To Extend Our Reach To The Stars Above (Morri)

[The REAL Joey]

There was a definite sense of tension in the air of A18SC. There usually was anyway what with Royce and his cronies cooking up new schemes for domination and unwinding after a tough day of being a Rocket mobster. But today was especially tense. A number of Royce's squad were idling in the lobby. This comprised of only the rather forgettable Rocket grunts which had been taken on board Sharada along with the hillbilly Rocket grunt that was Cletus. Other known members such as Schnell, Porky and the Cloak & Dagger, or rather, Tyrone and Langley, were nowhere to be seen. However, their exclusion was easily explained. As diligent as ever, Schnell the scientist attached to their group, was hard at work analysing complex formula for a project he was working on. Porky was in the mess hall, eating up to half his body weight in food due to sheer gluttony and retaining his... Figure. As for the cloak and dagger... It would appear they were in a meeting with the leader of their squadron. Focusing in on his office specifically, it appeared the two were briefing Royce on their mission. With no apparent care, Royce had his executive chair span away from them, a big red R emblazoned on the back of it. Billowing a hefty amount of smoke from out of his mouth, the atmosphere was certainly an uncomfortable one. As the duo concluded, Royce turned around, cigar proudly stuck in his mouth. As he turned to face them, he casually remained seated back in his chair but plucked the cigar from his mouth. "HAH! So... It would seem our prodigal son Schnell has pulled through then, eh? The new disguise cloaks he was engineerin' are a rip roarin' success?" Placing the cigar back in his mouth, he exhaled without the slightest sign of discomfort from the smoke and continued to let the smoke billow out, as if he were a Weezing.

Nodding his head, the ebony figure that was Tyrone complimented Schnell's handiwork. "But of course sir. Schnell has his faults but when it comes to these sort of technological marvels, there are simply none who can hold a candle. With our field test completed, there is no doubt we can move onto more high value assignments." Folding her arm rather moodily, the scarlet terror that was Langley didn't appear quite as enthusiastic. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, Schnell's a regular wunder kind. Jeez... Ya make it seem like he's the one to get all the credit. You do remember that if it weren't for our ability as imposters that the disguises wouldn't work as well as they do?" Suddenly unfolding her arms and swishing them around with one to her lower side and the other above her head, she made an exact doppelgänger of Royce. Leaning forward with a condescending pose, she pulled his trademark grin just as she emulated his voice with near perfect imitation. "Next you'll be tellin' me Cletus will be gettin' credit for being the moronic hick he is!" Shaking his head as he kept his eyes closed calmly, Tyrone dismissed Langley's fiery personality. "Now, now, Langley. This was a joint effort." Unfurling the disguise cloak, Langley's face became disgruntled, ruining what would otherwise be a beautiful appearance. "Ahh cram it." Taking in another inhale before exhaling, Royce didn't appear all that interested in their arguing dynamics. "Cut the crap. Want I really wanna know is, how many of 'em did you acquire?" Leaning forward, Royce's usual menacing cavalierness had dissolved into plain menacing.

Letting out a shrill laugh, Langley was confident there would be no disappointment. "HAH! Those idiots at the New Bark Research Lab aren't all that smarts when it comes to what we were up to." A devious smirk now over her face, Tyrone filled in as a suave smirk appeared on his. "Oh, we did very well. Whilst their Professor Elm was out on his field trips, we managed to secure a great number of starter Pokemon. Many of which have been fed back to Team Rocket itself. But we of course reserved some for our own use." At that point, this was exactly what Royce wanted to hear. Letting out a dastardly cackle, he slapped his knee before standing up and nodding his head. "Fine. You guys did yer job. And given us an edge as well by the sounds of it. Hah, it's a damn shame we had that little incident involving the test subjects bein' freed but we got what we wanted out of it. Now if only that boffin would finish up on the schematics for the perfected Snag Machine..." An ambitious cut-throat, despite Royce being a loyalist to the mob itself, there was no doubting he viewed it as his own personal chariot to ride and would not suffer any competition. Pleased they had won Royce's favour, both cloak and dagger commented on such praise. "Of course sir. After you saved me there is no possibility of me forgetting the debt I owe you." Raising a hand over his chest as if remembering his oath to serve Royce, it was obvious there had been a deep history between Royce and Tyrone. Langley on the other hand seemed to have rather less important back story between her and Royce. Merely biting her lip and giggling, there was a definite sense she lusted for him. "Anythin' for the boss." Seated back into his chair, he gestured for them to exit with a nod of his head. "Alright, off with ya. Prepare for this squad meet up. Sickens me we're gonna have to put up not only with the freaks from A18SB but also the hotshots from A18SA too. Arceus H. Christ..."

The two of them bowing, they made their way out. "Seems like boss was happy. Hehehe." "Of course. As long as we function as a unit, we can only bring glory to Team Rocket." Meeting back up with the others in the main lobby, Royce remained in his office, Swinging around on his chair, he fiddled with a control panel on the armrest of his chair and seemed to channel in to a person's communication channel. "Meh. Suppose we had best round up the whole lot if we're gonna meet with those punks. Come on... Answer the bleedin' ringer." Leering his eyes, he looked up at the screen only to see the visual had been blocked instead he had only audio to discuss with his recipient. Booming out, he cared little for what they were up to. "Now where in the hell are ya? C'mon Sharada. It's rare for one of our agents to fall off the grid. Don't make me all suspicious, y'hear? Might even begin to think you're some sorta double agent! Hahahaha!" Letting out a sleazy laugh, Royce enjoyed toying with people and this instance was no exception. "High tail it back to base missy. We got business to be sortin' out." Hanging up without waiting for any sort of response, he sat there, brooding to himself. With a slew of accomplished missions through his various team members, even one such as grand as Sharada receiving praise from none other than Petrel, it meant he had some gloating to be doing with the other sections leaders of the area they were located in.

[Morrigan]

The call arriving at an inconvenient time, Sharada found herself sprinting through the run down warehouse which was owned by Joey and his gang. Not really giving them a proper farewell apart from a rushed one for Joe himself, Sharada felt the cold air strike her incredibly red face after her act of embarrassment as she hit the exit of the building. Having given her friend a rather forceful apologetic kiss, her jelly like legs helped carry her body through the chain fencing, only stopping once she was certain she was far enough away. Panting heavily, she leant her body against a tree trunk, wiping a hand across her forehead to flick off any beads of sweat. "D-Dammit... This happened.. Last time as well.. I'm so sorry.. Joey.." Taking a few moments to regain her breath, she pushed herself back up and began to make her way to the nearest town, not looking back.

Sharada had been summoned by Royce to return back to HQ and stat. She knew it was best not to make him wait, particularly when he sent her blood rushing at subtle hints of twigging on that she was in fact a double agent. Hoping and praying that he had not somehow found out the truth, she highly doubted such a scenario. Although her criminal acts were not exactly perfect, she was still trying her very best to avoid her cover being blown by partaking in Rocket activities frequently. It just so happened that they few times she was able to have a few moments to herself, she would become interrupted and called back. Running a hand wearily through her locks of long hair, Sharada managed to make her way to Cherrygrove and entered a large warehouse on the outskirts, where Rocket operations were taking place. Approaching a stationed PC, she logged in and switched around her team somewhat, mainly to ensure Tenebrae was out of harms way if she was indeed returning to HQ. Changing from her casual attire into her regular Grunt uniform, she reapplied some make up, sorted out her hair and was ready to continue back to base.

Managing to secure a truck ride with a fellow Rocket who was transporting goods, Sharada travelled by vehicle to the very outskirts of Goldenrod where she was able to jump out. The trip had taken her numerous hours after receiving the initial call from Royce but considering how far she had to travel, she just hoped that she could worm her way out of verbal punishment. Venturing through the back streets, the darkness of the late evening helped her hide under the cover of the shadows until finally, she reached the secret passage which led directly down to her section. Hidden in the back of a dank alleyway littered with untidy rubbish bins, she cautiously stepped past the split bags with a look of disgust etched across her face. "So... Gross... I hate large cities like this." Grumbling under her breath, with a final hop she approached a lone door. Whilst it looked as if it was just a small store building, it was instead a secret elevator.

About to uncover the hidden key pad to punch in the code number, a sudden rattling of cans behind her meant she had to freeze. Under no circumstances could anyone other than Team Rocket know this entrance. If someone had followed her down the alley, she would have to get past them and find a different way of entry. Her raised hand falling back down to her side, a shadow glazed her eyes as she began to turn. Expecting someone or something to be there, to her surprise, there was no one. Blinking, she turned to get a better look and called out to see if someone would respond. "Oi." "Strange. Could'a sworn I heard something. It's not as if there is any wind either." Remaining still and silent for a moment longer, she took a single step forward when the noise occurred once more, this time much closer. Turning her body to the right and taking a step back, the brunette stared through the darkness, trying to pinpoint just where the sound was coming from. Then, from the darkest part of the trash cans, numerous yellow markings began to light up followed by a bizarre clunking sound.

Squinting her eyes to try and make out just what this thing was, a repeat of the sound was enough to make her investigate further. Pulling off a rubbish bag, Sharada's eyes widened at the sight of what could only be described as a Pokemon hidden beneath piles of trash. "Ah!" Immediately beginning to try and free the trapped creature, it didn't take long for her to fling everything to one side, giving her enough time to look over what she had found. "What is this?" She mumbled under her breath curiously, crouching down on one knee. The light emitted by the Pokemon had begun to flicker dimly, leading her to believe that it was likely low on energy. After all, who wouldn't be low after being stuck under garbage for who knows how long? "Hey. You're free now. Go on back to your..." About to suggest going back to it's trainer, the mere idea of such a thing caused Sharada to almost slap herself. "Of course. If you do have a trainer, then why do you look so injured?" Barely able to hear let alone respond to her words, the slight movement of the mysterious creature slowed to nothing, the lights across it's body dimming completely.

Not wanting to leave the Pokemon behind, especially in such a seedy backstreet, Sharada tested her luck and lifted up a lone Pokeball. Tapping it against the creature's sleeping body, the ball rattled in her grasp but the struggle was practically non existent. "Something as rare as this can't simply be living in these parts. Was it truly abandoned?..." For the time being, Sharada attached the Golett's Pokeball with the others she owned. She wasn't the type to leave something injured behind so even if it was temporary, it could rest in her care. "...Royce. Dammit." Immediately remembering what she had came to do, the brunette made a mad dash back over to the Rocket entrance. Looking over her shoulder before looking back, she slammed in the code and entered the door, assured that the noise had been from this Pokemon and not a stalker. As the elevator whirred into effect, Sharada leant her back against the wall and sighed loudly, preparing herself for what was to come. It could've been a simple errand to the next big mission, regardless, she had to keep open minded. Straightening herself back up, the brunette just barely remembered to spray herself with a nice smelling spray from her bag. If she entered the base stinking, there would be endless jokes. Practically gassing herself in the elevator to ensure this didn't happen, as soon as the doors opened she stepped into the base smelling and looking as fresh as a daisy.

Noticing a few figures on the other side of the lobby, for now, she felt it was best to alert Royce that she had arrived. Walking with a determined expression, she passed down a corridor near the elevator that held a lone door to Royce's office. She couldn't help but pause and take a moment's breathing time, considering who it was she was about to speak to it was no wonder nerves had kicked in. Gathering herself, she bravely lifted a hand and knocked against the door, her slightly raised voice calling out immediately after. "Sir. This is Sharada reporting in."

[The REAL Joey]

The door swinging open, it revealed none other than the imposing figure of Royce. Leaning forwards with a malicious grin on his face, he greeted Sharada in a way only he could. "There was me thinkin' it was Porkers. I saw you on the CCTV. C'mon toots." Pushing past her, he moved on out, wanting Sharada to follow him. "After the mission success you and that one eyed freak pulled back in Goldenrod with that radio tower business, it looks like there's been a gatherin' put in place by the higher ups." Pausing as he finished what he was saying, he turned to look her dead in the eye and revealed what exactly that entailed. "And by gatherin' I mean the rest of the groups from Area 18." Shaking his head in a dismal manner, there was certainly no doubt at this pointed he begrudgingly put up with their very existence. Continuing on as he strode along the corridor, he gestured and pontificated with his back turned but it did little to downplay his thoughts. "The freakshows are gonna be turnin' up. Hopefully that decrepit old geezer Harman will have bit the dust. What a..." His voice trailing off as he mumbled something of a cursing stupor, he eventually moved onto the next point. "And then you got the hotshots as I like to call 'em. They're all so super skilled and experts in blah blah blah. Like I give a flyin' Mankey." Shaking his head, it appeared there was nothing but disdain for these other squads. They may have all been under the same banner that was Team Rocket but the infighting was all too real. It didn't end there though, Royce clearly had it in for the executive management too. "And those bleedin' executives might be makin' a visit. Grargh. Just wait an' see, heheheh."

His laugh laced with a diabolical menace, Royce stopped as they entered to the main lobby of their squadron's sector. "Alright, go wait up with the rest. I'm gonna go and get Porkers. Then we'll head to this boardroom." Diverting off to the mess hall, it left Sharada with the remaining members of Royce's squad. All minding their own business, it seemed as if there was little enthusiasm for this inter-group meet up. Cletus appeared to be seeing to Rattycakes. And by seeing to, it looked almost as if the bumbling hick was trying to lose the remaining fingers on his hand by teasing his Raticate to jump up and bite as he lured what little fingers he had left at the vermin. The trio of grunts seemed to be standing around, enclosing themselves and speaking in hushed tones. Whatever it was they were talking about was of little consequence given rank. Off centre, Schnell appeared to be making some last minute tests in his laboratory. Half in and half stepping out of the lab itself. Perhaps what was more surprising was that the remaining members, who were usually never seen apart, Tyrone and Langley, were actually separated. Tyrone himself was leaning coolly up against the wall. Looking up as he positioned his cap up a little higher, he seemed enraptured by Sharada's presence. Walking over, he tipped his cap and greeted her. "Ahhh Sharada. A pleasure." Leaning in, it seemed as if Tyrone had something to pass on to her. "Here. Consider this a gift." A single Pokeball entering her possession he stood back, his arms folded.

"Langley and I had a test of those disguise cloaks our genius Schnell designed. A little operation all the way in New Bark Town. Posing as the professor's aides, we obtained a huge shipment of starter Pokemon. The rest of the squad have picked their choices so I do hope this doesn't come as a disappointment. This was the last one we acquired. Off a beautiful blue haired woman. As picturesque as the boundless ocean." Waxing lyrical, he cut himself short as he realised he was running his mouth off. "I digress, enjoy the gift. A just reward for your contributions in Goldenrod." Referring to the mission involving the kidnap of the director's daughter, it was high praise indeed if someone as experienced as Tyrone was commending what Sharada had managed to pull off. About to discuss further with Sharada, Tyrone paused as he seemed to overhear something that stopped him in his tracks. Approaching a smartly dressed male, Langley appeared to be running her fingers behind the lapels of the man's blazer as she attempted to seduce him. "Oh wow, aren't you a smooth criminal. Mmmm how about you and me-" "Silence." It seemed Langley had attempted to ensnare someone but had been put to a screeching halt by a familiar and monotone voice. The sheer bluntness and disinterest was all too obvious in revealing who it was. "Excuse me?! Did you jus-" A menacing glare shot at Langley, the man raised a hand as if to dismiss any further conversation she wanted to hold with him. Pushing past her, the eye patched male dressed suavely in his white and black combo appeared to be scrutinising the area. "So... This is A18SC." This man was none other than Tobias.

OOC: The Pokemon Tyrone passes on is none other than the following. Feel free to fill out as necessary.

[img src="http://www.serebii.net/blackwhite/pokemon/007.png"]
[b]Squirtle[/b]
Name: [member chooses]
Gender: [member chooses]
Level: 5
Attacks: Tackle, Tail Whip
Ability: Torrent
Nature/Personality: [member chooses]

[Morrigan]

Sharada's knock instantly receiving a response in the form of Royce swinging open the door, the sudden motion caused the girl to practically jump out of her skin. Looming over her was a very dangerous man indeed, his mere smile bringing goosebumps across her forearms and the hair on the back of her neck to stand on end. Wide eyed, she stared up at him, managing to force a very nervous laugh as he made some form of banter, not that she found it at all amusing. "Y-Yes Sir." Moving to the side as Royce stepped past her, she closed her eyes wearily in relief but swiftly followed after him. When she was called so unexpectedly, the worse thought which crossed her mind was that she was in trouble, especially regarding the double agent comment. Not yet understanding his humour, it didn't seem that suspicion was what Royce had summoned her to base for. Eyes staring at his broad back as he walked ahead slightly, she perked up as he mentioned the success of her most recent mission, which had led to some sort of gathering being held.

"A... Gathering?" Tilting her head ever so slightly, the two continued with their walk, Sharada listening closely to his every word but remaining silent, partially out of false respect and fear. "Groups from Area 18? Figures there would be more than the two of us..." Yet it wasn't just the neighbours across the corridor. The Executives were also suspected of making an appearance and the idea of so many important Rocket's in one place certainly sent her heart pounding. Far too nervous over the prospect of messing up, all she could do was cross her fingers and pray that whoever this third team was, would be enough to take even the slightest sign of spotlight away from her. Her worry only heightening at the sound of Royce's dark laugh, she stopped a couple of spaces behind him and gave a salute as he spoke of collecting Porky. "Understood, Sir." A lot on her mind, making her speech scarce, she instead watched as he walked away, slowly turning herself to see just who was in the area. Beginning to walk across the floor to see who was close by, she noticed that most were doing their own thing until her eyes met with Tyrone.

Giving him a more than obvious, slightly open mouthed stare, Sharada found it incredibly strange to see him, let alone without his fiery red headed partner. Simply remembering Langley brought a look of fear to her face and as he began to coolly approach, the brunette looked around hesitantly, wondering if she was going to get pounced on for even acknowledging the presence of Tyrone. Hearing his shoes click to a halt in front of her, Sharada tilted her head back slightly in order to see the face of Tyrone. A smile creeping across her face as he spoke, he certainly was a gentleman, even if he was a Rocket. "Tyrone! It's been a while." Her expression glowing sweetly, her eyes skimmed downward to her hands, feeling a Pokeball being placed into her grip. "A gift?" Hearing his explanation, her grip around the Pokeball tightened. Whatever was inside was stolen from the laboratory back in New Bark but that was only part of the picture. It meant that the said disguise cloaks had turned out to be successful and that only spelt out trouble considering how incredible their acts had been with face masks. Her previous discussion with Joe lingered in the back of her mind. They were truly the duo to keep a very close eye on.

Not wanting to come across as suspicious by staying silent for too long, Sharada tightened her grip on the stolen Pokeball and smiled up at Tyrone. "Heheh... Hearing you commend me like that makes me kinda embarrassed. Thank you! I'll be sure to put it to good use." Looking downward as she searched for a spare clip on her holster, in order to attach the newly acquired Pokeball, she soon glanced back to the ebony Rocket in hopes of talking more with him. It was rare to find him alone and from the previous few times they had met, he came across as far more approachable than Langley. He was still a Rocket but if she played her cards right, she could potentially learn some new information. Resting a hand on her hip casually, she tilted her head and looked to him with curious intrigue, "So Schnell finished the cloaks?" Clapping her hands together lightly with enthusiasm, she gave a little bow as if begging to him. "If it's not too much to ask... Could you show me?" Wriggling in front of him excitedly, all she really wanted to know was how accurate the disguise cloak was.

Unfortunately, before anything else could come out of their conversation, something else had captured the attention of Tyrone. Turning her head with a slightly irritated expression, she soon grimaced in surprise at the sight of Langley approached a very familiar eye patched male. Knowing all too well that he didn't get along well with interactions, let alone physical contact, she found the whole situation painful to watch. Wanting to greet him but also overly cautious about entering a certain proximity around Langley, the brunette remained awkwardly still for a few moments before finally gaining the courage to step forward. As his lone eye scanned the innards of Section C, Sharada stepped closer towards him, hoping her voice would be enough to draw his attention down to her height. "Tobias!" Giving her hand a single wave in the air beside her, she continued, "You're here for this inter squad gathering too, right?" Nodding her head as if confirming it to herself, there was no real reason other than the meet up that he would bother coming into their section. Keeping her words minimal, the last thing she wanted was Langley thinking that Sharada was swooping in to steal her prey.

[The REAL Joey]

Trying desperately to keep his amusement under wraps, Tyrone stood in position, raising a gloved hand to cover his mouth at the sight of Langley being so ruthlessly dejected. Paying no more heed to the fiery dagger, Tobias moved over to Sharada and addressed her in a very sterile manner. "Sewell." It was barely even an acknowledgement but from Tobias it was better than nothing. "I've come to see what is taking your lackadaisical group such an eternity to show up at the boardroom. The other group is all present." His attention diverting off to Schnell's section of the group's quarters, he was caught off guard as Tyrone coughed. "I've heard of you. A Tobias Dillinger, no? Interesting... Team Rocket welcomes all, even exiled criminals from abroad it would seem. I can hardly talk myself though... Being from-" Cutting him a dagger like glare with his only eye, it was now apparent to Tyrone that Tobias was not one for idle chatter. Raising a hand similarly to how he did with Langley, he put a stop to his talk. "Enough." Turning away, Tobias glared at Langley as she remained there, still scarlet in her visage from the abrupt rejection. As he turned to examine the inclusion of Porky, Cletus and the trio grunts, Tyrone took this opportunity to indulge in Sharada's request. Waving a hand over his upper half, he amazingly turned into the spitting image of Tobias. Having heard him talk enough, Tyrone was able to pull off a fairly good mimic of his dull voice. "Enough!" He spoke. His vocal impressions were nothing to scoff at but what really stood out was how impressive the disguise cloaks worked. These were definitely going to be a problem.

Turning to see Tyrone back to normal, Tobias lingered his gaze on him before shaking his head. Looking down at his retracted sleeve, he examined the poketch time. "Right. Tell your boss to hurry it up." Departing without so much saying another word, he disappeared through the parting doors. "Hyuck, hyuck, hyuck. Who was that fancy class la-di-da? He sure was a ponce." Nattering away to himself, it was something of its own for even Cletus to think poorly of another. "H'oink, he's one of the freaks. Over in A18SB. Good fer nothin' scratchin's." Chiming in was the morbidly obese Porky. It appeared the gang was almost all rounded up. "What... A... Flaming..." Mouthing to herself, Langley was still rather heated up about Tobias' ways. "You! Sharada! A word." Strutting over, Tyrone bowed his head as he gave the ladies some distance. "You seemed rather chummy with that zebra crossing. Tell me... What kinda lady does he like? I plan on maybe using this disguise cloak and paying him back for that display." Seething, it was apparent she had no idea just what Tobias was like exactly. As their conversation continued, two figures off on the side spoke. "--And yer sure the glove ain't that much far off? I expected better things of you my prodigal genius." "Ja, ja but zis is difficult, nein. Just a bit more time." Conversing themselves about something, Royce and Schnell exited from the lab.

"RIGHT! We all here? Schnell. Yup. Porkers. Of course. Cloak 'n dagger, the terrific Tyrone and lovely Langley? All in. Cletus ya dumb hick? AH-HYUCK. 'Course. The blind mice three? Brilliant. And everyone's favourite rising star? Sharada. Beautiful. Everyone's here." Having done a roll call, Royce appeared ready to head on for this meeting. Adjusting his cap, he was presented with some news from Cletus. "Say, uh, boss? Dat dere jumped up smarty pants type was sniffin' about here. Apparently we're, uh, hyuck, late." Rolling his eyes, he walked over and gave Cletus a fierce slap on the back. "And just how did he get in here you bumblin' dolt?! I told youse to watch the door! Fer the love of... Team! Roll out!" Shaking his head, Royce lead the team on to the boardroom. Exiting out from their sector, they made a detour around the corridor. Passing by Tobias' group, A18SB, it appeared there was a straggler from their group also. His hulking frame and presence were impossible to miss. "WAHAHAHAHAHAHA. IF IT ISN'T ROYCE AND HIS MERRY BAND OF ROCKETS." Hailing the fellow group, the muscled giant Garcian tagged along. "TIME FOR THE MEETING." Shaking his head, Royce appeared unimpressed. Sadly, there was but one way to get to this and they would have to share the journey together. "AND SHARADA. MY PUPIL. MY PROTEGE. IT IS GOOD TO SEE YOU." Giving her a pat on the back, it was anyone's guess how she was able to withstand such a crushing greeting. "I HEAR OF YOUR DEEDS. GOOD. OF COURSE A DISCIPLE OF MINE WOULD BE ABLE TO PROVE THEMSELVES OUT ON THE FIELD."

As their walk continued, Tobias stopped outside of another group's doors. The designation was none other than A18SA. "Hmph! Those uppity hotshot types... Looks like they made their way to the meeting already. Alright you lumps, double time!" Picking up the pace, they continued along the corridor. In front of them was the main exit out which connected them with the rest of the underground complex. But adjacent was the boardroom itself. It was an inter-group meeting grounds and was also used for a number of other purposes. Recreational, battling, testing. But today it was to celebrate the area 18's combined efforts in re-establishing Team Rocket's revival. "Heads up, keep it civil people. I would just hate for one of the hotshots to lose an eye or something." Muttered Royce in a particularly acerbic tone, even for him. Pressing the button, the doors wheeled apart, allowing them entry.

[Morrigan]

Having only just arrived back at base a short while ago, Sharada hadn't yet realised that her late arrival had put the entire meeting on hold. It wasn't until Tobias spoke that the brunette felt speechless. Looking up at the eyepatched male with a look of surprise and guilt, she couldn't find her words at first. Royce hadn't mentioned anything and neither had the others in her squad, so perhaps they were all oblivious to the fact that they were indeed late. It would explain why Tobias was being even colder than usual in his tone. He was by no means friendly but the glare in his eye and bland tone sent shivers down her spine. "Y-You see..." Parting her lips as if ready to try and give reason to the team's absence, she hesitantly looked around as the voice of Tyrone echoed throughout the room. Taking a slight step back as he joined in the conversation, the ebony Rocket sounded as if he were about to drop an interesting nugget of information but was quickly shot down by Tobias' authoritative tone.

The air becoming tense as more of Area C's grunt's surrounded the suit clad man, it was once again Tyrone who made light of the situation. Catching his transformation mid way, Sharada's eyes widened at the sight of a perfect replica of Tobias. "N-No way..." Unable to hide the surprise across her face, the look was one thing but the change of vocal tone and picking up on Tobias' mannerisms so quickly was another thing entirely. Those were down to Tyrone's own skills but matched with the disguise cloak, it made for one scary potential opponent in the future. If they were to ever catch wind of Sharada's attachment to Joey and his gang, they would never be able to tell their disguise apart from the real deal. Swallowing a lump in her throat, although Tyrone and Langley were worrying foes, the situation still didn't mean she couldn't resist a slight smile. Holding a hand across her face as Tyrone turned himself back into normal, it wasn't everyday that she saw someone stand up against Tobias so boldly. Bidding farewell in his own way, Sharada lifted a hand into the air as if to wave him off, "We'll be right there."

As soon as he left the section, Sharada looked over to Cletus and Porky, who had a few things to say about Tobias. Smiling to herself, she instead turned back to Tyrone, clapping her hands together lightly and grasping them tight, her wide eyes looked at up him in false admiration, "Tyrone! That was so coo--" Cut off completely at the sound of a very irritated Langley, the brunette tutted to herself before turning her attention toward the flaming red head, who after all this time, finally addressed her by her name. Only, rather than shouting at Sharada directly, she instead had come to the brunette for... information? Blinking once, she slowly folded her arms, "It's... Not like that. We just had related roles in the previous mission." Truthfully, Sharada had been around Tobias a number of times but she knew very little about him on a personal level, other than he valued fire type Pokemon. Scrunching up her face, she also didn't want to come across as being overly buddy buddy with the neighbouring section. This, after all, was her team and she needed to show her loyalty here.

Sighing softly, she shook her head as she attempted to explain the situation to Langley. "I doubt Tobias likes women at all but... I suppose he acts more respectful around Lucretia. You know, that business type woman in section B? But even that would be grasping at straws." Wondering if that would be enough to atleast calm her down some, Sharada was saved in some regard as their leader, Royce, made his way out of the lab area nearby with the last member, Schnell, by his side. All at once, the group stood in position, answering to the roll call. Hiding slightly near the back of the group, Cletus' rather tactless way of saying they were late caused them all to rush out of the room. Their several patters and clicked of shoes echoed throughout the halls as they walked with a bit of speed to their steps. Heading out of their sector and into the central corridor, all of a sudden, a very familiar voiced boomed out and with a lift of her eyes, was met with the sight of someone she now dubbed as a mentor. Trailing at the back of the squad, Sharada tried to walk on her tip toes in order to grab the attention of Garcian and as the rest of her squad passed him without even saying a word, his line of sight finally fell onto her.

Stopping in front of him, Sharada's eyes sparkled as she stared up at the hulk of a man, "Master Garcian!--" Barely able to say more as the wind was knocked out of her from a simple pat on the back, there was something more than luck at play when her bones managed to survive such a powerful hit. Besides a slight loss of breath, in fact, Sharada looked completely fine. Recovering from the greeting, the duo walked at the back of the group, the brunette shuffling as close as she possibly could to the side of Garcian as they followed Royce's lead. "I made sure to put the moves you are teaching me to good use!" With her small fists clenched, Sharada remembered back on when she had tried to knock the Radio Tower Director with a punch of her own. It hadn't worked out quite how she wanted but the result was still the same. Wearing a somewhat proud smile as Garcian complemented her in his own way, she looked ahead and slowly realised that the group was starting to move even faster than before. Passing an unfamiliar door, her eyes looked from that and then up to Garcian, "I think we really are late." Picking up her own pace, the group move ahead until finally stopping in front of a door.

Overhearing one final word of warning from Royce, the doors slowly began to open. A nervous rush clouding over her, Sharada took an instinctive step back, her arm brushing past Garcian's own. Looking up at him from the corner of her eye, the fact that he too, was going to be there made her feel oddly better. Perhaps it was the time they had spent together training but then again, having someone as strong as him on her side relieved her. But it wasn't just that, she was a part of a strong and capable team under the lead of Royce and Sharada herself had grown leaps and bounds. Needing to keep herself together on the off chance that important Rocket figures would be showing their faces, Sharada managed a much more determined expression as she followed the group inside.

[The REAL Joey]

Area 18 Team Rocket Meeting Room

As Royce and his stragglers made their way into the meeting room, it had already become quite full to the brim. The Team Rocket headquarters which was hidden below ground the city of of Goldenrod was home to a sprawling complex of areas to accommodate the ever growing revival of Rockets. They had a number of other bases throughout the lands but this would be there stronghold. Each area of the HQ was split off into three sections and it was just as well there were only three. A fourth group would no doubt make the room extra uncomfortable to be in. With a familiar group off to the left to the entrance and a group of never before seen individuals off on the right, it meant Royce and his team had no option but to sit on the opposite end of the table which sat before an impressive television screen. A quick glance at the screen showed it to be broadcasting four very important looking Rockets. Sharada had actually met two of them so far, it was none other than Proton and Petrel. Given they were executives, it wasn't too far fetched to believe the remaining man and woman clad in white uniform were the remaining executives of Neo Team Rocket. As the group moved forward to stand before their seats, Garcian split off to be with Harman's squad. Royce called out in a rather disinterested tone. His dislike for the higher ups was known, he ultimately was vying to take their positions and put himself at the helm of Team Rocket. "Area 18 Section C, Royce's squad reporting in." His face taking a rather venomous expression, he sarcastically greeted the executives. "Sirs."

Nodding, the squad sat down at Royce's approval. It was then Harman's squad made their introduction to the executives. His team standing beside him, Harman remained confined to his wheelchair as the elderly gangster seemed a lot more supportive of the executives being present. "Area 18 Section B, Harman's squad present. We're here in tribute to you, capo dei capi."

With A18SB taking their seats, all that remained was the last group who were completely unrecognised. Seemingly a mixed bunch of characters, all sporting different styles of uniform and appearance, it was clear they were a force to be reckoned with merely by how they projected themselves in the meeting. Tipping her top hat to the executives, the ringleader looking woman, who appeared to be the leader, presented their roll call. "Area 18 Section A, Kitty's squad at your service." Finishing off with a bow, the remainder of her squad took a seat. It seemed everyone was accounted for.

Speaking out, a blue haired figure took charge of the meeting. His very tone and body language was enough to make anyone assume he was the one at the head of this organisation. "We've gathered you here today for a review of your productivity. Each squad is assigned with an over arching mission which ties in to a greater goal. Ultimately our realisation is to be the revival of Team Rocket and control of as many regions we can take over. Giovanni may have abandoned the dream but not us." Receiving a praising slam of the desk from Harman, the wizened gangster approved. "Sono completamente d'accordo." Cutting in, this time, a very dominant red haired woman moved on the meeting. "In order to accomplish this, we can confirm our main project is fast approaching completion. It won't be long before Team Rocket achieves our goal. A recent major ops was completed. Petrel?" Leaning forward, it was a person that Tobias and Sharada had both dealt with directly in their joint mission involving the Goldenrod Radio Tower takeover. They had combined their efforts in order to fully pull off the mission. Tobias had used his expert technological skills and Sharada had acted as the mediator in getting the radio tower boss kidnapped.

"Hoo boy, was that a mission and a half. Our three operatives were successful in pacifying the radio tower owner. I'm now poised to waltz right in and take over the place. My disguise is flawless and that radio tower will be the perfect means to broadcast our message." Clapping his hands together, it appeared Petrel was keen on commending the three operatives involved. With Tobias looking over to Sharada who was sitting nearby to him, he whispered in an uncertain manner. "Three? I was only aware of yourself and I..." Doing as Petrel asked, Tobias stood up alongside Sharada. It was then that Tobias leered his eye as he noticed a young male red headed male who was with the section A's lot. "A warm round o' applause for Tobias, Sharada and Terry! Give it up!" Clapping away, Petrel's insistence insured everyone else in the room extended out their applause also.  "Alright, get seated back already." For what it was worth, it seemed as if their Goldenrod operation had been a big part of Team Rocket's plan going forward. Although, that wasn't to say their side tasks were any less important. Clearing his throat, another familiar face, this time the remaining executive that was Proton.

An overly cocky grin spread over his face, it was hard not to be repulsed by how smug he was. "So, you were all given a number of tasks some time ago. Kitty, darling, why don't you fill me in on Project Hearts & Minds and Project Berserk?" Responding, the leader who appeared to be known as Kitty reviewed over their progress. "Hearts and Minds is exceeding expectations. My star performer is literally winning the hearts and minds of our captivated audience. Why, it's serving as quite the recruiting platform. I think we may have even stolen the spotlight from dear old Recruiter Bob. This Project has seen recruitment up by 320% to our wonderful organisation." Showing off a rather delighted smile, she then continued on with the other. "As for Project Berserk... Dr. Peabody has cracked the formula. It's in the testing stages but we're seeing Pokemon's strength increase almost ten fold. They're simply vicious!"  Upon hearing her brief update, Proton nodded, not before giving her a sneaky wink. It appears Proton was still as much of a floozy as ever. Kitty however seemed unfazed. She was no doubt used to his advances.

"Harman. Your's were..." Looking down at the list, he quickly looked back up with the names. "Projects Front and Search." Coughing, the elderly gangster seemed to discuss the last project first. "Project Search... Ay ay ay... Where to begin. The ragazzo is laying low. My agents are keeping tabs. But I am pleased to say capos that--" Interjecting, it was none other than Lucretia who had cut through Harman's slow way of talking. Of course, the other project was one she herself was heading. "Project Front is so far a success. We are purchasing up a number of smaller and larger businesses to use as a front for our operations. The law forces are completely ignorant." Receiving a rather sarcastic laugh, a member of Kitty's team who had a very cop look about him didn't seem to agree. Her eyes glaring at the man, she continued on with her report. "I would say this is probably the bigger success of all the projects here today. After all, without Project Front, there would be no platforms for us to work on with our other operations." Her tone taking a rather sharp focus as she instead looked away from the executives and over to the incredibly young idol girl who had been bought up in Kitty's group with their operation. As she did, the young girl's expression soured into that of a menacing glare as a shadow crept over her face. It was creepy, almost as if she was another person. Reigning back in control, Harman calmed Lucretia. "Hush, hush, bella donna. Excusi. That is all."

Finishing his update, it left only one squad leader. "And Royce. Operation Gauntlet and Disguise." Leaning back in his chair, Royce was as cavalier as ever. Although he was before his superiors, he acted if anything as if he was the superior. Taking his time, there was a very quick look to Schnell as he leaned forward and delivered his news. "Gauntlet has hit a few snags. Heh. My scientist is very close to unscrambling the ownership licence of a given Pokemon. Once that's done, we'll simply be able to resort to snatchin' anyone who opposes us. As for Project Disguise..." Expecting him to reveal it was working and beyond the prototype stages, he appeared to lie and suggest otherwise. "It's further behind than Gauntlet. For now my agents Langley and Tyrone resort to the good old fashioned way of disguising themselves. Either way, that project's on the back burner whilst Gauntlet takes precedence." Having delivered this in a very dictatorial way, it seemed as if the executives bought his story.

Their interests sated, the blue haired executive adjourned their presence in the meeting. "Very well. That will be all for now. But remember our motto. Steal Pokemon for profit.  Exploit Pokemon for profit. All Pokemon exist for the glory of Team Rocket." With the majority of the members present repeating the phrase, the screen faded to black, leaving the residents of Area 18 to discuss amongst themselves. As the bosses moved over to a corner to talk over their groups, it meant the squads themselves could now intermingle. Getting her attention, Tobias pulled Sharada to one side. "I am not joking, I thought we were the only operatives on that mission. Are you withholding something from me?" He quizzed her. It was understandable Tobias was a little uneasy. He was a man who liked to know fully and with a third party being involved in this, it had meant they were kept in the dark. "I shall accompany you but I suggest you do the talking." He stated as he stood from his chair and awaited for Sharada to walk on over with him to this crimson haired male.

[Morrigan]

GRAYE'S MARINADES

Stepping through the large doors, Sharada found herself standing in a very smart, executive meeting suite. Decorated to a high standard, it was hard to take in everything at once in such a short amount of time. Trailing behind the group, as Garcian parted from them to join his own squad, Sharada followed the others around the edge of the room before stopping at a seat of her own. On the farthest line of tables, the brunette spotted the familiar face of Tobias on the end and instinctively stood behind the seat on the corner, closest to him. Remaining on her feet as a roll call took place, it gave her a few moments to take in the sight of the unfamiliar faces around her. To the right were members of a squad she hadn't yet met and from the odd words from her own team, they were a stuck up bunch. From a glance, it wasn't difficult to see where they were coming from. They each had a very specialised look about them, it made the brunette feel very weary. But they weren't the only ones present who she didn't recognise. Not there in person but live on screen, were the four current heads of Team Rocket. She had met two of them already but the white uniforms of the remaining two pegged them as being the more experienced and superior agents in the organisation.

Reacting on Royce's nod, Sharada pulled out the seat in front of her, sinking into the soft leather before pulling herself a little closer to the table. Sitting with a straight and alert posture, she managed to hear the name of the ring leader of section A before the true meeting went under way. Clad in white, the blue haired executive spoke in a very professional manner, Sharada drawn in to the tone of his voice and jumping ever so slightly as Harman slammed a fist against the table. Sighing ever so softly to herself, she looked back to the screen as Petrel took the lead. Having met him recently from the Goldenrod mission, she had seen first hand his incredible disguise ability and knew that he was one to be feared. But as he casually began to congratulate those who had taken part and led the group to success, Tobias' surprise was equally matched with Sharada's. Sending the white suited man a puzzled glance with a curious tilt of her head, the brunette followed his lead as he suddenly stood up on Petrel's command. Following Tobias' gaze, Sharada too, looked at this mysterious participant, seemingly ignoring the brief applause before hurriedly sitting back down again. Once again unsure of just who this Terry was and what he did, Sharada looked once more to Tobias before turning her attention back to the front screen.

After that, bit by bit, she began to learn about each group's individual tasks and just why the underground base was bunched together how it was. From Kitty's team, whilst she didn't know the whole story, it sounded that they were using some sort of performance to draw people into Team Rocket. There was a particularly small girl who had an idol like vibe to her, to the point that Sharada even recognised her face but couldn't quite put her finger on where. But it was the Project Berserk part which worried Sharada. Something about raising the strength of Pokemon? Either way, it was very unlikely that it was natural and likely put the test subjects under a lot of pressure and pain. Tutting to herself, it was then Harman's turn to speak. His accent mixed with his slow way of speech meant that Sharada didn't learn an awful lot but when Lucretia stepped in, she was already aware of the fact that she was in charge of things on a business front. A bit of tension between her and most of section A, the voice of Harman soon calmed the situation and then it was Royce's turn to speak. After hearing the explanations from the other Squads, Sharada was expecting him to boast on their successes but he did the opposite. Playing down on just how far their projects had progressed, in comparison to the others they seemed incredibly laid back or lazy but Royce played his cavalier tone well and rode with it.

Taking the bait, the executive accepted the reports and quickly disappeared, leaving all who was remaining to talk amongst themselves. The first to stand were the two bosses of Section A and C, with Harman rolling in his wheel chair to meet them. Letting out a gentle sigh, Sharada noticed a gesture from Tobias and scooted on her chair a little closer to him. Leaning in and listening to his words, the brunette frowned, "No, I...!" Having raised her voice to try and cut him off, she couldn't help but send a quick glance toward Terry before turning the chair to obstruct his view of her. Leaning in, she spoke to Tobias in a quieter tone. "I don't know anything about him either." She replied back in a hushed whisper, "I was going to ask you the same thing. You were on the CCTV, are you sure you didn't see this guy?" Just as concerned as him, Sharada curled a strand of hair behind her ear, as she too stood to her feet. Looking up to Tobias, she puffed her cheeks angrily at him. "You better not leave me. Those guys give me the creeps." Preferring to be in Tobias' cold company meant something and together, the two strolled around the board room before reaching the chair where this red headed Terry sat.

Exchanging a glance with Tobias once more, her expression telling him to stay close by, the brunette stepped forward. Clearing her throat with a gentle cough, she hoped that it would also grab his attention. "Hey... Terry, right?" Hoping by this point he would atleast look towards her, Sharada pulled a fake smile as an unfitting, sarcastic tone leaked from her lips. "I don't remember seeing you on the mission. I sure hope you aren't stealing someone else's credit." From her perspective, both Sharada and Tobias had worked hard during the mission. Earning a new level of respect in regard to Tobias, he proved his skills were reliable and Sharada too, hoped that her battling ability had helped him in return. But she couldn't even work out where this guy fit in to the picture. His striking red hair would be hard to forget, so unless he was also a master of disguise, Sharada felt that there was some sort of foul play involved.

Sharada will protect your precious cinnamon roll.

[The REAL Joey]

Following Sharada over, Tobias retained his sullen expression. "I may just have to trawl through Rocket personnel files when we return to our bases. Shouldn't be too much of a problem with Lateralus at hand." Ending abruptly, it appeared Tobias at least had a back up plan should the duo find out nothing about this unknown party. Nevertheless, with Sharada beginning to engage with him, the red headed male turned to face them. Beside his vivid red hair, he had a rather youthful look to him but at the same time, his eyes were heavy, blanketed by deep shadows underneath his eyes. It was almost as if he wasn't getting much sleep. Cocking a rather dickish smirk, he decided to greet them both. "Well, well, well. If it isn't my fellow comrades. Sure couldn't have done that mission without ya there." Narrowing his eye, Tobias said nothing but he was certain he could pick up an air of sarcasm to his words. Although he had been somewhat disparaging in his tone, it seemed as if Sharada was as distrusting of him as well. Visibly setting in some shock to his face, the Rocket known as Terry spluttered a little. "Y-You what?! Are you trying to say I didn't have a hand in pulling off that mission?!"

His disbelief palpable, Tobias merely stared him down with an icy glare as he tilted his head back slightly as if to coax out further information from him. Thankfully, Tobias' unsettling stare would not be needed. Terry, in his lacking of composure let spill a slew of information on his part in the mission. "I'll have you know, while Mr. Techie over there handled all the computer stuff and you did most of the legwork, do you not think it odd the cops didn't respond? Or how nobody raised any alarms?" Leaning forward, his darkened eyes twitching almost madly at the corner, he hoped they would come to a conclusion but as the air remained silent, he answered his own question. One he hoped that would be rhetorical. "Aw c'mon. You guys had a decoy! Me! Sheesh!" Shaking his head and a little frayed around the edges, it was clear this young Rocket was a bit ticked off they hadn't been aware of his contribution to the mission.

"Hmph." Mumbled Tobias, almost as if he was distrusting of what the Rocket was saying. Ultimately, it made sense, Team Rocket usually dabbled in decoy missions when instigating another more important mission alongside it. The important mission would be covert whilst the decoy was overt. It was a tried and true practice amongst criminal organisations and one the law enforcements always fell for. "Yeah, well, no sweat on the thanks." Shaking his head, it was clear this Terry was a brash individual of sorts. Almost as if he was too eager for approval and a sort of validation for what he was doing at Team Rocket. There was a definite oddity about him. Despite remaining distant, Tobias decided to speak up and quiz the agent himself. "I find this a little improbable. If your distraction was so great, how come there are no reports on this through the various news agencies?" Raising a valid point, it had Terry stutter a little as he quickly scrambled to regain his composure.

"Jeeeeez, you're a suspecting bunch aren't ya?" Shaking his head, he flashed a confident smirk as he bought up a good counter point. "Didn't you hear the boss? Petrel? He congratulated you. Her, And me." Pointing to Tobias, then to Sharada and then thumbing himself, he appeared back on good footing. "That doesn't answer my question." Slicing through his swagger, it was enough to knock Terry's confidence once again. "Ack!" Raising an eyebrow incredulously, Tobias appeared to have filled his curiosity. "Enough, i've had-Hm?" Stopping, it seemed one of Terry's fold had come to his rescue. "Heh heh, now, now. That's a little presumptuous. You think there might be a reason that didn't hit the newspapers? Huh? Come on, I hear you're smart. Work it out." A middle aged male moving up to where they were standing, he seemed to be a little out of place. He wore no uniform aligning him in cahoots with Team Rocket aside from his colour scheme. A red tie and black suit certainly evoked a feeling of the Rocket aesthetic but he looked almost better suited as a detective of some description. Wearing tinted shades and sporting a sleazy looking moustache complete with handlebars, the man adjusted his cuff links before taking out a rather alarming badge from his pocket. The badge itself bore the initials I.P.F. "FREEZE! You are all under arrest!" A small bead of sweat running down Tobias' forehead, he wasn't too sure how to take this. A joke? An actual deepcover cop? Thankfully after a bit of dead air, the man revealed something about himself. "Hahahahahahahahahaha! The look on youse two's faces! PRICELESS!" Slapping his knee as he placed the badge on his jacket, he adjusted his specs as he shook his head.

"What? Ohhhh. Too bad. People usually love that joke. Nevermind. Name's Harry. Or should that be Officer Harry? Meh. Matters not. I'm a Team Rocket mobster through and through but I, er, act as a double agent in feeding misinformation and spying on the IPF. The suckers haven't a clue." Shaking his head, he soured a little as he was reminded of a nickname that was now floating around. "'Cept those cretins who call me Dirty Harry." Sighing, he realised he had interrupted to save Terry's bacon. "Oh right. Reason why it didn't hit the news was because the cops have got it tightly under wraps. It's not everyday the whole force gets a whuppin' that hard. Heh heh!" Flaring his nostrils as he took in this information, Tobias still didn't seem quite accepting of this. "We shall see." Murmured Tobias. That was no doubt carrying a double meaning for he'll hack into their records also in order to shed some light on the matter. Nevertheless, the arrival of Harry had meant Terry was bolstered. "Hah! See!? Couldn't let slip too much. But if you're happy to tell these guys, that's fine by me Harry." Grinning devilishly, he was about to let slip something else. "It's all thanks to project berserk that my Pokemon was abl-" "Terry." "Huh? Oh... Right." "Mhm, I don't really care if fellow Rockets know what i'm up to but I reckon Dr. Peabody is gonna have something to say about you blabbering away his TOP SECRET info!"

Turning to look at Sharada as the two other Rockets talked with one another, Tobias raised an eyebrow almost as if to express surprise at how much information they were probing.

[Morrigan]

GRAYE'S MARINADES

A potential back up plan in the back of their minds, it was hard to say if this group of Rockets were going to be welcoming or hospitable to their nosing queries. Only having the mental image of them being a stuck up, specialist team from the words of Royce and the other members of her squad, Sharada doubted that much would slip past their lips to those who weren't in their own team. Which was understandable. Even Sharada herself knew that it was not wise to run off to someone like Tobias to let him in on Schnell's secret projects. They were all in Team Rocket but even then, they could be considered enemies to one another despite working towards the same goal. Each person had their individual assets in order to rely on one another at some point. In this case, Sharada just hoped that whatever information Tobias' might end up learning would be shared with her, too. For now, the duo approached the red headed man, who appeared to be around Sharada's own age. Looking as if he was lacking sleep, the cocked grin on his face was soon wiped clean off by the words of the brunette.

Folding her arms tightly together, Sharada raised her eyebrows, clearly not believing a word he spoke. "You were... Acting as a decoy?" Repeating what the boy had said, she turned her head to exchange a glance with Tobias before looking back to Terry, himself, "This is the first I have heard of it." However, to Sharada, it did make a bit of sense. Being the foot soldier in this operation, she could say very certainly that besides Whitney at the end, she had very little intrusions during her part of the mission. The streets had been practically silent and from the noise that was made at the time, it was surprising that no one had bothered to intervene. However, she understood this to be the case due to Tobias directing the vehicle to a safe location in the first place, not for this mysterious decoy operation. "I also find it odd." Sharada intervened, which was rather odd even for her, as she was surrounded by many important sets of ears. If they were paying attention or not was another story. "Surely we would've also been made aware that a decoy operation would be happening. What you are saying makes sense but Goldenrod City is a large place... How were you, a single person, able to keep all of the Police force away from the scene?"

It wasn't just that, Tobias was also able to chime in with a valid point. If this operation was so successful, then why was it not all over the news? It certainly would've made the IPF look bad but it was a headline the press wouldn't have been able to resist. Pressing Terry for more information, the sound of another voice suddenly chipped in. There to back up Terry, a middle aged man in dodgy shades appeared, he was also a member of the third squad, if Sharada remembered correctly. His sudden boom of voice and gesture of flashing a legitimate IPF badge under her nose brought a lump to Sharada's throat. A look of genuine surprise mixed with confusion spread across her face and soon, the silence was broken with a rather dirty cackle. Holding a hand to her chest as she was certain that she almost felt it stop, Sharada took in a deep breath as the man laughed on before introducing himself. "It's a pleasure.." Sharada muttered in a less than caring tone, likely a bit bitter over his sudden jump scare.

Still, it sounded as if his role in this operation was important. This man introduced himself as Harry, an undercover IPF agent. "Hmm. Still... The IPF weren't the only ones who were stalled that night. The city's pride and joy, Gym Leader Whitney, was also stopped in her tracks." An additional interference that Sharada had needed to deal with personally at the last moment, the brunette looked directly to the face of Harry. "Yet her defeat wasn't noted, either. Surely some information was leaked to the press... They aren't the types to care if the police of even the Gym Leader were made a fool of. If anything, it would've made a good story." Noticing that Tobias had decided it was fine to drop the subject, Sharada glanced away, choosing to follow his lead. "...But I'll leave it as that. Clearly, you did something to impress Petrel. And I can hardly argue with an officer of the law." A bit of sarcasm lingering in her own tone, it was then that Terry and Harry seemed to share a bit of a dispute, to which quite a bit of information was mentioned. Almost intentionally.

Tobias even giving an unusual expression of surprise, Sharada turned back toward Harry and used her hand to coil a bit of hair behind her ear. "There's no need to be so secretive. After all, it was just mentioned in the meeting. Project Berserk; it is able to increase the strength of Pokemon to an unnatural level." Only able to remember due to being the one thing that stuck out to her in a worrying sense, the brunette tilted her head and bore a smile. "It'd be very bold of you to test it during an important mission for the off chance that it would fail. But if it were to succeed, then even I could believe it would be able to stop a group of officers. That is, depending on how strong the user's Pokemon already was." Eyeing Terry up and down in a scrutinising manner, if she pushed a few buttons of doubt, would he end up dropping even more information?

<3

[The REAL Joey]

The cop glaring through his specs, it was obvious he had to often remind Terry of not letting important bits of information slip. About to say something else, a radio on him sounded off. "Central to all available units, assist IPF33 with Pokemon theft. Just occurred inside Goldenrod Tunnel. Available units respond." Looking over to the rest, Harry motioned for silence with a finger just before his lips. Eventually responding he called in. "This is IPF6 over. Heading to scene now." Taking his hand off his radio, he bid the rest farewell. "Duty calls. An important part of being a good mole is keeping cover and delivering results." Tipping his glasses he moved over to the exit of the meeting room. "Remember that if we're ever out on the field. Heh!" With Harry's exit, a few other Rockets took their cue in leaving. Tobias looked to Sharada and subtly narrowed his eye. With one of the senior Rockets now no longer about to protect Terry from spilling perhaps they could double up and get him to lift the lid on Project Berserk. Turning around, Tobias flinched backwards slightly as it seemed there was now a geriatric looking scientist in front of him.

Wild hair, bushy moustache and thick lenses magnifying his eyes could only lead to a befitting description of a mad scientist specifically. "I thought I heard the uttering of my name. Yeeeeees... Yeeeeeeees..." Adjusting his specs as he finally took in the whole of Tobias' appearance, he shuffled to the side and looked at Sharada. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Confidential! HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL!" Scuttering backwards, it was clear he was the type of person who was balancing on the razor's edge between intelligent and insane. Deciding to make some sort of conversation, Tobias spoke out. "...Dr.Peabody I presume?" His caterpillar like eyebrows quivering, the scientist grasped the edge of his glasses and shuffled them up and down. "WHAT?! HOW DO YOU MY NAME?!" Sporting a dead pan face, Tobias could tell the man was kooky. "...You were introduced in the meeting." Settling slightly, the scientist nodded. "Aha! Yes. Yeeees.... Yeeeeees... Very well." Turning to Terry, the good doctor seemed to have business with the rising star. "Terry. It is time we proceeded with further experimentation. This way good boy!" Shuffling off, Terry sighed a little. It seemed as as if this was something he had to go through a lot.

"Seems like it's time to push on with this project! Either way, it was good finally meeting you both. Just remember, if you ever need any support. Terry's your boy!" Moving off, he hurried after the professor and exited. "...What strange bedfellows." Muttered Tobias under his breath. Considering how odd the group he was in were, it spoke greatly of this third squad. "It seems there are a few tight lipped secrets hidden from our view. No matter. Once I have some privacy i'll be sure to dig up any information they have recorded on their database. Team Rocket may be our allies but anything of use..." Typical of Tobias, it seemed he was always on the look out for more power or ways to expand his influence. No doubt he'd be all too willing to put to use these secret projects or blackmail his own colleagues should it benefit. Leaving the two to themselves, it meant the rest of the room's conversations were easier to hear. Over in one corner was Garcian's mountain like frame engaging with a robust man in his own regard, although paling in comparison to the luchador Rocket. "BWA HAH HAH HAH ARE YOU TELLING ME A SILLY TRAINER SUNK YOUR SHIP?!" Growling to himself, the sailor of a man leaned forward, his own muscles bulging threateningly. "Yeah, well, I would'a liked to see you swim to shore!" Engaged in something of a back and forth, the other conversation seemed to be involving the young girl idol who seemed completely out of place in this organisation. Standing there, her head drooping forward, she was besieged with the three rank and file grunts in Royce's squad. "I CAN'T BELIEVE IT~!!" "OH MY GOD ITS ITS ITS...!" "PLEASE SIGN OUR AUTOGRAPHS!" There were at least two new leads to follow.

[Morrigan]

GRAYE'S MARINADES

Instead of gaining more information from this fake cop, the entire room instead fell completely silent as his radio blasted, requesting the back up of IPF officers. Confirming that he was indeed an undercover agent, this new knowledge made Sharada feel a little uneasy. She came to accept that a psychic like Hypnotica was able to read her thoughts but if this guy ended up finding her suspicious, would he manage to uncover some truths? Needing to be even more careful than usual now, Sharada remained quiet, her eyes lingering on the back of Harry as he stepped out of the board room. Exchanging a quick glance with Tobias, the two seemed to be in the same mind set, wondering if with Harry's absence, they could draw out more inside info from the blabbermouth of the group. Only, with Tobias' silence and lack of blunt words to chisel away at Terry, Sharada made a brief glance over her shoulder, only to see who had taken the hacker by surprise.

Edging a step back from the crazy looking individual, it didn't taken the smartest of personalities to work out that this guy was strange! His quirky movements, questionable mutterings and changing tone of voice being but a few odd traits. Luckily for the brunette, Tobias handled the scientist to the point that he began to scuttle off. Taking Terry with him. Raising a hand to wave off the red headed Rocket, she waited until they were out of ear shot before turning back to Tobias. Folding her arms together loosely by her stomach, her eyebrows raised at his words, remembering that Tobias was someone to be concerned about, just like ever other smart or cautious Rocket from the groups. "Scary." She responded with a small laugh, "Nothing is safe from you, hm?" Turning her head, she glanced towards the door where a few had now left, her smiling expression turning more neutral. "...Do you think this Berserk thing really did allow Terry to power up his Pokemon that much? He was congratulated by Petrel, so his contribution must've been something." For Sharada, the idea of forcing a Pokemon to become so powerful so quickly sounded like such a painful process. For a brief moment, the concern of potentially experimented Pokemon being in a great deal of pain brought a look of worry to her face, but she managed to turn away. "I'll just have to see him battle for myself."

Coiling a strand of hair behind her ear, she glanced back up to Tobias but a number of conversations going on behind her caused her to turn the opposite way instead. The hulking figure of Garcian in the opposite corner of the room drew her eyes to him. She wanted to go and speak to the wrestler but was fully aware of Tobias' dislike of him, so held back. The other, closer option, was the idol girl, who had become surrounded by the trio of grunts from her own squad. "What are those idiots getting excited about?" Sharada muttered bitterly, "Ah. Right. The idol." Unusually cold in tone for her, the brunette leered between the gaps of the three men, spotting the young girl's vivid pink appearance. "Girls like her are fake all over. 'Doubt she would provide anything of use." Her tone deepening with every word, if anything, Sharada was experiencing jealousy. Music had always been a big part of her life when she was younger. If her situation had been different growing up, she imaged becoming an idol of some kind, herself. Of course, such a dream would never happen for her now, she thought.

Yet, she couldn't quite take her eyes off of the girl, as if there truly was something mesmerising about her. "Hmph. Maybe I'll go to Lucretia with a modelling offer of my own. Kick this damn kid off of her high horse... She isn't even responding to those goofs." Muttering to herself angrily, without even realising what she was doing, she began stomping forward. Approaching the side of one of the grunts, she grabbed his shoulder and leaned in, "What's wrong lil' neko-Skitty? Can't function without your manager?" She sneered, still hearing nothing but silence. Looking over the girl a bit closer, although her face was hidden, Sharada did have a scary feeling of seeing her before. On a magazine cover, advert on TV.. She couldn't put her finger on where. "Hmph. You guys shouldn't believe this half baked idol. It's all auto tune and effects anyway." Pulling herself back, perhaps it was best to approach Garcian after all. The sight of the girl had got jealousy following and blood pumping, even she could land a few good hits if she did a bit of training with this level of emotion.

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