The three (point five) soldiers of the outer solar system have arrived!

[incousinswithyou]

[ audio ]

[ sup, everybody? Have an abortive (?) attempt at gathering news and information because somebody can’t speak candidly if her life depended on it. ]

We have been gone for a while, hm? Seeing how the place is still standing, I suppose nothing of consequence has happened.

Who are you talking to…?

[ this voice doesn’t appear to have heard that former one. ] Anyway, we’re a little behind. If someone could fill us in, we’d appreciate it.

[ another voice chimes in, though it’s not directed at the band, instead she appears to be addressing the question. ] The rest of Union, as a matter of fact. [ she pauses and then adds. ] You should say hello, Hotaru.

[ there’s a short pause. The entire city? How? ] Ah, hello? [ these people are crazy. ]

Good grief.

[ action, around Union ]

[ so, here’s a mildly bedraggled group winding their way through the streets of Union. It’s obvious from their clothing that they’ve been away for a while. Michiru and Haruka had actually managed to be away for at least a month, and while natural fabulousness can cover up almost anything, Michiru, at the very least, is counting down the minutes till she gets to soak away the (figurative) dirt of the road and take over the bathroom for at least three hours. The other two, Hotaru and Setsuna, had joined along the way... so to speak. But they still looked weary from the trip.

Alas, duty calls. Before they can get back home, they’ll need to outfit Hotaru with various necessities. Oh, and make sure she doesn’t go crazy and eat people.

...Make that a four hour soak, when Michiru finally gets back. Either way, the group’s going to be out and about the entire city for quite a bit. ]

Comments

[tinytactician]

N-No, it's -- we had some unpleasant visitors.

[Woah, subject change, okay. Armin glances down, then nods, expression brightening.] Egg cozies! For the breeding center.

[incousinswithyou]

[dang. So much for being polite. There's no way she'll revert back to the other subject now (or let it show on her face), so at least Armin is safe for the moment.

That gets a quiet smile.] Knitting? That's adorable.

Do you work with the breeding center? [considering all the baby pokemon you've got]

[tinytactician]

It's very efficient. I made Meredith a sweater, for cold days.

[Have a woeful sigh.] No, unfortunately. I'm not trained. Plus Gertrude might get jealous -- she's a Steelix. I tried making her a sweater too, but it was ineffective.

[incousinswithyou]

[efficient and effective though it may be, the image is still no less adorable.

...Yeah, that sounds about as useful as a Magikarp out of water. Or even in water.]

Perhaps a scarf might be a better alternative?

[tinytactician]

[Armin brightens, giving a delighted grin.] Yes, that was exactly my thought process!

[incousinswithyou]

[that enthusiasm gets a chuckle out of her.]

The color scheme might make things a bit difficult. Gray would simply blend in, but black seems to be rather dull.

[tinytactician]

[That gets a woeful nod.] I wish I could afford the more bright-colored yarn, but I spent most of my spending money making egg cozies.

...oh well, I'll make it work.

[incousinswithyou]

Perhaps when the little one gets older... [well. Steelix are kinda huge.] A lot older, that is.

[Nim gets an extra rub behind the ears.]

Do you get paid for the cozies, or is it purely voluntary?

[tinytactician]

[Nim "maaahhh"s contentedly. Yes, someday she will be enormous and give enough wool to clothe all the Steelixes in the world.]

It's just my way of helping out. Sometimes people pay, but I really don't need much money. Just enough to feed anyone. [A curious look around.] Do...you have any Pokemon companions with you?

[incousinswithyou]

[yup. The First Mareep of Union, the first amongst peers.]

I sent my Ralts on ahead when we finally drew near the city. She was tired, but refused to leave till we got back.

[stubborn thing. Where does she get it from?]

[tinytactician]

[That gets a grin.] Ralts are like that, I've found. They make up their minds and that's that.

[Meredith looks mildly offended at this -- only mildly, though, because having strong convictions is a sign of good character, thank you very much.]

[incousinswithyou]

[a quiet chuckle] Who could fault them, with their impeccable judgment?

[to Meredith] Right?

[she has absolutely no qualms spoiling your Ralts, it seems]

[tinytactician]

[Meredith likes this new person, you can stay forever, Michiru.]

Have you ever had a Pokemon evolved? [Subject change, ahoy.]

[incousinswithyou]

I can't say I have. Until recently, my interests in Pokemon have only extended to companionship.

Why?

[tinytactician]

Ah, well...

[A pause, then Armin leans in, speaking conspiratorially, even though Meredith is totally psychic and can understand him.] I think Meredith's getting ready to evolve and...I'm not really sure how to help her through it. You seemed like a knowledgeable individual, so I thought...