does explain a fair amount.

That's all you will say, isn't it? I thought so.

[Why does he even try anymore...]

You are free to believe me or not - I do not care either way.

[He never said he didn't believe you; there's a difference between finding you crazy and believing you're a liar.]

Oh, don't put words in my mouth, for crying out loud. What in the world did you expect, some sort of dissertation?

You've done some horrible things due to this...Evronian whatnot, now you have a conscience, you're enraged because of what I'm assuming is guilt, and I imagine that you're having a hard time believing someone in this organization that's presumably human wouldn't appreciate what he's been given. As I said, not everything needs to be stated to be understood.

... That would be entirely correct.

[Wow, you...

... you actually got it.]

So you did listen, in the end. And understand, too, as far as I can tell. Is your curiosity sated for now, Descole?

Rather, I think.

[He doesn't see why Gorthan seems surprised that he's worked it out; as far as he's concerned, that much should have been obvious. Descole is a jerk and he has a wicked temper that tends to override all else, but he's never had empathy problems, per se; he definitely has a conscience, he just finds it easy to push it aside.

At the same time, there are things that he's not willing to do that for. He isn't sure if these anonymous attacks are an example or not.]

And yours?

[By now, Descole, you're one of the few remaining reasons why Gorthan won't be leaving Team Rocket anytime soon.]

As much as I would like you to elaborate more on your thoughts of the incident, I doubt you will do me that favor.

You know, sometimes I find it unsettling that you seem to insist on wearing that mask.

But then I remember that you cannot see my real face, either. Which makes us even.

Perhaps it does.

[And there's actually nothing sarcastic or derisive behind that statement; my...god, that may have been an entirely genuine response just now. Feel flattered or honored or something; it doesn't happen often, simply because Descole finds it much easier to be abrasive.

...and goodness, don't ever tell him that first part unless you want to kill him with awkward. WHAT AM FRIENDSHIP.]

As for my thoughts on the matter, that does depend on what you want to know. You never specified, after all.

[Don't worry, awkward is precisely why he won't ever tell him.]

Ah, just... heave your heart into your mouth for a moment, if you can. Please.

[After all, he's just told you a few things he doesn't tell most people.

Also, "please"? Another thing he doesn't tell most people.]

[...my word, man, was that a "please" just now?

Well, from the sound of it Descole is back to playing with...whatever it was he was playing with before, once again giving himself something idle to do so he can gather his thoughts a bit more effectively.]

...again, I suppose I simply don't see much point behind this. There's nothing to be gained from it on a personal level - money, perhaps, but if they're within the organization, they're well provided-for. If they were after the Pokémon themselves, well...that also doesn't make sense, given that their own creatures were strong enough to take out the Kimono Girls and leave their trainers with more than enough energy to spare afterwards, to put it lightly. There's no personal gain to be had from this. They don't seem to be acting under direct orders, either; some of the texts on that post that were left accessible to the public claim that there were no orders given.

It's clear that they're trying for shock value, to stir up fear. At the same time, even that is unnecessary, especially when they're a member of an organization like this; why not propose an actual mission to the supervisors, if that's the case? I imagine they would listen, if they could be convinced it would benefit Team Rocket.

[He pauses for a moment; his voice has remained calm and almost clinical through this entire explanation, though the fact that he's breathing deeply implies that he's working to keep it that way.

Quite an actor indeed, really, though the illusion is a bit difficult to maintain in close proximity.]

So if there's nothing to gain either personally or professionally, then it's cruelty for cruelty's sake.

Very well. So we are on the same page, it would seem.

[A frustrated sigh.]

Where I am from, any act not authorized by superiors as is due is seen as a form of insubordination, regardless of the benefits that may derive from it. Judging from what I have seen, however, it does not work the same way here.

But, no matter. And in your eyes, cruelty for cruelty's sake is...?

[There's a good, long pause before he replies.]

I don't know; it isn't something that I have much experience with.

I see. I won't be trying to sway you either way, but I strongly suggest that you form an opinion.

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VII. Video + Action for Ecruteak City + two more things.

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