Familiar Guests

[bravenewmods]

[Odd environmental effects aside, Union has obviously dealt with much worse in the past. There's probably not much to be concerned about. Around mid-afternoon, the Warp Band network flickers on to display the faces of some guests who will surely put Union's mind at ease. They may be vaguely familiar to those who have been in Union for a while: one, a fiery-haired man in a well-pressed suit, and the other a young scientist in a lab coat bearing an expression liable to curdle milk.]

Good afternoon, Union.

[Crystal tries to appear generally congenial, although it looks just a bit forced. It seems someone didn’t realize the feed started a few seconds before it did.]

It’s been a long time. I’m glad to see this city is just as charming as I remember it.

For those of you who don’t know us, I am Rory Donnachaidh, and the two of us represent Team Evolution. We were conducting experiments in this area around a year ago and stumbled across your fair city.

[Yes, thank you for not introducing her, Rory. She gives her colleague a cool smile before engaging the feed again.]

And I am Doctor Crystal Verdine. We are here to make sure there haven’t been any further repercussions after the accident so many months ago. The likelihood of that happening is very slim, of course, but it’s better safe than sorry.

Yes - just ensuring that our… activities did not result in further harm to the area around Union. We’ve received permission from your Council, of course.

Unfortunately, that means that we will be inconveniencing you for a little while.

We’ll be staying a few days. Of course, we understand your sentiments about our technology, so we’ll do our best to refrain from using it openly while we visit.

[Rory tries to look sympathetic, though it seems he’s smiling faintly.]

Rory and I enjoyed our brief stay the last time, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to find one of us. Unfortunately, we don’t have any plans for more flashy displays this time. [Said a bit pointedly to her colleague. Someone was a show off the last time they were there.] To that end, if you notice anything odd in or around the city, please let us know. Thank you so much for your hospitality.

[And the feed flickers off. Rory and Crystal can now be found around Union or addressed directly through the band.]

Comments

Crystal

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

[Video]

[celebrity_commentator]

You guys again? You really expect us to buy you're just here to check up on us?

[Video]

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

[ Crystal raises her eyebrows slightly, intrigued. ]

What other reasons would we have to be here?

[Video]

[celebrity_commentator]

Well the first time you came around here, you performed some weird dangerous science experiment without any idea of the problems it would cause.

The second time you just acted smug and vaguely threatening while experimenting on one of your own people in the background.

I have no idea why you did any of those things, so how would I know your reasons now?

[Video]

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

The first experiment, we were unaware that there was a human civilization within the vicinity. We apologized for that and did all that we could to make it right.

[ So they saw that. ]

This "second time" you talk about is interesting, and if you're referring to what I believe you are, then I can explain that as well. The woman that we were with has a very rare condition and needs to be medicated at times in order to keep it from progressing. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of this illness is that she is not always aware that we are trying to help her. Sakina has been under my care for a number of years, and her situation is very sad. I think of her like a younger sister, so believe me when I say it pains me to put her through any sort of pain, real or perceived.

[Video]

[celebrity_commentator]

That's all very nice, but is there a special reason why I should believe you?

[Video]

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

[ She's tired. It's been a long trip, and she doesn't feel like playing games with children. ]

I don't need you to believe me. I don't get any kind of special vindication knowing one person has faith in what I have to say. I know the truth, and can sleep well knowing it. That is enough for me. I have nothing to hide.

[Video]

[toxicrevenger]

[Pamela didn't miss that expression at the start of the feed. Still, she's quite polite.]

As a researcher concerned about the environmental impacts your research had last time, I don't suppose you'd mind if I accompanied you during some of your investigations?

[Video]

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

[ She considers this. ]

Could you tell me a bit about your experiences first? Some of the tests can be a bit complex, and we unfortunately don't have a lot of time to explain procedures.

[Video]

[toxicrevenger]

Union's experiences, or mine personally as a researcher?

[Video]

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

Let's go with both.

[Video]

[toxicrevenger]

Union experienced earthquakes due to Team Evolution's earlier research in our area, which was understandably alarming due to the region not being prone to them. We do understand that it was an accident, but ideally we would like to make sure that any research conducted around our region in the future doesn't have such a drastic impact on the surrounding environment.

[In fact, she's pretty determined to keep an eye on future research on Team Evolution's part.]

As for my own experiences, I specialize in plants, Pokemon evolutions and how the two correlate. So you can see why I might be interested in your work.

[Video]

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

Of course not, that is not our intent. We are here to make sure that there hasn't been any lasting damage. I believe that we may be a bit better equipped to survey the damage, but I could be proven wrong.

[ This interests her a bit. ]

Botany and evolutions, huh? That's an interesting mixture, if you don't mind the pun.

[Video]

[stop_cannontime]

[The fact that Jayce didn't trust these two as far as he could throw them wouldn't keep him from acting polite. Plus of course he was going to talk to a pretty woman if given the opportunity to do so.]

If you wouldn't mind indulging my curiosity for one moment, what is your field of expertise? Consider it the professional curiosity of a fellow intellectual.

[Video]

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

[ Finally, someone with some class in this backwater town. ]

Of course. I am a doctor of Pokémon Evolutionary Biology. Might I inquire as to what your field might be? And your name, for that matter?

[stop_cannontime]

Ah, yes. My name is Jayce. I specialize in mechanical and electrical engineering, myself.

So, evolutionary biology? Is that what you're here to investigate?

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

If I had the time, I would like to. I'm here to help ensure that there has not been any lasting damage to this area after the unfortunate accident in the mountains.

[stop_cannontime]

Well, what kind of damage are you looking for?

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

Most of the team is looking for structural damage, however, a few of us are studying local flora and fauna to make sure they haven't been adversely affected as well.

You haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary, have you?

[ Video ]

[makeitquick]

Can y'count a big Dream World opening up as a point, or does that one fall into solid "unrelates" there?

[ She's almost sheepish as she says this. It's a flimsy excuse to talk, admittedly, but it's the one she latches onto, at least to start ]

[ Video ]

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

[ Crystal looks genuinely confused. ]

I'm not sure I know what you're referring to.

[ Video ]

[makeitquick]

Some other world where you see other people's dreams.

[ Flatly. ]

[ Video ]

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

[ A raised eyebrow and a smirk. ]

That's an interesting story you have there.

[ She's not buying it. ]

[ Video ]

[makeitquick]

Damned right we do. But I'm takin' that to mean you aren't involved there.

[ Video ]

[bnw_sheepy_npcs]

Considering that I think you're making this whole thing up, that would be a safe assumption.